How to remove KillBot virus

KillBot virus threatens to encrypt files and asks to reinstall Windows

KillBot (also know as KillBot_Virus or KillBot.Prime ransomware) is a ransomware-type cyber infection that threatens to encrypt files using AES cryptography. However, the recent research data claims that malware is unable to do that. Though, it doesn’t mean that developers won’t add this feature in the future.

Malware is executed from KILLBOT.PRIME.exe which can be dropped on the system when a user opens a malicious email attachment. Ransomware might make several changes to the system in order to boot with Windows and launch data encryption.

However, KillBot virus does not seem to perform the primary task of ransomware properly. As we have already mentioned, malware does not encrypt files yet. However, it can deliver a lock screen message where it is stated differently.

The strange thing about KillBot_Virus is that it does not ask to pay the ransom in Bitcoins, and tells that there’s no way to restore corrupted files. However, authors of malware give virus removal instructions:

Your files cannot be restored, however there are
some steps to follow if you don’t want it on your
computer.

Step 1: Please get a windows reinstallation CD and reinstall windows on your computer.

Step 2: Get a powerful antivirus software and update it to the last version..

Please do everything as it was written if you want to get your PC back

</Killbot Virus>

However, we can ensure that reinstalling Windows is not needed after KillBot ransomware attack. Though, scanning the system with reputable security software is definitely required. We recommend terminating the virus using FortectIntego; however, feel free to use any other legitimate software.

The malware should not block installation or access to security software. However, if you find some difficulties with KillBot removal, you should follow the guide given at the end of the article. These instructions will help you to disable the virus and launch automatic elimination.

Please, do not try to remove KillBot manually. Nevertheless, it does not actually encrypt files; it’s still a complex cyber threat that may have injected malicious code into the legit system processes. Thus, detect and eliminate them correctly is very hard for regular home computer users. Hence, do not try to delete the virus yourself because it may lead to the irreparable damage to the system.

Spam emails might delivers ransomware straight to your inbox

Currently, security experts cannot establish the prime distribution method for this virus. However, the probability of it spreading just like all the other ransomware is quite high. In most cases, dangerous ransomware spreads via malicious spam emails.^[1]

The attachment is usually in the form of .doc, .txt, .xml, .html and similar file format which does not seem harmful. Thus, users do not suspect anything bad and open it.

Security specialists from uirusu.jp^[2] remind other methods used for crypto-malware distribution:

• malware-laden ads that might be placed on legit or high-risk websites;
• bogus software updates or downloads;
• cracked programs;
• exploit kits.

Thus, users should be aware of these methods because numerous ransomware viruses are lurking on the web and looking for inattentive user’s clicks. However, it’s also important to install reputable antivirus and create important data backups that are crucial in case ransomware hits your device.^[3]

KillBot virus removal guide

Immediate Killbot removal is required because ransomware can be updated soon and actually encrypt your files. Additionally, installation of malware might lead to various privacy-related issues because the system becomes vulnerable.

In order to remove Killbot ransomware, you may need to reboot the system to Safe Mode with Networking as shown below. Then you will be able to install and run malware removal tool and clean your PC. For the elimination, we recommend using one of these professional programs: FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes.