How to remove Killnet ransomware

Killnet ransomware can encrypt all users' personal files permanently with complicated algorithms

Killnet ransomware is a file-locking virus that uses complicated encryption^[1] algorithms to lock users' files, like photos, videos, documents, databases, etc. When this malware infiltrates the system, it appends the affected files with the .killnet extension. The icons are also changed to white pages so thumbnails become unavailable.

If a file was previously named picture.jpg, after encryption it would look like this – picture.jpg.killnet. Encrypted files are almost impossible to recover if there are no backups. After the encryption process is complete, the malicious program generates a ransom note Ru.txt on the machine.

The ransom note

The full Ru.txt ransom note reads as follows:

Вы атакованы killnet_reservs

Донаты: @donate_killnet
Наш официальный @killnet_reservs
Поддержка @killnet_support
Основатель @killmilk_rus
Обменник t.me/killnetexchange
Резервный @killnet_mirror
Наш канал hxxps://t.me/killnet_reservs
Слава России Братья!

The note is written in the Russian language which could mean that the cybercriminals behind this ransomware version are Russian. There is not much information provided in this note. The threat actors just listed all of their contact information. However, we strongly advise against contacting them because they cannot be trusted.

Cybercriminals want to receive the ransom in cryptocurrencies because it provides them anonymity. However, once you send a cryptocurrency transaction to another wallet there is no way to get it back. Even though it is almost impossible to decrypt files without the cybercriminals' help, you should try using a third-party recovery tool.

Distribution methods

There are many ways that ransomware can be spread. Most of the time, people get infected by installing “cracked” software^[2] from Torrent websites, and peer-to-peer file-sharing platforms. This activity is illegal so these platforms are unregulated. It is impossible to know if the packages you are downloading do not contain any malicious files.

Cybercriminals can also use email to spread their malicious programs. They create convincing letters that look like urgent messages from well-known companies. Malicious links or infected attachments are included. Once opened, they launch the attack.

It is also extremely important to keep your operating system and software updated. Hackers can use software vulnerabilities to deliver their malicious programs. Software developers regularly release security patches that should be installed as soon as they come out to keep the system secure.

Start the removal process

The important thing to do is to disconnect the affected machine from the local network. For home users, disconnecting the ethernet cable should do the job. If this happened at your workplace, doing that might be complicated, so we have instructions for corporate environments at the bottom of this post.

If you try to recover your data first, it can result in permanent loss. It can also encrypt your files the second time. It will not stop until you remove the malicious files causing it first. You should not attempt removing the malicious program yourself unless you have experience. Manual removal of ransomware is extremely complicated and is suitable for people with advanced IT skills.

Use anti-malware tools like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes to scan your system. This security software should find all the related files and entries and remove them automatically for you. In some cases, malware does not let you use antivirus in normal mode, so you need to access Safe Mode and perform a full system scan from there:

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Windows 10 / Windows 8

1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
   
2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
5. Click Restart now.
6. Select Troubleshoot.
7. Go to Advanced options.
8. Select Startup Settings.
9. Click Restart.
10. Press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

Repair corrupted system files

Performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a full Windows reinstall is required, are nothing unusual after a malware infection. These types of viruses can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software cannot fix it.

Manual troubleshooting of such damage is also very complicated and can take a long time. This is why FortectIntego was developed. It can fix a lot of the damage caused by an infection like this. Blue Screen errors,^[3] freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc., can make your computer completely unusable. By using this maintenance tool, you could prevent yourself from having to reinstall Windows completely.

• Download the application by clicking on the link above
• Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
  
• If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
• Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
• The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
• Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
• You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
• If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.

Try recovering data with third-party software

Only hackers hold the decryption key, which can unlock your files, so if you did not back them up previously, there is a good chance that you will never get them back. You can try using data recovery software, but keep in mind that third-party programs cannot always decrypt files. Whatever the situation may be, we suggest at least trying this method. Before you proceed, copy the corrupted files and place them in a USB flash drive or another external storage device. And remember – only do this if you have already removed the Killnet ransomware.

Before you begin, several pointers are important while dealing with this situation:

• Since the encrypted data on your computer might permanently be damaged by security or data recovery software, you should first make backups of it – use a USB flash drive or another storage.
• Only attempt to recover your files using this method after you perform a scan with anti-malware software.

Install data recovery software

1. Download Data Recovery Pro.
2. Double-click the installer to launch it.
3. Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
4. As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
5. Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
6. Press Next.
7. At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
8. Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
9. You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
10. Press Recover to retrieve your files.