Kitty ransomware (Free Guide) - Decryption Steps Included
Kitty virus Removal Guide
What is Kitty ransomware?
Kitty ransomware – a cryptovirus that renames every encrypted file on users' system with .kitty file marker
Kitty ransomware virus is the malware program that has many similarities to other versions in the Scarab ransomware family.
Kitty ransomware is one of many crypto-extortion based threats that belong to the well-known ransomware family. Scarab ransomware produced many versions already, and this particular one that appends files using .kitty extensions is one of the more recent releases that came out in Spring 2019. An army grade RSA encryption algorithm[1] gets used in this ransomware attack and Scarab-Kitty demands for ransom in Bitcoin or DASH cryptocurrency on the ransom note delivered as HOW-TO-RESTORE-FILES.txt file. This is a newly discovered ransomware that can be exceptionally persistent due to the already experienced cybercriminals as developers, and based on the more recent malware detection analysis which shows that only 39 AV engines recognize this threat as malicious.[2]
Name | Kitty ransomware |
---|---|
Type | Cryptovirus |
Family | Scarab ransomware |
Previous Versions | Walker; ARTEMY; Deep. |
File marker | .kitty |
Distribution | Infected email attachments |
Main payload file | srvhost.exe |
Encryption method | RSA-1024 |
Ransom note | HOW-TO-RESTORE-FILES.txt |
Contact email | systemsupport@memeware.net |
Removal | Use FortectIntego and remove Kitty ransomware |
Scarab-Kitty ransomware imitates the Windows security alert in their ransom note because of the first line in the file HOW-TO-RESTORE-FILES.txt which states “! WINDOWS SECURITY ALERT !”. It is rather strange and useless because the following text is about encryption and file restoring, ransom payment methods.
Kitty ransomware virus developers state that your PC was attacked and you should pay for the ability to restore your files. Although, the ransom note contains lines such as “100% guarantee”, you should never trust attackers like these. Paying the ransom should never be considered as an option. Ransomware developers only want your money and when you pay it can end up in permanent data or money loss.[3]
Developers state the following in Kitty ransomware ransom message:
! WINDOWS SECURITY ALERT !
——————————————–
Your PC was attacked by an unathorized user.
Immediatly change your password, use a minimum of 8 characters in length.ENCRYPTED / SECURED
——————————————–
All your personal data is safe protected with secure private RSA key (1024 bit).FILE RECOVERING
——————————————–
To RESTORE all files back to normal state, please follow this few simple steps:1) S.S service charges a payment for file decryption;
2) After payment being processed, contact us with your unique Serv-ID;
3) Download your personal decryption tool;
4) Run the tool and safe-restore all your files back to normal state.ATTENTION
——————————————–
! WE STRONGLY NOT RECOMMEND YOU TO USE ANY OTHER DECRYPTION TOOLS – FILES WILL BE LOST !
Only our unique private key decryption tool based on your PC-ID can recover all your files.We guarantee:
100% Successful restoring all of your files
100% Satisfaction guarantee
100% Safe and secure service
100% Fast and friendly supportAs a proof of our trusted service, you can send us 1 file to DECRYPT it for free.
——————————————–Support e-mail: systemsupport@memeware.net
Payment type: Bitcoin, DASH
Your SERV-ID:
–
Kitty ransomware or any other cryptovirus developers are cybercriminals who start their attack with a file-locking procedure so that the ransom can be demanded from the victim. However, this is not the only functionality this virus has. To make the threat more persistent, developers change startup entries or registry keys and make the malicious script running on the device automatically.
This way every time you reboot the machine, Kitty ransomware starts running its processes and altering the files in system folders and disabling programs related to security or antivirus functions. This is why we offer to enter the Safe Mode with networking before scanning the machine with anti-malware program.
Kitty ransomware is the cryptovirus that delivers a message stating that your data got encrypted using RSA-1024 algorithm. You need to remove Kitty ransomware as soon as you notice the encrypted data and the ransom note because cybercriminals are not wanting to wait for the payment. After a day or two, your files may get deleted or encrypted again without the possibility to recover them.
Kitty ransomware removal requires help from professional anti-malware tools. As we mentioned before the detection rate for this particular ransomware is not promising. Make sure to choose a program that has this virus in their database. For example, Fortect is based on the Avira engine and can detect this malware.
You need to focus on virus termination and system cleaning when Scarab-Kitty ransomware hits. Data decryption tool for this particular version of Scarab is not developed yet, so you need a completely clean device before you attempt file restoring using data recovery software or backups.
Experts[4] also always note that Kitty ransomware virus damage may still affect the whole malware elimination process and further performance of your computer, so rebooting the machine in Safe Mode before running a system scan can help achieve the result on the first try.
Ransomware payload gets on the system in the form of infected file
There are many ways that cryptographers get distributed online, but the main technique used to spread this type of threats is spam emails with infected files as attachments. Archives, images, PDFs or documents, and databases get attached to safe-looking emails and spread widely on the internet.
Unfortunately, these emails often get disguised as notifications sent from well-known companies or services that contain financial information or any other sensitive data. However, you should note that non-customers are not getting emails with Receipts or Order confirmation as the subject line.
When the file gets downloaded and opened on the computer, the user receives a suggestion to enable content. When this is done malicious script gets triggered, and cyber infection launched on the system directly. It can be avoided if you choose to scan the file before opening or delete the suspicious email in the first place.
Kitty ransomware elimination requires a full system scan using professional tools
Remember that this is Scarab-Kitty ransomware virus that hails from a family which is already known as a dangerous file-locking cryptovirus. Based on this fact, users need to pay attention to malware termination and get professional tools for help.
To remove Kitty ransomware from the machine completely, you need a reliable anti-malware tool like FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, or Malwarebytes. This is the best option when dealing with this type of cyber infections because during the full system check all related files get deleted and virus damage fixed.
Don't forget that Kitty ransomware removal should be followed by additional system check to make sure that the machine is thoroughly cleaned and it is safe to perform data recovery on the computer. You should check our virus removal tips below too.
Getting rid of Kitty virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Kitty ransomware removal can be easier if you reboot the machine in Safe Mode with Networking before scanning the system:
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- 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.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
Remove Kitty using System Restore
Try System Restore feature and recover the system before Kitty ransomware attack
-
Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
- Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
-
Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
- Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
- Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
- When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Kitty. After doing that, click Next.
- Now click Yes to start system restore.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Kitty from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.If your files are encrypted by Kitty, you can use several methods to restore them:
Restore files affected by Kitty ransomware using Data Recovery Pro
When you need an alternative for file backups, Data Recovery Pro is the program you should use
- Download Data Recovery Pro;
- Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
- Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by Kitty ransomware;
- Restore them.
Windows Previous Versions feature helps with infected files
When System Restore gets enabled before, Windows Previous Versions can be employed for data recovery
- Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
- Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
- Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.
ShadowExplorer is the alternative method for file recovery
Shadow Volume Copies that are left untouched on the device mean that ShadowExplorer can recover encrypted data
- Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
- Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
- Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
- Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.
Decryption tool is not available
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Kitty and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
- ^ RSA cryptosystem. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ Ransomware payload file srvhost.exe analysis. VirusTotal. Online malware scanner.
- ^ Carl Straumsheim. Experts warn on ethical implications of paying ransom to unlock hacked files. Insidehighered. Higher education news and advice.
- ^ Usunwirusa. Usunwirusa. Spyware related news.