KK_ ransomware encrypts all files, targets non-Estonian computer users as well
KK_ virus, which is also known under Estonian ransomware name, is a severe computer threat. The aim of this computer virus is to blackmail owners of infected computers, stealing important files and asking to pay a ransom. This virus gets inside victim’s computer concealed as a safe file, and starts to encrypt all data using an RSA-1024 encryption key, which is a public one. The private one is the one that can decrypt (restore) data, sadly, this one is kept by cyber criminals on their servers. What is interesting, is that the virus instead of adding ??? file extension only, also appends a KK_ prefix to filenames. To recover encrypted files, the victim is asked to pay a large sum of money – even 4 Bitcoins. Considering that 1 Bitcoin at the time of research was equal to 576 dollars, the entire ransom is 2306 USD. That is a huge ransom, to say at least, and we doubt that many computer users would decide to pay it, no matter how much they want to get their files back. The victim is then asked to send a letter to nown@ruggedinbox.comemail.
The information about the encryption, decryption, and other details related to KK_ malware is provided in KK_ IN YOUR DOCUMENTS.txt file, which the virus creates and saves in the computer after it finishes the encryption procedure. Unlike other crypto-ransomware viruses, this variant addresses the victim in rather a polite way:
Dear man, your computer has been locked by ransomware, your personal files are encrypted, and you have unfortunately “lost” all your pictures, files and documents on the computer.
As always, we suggest victims not to pay the ransom, and not only because crooks demand a large sum of money, but also because no one knows if their decryption tool works if these crooks provide it at all and if it is safe to use it. It might be bundled with additional malicious components that can wreak havoc on the computer system. Besides, paying the ransom helps these criminals to accomplish bigger ransomware projects, initiate more illegal activities and so on. Therefore, we strongly recommend you to fight against cyber criminals by refusing to pay the ransom. You can recover your files from a backup; however, you must remove KK_ ransomware first. For KK_ removal, we advise using FortectIntego or another reputable malware removal software.
Methods used to trick users into installing this malware:
KK_ virus is mainly distributed by utilizing Trojan horse technique. It means that cyber criminals tend to disguise it as a safe file and send it to computer users via email, bundle along safe computer programs and so on. Beware of emails that allegedly come from official organizations that you have nothing in common with. Cyber criminals often try to mask themselves as representatives of well-known and reputable companies, seeking to trick users to open email attachments and infect their computers. Do not fall for these tricks and ignore such letters. If you have doubts about the reliability of such email, feel free to find official contacts of the company online and contact it directly.
This malware might also be spread along fake Java or Adobe software updates. Be aware of the fact that the real developer of these programs has nothing to do with malware. Cyber criminals manage to take legitimate software and add some components to it, which, in this case, install KK_ ransomware on the system.
How do I remove KK_ ransomware?
Do not pay the ransom and remove KK_ virus instead. If you have copies of your files, you can do it without any worries. Remember – do not plug the backup device into the infected PC before uninstalling this malicious software from it; otherwise, files on it will be encrypted as well. To remove KK_ ransomware for good, install and run a good anti-malware program, for instance, FortectIntego. To learn how to complete KK_ removal, see instructions provided below:
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