How to remove Klope ransomware

Klope ransomware – a file locking malware that drops a ransom-demanding note _readme.txt 

Klope is a ransomware-type virus that was first spotted in the wild in mid-March 2019.^[1] The threat comes from the STOP/Djvu virus family that has been one of the most dominant malware strings in the past year. In most cases, users get infected when they download pirated software or its cracks via third-party sites, although infiltration is also possible via other means, such as exploit kits,^[2] spam emails, etc.

Once inside, the file virus performs a variety of changes to the Windows operating system to execute the file encryption procedure without interruptions. This process also appends .klope extension to photos, videos, documents, and other files, which prevents users from opening any of them.

At this point, malware contacts Command & Control server which stores the unique key for data decoding and also drops a ransom note _readme.txt. According to hackers, users need to email them via blower@india.com or blower@firemail.cc and pay $980 ransom. However, victims should never contact threat actors and instead focus on ransomware removal.

As soon as Klope ransomware completes the encryption process, it delivers a ransom note that is identical to many other variants of the virus family (Chech, Kroput, Promos, etc.):

ATTENTION!
Don't worry my friend, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with
strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
hxxps://we.tl/t-ll0rIToOhf
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.
To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
blower@india.com
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
blower@firemail.cc
Your personal ID:

As evident, attackers responsible for the ransomware attack are trying to convince users that there is no other way of recovering personal files but paying them $980 in Bitcoin. Unfortunately, but there is no decryptor for this version of the virus created yet. The unique key is stored on a C&C server that is controlled by hackers, and only they have access to it. This is how bad actors are trying to manipulate users into paying ransom for Klope virus decryption tool.

While it is true that retrieving files locked by this ransomware is minimal (because malware removes Shadow Volume Copies), you should not pay hackers. First of all, you would be proving to them that their illegal business is working, and would only encourage them to create more sophisticated viruses. Secondly, ransomware developers are known to ignore the victims even after the payment is made. Therefore, you might lose $980 (or $490) along with your files.

Thus, rather remove Klope ransomware with the help of anti-malware software that can recognize the threat. Be aware that different vendors use separate databases, so a scan of several different tools might be needed. We recommend trying out reputable security software such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner and MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. You might have to enter Safe Mode with Networking if the virus is tampering with security software operation.

After that, you can attempt to recover your data locked by .klope file virus (be aware that this is important, as in the reverse scenario all the recovered files would be encrypted repeatedly) – you can do that with the help of our instructions below. To complete full recovery, you should also scan your device with FortectIntego.

Make sure you do not open infected executables from crack/pirated software sites

Download sites that offer allegedly free software are extremely popular, as users keep on downloading something they should be paying for otherwise for free. Of course, it is illegal to do so, but people are still willing to risk running into law enforcement and also malware infections. Therefore, experts^[3] highly advise staying away from high-risk sites that offer cracks, keygens, or pirated software.

If you still decide to download high-risk files like that, you should at least scan them with tools like Virus Total. However, be aware that tools like cracks will most likely be flagged as malicious regardless if it actually is. This happens due to the core functionality of a hacking mechanism.

Other tips you should take advantage of:

• Install a reputable anti-malware software and keep it up to date;
• Use other security solutions, such as Firewall, internet shield, real-time scanning, VPN, ad-blocker, etc.;
• Be aware that spam emails are one of the most prominent malware distribution methods, so you should take extra care when dealing with emails from unknown sources;
• Scan every single file you are about to open with tools like Virus Total;
• When installing new software, make sure you pick Advanced/Custom mode so you can remove unwanted apps before they enter.

Remove Klope ransomware and then proceed with file recovery options

To remove this ransomware from your computer, you will have to employ a reputable security application. However, be aware that AV engines use different databases when it comes to malware detection, so not all of the tools can recognize Klope file virus.

We suggest trying MalwarebytesMalwarebytes, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, or another powerful tool. Additionally, you might have to enter Safe Mode with Networking if the infection is tampering with security software. We explain how to do that below. Once you complete ransomware removal, you can explore the file recovery options. But only after using system diagnostics tools such as FortectIntego to repair the damage that the infection has caused.

If you had backups prepared, you should have no problems restoring all of your files. In another case, try using third-party recovery tools, although chances of a positive outcome are relatively low. Nevertheless, remember that security experts continually work on decryptors for STOP virus versions.