Konx ransomware – data encrypting and money extorting virus
Konx ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts victim files and tries to extort money for a decryption key required to unlock the data. These are the main principles of how most of the ransomware[1] infections works. During the encryption process, all victim personal files, such as pictures, documents, archives, databases, audio/video files, and so on, are renamed and appended with .knox extension.
When the first part of its purpose is complete, Konx virus creates ransom notes titled !INFO.HTA in all affected folders. Within these notes, the cybercriminals explain to victims that all their files were encrypted and the only way to get them back is to purchase a decryption tool from them. To prove that they really have the required key, the criminals are offering to send them “some little” files for a test decryption. After they would send the decrypted files back, the victims would have to pay the ransom in cryptocurrency Bitcoins (BTC). According to the developers of the Konx file virus, the ransom amount will be doubled after 48 hours. Also, a unique user ID and two emails to establish contact are provided – konxnobx@tutanota.com and konxnobx@cock.li.
| name | Konx ransomware, konx virus |
|---|---|
| type | Ransomware, Malware |
| Family | Void/VoidCrypt ransomware |
| appended file extension | This virus appends a complex triple extension to all non-system files: 1. criminal's email address in brackets 2. unique victim ID in brackets 3. .konx appendix |
| Ransom note | !INFO.HTA can be found in all compromised folders |
| Criminal contact details | Two emails provided to make contact – konxnobx@tutanota.com, konxnobx@cock.li |
| Virus removal | A powerful anti-malware engine should be trusted to deal with Konx virus |
| system health | After Konx ransomware removal use the FortectIntego tool to find and fix whatever changes the virus might have made to devices system files and settings |
Konx ransomware is from a fairly new Void/VoidCrypt family. The first version from this lineage was spotted in April of 2020. Now with the Konx virus, the family consists of three members along with Spade and Lalaland. All variants use a mix of RSA and AES algorithms, making it nearly impossible to decrypt it.
As tempting it might be to pay the criminals, get your data back, and forget all about it – it's the worst thing that a victim could do. When ransomware developers get paid, they get motivated and thus ready to distribute again, furthermore by agreeing to their demands, victims finance their whole operation and encourage them to research methods of infection and create more advanced malware.
According to VirusTotal.com[2], 51 out of 71 anti-malware engines caught the virus, thus once again showing the importance of dependable anti-virus software. We suggest using reputable SpyHunterCombo Cleaner and MalwarebytesMalwarebytes anti-malware tools to automatically remove Konx ransomware from the infected device.
After Konx ransomware removal is finalized, experts[3] recommend doing a full system scan with the FortectIntego tool to determine if the virus has corrupted any system settings/files. If it did, this tool would restore any altercations made by the malware.
Message from the creators of konx virus to the victims (from !INFO.HTML):
!!! Your Files Has Been Encrypted !!!
♦ your files has been locked with highest secure cryptography algorithm ♦
♦ there is no way to decrypt your files without paying and buying Decryption tool♦
♦ but after 48 hour decryption price will be double♦
♦ you can send some little files for decryption test♦
♦ test file should not contain valuable data♦
♦ after payment you will get decryption tool ( payment Should be with Bitcoin)♦
♦ so if you want your files dont be shy feel free to contact us and do an agreement on price♦
♦ !!! or Delete you files if you dont need them !!!
♦Your ID :-
our Email :konxnobx@tutanota.com
In Case Of No Answer :konxnobx@cock.li
Distribution techniques used by the cybercriminals
There are various methods cybercriminals use to infect everyday computer users with their creations, but the most common are file-sharing platforms like The Pirate Bay, BitTorrent, etc., and spam emails. Both of these infection ways could be avoided when using a proper anti-virus software.
Spam emails are annoying emails that usually go straight to your spam folder. But sometimes, a few might slip by the defense of your email provider and end up in your inbox. Never open such letters because either a hyperlink will redirect you to a malicious site where you will get your device infected, or an email attachment might look very intriguing to open, and afterward – infection occurs.
File-sharing platforms are an ideal place for cybercriminals to hide malware because they can upload any files and name them whatever they think will lure the soon to be victims to download them. Try avoiding these kinds of sites at all costs.
Konx ransomware removal guide
As we mentioned in the first paragraph of this article, victims should focus on Konx virus removal rather than contacting the cybercriminals. Manual ransomware removal isn't a walk in the park, so it should be trusted to professionals. We recommend using trustworthy software like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes to remove Konx ransomware from the infected device.
Unfortunately, Konx ransomware removal won't unlock your files. Nonetheless, don't doubt for a second to delete it. After your machine is virus-free, you have to check what it might have done to your system files and settings. Ransomware is known to modify these things to help it thrive. To undo all the changes automatically, use the powerful FortectIntego system tune-up tool.
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