Kraken ransomware / virus (Removal Guide) - updated May 2018

Kraken virus Removal Guide

What is Kraken ransomware virus?

Kraken ransomware returns with its second version after one year break

Picture of Kraken ransomware noteIn this picture, our expert shows how Kraken ransom note looks. Kraken virus suggests buying Kraken decryptor for 2 Bitcoins.

Kraken ransomware is file-encrypting malware that was detected in 2017. Recently, the second its version was detected which was dubbed Kraken 2.0 ransomware. The virus encrypts files using RSA[1] and AES[2] ciphers, and then appends the .kraken or .SN-%ID%-info@kraken.cc_worldcza@email.cz file extensions to each damaged file. As a result, victims cannot access their personal files, such as photos, video or audio files as well as other documents that are extremely important to them. To recover the access, they are required to pay a ransom.

Name Kraken
Versions Kraken 2.0
Type ranosmware
Extensions used .kraken, .SN-%ID%-info@kraken.cc_worldcza@email.cz
Ransom note _HELP_YOUR_FILES.html
Elimination To get rid of this virus, use FortectIntego.

The attack of this ransomware might not seem so cruel if you have backups of your encrypted files because you can easily use them to restore your affected data. If you have no copies of the most important files that are encrypted, the situation becomes more complicated. Victims of this ransomware cannot access, open or use their data. However, they can find a new .html file on their desktop that includes information about data recovery.

The “_HELP_YOUR_FILES.html” file contains instructions on how to purchase Bitcoins[3] and transfer them to the individual Bitcoin wallet. It also requires contacting cyber criminals and waiting for the decryption program to be sent. However, in case of the attack, we do not recommend following crooks’ orders because you might be trapped. We highly recommend you to take care of Kraken ransomware removal as soon as it steps inside the computer.

This ransom note is unusual because it has dynamic fields that might be updated and modified. The crooks worked hard and provided lots of links where victims can buy Bitcoins and how the transaction has to be made. Virus demands 2 Bitcoins for data decryption; however, if victims do not rush to pay, the sum doubles. This document also includes victim’s ID number, and they have to send it after paying the ransom to the cyber criminals to one of these addresses:

  • krakenk811@gmail.com;
  • kraken0@india.com;
  • kraken@innocent.com.

Sooner or later victims should receive an email from the hackers which includes Kraken decryptor. Victims have to push “Decrypt” button and wait for the further instructions. However, clicking this button and using decryptor is extremely dangerous. You might get infected with another ransomware and asked to pay even more money. Therefore, remove Kraken ransomware from the computer with the help of FortectIntego and our prepared instructions.

Image of Kraken ransomware virusPicture that represents Kraken ransomware virus.

Methods used for spreading this ransomware

The developers of ransomware viruses have been applying almost the same and well-known malware distribution strategy which is closely related to malicious spam emails[4], exploit kits, malware-laden ads, etc. If you are interested in technology or viruses, probably you have heard that the most popular ransomware distribution method is malicious email campaigns.

Cybercriminals send hundreds of thousands different email that includes an attached document. If a person opens the attachment, Kraken or other ransomware infiltrates the system. Nowadays it’s extremely important to pay attention to online safety[5] because the number of malware attacks is growing and hackers find new ways to spread the virus.To minimize the risk of the ransomware attack, it’s not only important to stay away from suspicious emails and their attachments but also avoid visiting shady websites, clicking or installing software/updates from questionable online ads, and using file-sharing sites.

The removal procedure of Kraken

After ransomware attack, you should act smart and fast. You should not delay Kraken ransomware removal or consider paying the ransom. As we already told you, if you have already found yourself in this unpleasant situation, you should try to get yourself out of it. The only way to do is to remove malware from the computer.

While it resides on your PC, the system stays vulnerable and fragile, so other computer infections might take advantage of the situations and cause even more problems for you. To remove Kraken from the computer, you have to install and update reputable anti-malware program (e.g., FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes) and run a full system scan. However, ransomware might not let you do it simply, so you should follow our prepared instructions below.

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Compatible with Microsoft Windows Compatible with macOS
What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of Kraken virus. Follow these steps

Manual removal using Safe Mode

To launch anti-spyware for ransomware removal, you need to follow these steps and reboot your PC to Safe Mode. They will help you prevent problems related to the functionality of this virus.

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

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:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details.
    Open task manager
  3. Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
  4. Right-click and select Open file location.
    Open file location
  5. Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
    End task
  6. Delete the contents of the malicious folder.

Step 3. Check program Startup

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Go to Startup tab.
  3. Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
    Startup

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:

  1. Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
    Disk cleanup
  2. 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).
  3. Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:

    Temporary Internet Files
    Downloads
    Recycle Bin
    Temporary files

  4. Pick Clean up system files.
    Delete temp files
  5. 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 Kraken using System Restore

If Safe Mode with Networking method dis not help you block the virus, follow the steps given below. System Restore can help you disable this malware:

  • Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
    Windows 7 / Vista / XP
    1. Click Start Shutdown Restart OK.
    2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
    3. Select Command Prompt from the list Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'

    Windows 10 / Windows 8
    1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
    2. Now select Troubleshoot Advanced options Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
    3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window. Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
  • Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
    1. Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter. Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    2. Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again.. Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    3. When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Kraken. After doing that, click Next. When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next' Select your restore point and click 'Next'
    4. Now click Yes to start system restore. Click 'Yes' and start system restore
    Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with FortectIntego and make sure that Kraken removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Kraken 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 Kraken, you can use several methods to restore them:

Restore some files with Data Recovery Pro

Data Recovery Pro might be the tool you need for data recovery. Keep in mind that this program was not created to restore files specifically encrypted by Kraken ransomware. However, it might be capable of restoring some of your files.

  • 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 Kraken ransomware;
  • Restore them.

Restore individual files using Windows Previous Versions feature

If System Restore function has been enabled before virus attack, you should follow the steps below and restore some of the most important files:

  • 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”.

Data recovery with ShadowExplorer

If malware hasn't deleted Shadow Volume Copies, you can try to restore files using ShadowExplorer tool.

  • 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.

Kraken ransomware decrypter is available

You can try using this decrypter offered by one of security experts on Twitter. However, we must warn you that it was provided by the developer of this ransomware, what means that you are taking all the risk.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Kraken and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes

How to prevent from getting ransomware

Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are

There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.

Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.

Data backups are important – recover your lost files

Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.

While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.

About the author
Alice Woods
Alice Woods - Likes to teach users about virus prevention

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References
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