Kriptor ransomware (virus) - Recovery Instructions Included

What is Kriptor ransomware?

Kriptor ransomware encrypts users' personal files to extract money for a decryption tool

Ransomware attacks can be devastating because they cause data loss

Kriptor ransomware is a file-locking virus that can infiltrate the machine and encrypt users' personal files using complicated encryption algorithms. The main goal of such malicious programs is financial gain. Threat actors lock users, photos, videos, documents, and ask to pay a ransom for a decryption key.

After the encryption process is done, the file names change. For example, if a file was previously named picture.jpg, after encryption, it would look like this – picture.jpg.Kriptor. The icons also turn to white pages so thumbnails are unavailable. Users can no longer open or use the affected files.

Shortly after, a ransom note is generated on the machine. It informs users about what has happened to their files and what they have to do to get them back. We recommend reading our guide fully to find out how to avoid ransomware attacks in the future and removal methods.

The ransom note

Threat actors ask to be paid in cryptocurrencies for a decryption key

The full message in the read_it.txt file reads as follows:

Don't worry, you can return all your files!

All your files like documents, photos, databases and other important are encrypted

What guarantees do we give to you?

You can send 3 of your encrypted files and we decrypt it for free.

You must follow these steps To decrypt your files :
1) Write on our e-mail :leljicok@gmail.com ( In case of no answer in 24 hours check your spam folder
or write us to this e-mail: kkizuko@yandex.com)

2) Obtain Bitcoin (You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins.
After payment we will send you the tool that will decrypt all your files.)

Cybercriminals have created a short ransom note informing users that their files have been encrypted. They provide their email addresses and demand to be paid in Bitcoin which is a cryptocurrency.^[1] This is the most popular payment method that ransomware developers choose because it provides anonymity.

We strongly advise against paying the ransom as threat actors cannot be trusted. Besides, cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible, so once you send your funds to another wallet – they are gone. Many previous ransomware victims say that they never heard back from the ransomware developers after sending the money.

Although it may be painful to lose your files, it is not worth taking that risk. Additionally, in this post, you will find a third-party recovery solution that helps get the files back in some cases.

How to avoid ransomware infections?

To avoid getting infected with ransomware in the future, it is important to learn how such malicious programs are spread. People often infect themselves with ransomware by installing “cracked” software,^[2] using torrent sites, and peer-to-peer file-sharing networks.

Such platforms are unregulated and the perfect breeding ground for all kinds of malware. It is best to use official web stores and developer websites whenever you want to install software. It might get costly but you may save in the long run by keeping your system running smoothly.

Another common distribution method is email. Threat actors attach infected attachments to an email that is often disguised to look like an important message from a well-known company. The email may also look like it came from someone you know so it is best not to open email attachments if you were not expecting them.

Cybercriminals also use software vulnerabilities^[3] to deliver their malicious programs. It is extremely important to keep your operating system and software updated. Developers regularly release security patches that take care of potential security risks.

Use professional security tools to eliminate malicious files

The first thing you should do is immediately is disconnect the affected machine from the local network. For home users, disconnecting the ethernet cable or disabling the Wi-Fi should do the job. If this happened at your workplace, doing that might be complicated, so we have separate instructions for you at the bottom of this post.

If you try to recover your data first, it can result in permanent loss. Malware can also encrypt your files the second time if it is not eliminated first. It will not stop until you remove the malicious files causing it. You should not attempt removing the malicious program yourself unless you have excellent IT skills.

Use anti-malware tools like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes to scan your system. This security software should find all the related files and entries and remove them automatically for you. In some cases, malware can prevent you from using antivirus software, so you need to access Safe Mode and perform a full system scan from there:

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing the 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 10 / Windows 8

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

Fix system errors to prevent Windows reinstallation

Performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a complete Windows reinstall is required, are expected after malware infection. These types of viruses can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other functions, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software will not able to repair it.

This is why FortectIntego was developed. This powerful software can fix a lot of the damage caused by Kriptor ransomware. Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc., can make your computer completely unusable. By using this maintenance tool, you could avoid Windows reinstallation.

• Download the application by clicking on the link above
• Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
  
• If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
• Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
• The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
• Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
• You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
• If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.

File recovery options

Many people think that they can fix their files with anti-malware tools, but that is not what they are designed for. All the security tools can do is detect suspicious processes in your system and eliminate them. The truth is, the files can be restored only with a decryption key^[4] or software that only the cybercriminals have.

If you did not back up your data previously, it might be possible that you will never get them back. You can try using data recovery software, but we have to note that third-party programs cannot always decrypt the files. We suggest at least trying this method. Before proceeding, you have to copy the corrupted files and place them in a USB flash drive or another storage. And remember – only do this if you have already removed the Kriptor ransomware.

Before you begin, several pointers are essential while dealing with this situation:

• Since the encrypted data on your computer might permanently be damaged by security or data recovery software, you should first make backups of it – use a USB flash drive or another storage.
• Only attempt to recover your files using this method after you perform a scan with anti-malware software.

Install data recovery software

1. Download Data Recovery Pro.
2. Double-click the installer to launch it.
3. Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
4. As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
5. Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
6. Press Next.
7. At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
8. Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
9. You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
10. Press Recover to retrieve your files.