Kuub is the ransomware hailing from the notorious Djvu family that is still undecryptable
Kuub is the cryptovirus that aims to encrypt files and adds the .kuub file extension to all encoded files. This malware makes files unusable and, immediately after that, delivers a ransom note file _readme.txt with the ransom message. The malware hails from the infamous Djvu-Stop ransomware family that is currently undecryptable after its developers changed its coding algorithm. You can try to use StopDecrypter or Emsisoft Decryptor for Djvu after some time, but there is almost a 100% possibility that these tools won't help you. Unfortunately, without paying a ransom, at the moment there are no other solutions to recover files encrypted by Kuub.
The previous versions of Djvu are Karl or Nesa. While user report that most of them got infected with any of Djvu variants after downloading pirated content,[1] the latest news report that the malware is spreading via infected networks. This was firstly discovered by a researcher Michael Gillespie, that previously managed a decryption tool capable of recovering victims' files.[2] After all those encryption changes back in August, the decrypter for Kuub ransomware is no longer supported.
| Name | Kuub |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware |
| Symptoms | Malware gets on the machine and encrypts common files, marks them using .kuub file extension and demands ransom for alleged file recovery in the ransom note file _readme.txt that includes contact information and payment methods |
| Family | Djvu/STOP virus |
| Contact information | gorentos@bitmessage.ch, gerentoshelp@firemail.cc |
| Possible decryption |
|
| Distribution | Malicious files typically get added to emails with common company names or alleged financial information. According to a few samples and user reports, such malicious files get packed in software crack, game cheat code packages or other pirated files |
| Damage | The virus can alter system settings, infect the system with other malware. Registry entry modification can make a huge difference in the performance of the infected computer. Programs and functions get disabled to interfere with the file recovery and malware termination |
| Elimination | Kuub ransomware removal should be performed using anti-malware tool or a professional program designed to clean such devices like FortectIntego |
Kuub ransomware is using features that still remain unchanged besides the new file extension called .kuub. The virus is still asking to use either gorentos@bitmessage.ch or gerentoshelp@firemail.cc to contact its developers and promises the half-price discount if they are contacted within 72 hours.
Even the test decryption that is typically offered on the ransom note is mainly for building trust between criminals and victims. Kuub can store some of the files before encoding them and then send you copied versions instead of recovering the existing file. This is one of 170 versions, so stay away from the crooks and get rid of the threat completely with an anti-malware tool.
You should go straight to Kuub removal, but before you delete every part of the virus, you should store encrypted files and copies of malware associated data if you want to recover those archives, documents or photos using decryption services later on.
Unfortunately, besides encryption process Kuub ransomware virus also can:
- create mutexes;
- modify registry;
- obtain information from your computer or even the browser directly;
- plant files or programs on the system;
- damage system files.
To ensure that victims cannot access particular sites Kuub ransomware leaves a modified host file placed in C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\. Make sure to find it and delete it. If you leave it on the machine, the infection may repeat itself again.
The ransom note of the Kuub reads the following:
ATTENTION!
Don’t worry, 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:
https://we.tl/t-514KtsAKtH
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” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
restoredatahelp@firemail.cc
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
gorentos@bitmessage.chOur Telegram account:
@datarestoreYour personal ID:
When developers started to use proper asymmetric encryption method, the decryption tool that officially was developed for the STOP virus, but worked great for many Djvu versions got disabled. Kuub ransomware removal is possible with anti-malware tools, but victims then leave with encrypted files. Fortunately, these sites can provide you the initial information about decryptors:
- https://www.nomoreransom.org/en/decryption-tools.html
- https://www.emsisoft.com/ransomware-decryption-tools/
- https://noransom.kaspersky.com/
- https://www.avast.com/ransomware-decryption-tools
- https://www.quickheal.com/free-ransomware-decryption-tool/
You should firstly check these databases and then focus on processes and solutions that help remove Kuub ransomware. The proper method involves professional anti-malware programs and full system scans, but such a technique is not recovering your encrypted files. Although tools like FortectIntego can repair virus damage on the machine.
For that, you should either look for third-party decryption software or data restoring applications and then restore Kuub ransomware affected files. Of course, the best solution is to restore data from external backups, but not all people tend to make them occasionally. Other options that may help are listed below the virus removal guides.
Stay away from questionable sources and torrent files
You should be familiar with the typical ransomware distribution methods that involve malicious spam attachments and other malware that drops cryptovirus as a secondary payload. However, criminals tend to change their tactics and mix them up to spread on a global scale across the world.
With as little information that we have, it is confirmed that this Djvu version uses the common method used by these developers – cracks and pirated files. Users say that infection appeared immediately after downloading the cracked software, game cheat code or a different file from the torrent site.
Experts[3] always note that any free download page can put you at risk since sources are never reliable or known. Also, the same goes for emails with attached files since malicious macros get embedded in executables or documents posing as financial information. All these instances can be avoided when you pay attention to processes happening and sources you rely on.
Get rid of the damage and eliminate Kuub with an AV tool
The faster results of Kuub removal can be achieved when you use anti-malware tools which have been developed with a purpose to help you with such malware. Although these programs are not capable of recovering encoded files, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes can help you find the malware on the system. Additionally, repair virus damage with FortectIntego to recover your system completely.
However, you need to remove Kuub ransomware fully from the device if you want to get back to a completely safe system and continue to work with the computer as before. You may lose your files permanently and spend your money for no reason if decided to pay.
This is why we recommend getting proper tools and eliminating this Kuub ransomware virus. This is especially useful when you deal with such a notorious malware family. Rely on tips below and double-check before adding file backups on the machine.
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