KwaakLocked – ransomware-type virus that first showed up in 2015
KwaakLocked is a file locking virus and is a variant of the infamous HiddenTear ransomware. Malware uses the AES-256[1] encryption algorithm to encrypt files and appends .kwaaklocked file extension, making them unusable. As soon as that is done, the virus drops a ransom note READ_IT.txt into each of the affected folders. Nevertheless, the message does not tell much; Therefore, security experts believe that this threat is still under development.
| SUMMARY | |
| Name | KwaakLocked |
| Type | Ransomware |
| File extension | .kwaaklocked |
| Ransom note | READ_IT.txt |
| First spotted | August 2015 |
| Ransom size | Unknown, although demanded in Bitcoins |
| Desitribution | Spam emails, malicious websites, cracked software, etc. |
| Elimination | Automatic only – download and install FortectIntego or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner |
The malicious payload is carried inside spam email[2] attachments. Computer users might get a suggestion to open the attachment by enabling macro function, which should never be allowed. Additionally, malicious emails can contain hyperlinks that can automatically download and install KwaakLocked ransomware. The fake messages can come as invoices, bank statements, and similar.
When the installation is finished, KwaakLocked virus scans the system and looks up for files to encrypt. It skips system files, and some other file types, however. The virus targets personal data, including databases, Excel spreadsheets, images, video and audio files, etc. The example of the encrypted file is as follows: picture.jpg is turned into picture.jpg.kwaaklocked, making it unusable.
To decrypt files, users need a decryption key that is sent to Command and Control server used by hackers. Nevertheless, there are other ways to get files back. But before that, you need to make sure that KwaakLocked removal is performed promptly. For that, we advise using FortectIntego or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner anti-malware software.
What is particularly interesting is that the ransomware authors do not give any information about where the Bitcoins should be transferred to, neither do they provide any contact email:
Files has been encrypted with kwaak
Send me some bitcoins
Nevertheless, even if contact details would be provided, users should always ignore hackers, as they are known to even ignore victims after payment is transferred. Thus, users may end up with no access to their files, as well as wasted money. Besides, paying cybercriminals may promote to lock up more PCs in order to receive more payments.
The Kwaaklocked virus might appear as “hidden-tear.exe” on the infected system's Task Manager, and different AV engines detect the malware under different names, including Ransom.HiddenTear!g1, Gen:Heur.Ransom.HiddenTears.1, Ransom.HiddenTear/Variant etc.
The virus is also known to delete Shadow Volume copies from the targeted machine, although in some cases the virus may fail to accomplish that. Nevertheless, there are numerous ways you can try to recover your files, including using third-party software. Nevertheless, you have to remove KwaakLocked from your computer before you make attempts to recover your data. Otherwise, the backup data will be encrypted as well.
Ways ransomware gets onto your PC
Ransomware type of virus secretly invades your computer system. Unknown third party software, dubious websites and spam emails are the most common ways how ransomware gets established. When the installation is done, the virus will eliminate all the actions that your anti-virus or other security programs are trying to do against it. Also, your PC can get infected by malware when you open pages of dubious content (pornography, gambling, adult-dating sites, etc.). Security experts[3] advice to avoid ransomware by following these simple tips:
- Do not click on suspicious links, especially in file-sharing sites;
- Delete all suspicious programs that you find on your PC;
- Decline all offers to download/install unknown third-party programs;
- Avoid opening spam emails;
- Update all software on your computer
- Install an anti-virus program and make sure it is always up-to-date.
Kwaakloded ransomware removal steps
Ransomware is a serious threat and is relatively difficult to eliminate. Thus, in order to remove Kwaakloded ransomware, you will need a strong anti-virus tool. You can proceed with the elimination by downloading and installing one of these anti-malware programs:
Do not try to perform manual Kwaakloded removal, as any attempt will result in a failure. Besides, you can damage your machine even more if you delete or misplace certain system files.
Only after the malware is out of the system, you can start file recovery procedure. Please look below for further instructions.
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