A ransomware with the name KratosCrypt is currently running in the wild. The extension the ransomware appends to encrypted files is .kratos and creates a file with instructions. The ransom price it demands as payment is 0.03 Bitcoins or around 20 US dollars, which is low compared to other ransomware. To know how to remove this ransomware and see what you can try in restoring your data, you should read this article to its end.
Threat Summary
Name | KratosCrypt |
Type | Ransomware |
Short Description | The ransomware uses an AES algorithm and encrypts files putting .kratos as an extension to them. |
Symptoms | The ransomware will lock your files and display a ransom note. The note sttes that you have to pay 0.03 Bitcoins for decryption. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Suspicious Sites |
Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss KratosCrypt. |
Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
KratosCrypt Ransomware – Infection Spread
KratosCrypt ransomware is probably spread mainly with spam email campaigns. Spam emails have files attached to them. Malicious code hides inside the attachments very often. And when you open such an attachment, your computer gets infected. A curious fact about that is some malware creators make the sole body of the email contain the malicious code, where you might get infected just by opening the email letter.
Social media sites and services for file-sharing could have malware files, which might have been uploaded by the criminals. To avoid most of the chances of getting infected with ransomware you have to be wary around what you click, open and download while surfing the Internet. Suspicious links and files of unknown origin could help with the spread of the infection, especially if they contain malicious code.
KratosCrypt Ransomware – Technical Description
KratosCrypt is the name of a ransomware recently found in the wild by researchers. The name is included in the ransom note. When the encryption process is set and done, it will point to the following email address – kratosdimetrici@gmail(.)com.
The ransomware might create an entry in the Windows Registry for an auto-run option to execute with every Windows start:
→HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run [exe name]
After encryption, the KratosCrypt ransomware creates a file named “README_ALL.html” ransom note file. The payment instructions are described there. You can see a picture of the note:
The ransom message states the following:
KratosCrypt
Your documents, photos, databases and other important files have been encrypted!
To decrypt your files you need to buy the special software – “Kratos Decryptor”.
The purchase should be performed via network only at a special price: BTC0.03.How to get “Kratos Decryptor” ?
1- Create a Bitcoin Wallet (we recommend Blockchain.info)
2- Buy necessary amount of Bitcoins
Do not forget about the transaction commision in the Bitcoin network (0.0005 BTC).
Here are our recommendations:
LocalBitcoins.com – The fastest and easiest way to buy and sell Bitcoins;
CoinCafe.com – The simplest and fastest way to buy, sell and use Bitcoins;
BTCDirect.eu – The best for Europe;
CEX.IO – VISA / MasterCard;
CoinMama.com – VISA / MasterCard;
HowToBuyBitcoins.info – Discover quickly how to buy and sell bitcoins in your local currency;
3- Send BTC 0.03 to the following Bitocoin Address:
1FQJEfRizDMGw4bvw7k7Bfy3jg1FBxxQMC
4- Send an E-mail to this address containing the TRANSACTION ID:
kratosdimetrici@gmail.com
5- You will receive an E-mail containing the download link + PASSWORD.
The wanted ransom price is 0.03 Bitcoins, which is a little over than 20 US dollars. The note tries to make you pay for a decryptor, but you should know better than follow suit into that extortion method. Do not pay the ransom as there are other ways you can try to restore your files. Also, the ransomware doesn’t threaten to delete anything or to increase the price, etc. A solution or free decryption is still a possible outcome. Paying supports the creators of the ransomware, but does not guarantee in any way that you will get your files back.
The KratosCrypt ransomware uses a 256-bit ciphers with the AES algorithm for file encryption. File extensions which the probably encrypts are:
→.svg, .php, .jpg, .jpeg, .jps, .bmp, .tiff, .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx, .txt, .pdf, .html, .rtf, .psd, .ps, .odt, .odp, .odx, .ibooks, .xlp, .db, .dbf, .mdf, .sdf, .mdb, .sql, .rar, .7z, .zip, .vcf, .csv, .xml
When the encryption process is finished, each file on your computer will have one, and the same extension appended – .kratos.
KratosCrypt ransomware most probably also erases the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system. Keep reading the article to see in what ways you could try to restore your data back to normal.
Remove KratosCrypt Ransomware and Restore .kratos Encrypted Files
If your computer is infected by the KratosCrypt ransomware, you should have some experience with removing malware. You should get rid of the ransomware as fast as you can because it might encrypt more files and spread further in your currently used network. The recommended thing to do is for you to remove the ransomware completely by following the step-by-step instructions provided below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for KratosCrypt with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall KratosCrypt and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by KratosCrypt on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by KratosCrypt there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove KratosCrypt
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by KratosCrypt.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and KratosCrypt aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
KratosCrypt-FAQ
What is KratosCrypt Ransomware?
KratosCrypt is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does KratosCrypt Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does KratosCrypt Infect?
Via several ways.KratosCrypt Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of KratosCrypt is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .KratosCrypt files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .KratosCrypt files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .KratosCrypt files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".KratosCrypt" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .KratosCrypt files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of KratosCrypt Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate KratosCrypt ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .KratosCrypt files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can KratosCrypt Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the KratosCrypt Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this KratosCrypt how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the KratosCrypt ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.