AES encryption algorithm is used by the nasty Kriptovor Ransomware which encrypts files with it adding the .Just file extension to their original one. This dangerous cyber-threat then adds an MESSAGE.txt file which gives the infected user PC unique ID and asks to contact the e-mail of the cyber-criminals for more information. Since this is done with a purpose to pay a huge ransom fee which is no guarantee you will get your files back, experts advise users not to contact the e-mail and try alternative methods to restore your files and remove this malware, like the ones posted in this article.
Threat Summary
| Name |
Kriptovor |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The malware encrypts users’ files after force restarting their PC, dropping ransom message, named “MESSAGE.txt” |
| Symptoms | The user may witness ransom messages and “instructions”. |
| Distribution Method | Via malicious PDF and Infostealer. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss Neitrino Ransomware. |
| 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. |
Kriptovor Ransomware and Its Distributing
To infect users, Kriptovor ransomware may take advantage of the freedom of torrent websites and post its malicious executables to be concealed and appear as if they were:
- Game crackfixes.
- Key generators for programs.
- Fake installers of programs.
Not only this, but Kriptovor is also reported by researchers at the FireEye blog to spread via malicious e-mail addresses which have URLs leading to third-party sites containing a .PDF attachment:
Source:fireeye.com
The e-mail message invites the user to download the PDF file which opens a resume of usually a female candidate for work. The resume is reported to contain a malicious script which activates an Infostealer component.
More About Kriptovor Ransomware
As soon as the Infostealer is activated, it begins to check for the following information on the affected computer:
- Internet connection details.
- Processes actively running on the machine of the user.
- Name of the machine.
- Outgoing and ingoing connection and all IP addresses connected to the victim as well as its own.
- Registry entries information.
After this is done, the virus checks if the computer is on a virtual machine and if it is, Kriptovor shuts down. If not, it downloads its payload, called temporary.rar from the following web domain:
→ https://plantsroyal(.)org/css/salomon.rar
Kriptovor ransomware then hides the malicious file and adds a registry string, named AdobeUpdate which runs the encryptor once when you start Windows:
→ HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce\
After the virus is ran, it begins to look for multiple types of files to encrypt. The main ones are reported to be the following:
→ .1cd .cfn .dt .eml .html .ldf .pab .psb .shy .xcf .7z .crt .dwf .enc .jbc .lgp .pcx .psd .snk .xls .accdb .csr .dwg .epf .jif .md .pdf .pst .sql .sqlite .sqlite3 .sqlitedb .xlsm .xlsx .accdc .dbc .dws .eql .jiff .mdb .pem .rar .adp .dbf .dxe .erf .jpe .mdf .pfx .raw .xof .afp .dbt .dxl .fb .jpeg .mht .ply .rev .zip .bfa .dbx .ebd .fb2 .jpf .mxl .png .rtf .stl .zipx .bpk .der .edb .fc2 .jpg .oab .pov .rzk .tbb .bsk .djvu .efb .fcz .just .ost .ppsx .rzx .tbn .cdr .doc .efn .fg .kdb .p7 .ppt .sec .tif .cer .docm .egg .fp3 .kdbx .p7b .pptx .sef .tiff .cf .docx .emd .htm .key .p7c .prefab .sgn .txt Source: fireeye.com
The ransomware then leaves a ransom note in Russian, asking the user to contact one of the following e-mail addresses:
→ kirova.l@mutualizm.ru
abramova@sabona.ru
kirova.ls@orangedv.tmweb.ru
kirova-l@wibor5.ru
l_abramova@wibor5.ru
abramova.l@wibor5.ru
y.volkova@i-jazz.ru
l_abramova@festivalps.ru
The ransom note is in a MESSAGE.txt file which may be dropped onto the desktop of the user PC as well as affected folders. The message states the following:
→„Унать стоимость декриптора можно, написав письмо на адрес: {cyber-criminals’ e-mail address here}
В теме письма укажите ваш ID:2083043332
Убедительная просьба не пьiтаться расшифровать файльi сторонними инструментами.
Въi можете их окончательно испортить и даже оригинальньiй дешифровщик не поможет.
Обращения принимаются до (Date)
После (Date) любьie обращения будут игнориоваться.
Письма обрабатьiвается автоматической системой.
Возможньi задержки ответов“
What is important in this ransom message is that the cyber-criminals warn the infected used not to try and directly decrypt the files. This strongly suggests that a CBC-mode may have been used to encrypt the files.
Remove Kriptovor Ransomware and Try To Get Your Files Back
In order to delete Kriptovor Ransomware, we strongly advise you to focus on automatically removing it by using an advanced anti-malware program. This may automatically find all files and registry entries which you would have difficulty removing manually because they are concealed.
If you with to get back your files, we advise NOT TO TRY direct decryption because there may be a CBC-mode on the encrypted files which may break them if you use third-party decryptors, making them lost forever. Instead, we advise to follow the alternative file-restoration solutions in step “3. Restore files encrypted by Kriptovor” below. They may not be 100 percent effective, but they might also help to restore at least small portion of your files.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Step 1: Scan for Kriptovor with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Kriptovor 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Kriptovor 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 Kriptovor there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
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 Kriptovor
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Kriptovor.
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 Kriptovor 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.
Kriptovor-FAQ
What is Kriptovor Ransomware?
Kriptovor 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 Kriptovor 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 Kriptovor Infect?
Via several ways.Kriptovor 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 Kriptovor 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 .Kriptovor files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Kriptovor 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 .Kriptovor files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Kriptovor" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Kriptovor 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 Kriptovor 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 Kriptovor ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Kriptovor 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 Kriptovor 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 Kriptovor Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Kriptovor 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 Kriptovor 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.
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