This article has been created in order to help you by explaining what is the .kwaaklocked files virus and how to remove files encrypted by this version of Kwaak ransomware.
Aa new ransomware virus, going by the name Kwaak has been reported to encrypt the files on the infected computers by it via the AES encryption algorithm. The ransomware virus’s primary purpose is to render the files on the computers compromised by it no longer able to be opened, at least until the victim pay to the cyber-crooks for their decryption. Since .kwaaklocked ransomware does not guarantee the decryption of your files, if you are a victim we recommend that you read the following article and learn how to remove this version of Kwaak ransomware and how to restore files, encrypted by it on your computer.
Threat Summary
Name | .kwaaklocked Files Virus |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | Aims to encrypt the files on your computer system and then ask you to pay a hefty ransom fee in order to decrypt them. |
Symptoms | The ransomware virus leaves the files on the infected computer with the .kwaaklocked suffix. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
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 .kwaaklocked Files Virus. |
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. |
.kwaaklocked Files Virus – How Did I Get It
In order to become a victim of the .kwaaklocked ransomware virus, one has to have opened a malicious object of some sort, whether it is an e-mail attachment or a malicious web link. Such unwanted e-mail attachments are often well concealed and pretend to be legitimate types of files from the likes of:
- Invoices.
- Receipts for orders.
- Fake banking statements.
In addition to this, the .kwaaklocked ransomware may also enter your computer as a result of you downloading a fake installer of software of some sort. Such installers often pretend to be important software or drivers you have downloaded from suspicious sites, believing they are legitimate. Furthermore, the infection file of .kwaaklocked ransomware may also be contained within game patches, cracks for software plus other types of software uploaded on torrent sites.
.kwaaklocked Ransomware – More Information
The .kwaaklocked ransomware virus is the type of infection which aims to extort your for cryptocurrency money for the decryption of your files. Once infected your PC, the Kwaak ransomware virus drops It’s payload and it may reside in the following Windows directories:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%%
In addition to this, the Kwakk ransomware may also perform other activities on the computer of the victim, such as modify the following Windows registry sub-keys:
→ 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
In those sub-keys, entries with values may be added with the actual name and location of the file encryption module file, which is often random letters and numbers.
In addition to modifying the Windows Registry Editor, this ransomware infection may also perform other activities on the victim’s computer, such as delete the shadow volume copies of Windows via administering the following commands as an administrator in the Windows Command Prompt:
→ process call create “cmd.exe /c vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet & bcdedit.exe /set {default} recoveryenabled no & bcdedit.exe /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures”
.kwaaklocked Ransomware – Encryption Process
In order to encrypt the files on the infected computer, the .kwaaklocked ransomware infection aims to perform different activities on the computers of victims, the first of which is to scan it for files to encrypt. The files it may look for are often used types of files, such as:
- Videos.
- Archives.
- Documents.
- Images.
- Audio files.
For the encryption process, the .kwaaklocked ransomware takes advantage of the AES encryption algorithm, meaning that this malware replaces key data from the original files with data from the algorithms used by it.
How to Remove Kwaak Ransomware and Restore .kwaaklocked Files
In order to fully remove this ransomware infection, recommendations are to follow the removal instructions underneath this article. They are divided in manual as well as automatic removal instructions, based on your malware removal skills. Be advised that the best course of action towards removing this ransomware completely is to use an advanced anti-ransomware tool, which is guaranteed to help you remove all of the Kwaak ransomware malicious files and ensure that you computer is protected against future intrusions as well.
If you want to try and restore your encrypted files without paying ransom, we have just the tools for you in step ‘2. Restore files encrypted by .kwaaklocked Files Virus’ underneath. The methods in this step are not a guaranteed solution, but they may help you to recover at least some of the files, encrypted by this virus.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for .kwaaklocked Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .kwaaklocked Files Virus 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 .kwaaklocked Files Virus 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 .kwaaklocked Files Virus 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 .kwaaklocked Files Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .kwaaklocked Files Virus.
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 .kwaaklocked Files Virus 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.
.kwaaklocked Files Virus-FAQ
What is .kwaaklocked Files Virus Ransomware?
.kwaaklocked Files Virus 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 .kwaaklocked Files Virus 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 .kwaaklocked Files Virus Infect?
Via several ways..kwaaklocked Files Virus 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 .kwaaklocked Files Virus 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 ..kwaaklocked Files Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..kwaaklocked Files Virus 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 ..kwaaklocked Files Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..kwaaklocked Files Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..kwaaklocked Files Virus 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 .kwaaklocked Files Virus 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 .kwaaklocked Files Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..kwaaklocked Files Virus 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 .kwaaklocked Files Virus 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 .kwaaklocked Files Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .kwaaklocked Files Virus 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 .kwaaklocked Files Virus 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.
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- Always check "About Us" web page.
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