This article aims to help you fully delete Kaandsona Ransomware and try to restore the files encrypted by it.
A ransomware virus, known as Kaandsona or RansomTroll ransomware which enciphers the files on the compromised computers appending the .kencf file extension to them. And the ransomware also leaves a brief ransom note where it gives a deadline of 24 hours for the user to pay the ransom of 1 BTC to get the files back. Otherwise, the Kaandsona virus threatens to destroy all chances of paying. In case you have become a victim of the Kaandsona ransomware, recommendations are to eliminate it. Keep reading to learn more about this virus and learn how to remove it and try to get the files back.
Threat Summary
Name |
Kaandsona |
Type | Ransomware |
Short Description | The Kaandsona ransomware encrypts files on computers infected by it and makes them no longer able to be opened. In addition to this it demands 1 BTC as a ransom payoff. |
Symptoms | Files are encrypted with the .kencf file extension added to them. Ransom note and two executables dropped and many Windows files modified. |
Distribution Method | Via an Exploit kit, Dll file attack, malicious JavaScript or a drive-by download of the malware itself in an obfuscated manner. |
Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss Kaandsona. |
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. |
Kaandsona Ransomware – More Information
There are two malicious executable files, related to the Kaandsona virus. One of them has a completely random name and the other is called Kaandsona.exe. These files are believed to be dropped onto the victim’s computer via various distribution tactics.
Kaandsona’s Distribution
Regarding how the Kaandsona virus is spread, there may be more than one possibilities. The primary version is that the virus is replicated via distribution infectors, such as the following file types:
→ .htm, .html, .hta, .js, .vbs, .exe, .tmp, .dll
To infect, those type of files may be concealed with an obfuscator. This obfuscator aims to activate them without a conventional antivirus program raising any alarms. As soon as those files are activated, they may connect to the malicious C2 server of this virus, identified to be 143.22.211.245:80 by malware researchers, believed to be US-based. Then those two executables belonging to Kaandsona RansomTroll may be downloaded onto one of the key Windows folders:
→ %AppData%
%Roaming%
%Local%
%LocalRow%
%Temp%
After the files are created, the virus modifies files in the %WINDIR% directory. The files are reported by hybrid-analysi.com to be the following:
→ “%WINDIR%\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v1.0.3705\clr.dll”
“%WINDIR%\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v1.0.3705\mscorwks.dll”
“%WINDIR%\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v1.1.4322\clr.dll”
“%WINDIR%\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v1.1.4322\mscorwks.dll”
“%WINDIR%\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\clr.dll”
“%WINDIR%\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\mscorwks.dll”
“%WINDIR%\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4.0.30319\clr.dll”
“%WINDIR%\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\config\machine.config”
“%WINDIR%\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\config\security.config”
“%WINDIR%\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\config\security.config.cch”
“%WINDIR%\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\config\enterprisesec.config”
“%WINDIR%\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\config\enterprisesec.config.cch”
“%WINDIR%\Globalization\Sorting\sortdefault.nls”
Kaandsona Ransomware – Post-Infection Analysis
After infecting the computer, the virus is rather simple in what it does to the files. It appends encryption by replacing bytes of information from those files, enough to render them no longer able to be opened. The encrypted files appear like the following:
The files it looks for to encode are from various types, such as:
- Microsoft Office Documents.
- PDF types of files.
- Text files.
- Database types of files.
- Photos.
- Music.
- Videos.
- Image Files.
- Common files of storage.
- Archives.
After encryption, the Kaandsona ransomware, leaves a ransom note here it leaves instructions on how to pay the ransom requested:
You have been struck by the holy Kaandsona ransomware
Either you pay 1 BTC in 24 hours or you lose ALL FILES
button ‘Show all encrypted files’
button ‘PAY’
Remove Kaandsona Ransomware and Restore Encrypted Files
To remove this virus completely from your computer, advices are to focus on following the removal instructions which we created below. They are designed so that you can manually look for the files of Kaandsona in a safe environment. However, since this ransomware also makes modifications to key Windows files, advices are to use a particular anti-malware product in order to remove the malware permanently from your computer.
After having removed Kaandsona, it is time to think about what to do with the files. One way to try and restore them is if you try out the methods we have posted about in step “2. Restore files encrypted by Kaandsona” below. They are in no way guaranteed, but they may revert at least some of the files. In the meantime, make sure to check this page regularly, if a decryptor for Kaandsona ransomware is developed by researchers, we will make sure and post it here.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Kaandsona with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Kaandsona 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 Kaandsona 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 Kaandsona 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 Kaandsona
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Kaandsona.
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 Kaandsona 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.
Kaandsona-FAQ
What is Kaandsona Ransomware?
Kaandsona 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 Kaandsona 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 Kaandsona Infect?
Via several ways.Kaandsona 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 Kaandsona 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 .Kaandsona files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Kaandsona 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 .Kaandsona files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Kaandsona" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Kaandsona 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 Kaandsona 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 Kaandsona ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Kaandsona 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 Kaandsona 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 Kaandsona Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Kaandsona 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 Kaandsona 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.
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