.KEY0004 file extension is placed on all of your files? .KEY0004 Virus File is also known as KEY0004 ransomware which locks files on a computer and demands money to be paid as a ransom for unlocking them.
KEY0004 Ransomware (.KEY0004 Virus File)
KEY0004 or otherwise known as .KEY0004 Virus File is a ransomware type virus. It encrypts files by appending the .KEY0004 extension to them, making them inaccessible. All encrypted files will receive the new extension as a secondary one. The KEY0004 ransomware drops a ransom note, which gives instructions to victims on how they can allegedly restore their data by paying a ransom fee.
KEY0004 Ransomware Virus
KEY0004 Ransomware will encrypt all types of files such as audio, video, pictures, backups, banking data and other personal user files found on a compromised computer system.
Threat Summary
| Name | KEY0004 Ransomware |
| File Extension | .KEY0004 |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The KEY0004 ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .KEY0004 extension to them, along with a unique identification number placing the new .KEY0004 extension as a secondary. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | HOW_TO_RECOVERY_FILES.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss KEY0004 Ransomware. |
.KEY0004 Virus File – How Did It Infect My PC and What Happened?
.KEY0004 Virus File might spread its infection via a payload dropper, which initiates the malicious script for this ransomware. The virus might also distribute its payload file on social media and file-sharing services. Freeware which is found on the Web can be presented as helpful also be hiding the malicious script for the cryptovirus. Read the tips for ransomware prevention from our forum.
The ransomware encrypts your files and shows ransomware instructions inside a ransom note that is called HOW_TO_RECOVERY_FILES.txt as showcased in the picture below:
The note states the following:
ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED!
Send 1 test image or text file
giveyoukey@tutanota.com or giveyoukey@cock.li.
In the letter include YOUR ID or 1 infected file!
We will give you the decrypted file and assign the price for decryption all files!
Doesn’t try to restore by yourself, You can damage your files!2DC5867B54803DDDF485176B129B86B73860918E106474A7DADDE1407C556BD6
F86723EO21082B86947043499110E531 EGA9AE693B1589B60F3715CF7D10DF9A
A71CDEEC4E62489B6C E800C E5263573562AFBO68F1221261468AE93DA3A4BBAC
751E64EAEDB9988A139B4063172F1DE4E10A60104743E64D5B98F85B191DAA8C
65128547967CASOCD7ABD22885BEB49F4F1822D925F725C3777BO2DFF47CB174
1C9FCF7D98C78C25C4591061B0D179783E987BA16B47E1AA88ADBA1DB 2445368
OCAOCAE1D2FA31748E2872C 91267E6C6FB4FA1D464F27B361A6465C 39CC94B2E
B1984245BFEB767127OAAEG738C0904335AE7B5 7FA25E3608528A8869D8D3EF5S
692E852561B7F314FA88B9131AF4584D2BEBFBAB24EBA32E24BFE4141C6C49FD
61D7F54DC431FD183D414A588 3BC 248AAD22DE2320FD8O2FCADDBCDACEE14939
7A9076E9DFDCBF57CDO476C 399B86A24065170075AA9BCF35FDF3B5027803C36
9A1401DF8BC994DBF6D3F23B70868E957225E92BE54FE663CB6ADFCEFD29D4C8
C45A89C 55F2F3852DBC 3D8AD9CB2EA48111767658CA7EQAA44 706 7E42C 348AF4
925DB8130OCE16B23B5BE86C597654B1338C6DCDC944339174B412E53739CASA8
You should NOT under any circumstances pay any ransom sum.
The extortionists want you to pay a ransom for the alleged restoration of your files, same as with a lot of ransomware viruses. .KEY0004 Virus File ransomware could make entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence, and could launch or repress processes in a Windows system. All encrypted will receive the .KEY0004 extension alongside a random generated one. That extension will be placed as a secondary one to each file and look something like .KEY0004. Audio, video, image files as well as documents, backups and banking data can be encrypted by the ransomware.
The .KEY0004 Virus File could be set to erase all the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system with the help of the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
If your computer device was infected with this ransomware and your files are locked, read on through to find out how you could potentially restore your files back to normal.
Remove .KEY0004 Virus File
If your computer got infected with the .KEY0004 Virus File, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
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Step 1: Scan for KEY0004 Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall KEY0004 Ransomware 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 KEY0004 Ransomware 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 KEY0004 Ransomware 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 KEY0004 Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by KEY0004 Ransomware.
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 KEY0004 Ransomware 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.
KEY0004 Ransomware-FAQ
What is KEY0004 Ransomware Ransomware?
KEY0004 Ransomware 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 KEY0004 Ransomware 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 KEY0004 Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.KEY0004 Ransomware 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 KEY0004 Ransomware 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 .KEY0004 Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .KEY0004 Ransomware 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 .KEY0004 Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".KEY0004 Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .KEY0004 Ransomware 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 KEY0004 Ransomware 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 KEY0004 Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .KEY0004 Ransomware 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 KEY0004 Ransomware 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 KEY0004 Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this KEY0004 Ransomware 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 KEY0004 Ransomware 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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