This is an article that provides specific details on .KEYPASS files virus as well as a step-by-step removal followed by alternative data recovery approaches.
The so-called .KEYPASS files virus is a ransomware threat of unknown origin. As a typical data locker ransomware it plagues computer systems with the primary purpose to encode important files stored on their drives and enable hackers to blackmail victims into paying a ransom for a decryption key. Files corrupted by this threat are renamed with the distinctive extension .KEYPASS. The access to their data is restricted due to modifications of their code. Upon encryption a ransom message kept in the file !!!KEYPASS_DECRYPTION_INFO!!!.txt appears on the screen to demand a ransom payment of $300.
Threat Summary
| Name | .KEYPASS Files Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware that utilizes strong cihper algorithm to encrypt valuable files stored on the infected computer. Upon encryption a ransom message blacmails victims into paying a ransom of $300 for a decryption key. |
| Symptoms | Important files are locked and renamed with .KEYPASS extension. The access to their information remains blocked until an efficient recovery tool reverses their original code. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .KEYPASS 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. |
.KEYPASS Files Virus – Distribution
Security researchers detected that ongoing campaigns are spreading .KEYPASS ransomware payload worldwide. The infection code of .KEYPASS files virus may be spread with the help of malspam e-mail campaigns. E-mails used for malicious purposes usually contain one or more of the following components:
- A link that lands on compromised web page set to download and execute the infection file directly on the PC.
- A malicious file attachment masked as a legitimate document and uploaded in a .rar or .zip archive. Such a file could be set to evade detection and this way tricks you into allowing the ransomware to start on your PC.
As reported by users infected by .KEYRASS ransomware some of the products uploaded on the malicious website cracksfiles.com are also set to distribute the infection files of the threat. Eventually, once opened on a computer, files downloaded by this website infect it with the ransomware. The bad news is that this website is likely to be just one of many other unknown compromised websites that distribute .KEYPASS crypto virus.
In addition, fake software installers, fake update notifications, compromised software setups, files shared on forums and other techniques may download and activate the ransomware module.
.KEYPASS Files Virus – Infection Overview
An infection with .KEYPASS files virus leads to corrupted system settings and data encryption. Once the ransomware payload is executed on the system it initiates a sequence of malicious operations that enable it to complete the attack to its very end.
When loaded for the first time on the computer .KEYPASS files virus creates a copy of its executable file and places it in the following folder:
- %AppData%
Then it launches the newly created file and deletes the initial file version from the original location. The ransomware is also likely to create or drop additional malicious files on the system. And there are several other folders that may store associated malicious files:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
- %Windows%
Once all malicious files are established the ransomware is ready to implement some changes that ensure its persistent presence on the system. These changes mostly affect the registry sub-keys Run and RunOnce. This could be explained by the fact that these keys manage the automatic execution of all essential files and objects that support the normal system load on its start. By manipulating their functionalities .KEYPASS virus takes the advantage to execute automatically its malicious files on each system start. Which in turn leads to the corruption of all files created before the last system shut down.
After all infection stages are competed the ransomware drops a file called !!!KEYPASS_DECRYPTION_INFO!!!.txt on the device. This file contains a ransom message left by hackers and all it reads is:
Attention!
All your files, documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted and have the extension: .KEYPASS
The only method of recovering files is to purchase an decrypt software and unique private key.
After purchase you will start decrypt software, enter your unique private key and it will decrypt all your data.
Only we can give you this key and only we can recover your files.
You need to contact us by e-mail keypass@bitmessage.ch send us your personal ID and wait for further instructions.
For you to be sure, that we can decrypt your files – you can send us a 1-3 any not very big encrypted files and we will send you back it in a original form FREE.
Price for decryption $300.
This price avaliable if you contact us first 72 hours.
E-mail address to contact us:
keypass@bitmessage.ch
Reserve e-mail address to contact us
keypass@india.com
Your personal id:
[redacted 40 alpha]
It becomes clear that hackers hope that you will contact them and pay a ransom of $300. However, we strongly advise you to refrain from these actions and attempt to overcome the problem by yourself. You can do this with the help of the removal guide at the end. It presents steps on how to clean all harmful files from the system and how to potentially restore some of the encrypted files.
.KEYPASS Files Virus – Data Encryption Process
The primary purpose of .KEYPASS crypto virus alike each other data locker ransomware is data encryption. When it reaches this stage of the infection the ransomware triggers its built-in encryption module that uses the symmetric algorithm AES-256 to change parts of the original code of target files.
This stage begins with a scan of predefined system drives for target types of files and ends with the corruption of all files that match all parameters set in the code. As a result, the access to valuable files remains restricted until an efficient recovery tool reverts their original code. All of the following types of data may be encrypted by .KEYPASS files virus:
- Audio files
- Video files
- Document files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials, etc
The analysis of threat’s samples reveal that files stored in the following folders remain untouched and safe:
- C:\Windows\
- C:\Program Files \Mozilla Firefox\
- C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\
- C:\Program Files\Google\
- D:\Windows\
- D:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\
- D:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\
- D:\Program Files\Google\
In fact, the name of this ransomware is a derivative of the distinctive extension it uses to mark corrupted files – .KEYPASS. An additional impact caused by the threat may be the deletion of Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system. This happens after the following command is run in the command prompt pannel:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
With this command, the ransomware aims to eliminate one of the prominent ways of data recovery. Happily, there are other alternative methods that may help you to restore a few to all of your .KEYPASS files. Find some of them int he guide that follows.
Remove .KEYPASS Files Virus and Restore Data
Below you could find how to remove .KEYPASS crypto virus step by step. To manually remove this ransomware you need to have a bit of technical experience and ability to recognize traits of malware files. Beware that ransomware is a threat with highly complex code that plagues not only your files but your whole system. So as recommended by security researchers you need to utilize an advanced anti-malware tool for its complete removal. Such a tool will keep your system protected against devastating threats like .KEYPASS virus and other kinds of malware that endanger your online security.
After you remove the ransomware make sure to check the “Restore Files” step listed in the guide below. But before you take any further actions, don’t forget to back up all encrypted files to an external drive in order to prevent their irreversible loss.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
About the .KEYPASS Files Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .KEYPASS 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 .KEYPASS 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.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
- Guide 1: How to Remove .KEYPASS Files Virus from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of .KEYPASS Files Virus from Mac OS X.
How to Remove .KEYPASS Files Virus from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .KEYPASS Files Virus
1. Hold Windows Key + R.
2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Uninstall .KEYPASS Files Virus and related software 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:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .KEYPASS 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 .KEYPASS Files Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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: Scan for .KEYPASS Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .KEYPASS Files Virus.
Ransomware infections and .KEYPASS 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of .KEYPASS Files Virus from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall .KEYPASS Files Virus and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to .KEYPASS Files Virus:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to .KEYPASS Files Virus. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash
”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to .KEYPASS Files Virus. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove .KEYPASS Files Virus via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as .KEYPASS Files Virus. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .KEYPASS Files Virus.
Ransomware infections and .KEYPASS 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
.KEYPASS Files Virus FAQ
What is .KEYPASS Files Virus ransomware and how does it work?
.KEYPASS 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 algorithm how 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.
How does .KEYPASS Files Virus ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways..KEYPASS Files Virus Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of .KEYPASS 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 ..KEYPASS Files Virus files?
You can't. At this point the ..KEYPASS Files Virus files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your ..KEYPASS Files Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by .KEYPASS Files Virus ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore "..KEYPASS Files Virus" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..KEYPASS Files Virus files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of .KEYPASS Files Virus ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate .KEYPASS Files Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..KEYPASS Files Virus files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like .KEYPASS Files Virus ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.
Hello, where do I get a sample of the keypass? I’m doing an article for my college and I’m looking for a sample but I do not think anywhere, could you help me?