This article aims to help explain what is the Delta ransomware virus and show you how you can remove this ransomware infection from your computer plus how to restore encrypted files without paying ransom.
A new ransomware virus, going by the name .king_ouroboros has been detected by security researchers. The malware aims to encode the files on the computers and put an interfix extension .king_ouroboros in between the file name and the original suffix corresponding to it’s type. The malware displays a ransom note, demanding victims to pay $50 ransom to get their files to work once again. If your computer has been infected by the KingOuroboros ransomware we recommend that you read this article thoroughly, since it contains information on how you can remove this ransomware infection plus how you can restore your data.
Threat Summary
| Name | .king_ouroboros |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Aims to encrypt the files and hold them hostage until the victim pays $50 to the cyber-criminals. |
| Symptoms | The files on the affected computer are encrypted and no longer able to be opened. The file interfix .king_ouroboros is added to the encrypted files. |
| 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 .king_ouroboros. |
| 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. |
.king_ouroboros Files Ransomware – Distribution
The .king_ouroboros files virus is the type of ransomware virus which may enter your computer via more than one way. The main method which accounts to more than 80% of ransomware infections, like .king_ouroboros files virus use spam e-mails to infect computers. Such emails often pretend to be legitimate types of messages whose main goal is to deceive victims into either clicking on a malicious e-mail attachment or open a URL that causes the infection. The e-mails are designed so that they make it seem as if the malicious files are seemingly legitimate invoices, receipts and other forms of documents.
Furhtermore, besides this method, the ransomware creators may distribute the .king_ouroboros files virus as a result of different types of files that are directly uploaded online and pretending to be setups, patches, cracks, portable programs and many other files which users often download.
.king_ouroboros Files Virus – More Informaiton
The .king_ouroboros ransomware is the type of infection which aims to encrypt the files on the computers infected by it and then get users to pay ransom to get the files back. To read it’s end goal, the ransomware may go through different malicious activities it does on your computer. For starters upon infection, the .king_ouroboros ransomware may drop it’s malicious payload on the computers of victims:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
After this is done, the .king_ouroboros files virus aims to perform multiple different types of actions, such as create mutants on your computer and interfere with the Run and RunOnce registry keys by creating entries in them with the location of the file encryption module which makes it to run on Windows Login. The sub-keys have the following locations:
→ 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
Once these Windows Registry sub-keys are modified, the .king_ouroboros files virus may also delete the backups on your computer and stop Windows Recovery services. This happens by running a script in Windows which executes some or all of the following commands in Windows Command Prompt:
→ sc stop VVS
sc stop wscsvc
sc stop WinDefend
sc stop wuauserv
sc stop BITS
sc stop ERSvc
sc stop WerSvc
cmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No
cmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe” /C vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
In addition to this, the ransomware virus may also drop and execute it’s ransom note, it calls Delta. The ransom note lookslike the following:
Text from image:
The only way you can recover your files is to buy a decryption key
The payment method is: Bitcoin. The price is: $50 = Bitcoins
After buying the amount of bitcoins send an email
to king.ouroboros@protonmail.com Your ID:
We will provide you with payment address and your decryption key.
You have 72 Hours to complete the payment oterwise your key will be deleted.
.king_ouroboros Ransomware – Encryption Process
In order to encrypt the files on your computer the .king_ouroboros file ransomware may check for the files beforehand. The files targeted by the ransomware are detected, based on their file extensions. The malware may scan for the most often used types of files, such as videos, documents, backups, images, audio files, archives and other files by checking the most often used file extensions:
→ “PNG .PSD .PSPIMAGE .TGA .THM .TIF .TIFF .YUV .AI .EPS .PS .SVG .INDD .PCT .PDF .XLR .XLS .XLSX .ACCDB .DB .DBF .MDB .PDB .SQL .APK .APP .BAT .CGI .COM .EXE .GADGET .JAR .PIF .WSF .DEM .GAM .NES .ROM .SAV CAD Files .DWG .DXF GIS Files .GPX .KML .KMZ .ASP .ASPX .CER .CFM .CSR .CSS .HTM .HTML .JS .JSP .PHP .RSS .XHTML. DOC .DOCX .LOG .MSG .ODT .PAGES .RTF .TEX .TXT .WPD .WPS .CSV .DAT .GED .KEY .KEYCHAIN .PPS .PPT .PPTX ..INI .PRF Encoded Files .HQX .MIM .UUE .7Z .CBR .DEB .GZ .PKG .RAR .RPM .SITX .TAR.GZ .ZIP .ZIPX .BIN .CUE .DMG .ISO .MDF .TOAST .VCD SDF .TAR .TAX2014 .TAX2015 .VCF .XML Audio Files .AIF .IFF .M3U .M4A .MID .MP3 .MPA .WAV .WMA Video Files .3G2 .3GP .ASF .AVI .FLV .M4V .MOV .MP4 .MPG .RM .SRT .SWF .VOB .WMV 3D .3DM .3DS .MAX .OBJ R.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG ..CRX .PLUGIN .FNT .FON .OTF .TTF .CAB .CPL .CUR .DESKTHEMEPACK .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG”
After the files on the infected computer are encrypted, the ransomware virus may start to encrypt the files by overwriting data from their original structure code with encrypted data and then it ads the .king_ouroboros file interfix, making the encrypted files to appear like the following:
Remove .king_ouroboros Ransomware and Restore Your Files
In order for you to remove this virus from your computer, we recommend that you follow the manual and automatic removal instructions underneath this araticle. If manual removal represents a difficulty for you, it is reccomended to remove the .king_ouroboros ransomware automatically, preferrably by downloading and installing an advanced anti-malware software. Such program will effecitvely scan for the malicious files and remove them plus ensure that your computer is protected against future infections as well.
If you want to restore files, encrypted by .king_ouroboros ransomware, we advise that you try the alternative tools for file recovery underneath in step “2. Restore files, encrypted by .king_ouroboros Ransomware”.
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 .king_ouroboros with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .king_ouroboros 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 .king_ouroboros 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 .king_ouroboros 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 .king_ouroboros
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .king_ouroboros.
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 .king_ouroboros 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.
.king_ouroboros-FAQ
What is .king_ouroboros Ransomware?
.king_ouroboros 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 .king_ouroboros 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 .king_ouroboros Infect?
Via several ways..king_ouroboros 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 .king_ouroboros 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 ..king_ouroboros files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..king_ouroboros 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 ..king_ouroboros files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..king_ouroboros" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..king_ouroboros 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 .king_ouroboros 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 .king_ouroboros ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..king_ouroboros 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 .king_ouroboros 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 .king_ouroboros Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .king_ouroboros 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 .king_ouroboros 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.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.