What Is Kitu Virus
The Kitu is a malevolent software entity belonging to the infamous STOP/DJVU family. Its operation hinges on encoding files and appends them with the .kitu extension, followed by a ransom demand note. This message instructs victims to remit a specific amount in return for a decryption key to restore access to their files. The caveat is that failing to comply with the payment timeline could lead to irretrievable loss of your data.
What Is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a form of malevolent software that, once on a user’s system, holds the data hostage. Victims are denied access to their files, which are encrypted, until a ransom is paid. The infectious agents include disguised files, misleading emails or hyperlinks, or exploiting weak spots in installed software.
Kitu Virus – How Did I Get Infected?
This virus exploits security holes in your operating system or software to sneak into your system. The modes of transmission include deceptive emails, malicious website content, and hidden files.
- If it comes as an email attachment or a hyperlink.
- If it is downloaded from an unreliable website.
Kitu Virus – Details
Name | Kitu virus, also known as UDS:Trojan.Win32.Chapak.gen, Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.KM!MTB, Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], A Variant Of Win32/GenKryptik.FHJB – more detections of this virus on VirusTotal |
File Extension | .kitu |
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 Kitu Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .kitu extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
Check if your Mac has been affected by Kitu
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
Kitu Virus – What Does It Do?
Upon penetration, the ransomware embeds malicious payload files in certain system directories.
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %Windows%
- %SystemDrive%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %System%
- %system32%
The Kitu virus disseminates a ransom note in the form of a file named _readme.txt, which holds the following text:
Windows Run and RunOnce Registries may be populated with Registry values generated by the Kitu virus.
What Are .kitu Files
The .kitu files are files encrypted by the ransomware using the AES encryption algorithm. To unlock these files, one needs to pay the ransom or use a dependable data recovery tool. The virus mainly targets specific file types.
- Video files (.mp4, .avi, etc.)
- Audio files (.mp3, .wav, etc.)
- Image files (.jpg, .png, etc.)
- Archive files (.zip, .rar, etc.)
- Document files (.docx, .pptx, etc.)
- Other file types
Picture.jpg.kitu
How to Open .kitu Files
If your system gets infected with the Kitu ransomware virus, the immediate step is to purge the system of the malicious software and retrieve the files from a backup. Without complying with the cybercriminals’ ransom demand, it is impossible to regain access to the encrypted files. This same procedure applies if your system gets infected with the DJVU ransomware.
What To Do If My Files Are .kitu?
The only foolproof method to regain access to your .kitu files infected by the Kitu ransomware virus is by restoring them from a backup or attempting to reverse the encryption through a cipher. If there are no backups, attempting data recovery with specialized software can be attempted, although success is not guaranteed.
How To Safeguard Windows from Kitu In The Future?
To ensure future protection from the Kitu ransomware virus, it is crucial to keep your system updated with the latest security patches and updates, backup your data regularly, practice safe internet browsing habits, and be careful with the files you download.
How to Eradicate Kitu Virus?
To safely remove this ransomware virus, it is recommended to follow the procedures outlined in this article. Using a professional anti-malware tool will ensure your system is thoroughly scanned and all malicious files are deleted.
How to Decrypt / Repair .kitu Files?
To decipher the files encrypted by this ransomware virus, it is recommended to use a decryption tool to retrieve the decryption key. This tool can be found in the STOP Ransomware decryption process guide.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Kitu with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Kitu 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 Kitu 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 Kitu 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 Kitu
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Kitu.
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 Kitu 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.
Kitu-FAQ
What is Kitu Ransomware?
Kitu 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 Kitu 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 Kitu Infect?
Via several ways.Kitu 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 Kitu 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 .Kitu files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Kitu 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 .Kitu files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Kitu" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Kitu 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 Kitu 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 Kitu ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Kitu 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 Kitu 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 Kitu Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Kitu 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 Kitu 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.