Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Note! Your computer might be affected by KK_ and other threats.
Threats such as KK_ may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ransomware virus that encrypts the files on the infected computer, dubbed the KK virus because of the file extension it uses (KK_) has been reported to infect users on a massive scale. The virus uses a powerful encryption algorithm, which it claims to be RSA-1024 bit cipher. After encryption, the KK_ virus leaves a ransom note, named “KK_ IN YOUR DOCUMENTS.txt” in which the virus asks users to pay the insane payoff amount of 4 BitCoins to get decryption software for their files. Everyone who has become a victim of the KK_ ransomware is strongly advisable to be extremely careful and not pay any ransom to the cyber-criminals. Instead, we advise reading this article to learn more about KK_ ransomware, learn how to remove it and learn alternative methods to restore your files until a decryptor has been released.
Threat Summary
Name
KK_
Type
Remote Access Trojan with file encryption capability.
Short Description
The ransomware encrypts files with a powerful encryption cipher, demanding users to pay the sum of 4 BTC to get the ransom ammount back.
Symptoms
The files encoded by the KK_ virus are reported to have the KK_ prefix in front of their name, for example “KK_Picture.jpg”
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.
KK_ (Estonian) Virus – Distribution Methods
To successfully be spread, the KK_ ransomware virus may use several different methods, the most widely employed of which is the spam e-mail distribution campaigns. Such campaign may include the wide spreading of spam messages that include malicious e-mail attachments. Such e-mail attachments may contain various topics, like:
“Your PayPal Receipt.”
“Your Bank Account has been disclosed.”
“Your order has been confirmed.”
In addition to these, a malicious e-mail attachment may be added which could resemble a document, like a Microsoft Office or Adobe file.
KK_ (Estonian) Ransomware In Details
When it has been dropped on your computer, via an Exploit Kit, JavaScript or another type of attack, the virus may drop it’s malicious files on several key Windows locations.
%AppData%
%Roaming%
%Local%
%LocalRow%
%Startup%
%SystemDrive%
After dropping it’s malicious files on the computer, the KK_ ransomware may also begin to employ modules that may perform different activities like modify the Run and RunOnce registry keys and delete any system backups, using the vssadmin delete shadows command. Not only this, but the KK_ ransomware may also cause a system restart so that it starts encrypting files on system boot, even before the antivirus software on the compromised machine runs.
Regarding file encryption, the KK_ ransomware uses a strong enough cipher to render the files impossible to directly decrypt in case you do not have the decryption key. The KK_ virus may begin to scan for the following types of files to encrypt them:
Videos.
Audio Files.
Images.
Files associated with Microsoft Office.
Files that are associated with Adobe Reader.
Database files.
Files belonging to widely used programs such as Adobe Photoshop, etc.
After it has successfully encrypted the files, the KK_ virus drops the following text file on the victim’s computer:
KK_ IN YOUR DOCUMENTS.txt
“Dear man, your computer has been locked by ransomware, your personal files are encrypted, and you have, unfortunately “lost” all your pictures, files, and documents on the computer. Your important files encryption produced on this computer: videos, photos, documents, etc. Encryption was produced using unique public key RSA-1024 generated for this computer. To decrypt files, you need to obtain the private key. All encrypted files contain KK_ Your number: *** To obtain the program for this computer, which will decrypt all files, you need to pay 4 bitcoins on our bitcoin address {unique identifier}*** (today 1 bitcoin was 250 $). Only you and we know about this bitcoin address. You can check bitcoin balance here – https://www.blockchain.info/address/{unique identifier}*** After payment sends us your number on our mail [email protected] and we will send you decryption tool (you need only run it, and all files will be decrypted during 1…3 hours) Before payment, you can send us one small file (100.500 kilobytes), and we will decrypt it – it’s your guarantee that we have decryption tool. And send us your number with attached file. We don’t know who are you. All that we need – it’s some money. Don’t panic if we don’t answer you during 24 hours. It means that we didn’t receive your letter (for example if you use hotmail.com or outlook.com it can block letter, SO DON’T USE HOTMAIL.COM AND OUTLOOK.COM. You need to register your mail account in www.ruggedinbox.com (it will take 1.2 minutes) and write us again) You can use one of that bitcoin exchangers for transferring bitcoin. decrypto.ee https://localbitcoins.com/country/EE https://www.clevercoin.com coinera.eu https://bitx.co https://www.kraken.com You don’t need install bitcoin programs – you need only use one of this exchanger or another exchanger that you can find in www.google.com for your country. Please use the English language in your letters. If you don’t speak English, then use https://translate.google.com to translate your letter into the English language.”
KK_ (Estonian) Ransomware – Remove It and Restore Encrypted Files
To remove KK_ ransomware fully from your computer, it is strongly advisable to follow the step-by-step instructions posted in this article below. They are methodologically arranged so that you can remove this virus manually as well as automatically in case you are unsure that you have fully deleted it. Malware researchers and security analysts strongly advise that you focus on removing KK_ ransomware using a malware removal tool. Such anti-malware software will not only swiftly delete KK_ virus from your PC but protect you in the future as well.
Files encrypted by KK_ ransomware may be difficult for decryption. This is because the virus has also been reported to send the decryption key to the cyber-criminals’ servers, making them the only holder of your files. However, malware analysts are constantly on the lookout for decryption opportunities, and we are going to notify you if there is a free decryptor released, by updating this article. Meanwhile, you may want to try using the alternative solutions in step “3.Restore files encrypted by KK_ Ransomware” below. They may help you restore some of your files, but they are not 100% guaranteed success.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by KK_ and other threats. Scan Your PC with SpyHunter SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as KK_. Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
To remove KK_ follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove KK_ files and objects
OFFER
Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
For Windows XP, Vista and 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu. 2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Step 1: Open up the Start Menu.
Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
2. Find files created by KK_ on your PC
Find files created by KK_
1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
Step 1:
On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
Step 2:
Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
Step 3:
Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
Step 1:
Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
Step 2:
After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
Step 3:
After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Scan your PC and Remove KK_ with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for KK_ and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove KK_. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
Step 1: Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup.
4. Try to Restore files encrypted by KK_
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by KK_
Ransomware infections and KK_ aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software. Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors. If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ransomware virus that encrypts the files on the infected computer, dubbed the KK virus because of the file extension it uses (KK_) has been reported to infect users on a massive scale. The virus uses a powerful encryption algorithm, which it claims to be RSA-1024 bit cipher. After encryption, the KK_ virus leaves a ransom note, named “KK_ IN YOUR DOCUMENTS.txt” in which the virus asks users to pay the insane payoff amount of 4 BitCoins to get decryption software for their files. Everyone who has become a victim of the KK_ ransomware is strongly advisable to be extremely careful and not pay any ransom to the cyber-criminals. Instead, we advise reading this article to learn more about KK_ ransomware, learn how to remove it and learn alternative methods to restore your files until a decryptor has been released. 
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for KK_ and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
