This article aims to help you remove the .KKK ransomware virus and show how to try and restore files encrypted by this virus via AES.
A ransomware virus, discovered at the beginning of June 2017, called KKK has been reported to demand from victims of the computers It infects 0.05 BTC ransom to restore the files that have been encrypted by it. In addition to this, the ransomware virus also adds the .KKK file extension which may be short for Ku Klux Klan, due to the logo the virus uses on it’s ransom note, also named KKK. In case your computer has been infected by the KKK ransomware threat, we suggest you read this article carefully.
Threat Summary
| Name | KKK Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Encrypts the files on the infected computer with AES encryption algorithm and demands 0.05 BTC ransom to be paid to get the encrypted files restored. |
| Symptoms | Files are added the .KKK file extension and a ransom note with the KKK symbol appears with instructions how to pay the ransom. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss KKK 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. |
How Does KKK Virus Infect
For the infection process, KKK ransomware may be uploaded online as fake Java or Adobe Flash Player updates. The virus’s infection file could also be uploaded online as a fake setup of a program, key generator or a license activation software.
In addition to this, the infection file can also be sent to you via e-mail that pretends to be a legitimate message from a company, like PayPal, DHL, eBay or other legitimate organization. The e-mails portray the attachment as a legitimate document that should be reviewed right away. But if the victim is fooled into opening the malicious e-mail attachment, the virus is activated immediately. The attachment can also exist on a third-party web link which can be linked on the e-mail body as well, for example:
Analysis of KKK Ransom Virus
After an infection by KKK ransomware takes place, the virus begins to immediately situate it’s malicious files on the compromised computer. These files the following:
- A randomly named executable file.
- A Facebook.exe file.
After the files have been dropped on the infected computer, they may be automatically executed by their loader or the infection file that distributes KKK ransomware. When they are executed, these files have functions in them that make them perform different activities on the compromised computer. One of those activities is to gain administrative permissions. This allows the KKK ransomware to interact with key components of the Windows OS, such as modify the Windows Registry Editor, more specifically it may attack the following sub-keys:
→ 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
Modifying these Windows sub-keys assures that the KKK virus may run on Windows boot.
After this has been completed, the ransomware virus may also interfere with the Windows Command Prompt in order to delete the shadow copies from the infected computer. This may be achieved via the following administrative commands in Windows:
→ process call create “cmd.exe /c
vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet
bcdedit.exe /set {default} recoveryenabled no
bcdedit.exe /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
KKK Ransomware – Encryption
The encryption process of the KKK ransomware infection is conducted via the Advanced Encryption Algorithm. This cipher, also known as AES is one of the top encryption algorithms used today for protecting data. It’s procedure includes replacing the data from the original file with data from the cipher. This procedure results in the file no longer able to be opened and having the .KKK file extension added to it. The files encrypted by this ransomware may look like the image below:
For encryption, the KKK virus targets only specific list of file types. Among these are important documents, media files or files associated with programs that are often used. The virus also pretends it has stolen the files in it’s ransom note:
KKK
You are Infected by KKK Ransomware.
Please click on the Payment to restore files.
Click on Information to see what happend.
—
Payment
Pay 0.05 bitcoins to the address below.
14CtzUcYddHPJ6ahDRq2CuPjkTAuBszzSP
—
Information
You are Infected with Ransom ware. Ransom ware steals your files and holds them for ransom. You can decrypt your files by referring to the Payment tab on the main form.
Remove KKK Ransomware and Restore .KKK Encrypted Files
Before beginning the removal process of the KKK ransomware virus, it is strongly recommended to backup the files encrypted by this ransomware virus. Then, you should follow the removal instructions underneath to remove this virus either automatically or manually. Security experts often recommend using anti-malware tool to remove the threat and all of it’s objects automatically and protect your computer real-time against future threats.
After performing the removal, you can try and restore your files by using the alternative methods we have suggested below in step “2. Restore files encrypted by KKK Virus”. They are not a direct solution to the virus but may help you restore at least a part of the encrypted files. In the meantime, we advise you to follow this article often, as we will monitor the situation and update it as soon as malware researchers develop a decryption tool for this virus.
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.
Follow Me:
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for KKK Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall KKK Virus 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 KKK 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 KKK Virus 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 KKK Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by KKK Virus.
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 KKK 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.
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.
KKK Virus-FAQ
What is KKK Virus Ransomware?
KKK 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 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 KKK Virus 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 KKK Virus Infect?
Via several ways.KKK Virus 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 KKK 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 .KKK Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .KKK Virus 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 .KKK Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".KKK Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .KKK Virus 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 KKK Virus 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 KKK Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .KKK Virus 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 KKK Virus 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 KKK Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this KKK 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 KKK 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.
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.