.kobos file extension is placed on all of your files? .kobos Virus File is also known as kobos ransomware which locks files on a computer and demands money to be paid as a ransom for unlocking them. Researchers believe that the ransomware might be manually placed on computers once hackers gain administrative privileges on a computer machine, so information about this virus is scarce.
kobos Ransomware (.kobos Virus File)
kobos or otherwise known as .kobos Virus File is a ransomware type virus. It encrypts files by appending the .kobos extension to them, making them inaccessible. All encrypted files will receive the new extension. The kobos ransomware drops a ransom note, which gives instructions to victims on how they can allegedly restore their data by paying a ransom fee.
kobos Ransomware Virus
kobos Ransomware will encrypt all types of files such as audio, video, pictures, backups, banking data and other personal user files found on a compromised computer system.
.kobos Virus Summary
| Name | .kobos Virus |
| File Extension | .kobos |
| 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 kobos ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .kobos extension to them. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | README.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .kobos Virus. |
.kobos Virus File – How Did It Infect My PC and What Happened?
The newly discovered .kobos virus is a new ransomware variant that, at this stage, does not appear to be a descendant of a previously-known family of threats. This leads us to believe that the hackers behind it have been able to create it based on the observed behavior of already known ransomware, without taking any code snippets. Although the identity of the criminal group is not known at this moment, they are probably experienced and will probably create updates to the core virus in the future. At this time there are not a lot of samples captured “in the wild”, this means that the current state of the malware is probably still in development.
Such threats can be easily distributed by using common distribution tactics, in most of the cases they rely on social manipulation of the users, coercing them into installing a virus-infected file. Such payloads can be directly executable files (patches and addons), documents, or application installers. All of them can be easily distributed on different types of hacker-controlled sites, download portals, file-sharing networks, and social media. To do this they use counterfeit identities and credentials when spreading the data. The documents contain virus-infected scripts that will ask the victims to enable them when they started. On the other hand, the software installers will deploy the ransomware infection automatically when the associated data is run. All virus-infected files may also be email messages: they can appear as legitimate letters and notifications and include the malware data either attached or linked.
We have been able to capture several of the available .kobos ransomware samples that show the currently integrated features. We see that even at this stage of development there is a lot of functionality built-in. This includes a security bypass feature that disables the Windows Defender. In future versions, this can be extended to other security-related services like firewalls, other anti-virus programs, intrusion detection systems, and etc.
Following this, the virus will continue with the other malicious actions that are part of its execution sequence. This includes a commands execution which can interact with both the system and any of the users-installed applications. This also includes the PowerShell interactive commands. A wide array of consequences can happen because of this, the most notable one is the configuration files modifications — they can lead to severe performance issues, the inability to run certain services, and even data loss. If any sensitive files are removed, then the victim users may not be able to restore their computers easily.
A very dangerous impact that can happen as a result of this infection is the persistent installation — the automatic execution of the malware every time the computer is powered on. This can also block access to the recovery boot options. We also note that the ransomware is capable of retrieving system and user’s information: it can be used for different purposes, including counting how many affected users there are, the creation of a unique ID, and crimes such as identity and financial abuse.
When everything has finished running the final stage of the virus execution will start, namely the encryption process itself. It uses a very strong cipher to encrypt the target user’s data with it, the resulting files will become inaccessible and locked. They can be the following: documents, backups, archives, multimedia files, configuration files, and etc. In folders where there are affected files ransomware notes in text or HTML files will be created asking them to pay the hackers a blackmail fee. The same mechanism is done by the presentation of lockscreen instances — application windows that show this message and block the normal interaction with the computer.
Remove .kobos Virus File
If your computer got infected with the .kobos Virus File, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for .kobos Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .kobos 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 .kobos 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 .kobos 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 .kobos Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .kobos 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 .kobos 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.
.kobos Virus-FAQ
What is .kobos Virus Ransomware?
.kobos 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 .kobos 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 .kobos Virus Infect?
Via several ways..kobos 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 .kobos 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 ..kobos Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..kobos 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 ..kobos Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..kobos Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..kobos 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 .kobos 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 .kobos Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..kobos 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 .kobos 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 .kobos Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .kobos 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 .kobos 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.
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