What Is Kolz Virus?
Kolz is the name of a cryptovirus that uses the .kolz file extension which it adds to the files, encrypted by it. The virus is a new version of STOP/DJVU ransomware virus family and has been reported by researchers to still be active after so much time since STOP ransomware viruses first started infecting victims.
In addition to this, the virus ads the _readme.txt ransom note, which has been created with the main idea to extort the victims to pay ransom in BitCoin. The note contains threatening messages that aim to scare victims off by saying to them that their only shot at getting their files to work again is to pay the ransom to the people who are behind Kolz ransomware.
Kolz Virus Summary
| Name | Kolz |
| File Extension | .kolz |
| 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 Kolz ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .kolz extension to them. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware or other threats. Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Kolz virus. |
Kolz Virus – Activity & Further Information
There are two primary types of ways that are used to infect victims with Kolz virus:
- Malicious web links.
- Malicious files.(.js, .docx, .pdf, .exe, .bat, .cmd)
In case the infection that has been done is conducted via virus files, then the Kolz virus could be replicated either via having its files uploaded on sites where the malware could appear as a crack, software activator, patch, setup, portable app or any other type of app that is designed to trick you into downloading and running the file.
But this is not the only way via which you could get infected with Kolz ransomware virus. Another way of infection includes e-mail spam messages. These are usually sent by the crooks and often aim to pose as legitimate types of messages that aim to send. you a document, similar to an invoice, plane ticket, receipt, or others.
In case the infection process is done by sending out virus web links, then it could occur in different ways. It could be done via an ad that causes you a redirect or it could happen if you have received a message from Facebook Messenger, Skype, Viber, and others. Once these links are opened, a virus script could compromise your computer and infect it with Kolz virus.
As soon as Kolz virus finds itself on your computer after infection, the virus may begin to drop its files. They may exist in the following Windows directories:
- %Windows%
- %SystemDrive%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %ProgramData%
- %system32%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
Kolz virus could also perform several virus actions once it infects your computer successfully. Such could turn out to be:
- Check if it’s running on a real computer and if not, self-delete itself.
- Steal any saved passwords.
- Obtain read and write permissions and create mutexes.
- Obtain rights as an Administrator.
- Check your IP address and location.
- Check region and language settings.
- Check if STOP Ransomware has infected your PC before and if so self-deletes its files.
Kolz virus belongs STOP Ransomware viruses, and just like one of the first variants, using the .promorad extension, it may add its own extension to the files, which in this case is .kolz.
Then, the virus may also begin to modify the following types of Windows Reigstry Entries on the victim computer that becomes infected:
→ CurrentVersion\Run
CurrentVersion\RunOnce
\LogonUI\Background
\Windows\Personalization
\Control Panel\Desktop
CurrentVersion\Run
CurrentVersion\RunOnce
But furthermore, the Kolz virus may also make sure that all of the backups from the victim PC are gone completely. For this to happen, it may run 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 order to encrypt the important files on your computer, the Kolz virus may scan for them by their file extensions. The Kolz virus may look for and encrypt the following types of files:
→ “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”
Paying the ransom the hackers who are behind the Kolz virus is not advisable and researchers strongly recommend that you focus on removing the virus firstly and focus on restoring the files after that.
Remove Kolz Files Virus and Try Restoring Data
Before actually getting to the removal process of Kolz virus, we strongly recommend that you back up the encrypted files beforehand. This will ensure that your files are safe, even if they are currently unopenable.
In case you wish to get rid of the Kolz virus, then we recommend that you focus on following the removal instructions underneath. They aim to help you to get rid of this malware either by yourself or automatically. For maximum effectiveness, we strongly recommend that you focus on deleting the threat automatically. This can happen if you download an advanced anti-malware software that will take care of the removal for you and also make sure that your PC is safe from threats, like Kolz in the future, too.
To try and restore files, we suggest that you check out the alternative file recovery methods below. They are made so that they help you restore as many encoded files as possible, even though we should warn you that they are not a 100% guarantee to recover your files. But they are a good temporary solution, at least until a decryptor for this version of STOP Ransomware is out, for which we will update this article.
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 Kolz virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Kolz 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 Kolz 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 Kolz 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 Kolz virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Kolz 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 Kolz 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.
Kolz virus-FAQ
What is Kolz virus Ransomware?
Kolz 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 Kolz 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 Kolz virus Infect?
Via several ways.Kolz 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 Kolz 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 .Kolz virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Kolz 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 .Kolz virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Kolz virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Kolz 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 Kolz 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 Kolz virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Kolz 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 Kolz 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 Kolz virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Kolz 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 Kolz 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.