What Is Koom Virus?
The Koom virus is the name of a ransomware infection. This virus belongs to a notorious family of ransomware threats, called STOP/DJVU, which include hundreds of variants with new ones being released every week. The malware aims to encrypt your files, changing their core data structure and adding the .koom file extension after their original names. The main problem this may pose for you is you are forced to pay BitCoin to the criminals after following their instructions on the ransom note they leave, called _readme.txt. They want payment in return for the decryption key which is about $900 to $1000 and depends on your files. They even threaten to double the payoff, something which we still do not recommend doing.
Read this article to understand more about the Koom virus and how to remove it from your computer plus how to get your files to work once again.
Koom virus Virus Summary
Name | Koom 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 |
File Extension | .koom |
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 Koom Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .koom extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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Koom Virus – What We Know About It
Koom virus is a STOP Ransomware variant and is a successor to the recently appeared Lqqw Virus, Efdc Virus and Orkf virus ones. These viruses may be spread on your computer mainly via one of the following methods:
- If it is an e-mail attachment.
- If downloaded as a file from a third-party website.
If the virus is sent to you as e-mail, it will most often be a very well masked message that appears to come from some type of legitimate company or organization and may appear like the following e-mail attachments:
- E-receipts.
- Invoices.
- Tickets.
- Work-related files.
Koom virus may also be downloaded from suspicious websites where victims most often complain of getting their PC’s infected by the malware pretending to be the following file:
- Patch.
- Portable app.
- Hoax setup.
- Crack (activators).
- Keygen (key generator activators).
Once an infection occurs, the Koom ransomware virus connects to a remote server, controlled by the criminals from which it downloads its virus files, that are likely located in the following directories:
- %AppData%
- %Temp%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %SystemDrive%
Then, this variant of STOP Ransomware also leaves the _readme.txt file that contains the ransom payoff instructions set by the criminals:
Paying these crooks to ransom not only supports their organizations but also should not be done because you trust the same people that extort you for your files.
Windows Registry changes may be noticed after infection with Koom ransomware. The following registry keys may be set by the threat to execute malicious commands:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
.koom Files
Once the Koom virus begins encrypting your files, it will scan them based on their file extension to detect which file types are to be encoded. The most often targeted files are the following:
- Archives (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Document file types (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Audio (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Image files (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Video files (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Other.
When it encrypts your files, the Koom virus may leave them with the following appearance:
Example Picture.jpg.koom
Remove Koom Virus and Try to Restore Files
If your computer has been infected by the Koom virus, then we recommend that you follow the guide below. It has been made to help you delete this virus along with the malware files either manually or automatically and contains some alternative steps that might be able to help with the recovery of your files if a STOP Decryptor is not yet available for it. For the best removal, security experts strongly advise victims to remove the Koom virus using a professional anti-malware program. Such a software will automatically scan your computer and make sure all of the malware is gone from it without causing damage to the .koom files.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Koom virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Koom 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Koom 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 Koom virus 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 Koom virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Koom 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 Koom 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.
Koom virus-FAQ
What is Koom virus Ransomware?
Koom 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 Koom 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 Koom virus Infect?
Via several ways.Koom 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 Koom 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 .Koom virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Koom 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 .Koom virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Koom virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Koom 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 Koom 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 Koom virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Koom 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 Koom 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 Koom virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Koom 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 Koom 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.
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Dear Sir, All my files are encrypted by Koom Ransomware online. Please help me in order to get the decryption key. Thank you