This article aims to explain what exactly is the .KRAB files virus and then help victims to remove the ransomware and potentially restore encrypted files.
The .KRAB files virus is a new version of GandCrab data locker ransomware. The threat has recently been released in active attack campaigns against computer users worldwide. Its name is a derivative of the specific file extension .KRAB placed at the end of all corrupted files. Following encryption, this new GANDCRAB V4 drops a ransom note to instruct victims how to pay for the unique decryption key that will recover .KRAB files. By reaching the end of the article, you will know how to remove the threat and find some alternative data recovery methods that may help you to restore .KRAB files without paying the ransom.
Threat Summary
| Name | .KRAB Files Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Version 4 of GandCrab ransom virus family. It encrypts your files and asks you to pay a ransom for unique recovery key. |
| Symptoms | Encrypted files are renamed with the extension .KRAB. They remain unusable until an efficient recovery solution is used. A ransom note, named KRAB-DECRYPT.txt is dropped on your PC. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .KRAB Files 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. |
.KRAB Files Virus – Update December 2018
The large number of ongoing GANDCRAB V4 ransomware attacks have caused infections on a global scale. The analysis done of the virus’s code has allowed experts to devise a decryptor that is able to restore files of some of the variants — see here [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/decrypt-gandcrab-ransomware-files/”]how to decrypt files encrypted by GandCrab ransomware for free.
.KRAB Files Virus – Update August 2018
The .KRAB Files Virus continues to spread in August, 2018. Malware researchers suspect that more countries might be getting affected as more languages have been added to the payment page of the ransomware. You can clearly see that from the below screenshot:
If more languages are being added, either the cybercriminals are going to spread their malware in more countries (by using malvertising campaigns, for example) or they know that those countries are already affected by the .KRAB Files Virus.
.KRAB Files Virus – How Does It Infect?
Spam email campaigns are considered to be the primary method used for the distribution of .KRAB files virus. Due to the fact that hackers could easily modify the email sender and address, they prefer to release their malicious code in spam email campaigns and attempt to trick as many users as possible to infect their PCs. So alike the emails used for the distribution of the previous versions of GandCrab ransomware the emails that carry GANDCRAB V4 payload may contain the following information:
From: {Fake name and e-mail address}
Subject: Payment Invoice #(number)Dear Customer,
To read your document please open the attachment and reply as soon as possible.
Kind regards
TCR Customer Support
As for the subjects of these emails, they could be designed with one of the following patterns:
Document #{number}
Invoice #{number}
Order #{number}
Payment #{number}
Payment Invoice #{number}
Payment Invoice #{number}
Ticket #{number}
Your Document #{number}
Your Order #{number}
Your Ticket #{number}
Such emails usually contain malicious file attachments or links to compromised web pages. Like some of the previous GandCrab ransomware versions, .KRAB files virus may use JavaScript files embedded in PDFs or Microsoft Office documents that are presented as legitimate. Compromised files may be archived and attached as .7z types of files as well. The moment you open such file on your PC the ransomware payload starts as well.
In other cases hyperlinks presented in the text message may land you on a compromised web page that is designed to download and run the ransomware directly on your PC. At this point, it is known that the following domain addresses are used to drop GANDCRAB V4 payload:
hxxp://china029.com/j.php
hxxp://terrapersonas.com/readme.php
hxxp://kourimovskepivo.cz/tmp.php
A tip that could help you to improve your online security and keep devastating malware infections like GANDCRAB V4 away from your PC is to use free online file extractor before you open a dubious file on your PC. Such tool will scan the code of the uploaded file and check its security level. After, the scan you could see whether the uploaded file is a potentially harmful one. The details about the file will help you to refrain from opening it on your PC.
.KRAB Files Virus (GANDCRAB V4) – Analysis
New version of the notorious GandCrab ransomware has been spotted in the wild. This is acutally the fifth version of the threat after GandCrab, GandCrab v2, GANDCRAB V2.1, and GandCrab 3. However, hackers present the last iteration of their ransomware as GANDCRAB V4.
The infection process begins at the moment when the payload is started on a target computer system. Immediately after this happens the payload is likely to drop and execute additional malicious files needed for the completion of the attack. In order to evade detection .KRAB crypto virus may drop files that resemble legitimate system processes. These files are designed to perform various system modifications that plague essential settings and enable the ransomware to obtain persistent presence.
In case of infection with .KRAB virus some registry sub-keys including but not limited to Run and RunOnce may be plagued the ransomware. By exploiting the functionalities of these two registry keys the threat becomes able to run its malicious files on each system start.
As reported by infected users, GANDCRAB V4 also dubbed .KRAB files virus has some specific modifications. One of them is the ransom note dropped at the end of the attack. It is contained in a file called KRAB-DECRYPT.txt. And here is what the text in this file reads:
–= GANDCRAB V4 =—
Attention!
All your files, documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted and have the extension: .KRAB
The only method of recovering files is to purchase a unique private key. Only we can give you this key and only we can recover your files.The server with your key is in a closed network TOR. You can get there by the following ways:
—————————————————————————————-
| 0. Download Tor browser – https://www.torproject.org/
| 1. Install Tor browser
| 2. Open Tor Browser
| 3. Open link in TOR browser: ***
| 4. Follow the instructions on this page
—————————————————————————————-On our page you will see instructions on payment and get the opportunity to decrypt 1 file for free.
ATTENTION!IN ORDER TO PREVENT DATA DAMAGE:
* DO NOT MODIFY ENCRYPTED FILES
* DO NOT CHANGE DATA BELOW—BEGIN GANDCRAB KEY—
lAQAADcGuK2O86SjorV5S***2252_chars***3xoPSX/TrEnwTiQ76HdztGYuXZ4KO7rogc=
—END GANDCRAB KEY——BEGIN PC DATA—
wfKD6iudumBkmpL8IRr4U7***76_chars***mMngioqtOiJtTit2DjRIuBtNYA==
—END PC DATA—
Threat actors do not specify the amount of the demanded ransom but it is likely that they will want the transfer in cryptocurrency. For the previous GandCrab versions it is known that hackers demand an amount of $500 in DASH cryptocurrency in exchange for the decryption key.
What we could advise you is to refrain from paying the ransom until you try all existing alternative data recovery methods that are believed to help you to restore a few to all of the encrypted .KRAB files.
.KRAB Files Virus – Encryption Process
Similar to the previous GandCrab ransomware iterations this one plagues computer systems with the main purpose to locate predefined target types of files and encrypt them with the help of Salsa20 stream cipher algorithm. This process transforms all files that store sensitive information in a way that you cannot use them anymore.
So in case of infection it is likely that all of the following files will remain encrypted until an efficient recovery solution restores their original code:
→“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 .SAVCADFiles .DWG .DXFGISFiles .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 .PRFEncodedFiles .HQX .MIM .UUE .7Z .CBR .DEB .GZ .PKG .RAR .RPM .SITX .TAR.GZ .ZIP .ZIPX .BIN .CUE .DMG .ISO .MDF .TOAST .VCDSDF .TAR .TAX2014 .TAX2015 .VCF .XMLAudioFiles .AIF .IFF .M3U .M4A .MID .MP3 .MPA .WAV .WMAVideoFiles .3G2 .3GP .ASF .AVI .FLV .M4V .MOV .MP4 .MPG .RM .SRT .SWF .VOB .WMV3D .3DM .3DS .MAX .OBJR.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG ..CRX .PLUGIN .FNT .FON .OTF .TTF .CAB .CPL .CUR .DESKTHEMEPACK .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG”
After encryption, all corrupted files could be recognized by the extension .KRAB appended at the end of their names.
The .KRAB files virus could be set to erase all the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system with the help of the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
Then the above-stated command is executed one of the prominent ways to restore your data is eliminated. If a computer device was infected with this ransomware and your files are locked, read on through to find out how you could potentially restore some files back to their normal state.
Remove .KRAB Files Virus and Restore Encrypted Files
The removal of .KRAB files virus demands a bit of technical experience and ability to recognize malware traits. Meanwhile there is no doubt that you should remove this nasty ransomware from the infected PC as soon as you detect it. Don’t wait until it’s too late. The threat may take the chance to spread its infection files across the whole network.
Below you could find how to remove it step by step. Beware that ransomware is a threat with highly complex code that is designed to plague not only your files but your whole system. So as recommended by security researchers you need to utilize an advanced anti-malware tool in case that you want to be sure that it’s gone forever. Furthermore, such tool will keep your system protected against devastating threats like GANDCRAB V4 and other kinds of malware that endanger your online security.
After the removal phase, you can proceed to the second phase which aims to show you some of the existing alternative data recovery approaches that may help you to restore a few to all of the encrypted .KRAB files.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
Follow Me:
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for .KRAB Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .KRAB Files 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 .KRAB Files 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 .KRAB Files 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 .KRAB Files Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .KRAB Files 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 .KRAB Files 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.
.KRAB Files Virus-FAQ
What is .KRAB Files Virus Ransomware?
.KRAB Files 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 .KRAB Files 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 .KRAB Files Virus Infect?
Via several ways..KRAB Files 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 .KRAB Files 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 ..KRAB Files Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..KRAB Files 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 ..KRAB Files Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..KRAB Files Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..KRAB Files 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 .KRAB Files 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 .KRAB Files Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..KRAB Files 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 .KRAB Files 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 .KRAB Files Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .KRAB Files 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 .KRAB Files 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.
How do I completely restore my .KRAB extension files to normal stage?.very urgent.. reply me as soon as possible..
Hey Akshay,
Gandcrab ransomware is a threat with very complex code. At this point, there is no evidence of successful attempts of security experts to crack its code. So you could only attempt to use the help of alternative data recovery methods that may restore some of your .KRAB files. Check them out in step two “Restore files encrypted by .KRAB Files Virus” listed in the removal above.
I’m running the decrypt software but it’s just stuck at looking for decryption key.
We have been hit with the krab ransomware. Files are encrypted with a .krab extension. Please help.
Greetings Ken Abare,
Currently, only alternative data recovery approaches provide chances for the restore of .KRAB files. You could find some of them in the guide above. However, keep in mind that they do not guarantee maximum efficiency.
Krab Files – are you able to assist?
Is sending you the infected/encrypted files safe for
both of us?
Thanks
Hey Francis,
For now, all that we could do is to suggest checking the content revealed in the “restore .KRAB files” step listed in our guide. Perhaps some of the methods described there may be effective to some extent.
Saludos, como podria hacer en mi caso, me encuentro en venezuela, y no tengo como pagar para utilizar o comprar la herramienta que han indicado para limpiar mi pc, me podrian sugerir algo para ayudarme por favor
Hi gabi,
Unfortunately, there is no available free decryption solution for Gandcrab ransomware. The moment we spot one we will make an update of our article with a download link for it. For now, we could advise you to consider the use of alternative data recovery approaches some of which are listed in our removal guide. What you should know is that they do not guarantee maximum efficiency for .KRAB files recovery process.
Tengo Unos archivos importantes con Extencion KRAB, que me pueden suguerir pata poder recuperar algo
I am very confused to return the data that has been encrypted by this #grandcrab. Hopefully, the computer experts will immediately release the decryptor. But we have to run with time for data and cannot be silent. What recovery software can restore this encrypted data, please tell me.
Best regards
A decryption tool for this GandCrab version is released. You can read more about it in the corresponding article: sensorstechforum.com/decrypt-gandcrab-ransomware-files
is there way to decrypt KRAB encrypted files ? I don’t think bitdefender Decryption tool is working ! I ran it a couple of times but it can’t seem to decrypt the file.
Inside the Log file generated by the tool it says , No match ! is there any luck with anyone out there in unlocking the encrypted files ! lets share your thoughts
thank you
The tool is reported working by many users, but some of them have the misfortune of it not working for their version. The tool needs 1 encrypted file and its original, non-encrypted quivalent. See detailed instructions in our article: sensorstechforum.com/decrypt-gandcrab-ransomware-files
How can I decrypt krab virus on my pc
Here’s how – check the decryption instructions about it in here: sensorstechforum.com/decrypt-gandcrab-ransomware-files
recovery software only recovered same file with .krab, .crab extension. as eg xxxxx.xls.Crab I need file with .xls only. how can I remove the second extension??
Try following the instructions in the article we have written about the official decryption tool made by BitDefender: sensorstechforum.com/decrypt-gandcrab-ransomware-files
MY ALL TALLY DATA INFECTED KARAB VIROUS
PLS ANY SOLUTION
The available solution that is reported working is BitDefender’s decryptor – find out more about it: sensorstechforum.com/decrypt-gandcrab-ransomware-files
OK HERE IS A QUESTION THAT HAS BEEN BUGGING ME I AM INFECTED WITH 5.0.4 IF I PAY THE 1200 USD THEY SAY THE DECRYPTION KEY WILL DECRYPT MY FIRST ATTACK WHICH WAS VERSION 4 ASWELL EVEN MY HTML DOCUMENTS THAT ARE DROPPED IN EVERY FILE ARE ENCRYPTED
Hey man look, i got gandcrab and i wiped my computer, i kept no old files. After that process i ran the spplication just to make sure that it was gone and it said i was safe but the thing is, in my recovery drive, i saw the gandcrab txt file, does this mean tyat the malware is still on my device but its just hidden? Another thing is my factory reset only got to 48% froze for 3 hours then i turned my computer on and off and it said all personal files were deleted but not everything, and although the scan said i was good, i dont know if because the txt file was in my revovery drive i still have gandcrab.