The article will help you to remove the Kryptonite ransomware completely. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of this article.
Kryptonite ransomware is a virus that is cleverly disguised as the game Snake running in Command Prompt. The virus does not change the extensions of encrypted files, but still locks them, leaving them unopenable. After encryption, a ransom note will be displayed with instructions on how to pay the demanded ransom. Keep on reading and find out what ways you could try to potentially recover some of your files.
Threat Summary
Name | Kryptonite |
Type | Ransomware |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and it shows a ransom note afterward. |
Symptoms | This ransomware virus will encrypt your files and lock them, leaving them unable to be opened. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Kryptonite. |
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. |
Kryptonite Ransomware – Delivery Ways
Kryptonite ransomware could be delivered in more than one way. However, the way that is the most widespread is through a payload dropper. That is a file which initiates the malicious script for the ransomware. Malware samples have been spotted by researchers and you can view one of them, which was sent for analysis on the VirusTotal service, from down here:
Kryptonite ransomware could be using other ways to deliver the payload file, like social media and sites for file-sharing. Freeware applications located on the Web could be promoted as being useful, but could also hide the malicious script for the virus. Before opening any files after you have downloaded them, you should first scan them with a security tool. Especially if they come from suspicious places, such as emails or links. Also, don’t forget to check the size and signatures of such files for anything that seems out of place. You should read the ransomware prevention tips provided in the forum.
Kryptonite Ransomware – Detailed Analysis
The Kryptonite ransomware is a cryptovirus, which has been disguised as a Command Prompt variant of the famous Snake game as shown in the picture:
When the Kryptonite ransomware encrypts your files you will notice a file that is a ransom note containing instructions on how you might get your files recovered.
Kryptonite could be set to make new registry entries in the Windows Registry to achieve a higher level of persistence. Those entries are usually designed in a way that will start the virus automatically with every launch of the Windows Operating System, like in the example down below:
→“HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run”
The ransom note is in a file called “Ransom Note.txt“. Besides the text file a copy of the note with a more concise message is displayed as a picture, too:
Below you can read what the text on that image is:
ATTENTION
All your files, images, vidoes and databases have been encrypted with an RSA-2048 private and unique key generated for this computer stored on a secret server.
Original files have been over written, recovery tools will not help.
Don’t worry!! We could help you restore your files but it will cost you 500$
Follow the instructions on ‘Ransome Note.txt’ file on your desktop.
After payment is confirmed, use the Decryptor program to restore yor files.
If you care about your files, DO NOT TRY TO GET RID OF THIS PROGRAM!!
Any actions to do so will result in decryption key being destroyed, and you will loose your files forever!
Three variants of the ransom note exist. Down here you can preview them:
1.
Kryptonite RANSOMWARE
All your important files are encrypted
Your files has been encrypted using RSA2048 algorithm with unique public – key stored on your PC.
There is only one way to restore your files : Contact with us, Pay 500$ and get your files back.
To Do that you must have a connection to the internet and disable your firewall.
Run getMyId.exe to get your ID, then go to https://adsgoogle.eastus2.cloudapp.azure.com:27030/
This is a secured web-site for monetary transactions.
After a successful transaction, disable your Anti-Virus and Firewall and run decryptMyFiles.exe as administrator.
2.
Kryptonite RANSOMWARE
All your important files are encrypted
Your files has been encrypted using RSA2048 algorithm with unique public – key stored on your PC.
There is only one way to restore your files : Contact with us, Pay 500$ and get your files back.
To pay us go to https://adsgoogle.eastus2.cloudapp.azure.com:27030/
This is a secured web-site for monetary transactions.
In order to make the transactions you will need the below ID.
After a successful transaction, disable your Anti-Virus and Firewall and run decryptMyFiles.exe as administrator.
You can download the Decryptor from https://s3.amazonaws.com/adsgoogle/Decrypt/decryptor.exe
Your ID:
3.
Kryptonite RANSOMWARE
All your important files are encrypted
Your files has been encrypted using RSA2048 algorithm with unique public – key stored on your PC.
There is only one way to restore your files : Contact with us, Pay 500$ and get your files back.
To pay us go to https://adsgoogle.eastus2.cloudapp.azure.com:27030/
This is a secured web-site for monetary transactions.
In order to make the transactions you will need the below ID.
After a successful transaction, disable your Anti-Virus and Firewall and run decryptMyFiles.exe as administrator.
Your ID:
The ransom sum that is demanded as payment for allegedly restoring your files is currently 500 US dollars. No matter what sum of money is asked from you, you shouldn’t in any case consider paying the cybercriminals. Paying these crooks can motivate them to continue committing similar crimes as extorting people online.
You can preview one of the URLs given as a payment page for this ransomware from the screenshot below:
The above image and URLs of the payment page are provided in the article solely for informational purposes.
Kryptonite Ransomware – Encryption Process
No official list exists, with file extensions that the Kryptonite ransomware seeks to encrypt. This article will be duly updated if such a list is discovered. However, all files which get encrypted do not have their extensions changed. Alas the files are still scrambled and unusable.
Kryptonite is highly likely to erase the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows Operating System by executing the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
In case the above-stated command is executed in the Command Prompt of the Windows OS, that will make the encryption process more effective, as one of the ways for file recovery will be gone. That command’s execution is not hard as the virus poses as Command Prompt variant of the game “Snaked” as mentioned before. That means that the virus already has access and uses CMD. Keep reading to find out what methods you can try out to potentially restore some of your files.
Remove Kryptonite Ransomware and Restore Files
If your computer got infected with the Kryptonite ransomware virus, 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.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Kryptonite with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Kryptonite 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 Kryptonite 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 Kryptonite 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 Kryptonite
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Kryptonite.
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 Kryptonite 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.
Kryptonite-FAQ
What is Kryptonite Ransomware?
Kryptonite 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 Kryptonite 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 Kryptonite Infect?
Via several ways.Kryptonite 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 Kryptonite 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 .Kryptonite files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Kryptonite 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 .Kryptonite files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Kryptonite" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Kryptonite 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 Kryptonite 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 Kryptonite ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Kryptonite 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 Kryptonite 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 Kryptonite Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Kryptonite 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 Kryptonite 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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- Always check "About Us" web page.
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