This article has been created with the main goal of helping you by showing you how you can remove the .kvllyatprotonmaildotch files virus from your computer and how to restore files encrypted by it.
Yet another ransomware virus has been detected by cybersec experts. The ransomware is likely by someone with the nickname KVLLY, since he or she uses this in the ransom note. The virus aims to encrypt the files on the computers that have been infected by it and then adds the .kvllyatprotonmaildotch file extension to the files themselves. The ransomware then may then drop a ransom note file, called READ_TO_DECRYPT.html. In the ransom note, there are instructions to send 0.02 BTC to the wallet of the cyber-criminal. If your computer has been affected by the .kvllyatprotonmaildotch files virus, you should read the following article to understand more about it and how you can remove it from your PC.
Threat Summary
| Name | .kvllyatprotonmaildotch |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Aims to encrypt the files on the computers compromised by it and then ask for a ransom to be paid in 0.02 BTC. |
| Symptoms | Files are no longer able to be opened and have the .kvllyatprotonmaildotch file extension added to them. A ransom note file, called READ_TO_DECRYPT.html. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| 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 .kvllyatprotonmaildotch. |
| 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. |
.kvllyatprotonmaildotch File Ransomware – Distribution
The primary method by which the .kvllyatprotonmaildotch files virus may land on your computer is believed to be via a malicious infection file. This file could be a dropper, a Trojan.Downloader virus and it can even be a JavaScript which aims to download the payload while being obfuscated. Obfuscation plays a critical role in the infection process of .kvllyatprotonmaildotch and any other ransomware virus mainly because it’s main goal is to get users to download and run the file and when ran, the file must be able to evade any antivirus software.
This is why the crooks may mask the file as an e-mail attachment which seems to be of an important nature, like the example e-mail below shows:
The most often imitated types of files include invoices, banking documents, order receipts and cyber-criminals even use the names of big companies for the infection process, like PayPal, DHL, LinkedIn and others with the main goal of making the virus attachment seem more trustworthy.
Besides via e-mail, the crooks who are behind the .kvllyatprotonmaildotch file ransomware may also attack your computer by uploading the file online on suspicious websites. If uploaded, the files often pretend to be:
- Game or program cracks.
- Patches.
- Setups.
- Key generators.
- Software license activators.
- Portable versions of programs or games.
.kvllyatprotonmaildotch Files Virus – More Information and Activity
After the .kvllyatprotonmaildotch ransomware virus has already infected your computer, the payload files may be dropped in the following Windows directories:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%.
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
After the payload of this virus has been dropped. The ransomware may start to modify key elements of the operating system, including to create mutexes, execute functions and system calls as an administrator and obtain privileges as such. Once acting as the administrator on your computer, the .kvllyatprotonmaildotch file ransomware may then modify the Windows Registry Edtior, which is a typical action for most ransomware viruses. The .kvllyatprotonmaildotch ransomware may attack the Run and RunOnce registry sub-keys, that are responsible for auto-running programs on system login. The virus does this by adding system value strings with parameters that point to the actual location of the malicious file, responsible for your headaches. The Run and RunOnce keys are located in the following sub-keys:
•HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
•HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Having done that, the .kvllyatprotonmaildotch files virus may also modify the Windows Shadow copies by executing the following commands in the 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
Furthermore, among the files dropped by the ransomware is also it’s ransom note file, aimed at making sure the user knows what is going on. The ransom note file is named READ_TO_DECRYPT.html and it has the following extortion message:
YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED USING A
STRONG AES-256 ALGORITHM.YOUR IDENTIFICATION IS
SEND 0.02 BTC TO THE FOLLOWING WALLET
1Lqe4XsfHBQ2YtA91k9nTWJWNev4JkPXqoAND AFTER PAY CONTACT kvlly@protonmail.ch
SENDING YOUR IDENTIFICATION TO RECOVER
THE KEY NECESSARY TO DECRYPT YOUR FILES
IF YOU CAN’T PAY WITH BTC EMAIL ME, AND MAYBE WE CAN WORK SOMETHING OUT!
ALSO I CAN HELP YOU SECURE YOUR SERVER SO YOU DONT GET HACEKD ANYMORE!
GREETINGS,KVLLY!
If you start seeing this note to be created on one or more folders of your computer, you should immediately shut down your computer, because seeing it, means that the virus has started the encryption process.
.kvllyatprotonmaildotch Virus – Encryption
When it comes to encrypting your files, the .kvllyatprotonmaildotch files virus does not just encode any file. The ransomware’s main goal is for you to pay the ransom after all, and this is why it white lists system folders, like %System32%, %Windows%, %ProgramData% and other directories that might obstruct you from using your computer as you normally would. But other than that, the .kvllyatprotonmaildotch virus scans for the most often used documents, images, archives, audio files and other files of importance and looks for them based on their files types. So far, the .kvllyatprotonmaildotch virus is believed to look for 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”
The .kvllyatprotonmaildotch file ransomware is believed to use the Advanced Encryption Standard enciphering mode, which is also known as AES. It claims to use it in a AES-256 bit strenght which means that the encryption takes 256 bits to decode. The file eextension .kvllyatprotonmaildotch is added after encryption, which is basically the e-mail of the hacker. The files may begin to appear like the following:
Given that the AES-256 is one of the most sophisticated encryption modes, the only chance of decrypting the files directly is if the virus has a flaw and cyber-security researchers make a breakthrough. But do not despair, because not all is lost. Keep reading this article to see some alternative methods by which you could recover at least some of your data.
How to Remove .kvllyatprotonmaildotch Ransomware and Restore Your Files
If you want the .kvllyatprotonmaildotch files virus gone from your computer, then you are welcome to try the removal instructions down below. If manual removal does not work, be advised that security experts strongly recommend to download and run a scan of your PC, using an advanced anti-malware software. Such program is able to securely remove .kvllyatprotonmaildotch and all other threats from your computer, while ensuring that it remains protected against threats In the future.
If you want to recover files, encrypted by the .kvllyatprotonmaildotch ransomware, we have summed up several alternative methods which you can give a shot of down below. They may not be a 100% effective solution, but with their goal, you might be able to decode at least some of the files. Be advised, before trying these methods that you do it on your own risk and you should backup the encrypted files on another drive before trying to decode them yourself.
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 .kvllyatprotonmaildotch with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .kvllyatprotonmaildotch 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 .kvllyatprotonmaildotch 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 .kvllyatprotonmaildotch 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 .kvllyatprotonmaildotch
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .kvllyatprotonmaildotch.
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 .kvllyatprotonmaildotch 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.
.kvllyatprotonmaildotch-FAQ
What is .kvllyatprotonmaildotch Ransomware?
.kvllyatprotonmaildotch 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 .kvllyatprotonmaildotch 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 .kvllyatprotonmaildotch Infect?
Via several ways..kvllyatprotonmaildotch 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 .kvllyatprotonmaildotch 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 ..kvllyatprotonmaildotch files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..kvllyatprotonmaildotch 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 ..kvllyatprotonmaildotch files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..kvllyatprotonmaildotch" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..kvllyatprotonmaildotch 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 .kvllyatprotonmaildotch 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 .kvllyatprotonmaildotch ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..kvllyatprotonmaildotch 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 .kvllyatprotonmaildotch 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 .kvllyatprotonmaildotch Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .kvllyatprotonmaildotch 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 .kvllyatprotonmaildotch 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.