This article has been created to help explain what is KRAKEN CRYPTOR ransomware virus and how you can effectively remove it from your computer plus how you can restore files, encrypted with the Lock.onion file extension added to them.
A new ransomware variant has recently been uncovered by security researchers, and it seems to call itself KRAKEN CRYPTOR. The ransomware virus aims to leave behind the encrypted files on the computer it infects in a renamed variant that gives them the number and adds the Lock.onion suffix, for example 0000001-Lock.onion. According to the reputable malware researcher Jakub Kroustek, the ransomware seems to be a new variant and it extorts victims into paying a large amount of money in BitCoin. If your computer has been infected by KRAKEN CRYPTOR, we recommend that you read this article thoroughly as it will show you how you can remove this ransomware and hopefully restore as many files encrypted by it as possible.
Threat Summary
| Name | KRAKEN CRYPTOR |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Aims to encrypt the files on the victims’ computers and makes them unrecognizable and no longer usable until the victim pays ransom in BitCoin. |
| Symptoms | Files are completely renamed with the added Lock.onion suffix and a ransom note is dropped, called #How to Decrypt Files.txt. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss KRAKEN CRYPTOR. |
| 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. |
KRAKEN CRYPTOR – Update October 2018
October 2018 brings news around KRAKEN CRYPTOR. As this RaaS (Ransomware as a Service) is actively being distributed by affiliates, the current one responsible for the delivery of the virus is the Fallout Exploit kit. Fallout EK used to spread GandCrab, and leverage CVE-2018-4878, CVE-2018-8174 vulnerabilities. It seems that the ransomware that is being pushed from the exploit kit is ever changing.
KRAKEN CRYPTOR – Infection Methods
Many do believe that KRAKEN CRYPTOR is made by the same people behind Kraken Ransomware, which was detected a while back, but it seems to have little in common with the virus as researchers do believe that the code is new. Either way, this dangerous malware string may find its way into your computer as a result of you having to open a malicious e-mail attachment sent to you. Such attachments may be directly added to the e-mail as a seemingly important document, for example:
- Invoice.
- Purchase receipt.
- Banking letter.
- Activity report.
The attachment may also beadded in the form of a web link, like the spam e-mail scenario examples below show:
“Dear { Your Name }
There is suspicious activity on your bank account. “
(Scenario 1)
“Please visit the following web link to verify your information: “
{ malicious URL }
(Scenario 2)
“For more information on your transaction history, please view the attachment on this e-mail.”
After the user clicks on the web link or downloads and runs the attachment file, the infection may commence. The malicious files that you should be careful if you are not sure what to look for often are from the following file types:
→ .jse, .js, .wsf, .bat, .hta, .html, .htm, .vbs
The KRAKEN ENCRYPTOR may also infect your computer by adding fake Microsoft Office documents to it that contain malicious macros and may infect your machine in the following chain of activities:
KRAKEN CRYPTOR Ransomware – Activity Report
Once you have become infected with KRAKEN CRYPTOR, researchers have detected that the ransomware virus may drop the following file detection on your computer:
→ Name: Kraken.exe
SHA-256: 528e4d24c18160b6bdd73c9a612d38a78fc58bd40c8ab415973a94429b321dfc
Size:94 KB
Among the files dropped by the KRAKEN CRYPTOR is it’s ransom note, whose main purpose is to lead you into paying a hefty ransom fee to the cyber extortionists. The ransom note is called #How to Decrypt Files.txt and has the following message to victims:
Pic
Text from Image:
What happened to my computer?
All of your files such as documents. images. videos and other files with the different names and extensions are encrypted by “KRAKEN CRYPTOR”!
The speed, power and complexity of this encryption have been high and if you are now viewing this guide.It means that “KRAKEN CRYPTOR” immediately removed form your system!
No way to recovery your files without “KRAKEN DECRYPTOR” software and your computer “UNIQUE KEY”!
You need to buy it rom us because only we can help you!
what the mean is encryption?
In cryptography. encryption is the process of encoding a message or information in such a way that only authorized parties can access it.
And t ose who are not authorized cannot.How can recover my files?
we guarantee that you can recover all your files soon safely.
You can decrypt one of your encrypted smaller file for free in the first contact wfith us.
For the decryption serv ce, we a so need your “KRAKEN ENCRYPTED UNIQUE KEY” you can see this in the top!
Are you want to decrypt all of your encrypted files? if yes! You need to pay for decryption service to us!
After your payment made. all of your encrypted files has been decrypted.
How much is need to pay?
You need to pay (0.125 BTC), payment only can made as Bitcoins.
This links help you to understand whats s a Bitcoins and how it work:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/sitcoins
How to obtain Bitcoins?
The easiest way to buy Bitcoins is LocalBitcoins website.
You must register on this site and click “BUY Bitcoins” then choose your country to find sellers and their prices.
https://localsitcoins.com/buy_aitcoinsOther places to buy Bitcoins in exchange for other currencies:
https://Bitcoins.org/en/exchanges
The Kraken.exe file may be accompanied with other files of this type, that may have the same or similar names. These files are often known as modules and they aim to perform different malicious functions in the ransomware’s infection acitivity.
One of those functions is to modify the Windows Registry Editor of your machine by adding various malicious registry sub-key values into the Run and RunOnce sub-keys that have the following locations:
→ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
In addition to this, the KRAKEN CRYPTOR ransomware virus may execute different commands as an administrator on your computer in order to disable Windows Recovery and delete the backed up files and shadow copies from your computer. The commands may be the following:
→ 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
KRAKEN CRYPTOR – Encryption Process
To encrypt the files on your computer, KRAKEN CRYPTOR first has to find them. The virus has a pre-configured method by which it scans your PC for the files that you use very often, such as:
- Videos.
- Documents.
- Images.
- Archives.
- Audio files.
- Virtual Drives.
- Databases.
The virus also adds severa Windows folders to it’s whitelist so that it does not encrypt files in them and hence prevents your OS from being damaged by it. Other than that all other files are comletely renamed with a number, making them look like the following:
Remove KRAKEN CRYPTOR and Restore Lock.onion Encrypted Files
If you want to fully and effectively remove this ransomware virus from your computer, we suggest that you follow the manual or automatic removal instructions below. Bear in mind tha this virus is a sophisticated type of threat and it’s removal should be done only if you have experience, because an unproper removal may leave the ransomware still on your PC and your files may also be permanently damaged. This is why, for maximum effectiveness experts often recommend turning to advanced anti-malware software. Downloading and running a scan with such a program will make sure that your KRAKEN CRYPTOR and other malware and unwanted software residing on your PC is fully removed and your Windows machine remains protected against any future infections as well.
If you are looking for a way to restore files that have been encrypted on your computer with the Lock.onion file extension, we would suggest that you try out the alternative file recovery methods in step “2. Restore files, encrypted by KRAKEN CRYPTOR”. They may not be 100% solution, but they are much better than paying the actual ransom to crooks who may just run away with the money.
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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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
About the KRAKEN CRYPTOR Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this KRAKEN CRYPTOR 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 KRAKEN CRYPTOR 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.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
- Guide 1: How to Remove KRAKEN CRYPTOR from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of KRAKEN CRYPTOR from Mac OS X.
How to Remove KRAKEN CRYPTOR from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove KRAKEN CRYPTOR
1. Hold Windows Key + R.
2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Uninstall KRAKEN CRYPTOR and related software 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:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by KRAKEN CRYPTOR 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 KRAKEN CRYPTOR there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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: Scan for KRAKEN CRYPTOR with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by KRAKEN CRYPTOR.
Ransomware infections and KRAKEN CRYPTOR 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of KRAKEN CRYPTOR from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall KRAKEN CRYPTOR and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to KRAKEN CRYPTOR:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to KRAKEN CRYPTOR. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash
”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to KRAKEN CRYPTOR. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove KRAKEN CRYPTOR via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as KRAKEN CRYPTOR. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by KRAKEN CRYPTOR.
Ransomware infections and KRAKEN CRYPTOR 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
KRAKEN CRYPTOR FAQ
What is KRAKEN CRYPTOR ransomware and how does it work?
KRAKEN CRYPTOR 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 algorithm how 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.
How does KRAKEN CRYPTOR ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.KRAKEN CRYPTOR Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of KRAKEN CRYPTOR 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 .KRAKEN CRYPTOR files?
You can't. At this point the .KRAKEN CRYPTOR files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .KRAKEN CRYPTOR files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by KRAKEN CRYPTOR ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".KRAKEN CRYPTOR" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .KRAKEN CRYPTOR files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of KRAKEN CRYPTOR ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate KRAKEN CRYPTOR ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .KRAKEN CRYPTOR files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like KRAKEN CRYPTOR ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.
