Kangaroo ransomware is a variant of the Apocalypse virus. That extension appended to files which are locked by it is .crypted_file. The AES algorithm is utilized for the encryption process. The Esmeralda ransomware seems to be an intermediate variant related to the above-mentioned viruses. To see how to remove Kangaroo ransomware and how you can try to restore your files, read the article carefully.
Threat Summary
Name | Kangaroo Ransomware |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts your files and then displays a ransom note with demand instructions. |
Symptoms | Your files will become encrypted and cannot be accessed. The .crypted_file extension will be put as an appendix to all of them. |
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 Kangaroo Ransomware. |
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. |
Kangaroo Ransomware – Delivery
The Kangaroo ransomware can infiltrate your computer machine in some ways. The payload file could be spreading through spam e-mails. Spam mail is made to sound urgent and try to trick you into opening its attached file. If you rush to see what the letter is all about and seek some resolution on the matter that is presented, you might open the file. Malicious content found inside the file will encrypt your computer machine. The payload file can be a Trojan horse hidden inside an executable. You can see an example of such a detection on the VirusTotal website:
Kangaroo ransomware might infect your device using more methods. The developers of the ransomware could deliver the files through social media networks and file-sharing websites. The malicious file could be hosted on one such platform with the aim of infecting more PCs. Refrain from opening unknown links and files from dubious sources. Before you think of opening files, scan them with a security application and check their signature and size. You should read the ransomware prevention tips in the corresponding forum topic.
Kangaroo Ransomware – Description
Kangaroo is now the latest malware strain related to the Apocalypse ransomware and Esmeralda ransomware.
It will encrypt your files and then place the extension .crypted_file to every one of them. Instructions with the demands will be written in a text file and also launched as a ransom message on a screen after the encryption process is complete.
After the Kangaroo ransomware executes its payload, it can create entries inside the Windows Registry for achieving persistence. Those registry entries are created to make the virus start automatically with every boot of the Windows operating system. Then, your files become encrypted, and the ransom note displays on your desktop screen. The ransom message is inside a file called Instructions_Data_Recovery.txt.
You can see the ransom message from the below snapshot:
The message reads the following:
Windows has encountered a critical problem and needs your immediate action to recover your data. The system access is locked, and all the data have been encrypted to avoid the information be published or misused. You will not be able to access to your files and ignoring this message may cause the total loss of data. We are sorry for the inconvenience.
You have to contact the email below along with your Personal Identification ID to restore the data of your system.
Your Personal Identification ID: 2F5BD40FDE
Email: kangarooencryption@mail.ru
You will have to order the Unlock-Password and the Kangaroo Decryption Software. All the instructions will be sent to you by email.
There appears to be another version using the superfabianwosar@mail.ru email address. This could somehow be related to the Philadelphia ransomware as it seems that is another bad joke targeted at the highly respected malware researcher Fabian Wosar.
No further instructions are given unless you contact the email address and write to the cybercriminals. Do NOT contact the criminals or pay, in any case. No one can guarantee you that by paying you will get your data restored. Adding to that the cybercriminals will probably invest the money in other ransomware viruses or more criminal activities.
The Kangaroo ransomware encrypts files while appending the .crypted_file extension to them. The encryption process uses the AES encryption algorithm according to malware researchers.
The Kangaroo cryptovirus is highly likely to erase the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system by using the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
Read below to see what methods you can try to possibly restore your data, at least partially.
Remove Kangaroo Virus and Restore .crypted_file Data
If your computer got infected with the Kangaroo ransomware virus, you should have some experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as fast as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect more computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide given below. To see ways that you can try to recover your data, see the step titled 2. Restore files encrypted by Kangaroo Ransomware.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Kangaroo Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Kangaroo Ransomware 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 Kangaroo Ransomware 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 Kangaroo Ransomware 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 Kangaroo Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Kangaroo Ransomware.
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 Kangaroo Ransomware 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.
Kangaroo Ransomware-FAQ
What is Kangaroo Ransomware Ransomware?
Kangaroo Ransomware 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 Kangaroo Ransomware 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 Kangaroo Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.Kangaroo Ransomware 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 Kangaroo Ransomware 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 .Kangaroo Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Kangaroo Ransomware 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 .Kangaroo Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Kangaroo Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Kangaroo Ransomware 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 Kangaroo Ransomware 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 Kangaroo Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Kangaroo Ransomware 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 Kangaroo Ransomware 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 Kangaroo Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Kangaroo Ransomware 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 Kangaroo Ransomware 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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