KCWTT Ransomware Virus
KCWTT virus is popular among users name of a ransomware infection based on the CONTI family threats. As far as we know this ransomware virus has already been released in several variants all of which have managed to somehow infect PCs and lock personal files. This KCWTT ransomware is developed to obtain access to computer operating systems unnoticeably and then corrupt essential settings and files. After it encodes target files, it will leave a ransom note file that will try to blackmail victims into paying a ransom fee for .KCWTT files recovery. The process of encrypting files will make them unopenable until their code is reverted back to the original state.
Read this article to learn more about the KCWTT virus and how you can remove this infection from your computer.
KCWTT Summary
| Name | KCWTT |
| File Extension | .KCWTT |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | A Conti ransomware strain that will encrypt your files by appending the .KCWTT extension to them. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | readme.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware or other threats. Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss KCWTT. |
KCWTT Virus Ransomware – Description
KCWTT virus is spread via popular means of distribution utilized for most ransomware infections nowadays. For example, it may be send as a file by e-mail, it may appear as if it is an:
- Order receipt.
- Invoice.
- Plane ticket.
- Document from a bank.
Once the victim downloads and runs the file, thinking it is a document, infection with the virus is inevitable. The main purpose of this malicious software is to extort a ransom fee from its victims. So it infects computers, locks personal files and drops a specially crafted ransom message.
The ransomware is likely to scan for commonly used types of files as they usually store valualbe information. Then it will encrypt them. The KCWTT virus may use sophisticated cipher alorithm to encrypt and mark the following files with the extension .KCWTT:
- Photos.
- Songs.
- Videos.
- Archives.
- Documents of all types.
- Databases.
- Backup files.
If you end up encountering KCWTT virus, then it is not advisable to pay the ransom. The main reason for that is you cannot trust or support the activity of those criminals and succumbing to their plan is generally not a good idea.
Remove KCWTT Virus and Try to Restore Files
KCWTT virus can be removed from your computer if you follow the removal instructions that are posted underneath this article. They are created to help you get rid of this ransomware step by step and then focus on the file recovery. For best results, experts recommend that you download and run a scan with an advanced malware removal software, which will help your computer delete this nasty infection, and all of its related files and objects from your computer automatically. Such software will also help protect your computer since it has the necessary real-time protection up all the time.
If you want to recover files, encrypted by KCWTT, we suggest that you back them up first, and then try the alternative methods for file recovery underneath. They are not a 100% guarantee to recover all of your files, but with their help, you will surely be able to restore at least some of your files, at least until a decryptor is released. When this happens, we will update this article, so make sure to follow us and commend us in the sensorstechforum.com’s comment sections underneath the article.
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.
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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.
How to Remove KCWTT from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove KCWTT
Step 2: Uninstall KCWTT 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by KCWTT 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 KCWTT 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: Scan for KCWTT with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by KCWTT.
Ransomware infections and KCWTT 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of KCWTT from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall KCWTT 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:
- 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 KCWTT 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:
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 KCWTT.
Ransomware infections and KCWTT 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
KCWTT FAQ
What is KCWTT ransomware and how does it work?
KCWTT 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 KCWTT ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.KCWTT 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 KCWTT 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 .KCWTT files?
You can't. At this point the .KCWTT 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 .KCWTT files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by KCWTT 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 ".KCWTT" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .KCWTT 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 KCWTT 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 KCWTT ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .KCWTT files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like KCWTT 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.
