A new HiddenTear crypto-virus variant, named Korean ransomware, was discovered in the wild. Its ransom note is written in Korean, thus it is believed to be mainly targeting Korea, but it is not excluded for other users across the globe to become its victims. The Korean ransomware will encrypt your files and add the .암호화됨 extension to them. Read the article to the end to see how you can remove the ransomware and possibly decrypt your files.
Threat Summary
| Name | Korean Ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts all your important files and displays a ransom message, giving out details about the ransom payment. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt files with the .암호화됨 extension and append them to every file. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, File Sharing Networks |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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| 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. |
Korean Ransomware – Infection Spread
Korean ransomware could be utilizing targeted attacks for the infection of computers, and victims are probably mainly of Korean origin. Other methods for spreading the infection could exist, as well. It might also be spread in other ways, and it depends on what the cyber crooks do about it. There could be spam emails, which deliver letters with malicious attachments; some software or a website which is not updated having an exploit kit using that vulnerability as an entry point, etc. Even Social media networks or services for file-sharing could be used. Be extremely careful with your online actions and refrain from interacting with dubious emails, links, websites or files.
Korean Ransomware – Technical Details
Korean ransomware is based on the HiddenTear project. It is called that because its ransom note is in the Korean language and targets mainly users who speak that language. This does not exclude the possibility for other people to become victims of this crypto-virus.
The ransomware might make the following entry in the Windows Registry:
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
If that entry is indeed made, the ransomware will maintain persistence and launch with each start of the Windows Operating System.
After the Korean ransomware encrypts a user’s files it will create the file ReadMe.txt which is a ransom message, written in Korean. You can preview it here:
The text inside it reads:
당신 의 파일 이 암호화 되었습니다. zMUTnnIOp / Ns & 3G [Password]
A rough English translation of that ransom message will look somewhat like this:
Your files have been encrypted. zMUTnnIOp / Ns & 3G [Password]
But that is not all – there is another file, which is the actual ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom. The file is a picture and is put on your desktop, so you see it. Here it is:
From the tweet of Michael Gillespie mentioned earlier, we find out that the website used for a decryption service is in actuality that of CrypMIC ransomware. You can see a picture of the website down here:
The website has not stopped being active for more than two months, and the cyber criminals have probably amassed lots of money from their victims. The owners of the Korean ransomware could be affiliates or partners of the ones who created CrypMIC or virtually be the same people.
That is not important, because whatever the case is, you should not pay them. No guarantee is there that you will get your files decrypted, nor that the crooks will answer you. In the case that the owners of the two ransomware viruses are different, it might create a mess and a discrepancy between the encryption and decryption processes.
→.png, .xls, .xlsx, .doc, .docx, .ppt, .pptx, .psd, .svg, .bak, .db, .txt, .rar, .zip, .jpeg, .jpg, .pdf, .sql
The above list is with file extensions which are still what people use on a daily basis for saving their important data, so it is probably those files that will 100% get encrypted. Files will get encrypted with the .암호화됨 extension, and in English that extension would translate exactly to “encrypted”.
Korean ransomware is not known if it deletes the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows Operating System, but it is very likely to do that.
Remove Korean Ransomware and Restore .암호화됨 Encrypted Files
If your computer system got infected with the Korean ransomware, you should have some experience in malware removal. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it encrypts other files and spreads deeper in your used network. The recommended action for you to remove the ransomware effectively by following the step-by-step instructions manual provided down below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Korean Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Korean 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Korean 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 Korean Ransomware 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 Korean Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Korean 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 Korean 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.
Korean Ransomware-FAQ
What is Korean Ransomware Ransomware?
Korean 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 Korean 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 Korean Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.Korean 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 Korean 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 .Korean Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Korean 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 .Korean Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Korean Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Korean 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 Korean 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 Korean Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Korean 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 Korean 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 Korean Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Korean 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 Korean 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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