This article has been created to help explain what is the .kropun file extension variant of Stop ransomware and how you can remove it plus try to get your files back.
STOP ransomware keeps surprising users with more and more versions. One such version is the one, using the .kropun file suffix. The .kropun STOP virus aims to make the files on your computer not readable and you cannot open them. The malware is a variant of the STOP Ransomware family of viruses – a nasty malicious program that does this because the people behind it want you to pay ransom in the form of BitCoins, which is highly inadvisable. If your computer has been infected by the .kropun version of STOP ransomware, we recommend that you read this article thoroughly.
Threat Summary
| Name | .kropun STOP Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Created to encrypt valuable files stored on compromised computers and afterward urges victims to pay ransom. |
| Symptoms | Files are encrypted and renamed with the .kropun file extension. A ransom note file called _readme.txt is dropped and loaded on screen to extort ransom payment. |
| 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 .kropun STOP Virus. |
| 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. |
.kropun Stop Ransomware – Distribution
The .kropun variant of STOP ransomware may infect a computer via more than one ways. For starters, the virus may comrpomise machines via a malicious web link, whose primary purpose is to inject an automated JavaScript code, that may download the payload of this virus onto the compromised computers by it.
The .kropun ransomware may use other means of distribution as well, such as spread its infection file as an e-mail attachment over the mail. Such e-mails aim to convince users to download and run the attachment and they often portray it as a “must see” document that is very important. Often, the subjects of the e-mail are similar to the examples below:
- “Your payment invoice.”
- “Your order has been revoked.”
- “Your bank receipt.”
- “Your PayPal invoice.”
- “Problem with your visa/mastercard.”
The attachment themselves may either be a .js or other type of file in an archive or they may be a .docx or .pdf file with embedded malcious macros. The latter two trigger infection when you enable their content.
Another mean of distribution used by the .kropun files virus is to come to your computer as a result of being directly uploaded on a suspicious site, where they might seem as If they are exactly what you are trying to download, like:
- Crack for a program.
- Keygen.
- Patch.
- Installer.
- Portable program.
- License activator for Windows or Microsoft Office.
.kropun STOP Ransomware – Activity
Once an infection with the .kropun version of STOP ransomware has occurred, the virus may drop its ransom note file on several Windows directories on the infected computer:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %Roaming%
- %ProgramData%
- %LocalLow%
Shortly after this has been done, the ransomware virus may start to create multiple different types of files and those include its ransom note, that has the following message to victims:
———————————————- ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED ———————————————–
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files documents, photos, databases and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees do we give to you?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information
Don’t try to use third-party decrypt tools because it will destroy your files.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours.
—————————————————————————————————————————
To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
blower@firemail.cc
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
blower@firemail.cc
Your personal ID:
[redacted 43 alphanumeric chars]
In addition to the ransom note, the .kropun Virus may also edit the following reigstry sub-keys by adding value strings in them which open files automatically when you start Windows:
→ 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
Furthermore, the .kropun ransomware may also perform other actions, like delete the shadow copy files from the victim PC as well as disable Windows Recovery. These actions are done by the .kropun ransomware so that you cannot recover your files with the help of Windows backup services. To do them, the .kropun Ransomware may execute a script that enters commands similar to the ones below as an administrator in 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
From the latest information which we have received, the virus has been listed as a RaaS (ransomware-as-a-service), which means that crooks pay the official ransomware developers to spread the virus in their own variant and hence infect computer and what the “investor” gets is the profit from the ransom, while the crooks take percentage of it for developing and managing the infection and ransom services.
.kropun Ransomware –
Encryption Process
To encrypt files, .kropun Ransomware may use an AES-256 encryption cipher. This algorithm is known as Advanced EncryptionStandard and is usually used by the government agenices to encode sensitive information. The cipher generates assymetric key which corresponds to a master key that is only known by the crooks. To encrypt files, the .kropun ransomware may first check your computer for the file types that should be encrypted. These files are usually documents, videos, images, videos, archives, music files and other often used files that may be important for you. The ransomware scans them based on their file extensions, for example it may have a pre-configured list of extensions to scan for, like the one below:
→ “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”
When the .kropun ransomware manages to encrypt the files on the computers it has already infected, the virus may immediately set its .kropun extension to them and the files start to appear like the following:
Remove .kropun Files Virus and Attempt to Restore Data
Before actually removing the .kropun variant of STOP ransomware, we strongly recommend that you backup your files. This can happen safely via creating a Windows image or via copying your hard drive data to another drive.
To remove .kropun files ransomware, we strongly recommend that you follow the removal instructions posted underneath. They are made to help you delete the virus files of .kropun ransomware either manually or automatically. If the first two manual steps do not seem to work or you feel unconfident in removing this ransomware manually, then we reccomend that you remove it automatically by downloading an advanced anti-malware software to perform a scan and detect and eliminate all .kropun virus files for you.
If you want to try and get your data back, we strongly suggest that you see the alternative steps in the “Try to restore” paragraph underneath. They may not be 100% effective, but with their help, you might just be able to get at least some of your data back
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 .kropun STOP Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .kropun STOP Virus 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 .kropun STOP Virus 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 .kropun STOP Virus 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 .kropun STOP Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .kropun STOP Virus.
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 .kropun STOP Virus 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.
.kropun STOP Virus-FAQ
What is .kropun STOP Virus Ransomware?
.kropun STOP Virus 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 .kropun STOP Virus 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 .kropun STOP Virus Infect?
Via several ways..kropun STOP Virus 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 .kropun STOP Virus 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 ..kropun STOP Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..kropun STOP Virus 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 ..kropun STOP Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..kropun STOP Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..kropun STOP Virus 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 .kropun STOP Virus 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 .kropun STOP Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..kropun STOP Virus 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 .kropun STOP Virus 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 .kropun STOP Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .kropun STOP Virus 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 .kropun STOP Virus 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.
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