The newest Matrix virus sample has been uncovered in a new attack campaign encrypting target user data with the .KOK8 extension. The continued attacks showcase that interest in this ransomware continues. Our article provides an overview of the virus operations and it also may be helpful in attempting to remove the virus.
Threat Summary
| Name | Matrix virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts sensitive information on your computer system with the .KOK8 extension and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files with a strong encryption algorithm. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Matrix 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. |
Matrix Virus – Distribution Ways
A new sample of the Matrix ransomware family has been spotted which encrypts target files with the .KOK8 extension. We presume that like previous Matrix ransomware strains it also makes use of the typical distribution tactics.
The ongoing attack campaigns make use of SPAM email campaigns. They usually contain malicious social engineering elements that coerce the victim users into interacting with virus code. Executable files can be directly attached to the email messages or linked in their body contents.
The criminals can also construct fake download portals that utilize the same elements as legitimate vendor download pages and common portals. To redirect to them the hackers can utilize various scripts — redirects, ads, pop-ups, banners and in-line hyperlinks. To facilitate a higher number of infected hosts the associated scripts can be placed on community forums, chat rooms and etc.
All of them can be used to deliver infected payloads, there are two main types that are popular with most ransomware campaigns:
- Macro-Infected Documents — The hackers can embed virus code that can help deliver the Matrix virus in documents. All popular types are possible sources of infections: presentations, databases, text documents and spreadsheets. Once they are opened by the targets a notification message will be spawned asking them to enable the built-in content. If this is done the virus infection will follow.
- Software Installers — A similar approach is the inclusion of the malware code into installers of applications, updates and extensions. They are made by taking the legitimate files from the official vendor sites and modifying them with the payload delivery code.
The dangerous files can also be distributed on file sharing networks such as BitTorrent. They are often used to access illegal and pirate content.
Advanced cases can integrate the threat in browser hijackers (redirects) that are made for the most popular web browsers. They represent dangerous extensions that pose as useful additions and are spread on the official repositories and various third-party sites. Their typical behavior is to modify the settings of the affected web browsers and redirect the users to a hacker-specified address. After this is done the virus infection will follow.
Matrix Virus – In-Depth Analysis
The newest release of the Matrix virus is accompanied by a new .KOK8 extension. The security analysis reveals that the new strain behaves much like previous versions. The virus contains a modular engine which can be fine tuned according to the attack campaign. Custom configuration instructions can be crafted for various machines and conditions.
The infection campaigns can begin with a data harvesting module. It is programmed to collect information from the infected hosts using predefined commands. The first type of data that is collected can expose the victim’s identity by looking for certain strings. Examples include their name, address, phone number, interest, location and any stored account credentials. The other group of information is the collection of data that can help grow the ongoing attacks. The metrics includes certain values such as the installed hardware components, user-set settings and operating system conditions.
Follow-up operations using the collected information is the stealth installation of the Matrix ransomware. This means that it will scan the contaminated system for applications and services that can interfere with the correct malware execution. This includes anti-virus products, sandbox environments and virtual machine hosts.
Following the threat’s deployment without interruption the Matrix virus will continue with various system changes. The list of possible actions includes the following:
- Windows Registry Changes — The virus engine has the ability to access the Windows Registry — existing strings belonging to the operating system or user-installed applications or create new ones for itself. The impact of the modifications can lead to severe performance issues or the inability to access certain functions.
- Persistent Installation — The malware threat can be installed in a way which automatically will start once the computer is powered on. It can also disable access to the recovery boot menu.
- Data Manipulation — The associated engine can remove System Restore points and Shadow Volume Copies information which can make data recovery difficult. Refer to our instructions for more information on the matter.
- Trojan Horse Delivery — This threat can install a Trojan virus which establishes a secure connection with a hacker-controlled server. It can be used by the operators to take over control of their machines at any given time, acquire any user file, spy on the users and deploy other viruses.
Matrix Virus — Encryption
Like previous Matrix ransomware family samples this particular threat uses a built-in list of target file types. They are processed with a strong cipher and made inaccessible by the users. An example list can include any of the following:
- Archives
- Backups
- Databases
- Images
- Videos
- Music
The affected files are renamed with the .KOK8 extension. This is the final extension as the data is renamed according to the following template: “[KOK8@protonmail.com].[random]-[random].KOK8”. A standard ransomware template is crafted in a file called #KOK8_README#.rtf.
Remove Matrix Virus and Restore Encrypted Files
If your computer system got infected with the Matrix Virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for Matrix virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Matrix 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 Matrix 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 Matrix 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 Matrix virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Matrix 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 Matrix 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.
Matrix virus-FAQ
What is Matrix virus Ransomware?
Matrix 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 Matrix 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 Matrix virus Infect?
Via several ways.Matrix 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 Matrix 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 .Matrix virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Matrix 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 .Matrix virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Matrix virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Matrix 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 Matrix 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 Matrix virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Matrix 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 Matrix 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 Matrix virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Matrix 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 Matrix 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.
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