Kroput ransomware - How to remove

Kroput virus is a name of a new STOP (DJVU) ransomware variant, which is known for its persistence, ability to encrypt files with confident algorithms, mark them with specific extension and demand for a payment in exchange. There have been tons of other predecessors that were released before Kroput ransomware, and there are plenty, which are going to come afterward since it doesn’t seem that crooks are planning to stop any time soon. All these viruses which demand a ransom and stem from DJVU threat, act and look the same, except for their code which gets updated with every release, to make cybersecurity specialists’ work additionally to crack the code and make each a unique decryptor.

Ransomware, like Kroput virus, is one of the most notorious kinds of malware because just by removing it, you cannot reverse the caused damage and need to take extra measures to recover your precious files, that have been locked by the threat. After being reported on Twitter by malware expert @demonslay335 on March 12th, 2019, very quickly Kroput ransomware was thoroughly analyzed and a solution for its harmful behavior has been found, which we’ll talk more about at the end of this article, together with methods used in order to remove this threat.

It is very necessary to understand that Paying the ransom is not an option because this only allows hackers to raise the demanded amount and develop even more malware. Kroput ransomware should be removed and decrypted without having second thoughts on compromising with the developers, especially when you can find all the information on how to do so here. What is more, learning possible ways to protect your PC from crypto viruses can really come in handy in the future or if you have not yet fallen for Kroput ransomware tricks.

What is Kroput ransomware

Just like any other ransomware, e.g. NWA ransomware, CrazyCrypt, Borontok, Kroput virus’ main goal is to make its victims send ransom money into developers’ crypto wallets, unlike, for example, adware, which generates revenue from online ads. Getting profit in greater defined amounts rather than slowly adding up pennies from clicks, seems much more profitable, but in reality, convincing people to share hundreds of dollars with hackers may be a very tough task. Kroput ransomware has plenty of Tricks upon its sleeve, ready to shake up users from the core and manipulate them into sending the demanded sum.

Kroput ransomware ransom note

The master plan by Kroput ransomware begins with virus sneaking into the system unexpected and then running secret invisible background processes rapidly modifying certain sensitive data and registry. This takes only seconds but allows the virus to be persistent, reappear each time when the computer is turned on and lock all personal files which are not crucial to Windows running properly. Kroput virus specifically chooses to leave the computer working so it could display instructions on how to send money to hackers, but they manage to encrypt and lock all precious virtual memories in forms of pictures, videos, documents and etc. so that only developers know the decrypting code. Kroput ransomware uses special ciphers to perform Encryption, for example, AES, which takes a few seconds to apply on all targeted data found on hard drives.

Visually no one can see these processes, nor stop them, until the latest Kroput ransomware infection stage, where you can notice what happened to your PC, because all the files will be impossible to open, a ‘.kroput’ appendix will be added at the end of their names (‘picture.jpg’ becomes ‘picture.jpg.kroput’) and a strange ‘_readme.txt’ text file will get dropped on the desktop, saying this:

ATTENTION!
Don’t worry my friend, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents 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 you have?
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.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
hxxps://we.tl/t-ll0rIToOhf
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.
Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.
To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
[email protected]
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
[email protected]
Your personal ID:

This is how Kroput ransomware developers try to show their dominance and scare users into sending $980 (or $490 if done in 72hours) into their accounts in exchange for the unique unlocking code. But even if you have a spare thousand, you can never trust crooks because there are cases when victims paid but left ignored with empty pockets and still locked files. Fortunately, this Kroput virus has free decryptor and you don’t need to spend anything to save your computer.

How does Kroput ransomware spread

Kroput ransomware tends to surprise victims unexpectedly. It is unknown the exact way that this virus uses to infect computers, but judging from other DJVU variants it can either be malicious email attachments/links, or Exploited software. For example, Rumba ransomware uses the questionable KMSpico tool, which thousands of online surfers seek in shady websites in order to activate their Windows and other services illegally. Developers pair the application with ransomware installer or simply camouflage it to look like one and place it on torrent sites for victims to download.

As well as that, a really effective proliferation technique is Malspam, when socially engineered messages that look like reports from banks, hospitals, clients, government and etc. urge you to open added link or attachment which lead to Kroput ransomware set up. The hyperlink may be automatically initiating the virus set up and malevolent .docx or .pdf files can hide packed threat in Macros, which is still a very common malware distribution vector. Phishing attacks are becoming more and more believable, therefore knowing how to spot such dishonest tricks is a critical skill for staying safe online.

How to eliminate Kroput virus and restore the files

Users, who were affected by Kroput ransomware could paradoxically consider themselves lucky because the cyber threat expert Michael Gillespie, the one who discovered this new DJVU virus variant, updated the official STOP ransomware decryptor making it possible to unlock .kroput extension marked files. You can find the full detailed instructions in this Bleepingcomputer.com forums. But before you begin decryption processes make sure to get rid of Kroput virus first. Elimination is imperative in order to restore files safely and not to lock them twice, possibly without a chance to recover it in the future.

We suggest you trying Spyhunter anti-spyware programs, which offer their malware removal services for Windows users. These security applications are reputable and sophisticated, therefore you can trust that the system is fully clean after you run a full system scan and perform the recommended Kroput ransomware termination actions. Anyone can use such software and it does all the work for you. Of course, feel free to take a look at other spyware removing programs.

Lastly, if you are a cautious and responsible computer owner and have been making backups of all your important files, below we add instructions on how to recover precious data from snapshots made in the past. This is a very safe, simple and reliable method that allows accessing Kroput ransomware encrypted files without having to use a special application, however, it is only available for people who have proper, not affected backups.

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How to recover Kroput ransomware encrypted files and remove the virus

Step 1. Restore system into last known good state using system restore

1. Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt:


for Windows 7 / Vista/ XP
  • Start Shutdown RestartOK.
  • Press F8 key repeatedly until Advanced Boot Options window appears.
  • Choose Safe Mode with Command Prompt. Windows 7 enter safe mode

for Windows 8 / 10
  • Press Power at Windows login screen. Then press and hold Shift key and click Restart. Windows 8-10 restart to safe mode
  • Choose TroubleshootAdvanced OptionsStartup Settings and click Restart.
  • When it loads, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list of Startup Settings. Windows 8-10 enter safe mode
 

2.Restore System files and settings.

  • When Command Prompt mode loads, enter cd restore and press Enter.
  • Then enter rstrui.exe and press Enter again.CMD commands
  • Click “Next” in the windows that appeared. Restore point img1
  • Select one of the Restore Points that are available before Kroput ransomware has infiltrated to your system and then click “Next”. Restore point img2
  • To start System restore click “Yes”. Restore point img3
 

Step 2. Complete removal of Kroput ransomware

After restoring your system, it is recommended to scan your computer with an anti-malware program, like Spyhunter and remove all malicious files related to Kroput ransomware. You can check other tools here.  

Step 3. Restore Kroput ransomware affected files using Shadow Volume Copies

If you do not use System Restore option on your operating system, there is a chance to use shadow copy snapshots. They store copies of your files that point of time when the system restore snapshot was created. Usually Kroput ransomware tries to delete all possible Shadow Volume Copies, so this methods may not work on all computers. However, it may fail to do so. Shadow Volume Copies are only available with Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. There are two ways to retrieve your files via Shadow Volume Copy. You can do it using native Windows Previous Versions or via Shadow Explorer. a) Native Windows Previous Versions Right-click on an encrypted file and select PropertiesPrevious versions tab. Now you will see all available copies of that particular file and the time when it was stored in a Shadow Volume Copy. Choose the version of the file you want to retrieve and click Copy if you want to save it to some directory of your own, or Restore if you want to replace existing, encrypted file. If you want to see the content of file first, just click Open.
Previous version
b) Shadow Explorer It is a program that can be found online for free. You can download either a full or a portable version of Shadow Explorer. Open the program. On the left top corner select the drive where the file you are looking for is a stored. You will see all folders on that drive. To retrieve a whole folder, right-click on it and select “Export”. Then choose where you want it to be stored.
Shadow explorer

Step 4. Use Data Recovery programs to recover Kroput ransomware encrypted files

There are several data recovery programs that might recover encrypted files as well. This does not work in all cases but you can try this:
  • We suggest using another PC and connect the infected hard drive as slave. It is still possible to do this on infected PC though.
  • Download a data recovery program.
  • Install and scan for recently deleted files. Data Recovery Pro
Note: In many cases it is impossible to restore data files affected by modern ransomware. Thus I recommend using decent cloud backup software as precaution. We recommend checking out Carbonite, BackBlaze, CrashPlan or Mozy Home.
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