How To Fix Kostya/.k0stya Infected Computers

Kostya is a ransomware virus targeting users from the Czech Republic. The malicious software is named after the .k0stya extension it uses (the text at the end of the file name.) Infected PCs will display a message in Czech, demanding a few thousand KZC. The virus is very dangerous, but there are ways to deal with it.

Kostya Ransomware Virus – How Did I get It?

The most common way to get Kostya ransomware on your computer is through email spam. The infected emails are probably in the Czech language.

The infectious ‘mails will also include attachments carrying the Kostya virus. The file is masked to look like a regular PDF or EXE. Once opened, the virus will start its process.

Kostya Ransomware Virus – How Does It Work?

The ransomware scans the computer for particular files and encrypts them with the AES-256 algorithm. This means that all encrypted files can’t be used until they’re unlocked. Kostya may target the following file types:

.pdf, .jpg, .png, .mov, .avi, .pptx, .bmp, .doc, .docm, .docx, .docxml, .gif, .java

More file types can be targeted by the virus, especially if they’re for video, audio, document, or photo material.
The virus was first reported by CyberSecurity GrujaRS.

Kostya and The Rising Threat of Ransomware

There are a lot of threats looming over regular people, and a ransomware virus is one of the worst infections you can get. Getting a preventive anti-malware tool could be the best investment for your cyber-security. With the right program, you won’t have to worry about infecting your computer with ransomware viruses and other malware.

Getting infected is not only obnoxious – it’s also dangerous. A ransomware infection can damage some very sensitive data, which can have a lot of unforeseen consequences. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Kostya Ransomware Virus – How To Remove

You can remove Kostya by following the detailed guide we have provided bellow. You can delete it faster by scanning your system with an anti-malware tool and removing the virus automatically. Try to avoid paying the crooks, as there’s no guarantee that they’ll send you a decrypter key for your files. They have no such obligation. Sometimes, the scammers even delete the keys altogether.

Kostya Ransomware Removal

For a faster solution, you can run a scan with an advanced malware removal tool and delete Kostya completely with a few mouse clicks.

STEP I: Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network
This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently.

1) Hit WIN Key + R

2) A Run window will appear. In it, write “msconfig” and then press Enter
3) A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named “Boot”
4) Mark “Safe Boot” option and then go to “Network” under it to tick it too
5) Apply -> OK

Or check our video guide – “How to start PC in Safe Mode with Networking”

STEP II: Show Hidden Files

1) Open My Computer/This PC
2) Windows 7
– Click on “Organize” button
– Select “Folder and search options”
– Select the “View” tab
– Go under “Hidden files and folders” and mark “Show hidden files and folders” option

3) Windows 8/ 10

– Open “View” tab
– Mark “Hidden items” option



4) Click “Apply” and then “OK” button

STEP III: Enter Windows Task Manager and Stop Malicious Processes

1) Hit the following key combination: CTRL+SHIFT+ESC
2) Get over to “Processes”
3) When you find suspicious process right click on it and select “Open File Location”
4) Go back to Task Manager and end the malicious process. Right click on it again and choose “End Process”
5) Next you should go folder where the malicious file is located and delete it

STEP IV: Remove Completely Kostya Ransomware Using SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter

STEP V: Repair Windows Registry

1) Again type simultaneously the Windows Button + R key combination
2) In the box, write “regedit”(without the inverted commas) and hit Enter
3) Type the CTRL+F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable
4) In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys

Further help for Windows Registry repair

STEP VI: Recover Encrypted Files

1) Use present backups
2) Restore your personal files using File History
– Hit WIN Key
– Type “restore your files” in the search box
– Select “Restore your files with File History”
– Choose a folder or type the name of the file in the search bar



– Hit the “Restore” button

3) Using System Restore Point

– Hit WIN Key
– Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps

STEP VII: Preventive Security Measures

1) Enable and properly configure your Firewall.
2) Install and maintain reliable anti-malware software.
3) Secure your web browser.
4) Check regularly for available software updates and apply them.
5) Disable macros in Office documents.
6) Use strong passwords.
7) Don’t open attachments or click on links unless you’re certain they’re safe.
8) Backup regularly your data.

SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter