The Kraken ransomware is a new malware threat that has recently been discovered by security experts. Read our removal guide to learn more about it and discover how to remove existing infections.
An infection with the dangerous Kraken ransomware virus leads to serious security issues. With our removal guide victims can try to restore and protect their computers.
Manual Removal Guide
Files Recovery Approaches
Skip all steps and download anti-malware tool that will safely scan and clean all harmful files it detects on your PC.
SpyHunter is a Windows application designed to scan for, identify, remove and block malware, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) and other objects. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove detected malware instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter
Kraken Ransomware Description
The Kraken ransomware is a new malware that has recently been discovered by computer security experts. The initial analysis is stil ongoing and we do not have detailed information about the virus.
The virus has an encryption module that encrypts target user data, presumably the most popular file extensions such as various document files, multimedia data (audio,video and photos) and other related information.
The Kraken ransomware scans the infected PC. The virus is looking for certain file types. Here’s the list:
.3GP, .7Z, .APK, .AVI, .BMP, .CDR, .CER, .CHM, CONF, .CSS, .CSV, .DAT, .DB, .DBF, .DJVU, .DBX, .DOCM, ,DOC, .EPUB, .DOCX .FB2, .FLV, .GIF, .GZ, .ISO .IBOOKS,.JPEG, .JPG, .KEY, .MDB .MD2, .MDF, .MHT, .MOBI .MHTM, .MKV, .MOV, .MP3, .MP4, .MPG .MPEG, .PICT, .PDF, .PPS, .PKG, .PNG, .PPT .PPTX, .PPSX, .PSD, .RAR, .RTF, .SCR, .SWF, .SAV, .TIFF, .TIF, .TBL, .TORRENT, .TXT, .VSD,.WMV, .XLS, .XLSX, .XPS, .XML, .CKP, ZIP, .JAVA, .PY, .ASM, .C, .CPP, .CS, .JS, .PHP, .DACPAC, .RBW, .RB, .MRG, .DCX, .DB3, .SQL, .SQLITE3, .SQLITE, .SQLITEDB, .PSD, .PSP, .PDB, .DXF, .DWG, .DRW, .CASB, .CCP, .CAL, .CMX, .CR2.
These are the most common file types. You can find them on virtually every computer. That’s why the crooks target them.
They include the time limit – an initial infection requires the users to pay the sum of 2 Bitcoins to restore their files. After the limit is passed the amount is doubled to 4 Bitcoins.
The virus crafts a ransomware note a file named _HELP_YOUR_FILES.html which contains the following text:
KRAKEN
Your documents, photos, databases and other important files have been encrypted!
Decryption of your files is only possible with the special decryption program.
To buy your decryption program follow the steps below:How to buy Kraken Decryptor?
Payment method is Bitcoin Only, follow the steps below.
What is Bitcoin ?Bitcoin is a consensus network that enables a new payment system and a completely digital money. It
is the first decentralized peer-to-peer payment network that is powered by its users with no central
authority or middlemen.More Info:
Wikipedia
bitcoin.org
coindesk.comPurchasing Bitcoins
Here are our recommendations:
localbitcoins.com
Bitcoins with Western Union.
Payment Methods: Western Union, Bank of America,
Cash by FedEx, Moneygram, Money Order. In NYC: Bitcoin ATM, in personService allows you to search for people in your community willing to sell bitcoins to you
directly.Buy Bitcoins with VISA/MASTERCARD or wire transfer
The best for Europe
Bitcoins instantly for cash
An international directory of bitcoin exchanges
Bitcoin for cash.
CoinJar allows direct bitcoin purchases on their site
anxpro.com
bittylicious.comSend XXX amount to Bitcoin address
1Bi3ApYkFyZSUg8X2vrsQS4SR7KH4DLZ9hSend an email to below addresses with your Personal ID as the subject
Email Addresses
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]Your Personal ID: XXXXXXXXXXXXXxx
Run the downloaded Decryptor you received via email on your computer
Click on “Decrypt” button and wait for the “Decrypt Succeed” messageknowledge is not power. the implementation of knowledge is power
What is interesting about the ransomware note is that it uses a variety of dynamic fields which are updated in accordance to various variables.
Kraken Ransomware Distribution
The Kraken ransomware is primarily distributed as a malicious binary file through various email spam messages, exploit kits, browser hijackers, Trojans and other popular sources of infection.
Remove Kraken Ransomware Virus and Restore PC
Please note that paying the requested ransom fee to cyber criminals does not really solve your problem with Kraken crypto virus. In fact, you only encourage hackers to continue spreading ransomware of this kind. Instead, you must remove the threat immediately, and only then look for optional ways to recover your data.
WARNING! Manual removal of Kraken ransomware virus requires being familiar with system files and registries. Removing important data accidentally can lead to permanent system damage. If you don’t feel comfortable with manual instructions, download a powerful anti-malware tool that will scan your system for malware and clean it safely for you.
DOWNLOAD SpyHunter Anti-Malware ToolKraken Ransomware Virus – Manual Removal Steps
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. The steps below are applicable to all Windows versions.
1. Hit the 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
Show Hidden Files
Some ransomware threats are designed to hide their malicious files in the Windows so all files stored on the system should be visible.
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
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
Repair Windows Registry
1. Again type simultaneously the WIN Key + R key combination
2. In the box, write regedit 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
Click for more information about Windows Registry and further repair help
Recover Encrypted Files
WARNING! All files and objects associated with Kraken ransomware virus should be removed from the infected PC before any data recovery attempts. Otherwise the virus may encrypt restored files. Furthermore, a backup of all encrypted files stored on external media is highly recommendable.
SpyHunter is a Windows application designed to scan for, identify, remove and block malware, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) and other objects. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove detected malware instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter
1. Use present backups
2. Use professional data recovery software
Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery – a specialist tool that can restore partitions, data, documents, photos, and 300 more file types lost during various types of incidents and corruption.
3. Using System Restore Point
- – Hit WIN Key
– Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps
4. 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
