New Kovter Trojan Ransomware Variant Spreads Via Spam Emails

The Kovter Ransomware Trojan has turned into an “evergreen” type of malware as hackers have created a new variant referred to simply as the New Kovter Ransomware.

Kovter Ransomware Legacy

We posted a removal guide that showcases the technical details of the original virus. This has been one of the most persistent threats, as the first reports of its attacks were published in 2013. Back then the virus was impersonating the Police, being one of the famous examples of the spoofing type of Trojans. Its code has been changed during 2014 and 2015 that updated the ransomware code to conduct “click fraud” attacks.
The Kovter ransomware continued to use typical distribution methods – malicious clickbait links and spam email campaigns that contain the infected binary files. We have also witnessed several infections that are the result of malicious web links delivered via browser hijackers.

The malware has the capability to scam its users by eavesdropping on the users. Later versions of the code shifted to a pure ransomware behavior. It uses various obfuscation techniques to hide itself from anti-virus and anti-spyware products by impersonating as system utilities like svchost.exe and others.

The New Kovter Ransomware Trojan

A new Kovter variant has been spotted this week by the security research vendor Morphisec. They identified multiple samples that have been contained in a macro-infected Office Documents delivered through spam email campaigns.

The new distribution technique is known as the click-based activation type. The users are convinced to run the dangerous macro which in turns infects them with the new Kovter ransomware.

This effectively bypasses the security sandbox approaches as it also adds a restricted password protection on the built-in images. In addition the operators of the attack campaign also is highly personalized and targeted against specific victims. This means that information dumps or leaks have been harvested, as security researchers spotted emails that use the actual names, company names and job titles of the victims.

New Kovter Ransomware Removal

For a faster solution, you can run a scan with an advanced malware removal tool and delete New Kovter 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 New Kovter 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