CryptoKill Ransomware Virus (Removal Steps and Protection Updates)

CryptoKill ransomware is a Hidden Tear-based malware strain which was just announced by security experts, continue reading our removal guide to learn more about it.

CryptoKill Ransomware Description

The Cryptokill ransomware is a very dangerous malware threat. While being based on the famous Hidden Tear family of viruses, it does have a distinct trait – it does not keep the private decryption key of the affected files. This means that all encrypted files cannot be recovered if the user has not countered the infection.

The encryption engine targets the most commonly used user data – documents, photos, music, backup images, configuration files and etc. All affected data receive the .crypto extension.

At the moment we do not have a copy of the ransomware note. We only know that it is written in a “CRYPTOKILL_README.txt
” file.

CryptoKill Ransomware Distribution

The ransomware is distributed as an executable malicious file named after the virus (CrytoKill.exe). It is primarily distributed using the most popular infection strategies:

• Email Spam Messages – The computer criminals send out messages to their targets that contain links to the ransomware file. In other cases the virus is directly attached and various social engineering tricks are used.
• Browser Hijackers and Other Redirects – These strategies utilize various hacked or hacker-controlled sites or browser extensions and plugins to deliver the infection. All sorts of malicious ads and redirects can cause the payload delivery of the CryptoKill ransomware and all sorts of similar malware.
• Installers – The virus can be bundled in software installers that are frequently found on untrusted download sites or P2P networks like BitTorrent. A variety of different software can be used to infiltrate the computer with the CryptoKill ransomware – applications, games, patches, fixes, system utilities and more.

CryptoKill Ransomware – How To Remove it and Prevent It From Coming Back

There are two ways of removal:

• With an anti-malware tool – this will also help prevention
  
• Manually – using the instructions below

CryptoKill Ransomware Ransomware Removal

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