Kangaroo malware is a threat that belongs to the ransomware group. It’s due to the devastating impact on victim’s data. Kangaroo encrypts target files utilizing AES encoding cipher. Thus they cannot be opened with any program. Encrypted files have appended the extension .encrypted_file. Afterward, Kangaroo drops a ransom note that provides information about the threat and a contact email. The attackers extort victims to pay a ransom in order to deliver the decryption key for the locked files.
| Name | Kangaroo Ransomware |
| File Extensions | .encrypted_file |
| Ransom | Varies |
| Solution #1 | Use an advanced anti-malware tool to remove Kangaroo ransomware. |
| Solution #2 | Kangaroo Ransomware can be removed manually, though it can be very hard for most home users. See the detailed tutorial below. |
| Distribution | The ransomware is distributed via different tactics – spam email campaigns, exploit kits and malicious URLs. |
More About Kangaroo Ransomware
According to malware researchers, Kangaroo file-encrypting ransomware is a new variant of Apocalypse. Yet another variant of the same threat called Esmeralda has been discovered earlier this week. So Kangaroo ransomware is the third threat in a sequence.
Upon establishing its malicious files on the computer, Kangaroo is configured to scan all drives for particular file types. All detected files included in its target list are encrypted via AES algorithm. The last stage of the encryption process comprises adding the affix .encrypted_file to the original name of the file. Perhaps Kangaroo ransomware targets common file types. The enciphered data might be video files, documents, audio files, databases, etc.
After the encryption process follows displaying of window that contains the ransom note. It reads almost the same as Esmeralda’s ransom note. The only difference is of the contributed contact email. And here is the whole information included in Kangaroo’s ransom note:
“Windows has encountered a critical problem and needs your immediate action to recover your data. The system access is locked and all the data have been encrypted to avoid the information be published or misused. You will not be able to access to your files and ignoring this message may cause the total loss of the data. We are sorry for the inconvenience.
You need to contact the email below along with your Personal Identification ID to restore the data of your system.
Your Personal Identification ID: /random symbols/
Email: [email protected]
You will have to order the Unlock-Password and the Kangaroo Decryption Software. All the instructions will be sent you by email.”
The ransom note is written in a way that aims to mislead the victim into the existence of a critical problem in Windows OS. There is no given ransom amount. However, it probably varies between 500-1200 USD. It is usually requested in Bitcoins. Victims are told to contact the developers via the email ([email protected]) entered in the ransom note in order to get the Unlock-Password and the Kangaroo Decryption Software. A connection with them is not recommended because it might result in another trouble. Furthermore, let us suggest that the ransomware is under development or is not working properly regarding the frequent change of the distribution name. Thus it is highly likely that the decryption software is not working at all.
Like its predecessor Esmeralda, Kangaroo is operated from Russia or a Russian-speaking country.
How does Kangaroo Cryptovirus Land on The Computer?
The distribution of the threat is likely to be realized via malicious URLs concealed in a variety of ways. The attackers may provide the links via malicious advertisements, fake notifications of software updates and system errors, social media messages, file-sharing services. The malicious samples of Kangaroo might be in an attached file to a spam email. Beware of emails that have attachments and provided links in them. A fast check in online malware scanning services like VirusTotal could prevent malware infection.
Removal of Kangaroo’s Malicous Files
We will start with the data decryption issue. There is no available decryption solution and as soon as there is information of any released we will provide exact information to all users who expect it. Meanwhile, advanced data recovery software might be considered as an alternative recovery method. There is no information if Kangaroo deletes the shadow volume copies of the files, so another way that may help for data restoration is utilizing software that scans whether any of these copies exist on the computer.
Since Kangaroo ransomware with its malicious files and objects are running on the computer, all the stored data is exposed to a huge risk. Except encryption of the stored data, cyber criminals might steal sensitive data like bank account and other services credentials stored in the browsers. Don’t be a victim of this nasty virus, remove it completely from your computer.
Once Kangaroo is extracted from the system making a backup of the encrypted data and keep it until a solution is found is recommendable. An existing backup will also prevent the total loss of the data in case of emerged errors during data restoration attempts.
Kangaroo Ransomware Removal
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 Kangaroo 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
