What is KKK ransomware?

KKK ransomware is a virus that functions as a file-encrypting ransomware that does not only encrypts your files but also shows the sentiments of different parts of the society. Its name, KKK stands for Ku Klux Klan which is a racist political organization. The distinctive mark of this organization consists of white robes and sharp-end face covers. It advocates the superiority of the white race and continues to provoke discussions not only in the US but among other countries as well. According to researchers, the KKK ransomware might be created due to the presidency of Donald Trump.

Like most ransomware, KKK ransomware is created using the HiddenTear open source code. Once it hijacks your computer system it starts to scan your computer for files. Luckily, it only encrypts files saved on your desktop. So if you’re not fond of saving important files in your desktop, then you’ll be spared from the threat that is KKK ransomware. In the encryption process, it appends .kkk file extension on your files. After it completes the encryption process, it opens a window with the ransom note as illustrated above. Since this ransomware is created through HiddenTear, there’s a high chance that the encrypted files can be decrypted. Moreover, this ransomware has a distinctive feature of the CryptoLocker virus family that not only includes a countdown clock but also consist of a series of windows. Once you click the Please click on the Payment to restore files or Click on information to see what happens, you will be redirected to another window which briefs you about the KKK ransomware. Then you’ll be redirected to the final page that indicates you have to pay 0.05 bitcoins which is equal to $150.

How is KKK ransomware distributed?

This kind of threat is usually distributed through spam emails disguising as fake invoice or tax report attachments and other kind of attachment to make it look like an important email that you have to open. This could also be obtained through clicking video links or download buttons on suspicious websites. What’s even more alarming is that, according to our researchers, this sly ransomware has been spreading through a Trojan executable file named facebook.exe which could mean that this ransomware might also be distributed through phishing sites. So if you got a spam email that warns you regarding a suspended account and demands you to click the link to reactivate it, do yourself a favor and ignore it. These fake alerts are also one of the ways to spread this threat.

As mentioned, there’s a big possibility that your encrypted files can be decrypted since the KKK ransomware originates from the HiddenTear open source program. There is no need for you to panic and pay the ransom. Paying the demanded ransom won’t give you any assurance that you’ll recover your files at all. Not only that, you will also expose private information like credit card details if you pay these crooks. All you have to do is look for alternative solutions such as this article, to recover your files and remove the threat.

You can remove KKK Ransomware using two methods as listed below. Follow them religiously to get rid of this threat.

Method #1 – Remove KKK ransomware using Windows Task Manager and cd restore

Step 1: Open the Windows Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc at the same time. Proceed to the Processes tab and look for the any suspicious processes that can be related to the KKK Ransomware.

Right-click on the processes, then click Open File Location and scan them using a powerful and trusted antivirus like SpyRemover Pro. After opening their folders, end their processes and delete their folders. If the virus scanner fails to detect something that you know is suspicious, don’t hesitate to delete it.
Step 2: Open Control Panel by pressing Start key + R to launch Run and type appwiz.cpl in the search box and click OK.

Find KKK ransomware or any suspicious program and then Uninstall.

Step 3: Open System Configuration by clicking the Windows button and typing in msconfig and pressing Enter. Go to Startup and unmark items with unknown manufacturer.

Step 4: Open the File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E.
Step 5: Go to the directories listed below and delete everything in it. Or other directories you might have saved the file related to the KKK ransomware.

• %USERPROFILE%\Downloads

• %USERPROFILE%\Desktop

• %TEMP%

Step 6: Look for the malicious executable file facebook.exe or any suspicious file that could be related to KKK ransomware
Step 7: Right-click on it and click Delete.
Step 8: Empty the Recycle bin.
Step 9: Reboot your computer into Safe Mode with Command Prompt by pressing F8 a couple of times until the Advanced Options menu appears.

Navigate to Safe Mode with Command Prompt using the arrow keys on your keyboard. After selecting Safe Mode with Command Prompt, hit Enter.
Step 10: After loading the Command Prompt type cd restore and hit Enter.

Step 11: After cd restore, type in rstrui.exe and hit Enter.

Step 12: A new window will appear, and then click Next.

Step 13: Select any of the Restore Points on the list and click Next. This will restore your computer to its previous state before being infected with the KKK Ransomware.
Step 14: A dialog box will appear, and then click Next
.
Step 15: After the system restore process, download SpyRemover Pro to remove any remaining files or residues of the KKK Ransomware.

Method #2 – Remove KKK Ransomware using SpyRemover Pro

1. Turn on your computer. If it’s already on, you have to reboot it.

2. After that, the BIOS screen will be displayed, but if Windows pops up instead, reboot your computer and try again. Once you’re on the BIOS screen, repeat pressing F8, by doing so the Advanced Option shows up.

   

3. To navigate the Advanced Option use the arrow keys and select Safe Mode with Networking then hit Enter.

4. Windows will now load the Safe Mode with Networking.

5. Press and hold both R key and Windows key.

   

6. If done correctly, the Windows Run Box will show up.

7. Type in explorer http://www.fixmypcfree.com/install/spyremoverpro

A single space must be in between explorer and http. Click OK.

8. A dialog box will be displayed by Internet Explorer. Click Run to begin downloading SpyRemover Pro. Installation will start automatically once download is done.

   

9. Click OK to launch SpyRemover Pro.

10. Run SpyRemover Pro and perform a full system scan.

    

11. After all the infections are identified, click REMOVE ALL.

    

12. Register SpyRemover Pro to protect your computer from future threats.

Restoring your encrypted files:
As mentioned earlier, restoring your encrypted files using Windows’ Previous Versions feature will only be effective if the KKK Ransomware hasn’t deleted the shadow copies of your files. But still, this is one of the best and free methods there is, so it’s definitely worth a shot.
To restore the encrypted file, right-click on it and select Properties, a new window will pop-up, then proceed to Previous Versions. It will load the file’s previous version before it was modified. After it loads, select any of the previous versions displayed on the list like the one in the illustration below. And then click the Restore button.