What is Kokoklock ransomware? And how does it execute its attack?
Kokoklock ransomware is a dangerous threat that can leave important files inaccessible once it encrypts them. This new crypto-malware renames the files it encrypts by adding an email address and a random extension. Kokoklock ransomware is like a typical ransomware threat, it will start to execute its attack by dropping its payload file in the system and connecting it to a remote server controlled by the attackers. From this remote server, it copies its components and puts them into system folders.
It then employs a data harvesting module used to collect information from the computer. The data obtained will be processed and used for the next module called stealth protection which scans the system for strings of specific programs like firewall, sandbox environments, and antivirus programs. Once it finds these programs, it either disables them or completely removes them from the system.
Moreover, modifications are also done in the Windows Registry where it configures some of the registry keys and sub-keys allowing it to run automatically on every system boot. After that, it encrypts its targeted files using the sophisticated cipher. Once the encryption is finished, it renames every affected file and adds an email address, as well as a random extension to each one of them. After that, it opens a text file named “ID-Readme.txt” which contains the following message:
“—
What happens?
—
Your files are encrypted, and currently unavailable.
You can check it: all files on your computer has expansion 1a9296.
By the way, everything is possible to recover, but you need to follow our instructions.
Otherwise, you cant return your data.
—
What guarantees?
—
Its just a business. We absolutely do not care about you and your deals, except getting
benefits. If we do not do our work and liabilities – nobody will not cooperate with us.
Its not in our interests.
To check the ability of returning files, you should write to us by email.
There you can decrypt one file for free. That is our guarantee.
—
How to contact with us ?
—
Email us:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Be sure to include your personal code in the letter:
-”
How does the malicious payload of Kokoklock ransomware spread online?
The malicious payload of Kokoklock ransomware might spread using various distribution methods such as fake updates, repacked and infected installers, exploit kits, botnets, and most especially, malicious spam emails which is why you must always practice precaution when you download any file online as it might be the malicious payload of Kokoklock ransomware. It would also be better if you keep both your computer system and antivirus programs updated.
To successfully terminate Kokoklock ransomware from the infected computer, follow each one of the steps laid out below.
Step_1: You need to kill the malicious processes of Kokoklock ransomware first and you can do that via Task Manager. To open it, just tap the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys on your keyboard.
Step_2: After opening the Task Manager, go to the Processes tab and look for any suspicious-looking processes that take up most of your CPU’s resources and are most likely related to Kokoklock ransomware.
Step_3: After that, close the Task Manager.
Step_4: Tap Win + R, type in appwiz.cpl and click OK or tap Enter to open Programs and Features under Control Panel.
Step_5: Under the list of installed programs, look for Kokoklock ransomware or anything similar, and then uninstall it.
Step_6: Next, close Control Panel and tap the Win + E keys to open File Explorer.
Step_7: Navigate to the following locations below and look for Kokoklock ransomware’s malicious components such as ID-Readme.txt, [random].exe and other suspicious files, then delete all of them.
- %TEMP%
- %WINDIR%\System32\Tasks
- %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Templates\
- %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
- %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
Step_8: Close the File Explorer.
Before you proceed to the next steps below, make sure that you are tech-savvy enough to the point where you know exactly how to use and navigate your computer’s Registry. Keep in mind that any changes you make will highly impact your computer. To save you trouble and time, you can just use Restoro, this system tool is proven to be safe and excellent enough that hackers won’t be able to hack into it. But if you can manage Windows Registry well, then, by all means, go on to the next steps.
Step_9: Tap Win + R to open Run and then type in Regedit in the field and tap enter to pull up Windows Registry.
Step_10: Navigate to the following path:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\
- HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop\
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
Step_11: Delete the registry keys and sub-keys created by Kokoklock ransomware.
Step_12: Close the Registry Editor and empty the Recycle Bin.
Try to recover your encrypted files using the Shadow Volume copies
Restoring your encrypted files using Windows Previous Versions feature will only be effective if Kokoklock 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.
Congratulations, you have just removed Kokoklock Ransomware Crypto in Windows 10 all by yourself. If you would like to read more helpful articles and tips about various software and hardware visit fixmypcfree.com daily.
Now that’s how you remove Kokoklock Ransomware Crypto in Windows 10 on a computer. On the other hand, if your computer is going through some system-related issues that have to get fixed, there is a one-click solution known as Restoro you could check out to resolve them.
This program is a useful tool that could repair corrupted registries and optimize your PC’s overall performance. Aside from that, it also cleans out your computer for any junk or corrupted files that help you eliminate any unwanted files from your system. This is basically a solution that’s within your grasp with just a click. It’s easy to use as it is user-friendly. For a complete set of instructions in downloading and using it, refer to the steps below
Perform a full system scan using Restoro. To do so, follow the instructions below.
