What is KeyHolder?
KeyHolder is a malicious computer infection that literally destroys your files. It is a ransomware application that encrypts your files and expects you to pay a ransom fee in order to get the decryption key. If you do not have a file backup or if you don’t have a system restore point set up, it could be that you will no longer be able to restore the files encrypted by KeyHolder.
The disturbing part about this ransomware infection is that there is practically no need to remove KeyHolder because the program deletes its own files once the file encryption is complete. It is a malicious scam devised by cyber criminals who only want to rip you off.
Where does KeyHolder come from?
Our security research shows that KeyHolder is similar to CTB-Locker, CryptoBit, and other ransomware infections from the same group. Consequently, it employs the same distribution methods as its predecessors.
KeyHolder is mostly distributed through spam email messages. This means that you should never open a message sent by an unknown sender. Usually, spam messages have embedded outgoing links or some attachments that look like genuine files. However, if you click the link or download and open the attached file, chances are you will get infected with KeyHolder.
What does KeyHolder do?
Once the installation takes place, KeyHolder encrypts almost all of your files. It means that you can no longer access the data. This encryption affects .db, .mp4, .jpg, .cer, .doc, and many other file extensions. As mentioned above, the program deletes itself once the encryption is complete as the program’s files are no longer needed.
At the same time, KeyHolder displays a message that says you need to pay $500 in order to decrypt your files. Granted, there are accounts that claim cyber criminals behind this infection do issue the decryption key once the money is transferred, but that is a virtual theft because by paying the ransom you help the cyber criminals to accumulate financial wealth.
What do I do about KeyHolder?
Technically, you cannot do anything about it because the program deletes itself. Nevertheless, in order to minimize the potential damage, you always have to keep the backup of your files, whether on a virtual drive or on an external hard drive. Also, setting your system restore point would be a good idea too. What’s more, in order similar infections in the future, you should NOT open spam email attachments. Staying away from unfamiliar websites would also be a good decision.
You should address computer security professionals for more information on KeyHolder and your file encryption. However, it is clear that this ransomware infection is extremely malicious and straightforward: it wants your money and makes it known at once.
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