What is Kingouroboros Ransomware?
Kingouroboros Ransomware might be a new version of a dangerous file-encrypting threat called CryptoWire Ransomware. Our researchers tell they noticed a lot of similarities in the malicious applications’ codes and their working manner. Of course, we will explain how the new infection works further in the text, so if you came here to learn all about this malware, you should read our full article. As usual, we do not advise contacting it’s developers or sending them money, even if their offered decryption tools could be the only way to get your data back. Keep it in mind, the hackers who created Kingouroboros Ransomware might have the needed decryption tools, but it does not mean they will be willing to provide them once you pay the ransom. In other words, for users who do not want to risk losing their money in vain, we advise deleting the malicious application. To remove it manually you could follow the instructions located below, and if you prefer automatic features, you could employ a legitimate antimalware tool instead.
Where does Kingouroboros Ransomware come from?
Our researchers at Anti-spyware-101.com found out the Kingouroboros Ransomware’s installers might be made to look like Java updates. Because of this careless or inexperienced users could launch it unknowingly. At this point, you may wonder how one might understand the executable file is malicious. The answer is rather simple; the fact the installer comes via Spam emails, annoying pop-up ads, or from untrustworthy file-sharing web pages should suggest it could be fake. Java updates should be initiated by the software, so if it does not come from the developer itself, we would advise users to be extra cautious. Probably, the smartest idea would be to check the suspected installer with a legitimate antimalware tool. In case it is carrying some malicious program recognized by the tool it should be detected, and the user should be warned not to open it. To make sure the tool will be able to identify newer threats, users should simply keep the chosen security tool up to date.
How does Kingouroboros Ransomware work?
The goal is to make the user pay a ransom and to force him to do so Kingouroboros Ransomware’s developers programmed the malware to encrypt user’s files. In a way, the malicious application takes user’s pictures, photos, videos, and other private files as hostages. In return, for getting them back, the hackers want to receive a payment in Bitcoins worth $50. Such demands and conditions should be listed in the ransom note, which the threat opens soon after encrypting all targeted data. The one thing the text does not say is where to transfer the payment as to learn it the user is asked to write the malware’s creators via email. As the ransom note claims after doing so the hackers “will provide you with payment address and your decryption key.” However, knowing they could scam you, we would not advise you to contact these people. Plus, files that are encrypted or have the .king_ouroboros can be still replaced with copies if you have any on removable media devices, cloud storages, etc. Meaning, some of them might not be lost yet. Thus, if you do not want to fund Kingouroboros Ransomware’s developers and allow them to create even more threats in the future, we advise you to erase this malware at once.
How to remove Kingouroboros Ransomware?
One of the ways to delete Kingouroboros Ransomware is to get rid of all files it created upon entering the system. The instructions you should see below this paragraph will list the data with the locations where to find it and explanations how to erase it. Needless to say, if this option seems to be a bit too difficult for you to handle; you could pick a legitimate antimalware tool instead and let it eliminate the malicious application; all you have to do is start a system scan and press the provided removal button.
Get rid of Kingouroboros Ransomware
- Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
- Select Task Manager.
- Search for the threat’s process.
- Select this process and click End Task.
- Leave Task Manager.
- Press Windows Key+E to open File Explorer.
- Locate these directories separately:
%COMMONPROGRAMFILES(x86)%
%COMMONPROGRAMFILES% - Find data titled JAVA_UPDATER.EXE, jusched.exe, or similarly; right-click such files and select Delete.
- Navigate to these locations:
%WINDIR%\System32\Tasks
%WINDIR%\Tasks - Find malware’s created files with titles from ten random digits, right-click them and select Delete.
- Close the Explorer.
- Empty your Recycle bin.
- Restart the system.
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