What is KOK8 Ransomware?
KOK8 Ransomware is a threat that changes the computer’s background picture, encrypts all private data of its user, and then shows a message asking to email the hackers who created it to receive decryption tools. Given ransomware applications are tools for extorting victims we have no doubt the reply from the cybercriminals should ask for a ransom. What you should realize is dealing with these people could be hazardous as there are no reassurances they will not scam you. Thus, if you do not like the idea, you would have to pay for tools you may never receive we would advise ignoring the malware’s ransom note. Leaving the threat could be still dangerous, so we highly recommend removing KOK8 Ransomware. To make the task easier, we have prepared manual deletion instructions located at the end of this article.
Where does KOK8 Ransomware come from?
KOK8 Ransomware could enter the system by exploiting its vulnerabilities or if the user opens some untrustworthy file downloaded from an unreliable source, for example, torrent or similar file-sharing website. What’s more, a lot of threats alike are spread through email attachments which users could receive with Spam emails. One way or the other, if you want to ensure such malicious applications will be unable to enter your system, you should not only strengthen it but also try to keep away from potentially harmful content yourself. To make the computer more resistant to malware you should update outdated software, change weak passwords, and choose a legitimate antimalware tool you like. Afterward, what is left is to do is avoid opening suspicious emails, unreliable software installers, questionable pop-up advertisements, and so on.
How does KOK8 Ransomware work?
According to our specialists at Anti-spyware-101.com the malicious application should settle in by creating a few files in the %APPDATA% directory. One of them is a script that is used to delete user’s shadow copies. Another record is a picture used to replace the user’s Desktop image. Later on, KOK8 Ransomware is supposed to begin the encryption process, during which the malware enciphers various photos, pictures, archives, documents, videos, and many other data the victim might have no options to recover or replace. Each affected file might get a new title from random characters and .KOK8 extension.
Furthermore, the moment the malicious application finishes encrypting user’s files it should drop a text document named #KOK8_README#.rtf. It says there is a way to decrypt all files affected by the malware, but in order to get the means to do so, the user is asked to contact KOK8 Ransomware’s developers. What you should know is if you do this, you will most likely receive instructions on how to pay a ransom. We would strongly advise against transferring any money to the threat’s creators because you cannot know if they will hold on to their end of the bargain, which is delivering decryption tools to you.
How to erase KOK8 Ransomware?
If you think paying the ransom is too risky too, you should get rid of KOK8 Ransomware. Our researchers say it can restart with the operating system, so it is possible it could keep encrypting new files created before the restart. To avoid this risk, you could eliminate the malware manually while following the instructions available at the end of this paragraph. Nonetheless, if the task looks too complicated or you prefer using automatic features, you could download a legitimate antimalware tool and use it to remove the malicious application instead.
Get rid of KOK8 Ransomware
- Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
- Select Task Manager.
- Search for the threat’s process.
- Select this process and click End Task.
- Leave Task Manager.
- Tap Windows key+E.
- Navigate to the following paths:
%TEMP%
%USERPROFILE%\desktop
%USERPROFILE%\downloads - Find the file that infected the device.
- Right-click the malicious file and press Delete.
- Locate files named #KOK8_README#.rtf, then right-click them and press Delete.
- Navigate to %APPDATA%
- Search for randomly titled .bmp, .vbs, and .cmd files, for example, cReDZ9ls.bmp.
- Right-click the described three files separately and select Delete.
- Close File Explorer.
- Empty your Recycle bin.
- Restart the system.
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