What is Kwaaklocked Ransomware?
Kwaaklocked Ransomware is not yet fully developed, but it seems it could be another malicious file-encrypting application based on an open source ransomware program known as Hidden Tear. Most of them were created the year the original Hidden Tear’s sample was uploaded (2015), but apparently, there are still some hackers who keep using this code to generate more infections. Further, in the text, we will discuss the threat’s possible distribution channels and explain what to expect if it enters your system. Of course, you will find tips on how to avoid malicious applications like Kwaaklocked Ransomware as well as how to get rid of this malware manually. However, we would like to stress that since the infection is still in the process of being developed it might change and it is difficult to say how accurate the instructions at the end of this article can be. Therefore, if you encounter this threat, it might be best to use a legitimate antimalware tool instead.
Where does Kwaaklocked Ransomware come from?
The malware’s creators could attack their victims by sending them infected email attachments. Because of this, it is strongly advisable to pay attention to the data you receive via email, especially if it comes from an unknown source or falls under the classification of Spam. Next, we recommend staying away from torrent and other untrustworthy file-sharing web pages as their suggested setup files could be bundled with various malicious applications. Instead, it would be smarter to download software from legitimate websites, in which case the most important thing to do is make sure a reliable company created the chosen program. For extra protection from infections like Kwaaklocked Ransomware, users could employ a legitimate antimalware tool as it might warn them about potential threats or even stop them from entering the system.
How does Kwaaklocked Ransomware work?
The main malware’s task is to encrypt files the user would not like to lose, for example, his photos, pictures, videos, archives, text or other documents, etc. Such data is supposed to be enciphered with a secure encryption algorithm. Plus, Kwaaklocked Ransomware should mark it with .kwaaklocked extension, so if the user had a file named text.docx it should turn into text.docx.kwaaklocked. After this task is complete, the malicious application is supposed to show a ransom note. Currently, it creates it in %USERPROFILE%\Desktop\test, but if the infection gets fully developed, we have no doubt the note should appear on a directory every computer would have, for example, Desktop. Our researchers at Anti-spyware-101.com say the note might be named READ_IT.txt. The text only says the user’s files were enciphered and asks to send some Bitcoins. Naturally, without any information on how to pay the ransom, it is impossible to do so. Moreover, the lack of such critical information is what shows Kwaaklocked Ransomware is not complete yet. Nevertheless, it does not mean no one could come across it as the hackers could spread it among couple users to test the malware.
How to erase Kwaaklocked Ransomware?
At this point, if you receive the threat, there is nothing to do but to delete Kwaaklocked Ransomware since you may not be able to pay the ransom even if you wanted to. Still, if it was possible, we strongly recommend against it because it is entirely possible the hackers might trick you and the money would be lost in vain. All in all, it seems to us, the smartest thing to do would be to erase the infection. Users could try to use the steps located below the article, but is we said earlier they might be incomplete and it could be safer to use a legitimate antimalware tool instead.
Eliminate Kwaaklocked 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 the malware’s ransom note (READ_IT.txt), right-click it and press Delete.
- Close File Explorer.
- Empty your Recycle bin.
- Restart the system.
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