Do you know what KCTF Locker Ransomware is?
KCTF Locker Ransomware is a peculiar infection because it doesn’t spread in the usual ways. Also, it may not be able to encrypt any of the files unless it has the permissions to access them, so it seems that KCTF Locker Ransomware was created for one particular purpose, and for one exact system. Nevertheless, if you happen to have this ransomware on your computer, you can remove KCTF Locker Ransomware following the instructions at the bottom of this description. If you want to find out more about the program, please continue reading the article.
As far as we know, KCTF Locker Ransomware was created for the Cybersecurity Capture the Flag (CTF) competition. There are many such competitions out there, and it is hard to tell exactly which competition it was created for. Normally, the CTF competitions have certain challenges, and KCTF Locker Ransomware must have created for a crypto challenge, when the developers were challenged to make an encrypting ransomware. Since this program was created for a competition, it doesn’t have the usual ransomware distribution network.
So how could KCTF Locker Ransomware reach you? This program clearly doesn’t spread in the wild, so if someone is infected with it, it is very likely that the installer file was delivered individually. Someone could’ve send out a spam email straight into your inbox or deliver the file through a spam message via Remote Desktop Protocol. The point is that this program doesn’t have a wide range, and it will only be found on a number of computers out there. So why are we talking about it? We talk about it because there is always a chance that such programs will be used as bases for other infections, and we could expect to come across similar ransomware apps in the future.
KCTF Locker Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
KCTF Locker Ransomware is coded in the .NET programming language. Judging from its code, the program has been programmed to encrypt special files with the XOR encryption algorithm. Only a number of files can be affected by the encryption. During our tests, we have found that the file this program looks for has the .dwg extension. This extension is used for files that are employed by CAD (computer-aided design) programs. As mentioned, KCTF Locker Ransomware may not be able to encrypt anything because it needs a permission to access certain files. Therefore, it is very likely that only specific systems can be targeted by this infection.
When this malicious program is launched on a target system, it warns you immediately that it will be malicious. The exact wording of the warning pop-up is as follows:
This is program is written as a part of CTF task. But it can be harmful for your computer. Choose Cancel to exit. If you are OK, press OK.
Then the same message is repeated in Japanese. Afterwards, if the program is run properly, it opens another window that requires the affected user to transfer 10 BTC (a ridiculous amount of money), but you can simply close the program by pressing the X button.
So technically, KCTF Locker Ransomware is not the most dangerous infection out there. It doesn’t even encrypt anything. But we should still be concerned about such instances because no one knows who could get a hold of this code, and where it could be used. It is very common to tweak the existing codes in order to create new infections, so we have to look out for the new deliveries.
Luckily, it is not hard to remove KCTF Locker Ransomware from your system. You just need to delete the file that launched the program. If you do not know which file that is, scan your computer with SpyHunter, and the antispyware scanner will locate the file immediately.
Also, you should protect your system from similar intruders because you can never know when you will encounter other ransomware programs. Simply avoid downloading and opening files you receive from unfamiliar senders. You should also consider scanning the received files with a security tool before opening them. And it is always a good idea to regularly back up your data either on an external hard drive or a cloud drive.
How to Remove KCTF Locker Ransomware
- Click the “X” button on the program’s message.
- Delete unfamiliar files from Desktop.
- Go to the Downloads folder.
- Remove the most recently downloaded files.
- Scan your PC with a security tool.
In non-techie terms:
KCTF Locker Ransomware is a pseudo ransomware infection. This program was created by developers for a cybersecurity competition, and it doesn’t spread in the wild. However, it might accidentally enter your system if someone sends you the installer file directly. Remove KCTF Locker Ransomware immediately, and then invest in a number of security measures that can protect your system from a dangerous infection. When in doubt, do not hesitate to seek assistance.