Do you know what Kuus Ransomware is?
Kuus Ransomware is part of the STOP Ransomware family; however, even though it is very well-known and widely researched, the creator of the malware code is still unknown. It is also unknown how many parties exactly are working with this code either. Judging by the contact information that the attackers are leaving in the ransom note – which is always the same – we assume that one party could be responsible for all variants. A few of them include Maas Ransomware, Opqz Ransomware, Sqpc Ransomware, and Kkll Ransomware, but there are hundreds more. In most cases, these infections exploit bundled downloaders or spam emails to slither into systems that are unguarded and lack basic protection. So, if you now need to remove Kuus Ransomware, you also need to rethink Windows protection. First, let’s figure out how to delete the threat and, hopefully, how to recover the encrypted files.
You can determine which variant of the STOP Ransomware has invaded your operating system by looking at the extension that gets attached to the encrypted files. Kuus Ransomware adds the “.kuus” extension, and, in fact, this is where the name of the threat comes from as well. The extension is just a post-it note, and even if you remove it from your file’s name, it will remain encrypted. Unfortunately, this infection encrypts documents, pictures, and other personal files that many people cannot replace. Of course, if you have these files shared online, shared with others, or, in the best-case scenario, stored in a secure backup, you can use the copies to replace the encrypted files. If you do not have backups and cannot retrieve copies from family, friends, or colleagues, we hope that you can use the free STOP Decryptor tool that was created by cybersecurity experts. Unfortunately, this tool cannot guarantee 100% success yet.
Before you can even think about replacing or restoring your personal files for free, Kuus Ransomware drops a ransom note file named “_readme.txt,” and uses it to intimidate and confuse you. According to the message inside, you must email helpmanager@mail.ch or restoremanager@airmail.cc if you want to learn how to decrypt files. That, allegedly, can be done only if you purchase a decryption tool, which was priced at $490 (or $980 after three days). If your personal files are extremely important to you, and if you have enough money to throw around, you might follow the instructions blindly. Sadly, Kuus Ransomware was created by cybercriminals who could not care less about what happens to your files. That is why they are unlikely to help you in any way once they reach the goal of swindling money right out of your hand.
If you think that you can delete Kuus Ransomware manually, you should waste no time to begin the process. The launcher’s name is random, and we cannot know if you will be able to identify it correctly. Hopefully, you can, but even if you remove Kuus Ransomware successfully, keep in mind that your system remains vulnerable. If you want to make sure that you do not need to worry about ransomware and other types of malware in the future, we suggest figuring out how to secure your system now. That is easiest to do using a legitimate anti-malware tool. It will automatically eliminate all malware components and, simultaneously, secure the system. After this, we hope that you can replace the corrupted files with backups or use a free decryptor. In either case, do not forget to secure your files by storing copies in a secure location from now on.
Remove Kuus Ransomware
- Open File Explorer (tap Win+E keys) and enter %HOMEDRIVE% into the field at the top.
- Delete the file named readme.txt (ransom note) and also the folder named SystemID.
- Enter %LOCALAPPDATA% into the field at the top.
- Delete the ransomware folder with a random name (e.g., 0115174b-bd55-4caf-a89a-d8ff8132151f).
- Exit File Explorer and then Empty Recycle Bin.
- Employ a trusted malware scanner to help you scan the system for potential leftovers.
In non-techie terms:
Kuus Ransomware is a serious threat, and its attack can have lasting consequences. This malware attacks your personal files, and if you do not have copies of these files stored somewhere safe (outside the computer), you might be unable to recover them. Unfortunately, the attackers suggest that you can restore your files by paying a ransom in return for an alleged decryptor. Even if cybercriminals have a tool like that, we doubt that they would give it to anyone. That is just their nature. If you are sure that you want to take the risk of paying the ransom, at least try using the free decryptor or look into backups to see if copies exist first. Remember that if you pay the ransom, you are likely to be duped. Whatever happens, you must delete Kuus Ransomware, and while you might be able to do that manually, we strongly recommend implementing anti-malware software that also can ensure full-time protection.