KOK8 Ransomware Removal Guide

Do you know what KOK8 Ransomware is?

KOK8 Ransomware seems to be an updated version of Matrix9643@yahoo.com Ransomware. It seems the new version could cause more trouble for victims who encounter it, but we will talk about its working manner further in the article. What we would like to stress is we do not advise paying a ransom if you do not like the idea your money might be lost in vain. Cybercriminals cannot be trusted as there is not knowing whether they will hold on to their promises. Our computer security specialists say it is safer to recover the malware’s encrypted files while using backup copies stored on cloud storage, removable media devices, or elsewhere. However, before trying to recover any files or creating new data it would be best to erase KOK8 Ransomware as the malicious application can restart with the operating system and possibly damage data that was not on the device before. To earn how to get rid of this threat manually you should use the removal guide available below. On the other hand if you prefer completing such tasks with automatic features, you could employ a reputable antimalware tool instead.

Like its previous version KOK8 Ransomware could be distributed with malicious email attachments sent as Spam. This is why we always advise users not to open data received from unknown sources without checking it with a reliable antimalware tool. Another way, the infection could be spread is unsecured RDP connections and questionable software installers. Thus, our computer security specialists recommend removing possible computer’s weaknesses (e.g., outdated software or compromised passwords) and staying away from web pages that might distribute pirated software, untrustworthy freeware tools, etc.

One of the main differences between KOK8 Ransomware and Matrix9643@yahoo.com Ransomware is the new variant encrypts all personal files located on the computer while the older infection was targeting data found only on the Desktop, Downloads, and some directories located in the %HOMEDRIVE% folder. Also, the newer version marks its encrypted data with a different extension (e.g., [KOK8@protonmail.com ].Ag6K8rlv-ClEwFRrW.KOK8). After encrypting user’s data, the malicious application should not only execute a particular script created in %APPDATA% that would remove all shadow copies but also display a ransom note asking to contact the malware’s creators about their mentioned decryption tools. We have no doubt the hackers would ask for a payment in exchange which is why we do not recommend contacting them if you do not want to gamble with your savings because no matter what they may promise there are no guarantees they will deliver it.

Users who decide to erase KOK8 Ransomware can do it either manually or with automatic features. If you think you are experienced enough to eliminate it manually, you could follow the removal guide available a bit below this article. On the other hand, if the process seems to difficult you could download a reputable antimalware tool and let it get rid of the threat for you.

Eliminate KOK8 Ransomware

  1. Click Ctrl+Alt+Delete simultaneously.
  2. Pick Task Manager.
  3. Take a look at the Processes tab.
  4. Locate a process belonging to the malicious program.
  5. Mark this process and select the End Task button.
  6. Click Windows Key+E.
  7. Navigate to the suggested paths:
    %TEMP%
    %USERPROFILE%Desktop
    %USERPROFILE%Downloads
  8. Find a file that was launched when the system got infected, right-click the malicious file and select Delete.
  9. Look for files named #KOK8_README#.rtf or similarly, right-click such documents and press Delete.
  10. Locate this path: %APPDATA%
  11. Search for .bmp, .vbs, and .cmd files with random names, right-click them separately and choose Delete.
  12. Leave File Explorer.
  13. Empty Recycle bin.
  14. Restart the computer.

In non-techie terms:

KOK8 Ransomware is a dangerous file-encrypting threat that can ruin almost all data located on the computer. Unfortunately, to our knowledge, the malicious application takes care of user’s shadow copies as well so the only hope to recover your data might be copies on flash drives, cloud storage, and so on. The cybercriminals behind the malware offer their assistance too. To be more accurate they claim the user can decrypt his data with a unique decryption key and a decryptor they have. Nonetheless, before getting them the infection’s ransom note mentions the user is supposed to contact the hackers and negotiate with them. We have no doubt they would ask to pay a particular amount of Bitcoins. Just as we explained in the beginning in the article, you should know these people may trick you, and if you do not want to end up on such situation, we recommend erasing the threat at once. In order to get rid of it manually, you should follow the removal guide added a bit above this text. The other way would be to install a reliable antimalware tool and perform a full system scan.