Do you know what .KRAB Files Virus is?
According to our computer security specialists the so-called .KRAB Files Virus is also known as Gandcrab V4 or GandCrab4 Ransomware. The reason for new titles and not-ending discussions about this malicious application is that it remains to be active and keeps getting more vicious. The latest sample suggests the malware’s developers might be searching for ways to exploit antivirus software and it is not all. However, we will present the rest of our findings further in the article, so if you came here to learn more about .KRAB Files Virus you should keep reading this report. What’s more, at the end of the text we will add a removal guide showing how users could get rid of this threat manually. Naturally, if the task is a bit too difficult, you could install a reputable antimalware tool instead. Moreover, should you have more questions about the infection or its deletion, do not hesitate to leave a message in the comments section.
There are a few ways one could encounter .KRAB Files Virus. Some versions of it may enter the system by exploiting its vulnerabilities, which is why it is advisable to update all old tools that might have weaknesses. Besides, it was reported the malicious application could be distributed via compromised WordPress CMS websites pretending to be file-sharing sites for cracked programs. Thus, our computer security specialists say it would be smart to stay away from pirated software. Moreover, before launching any file downloaded from untrustworthy channels (e.g., Spam emails or unreliable file-sharing web pages) users should scan it with a reputable antimalware tool as it might help guard the system against various threats.
Researchers found out the malware might enter the system, but it may not start encrypting files on it if it discovers a Russian keyboard layout. In fact, .KRAB Files Virus should not do any damage for computer’s using the Ukrainian, Belarusian, Tajik, and other Slavic language keyboard layouts as well. Otherwise, the threat starts encrypting the victim’s data right after it settles in. Apparently, even lost Internet connection could not stop the encryption process as the infection is capable of enciphering data without it. To mark damaged files, the malicious application should apply .KRAB extension that should appear right after the original file’s extension (e.g., image.jpg.KRAB, text.docx.KRAB, archive.zip.KRAB, and so on.). The next .KRAB Files Virus move should be placing a text document named KRAB-DECRYPT.txt on all locations with encrypted files. After opening it, victims should see ransom notes with instructions explaining how to enter a website with payment instructions.
At this point, it is essential to realize there are no guarantees you will get your data back even if you do as told and pay the ransom. Therefore, our computer security specialists recommend not to gamble with savings and delete .KRAB Files Virus. If you do not want to put up with any demands too, you could follow the removal guide available below and eliminate the malware manually, or as we said earlier, you could download a reputable antimalware tool and allow it to take care of the infection.
Erase .KRAB Files Virus
- Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
- Select Task Manager.
- Locate the threat’s process.
- Mark this process and click the End Task button.
- Leave Task Manager.
- Press 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 KRAB-DECRYPT.txt, then right-click it (and rest of its copies) and press Delete.
- Close File Explorer.
- Empty your Recycle bin.
- Restart the system.
In non-techie terms:
.KRAB Files Virus is a dangerous file-encrypting threat that may enter the system while interacting with compromised WordPress CMS websites or installing cracked software. It uses a secure encryption algorithm called Salsa20, and so the files affected by it become useless without decryption tools. The bad news is the hackers want to receive payments of 1200-1600 US dollars in exchange for the means to decipher the victim’s data. It means users would not only significantly fund the cybercriminals, but also risk losing a considerable sum in vain. The fact the malicious application’s developers might be able to prove they can decrypt your files does not confirm they will send their decryption tools to you. In other words, there is a possibility you might not get your data back even if you put up with all their demands; after all, once the money reaches their wallet, it would be impossible to get it back. This is why our computer security specialists advise not to take any chances and erase the malware with the removal guide located above or a reputable antimalware tool of your choice.