Do you know what Kraken Cryptor Ransomware is?
Kraken Cryptor Ransomware is a malicious ransomware infection that is available in different versions. Every once in a while, its developers release a new version into the wild, but all of them share the same name and similar behavioral patterns. Also, despite the sheer abundance, this is a rather generic ransomware infection, which means it is not that complicated to remove Kraken Cryptor Ransomware from your computer. On the other hand, if you do not want to terminate it on your own, get yourself a legitimate antispyware tool that will do the job for you.
Most of the other ransomware programs tend to spread through spam email attachments or unsafe RDP configurations. However, Kraken Cryptor Ransomware is somewhat different because it spreads via Fallout Exploit Kit. It means that it is rather hard to determine when users get exposed to this infection, and when it enters the target systems. It is very likely that Fallout Exploit Kit is waiting for unsuspecting users in shady websites. Thus, the only way to avoid this infection is by being careful about the websites you access. It would also be a good idea to check website traffic before entering them, but that might be too much of a task for a regular computer user.
Kraken Cryptor Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
The most recent version of this infection has changed its ransom payment from 0.1 BTC to $80. Also, it changes the filenames of all the files it encrypts, and it is really easy to see which files were affected by the infection because their names get scrambled, too. Aside from displaying the ransom note, Kraken Cryptor Ransomware also uses a voice-over message, which can only scare the infected users more. The file for this message is dropped in the %TEMP% directory under the voice-CRC5P.vbs name. When this infection plays the said voice message, here is what it has to say:
All your files such as documents, images, videos and other files with the different names and extensions are encrypted by KRAKEN CRYPTOR Ransomware
Afterwards, this infection displays the ransom note that also requires you to transfer the ransom payment if you want to get your files back. If users do not have a file back-up, they might feel inclined to pay the ransom fee for the decryption tool. However, computer security experts always emphasize that paying the ransom fee does nothing to stop things like Kraken Cryptor Ransomware from spreading around. On the contrary, if you refrain from paying the ransom, you might discourage the criminals from creating similar programs again.
Of course, it doesn’t seem like the ransomware epidemic might end any time soon. Therefore, you should employ all the measures necessary to avoid such infections in the future. If a ransomware program is distributed through an exploit kit, it might be hard to avoid it, but let’s not forget multiple other infections that reach unsuspecting users through spam email attachments and unsafe RDP connections.
The point is to skim over these random messages and files. Ransomware (and malware in general) distribution tactics often make use of the sense of urgency. If a ransomware installer comes as an email attachment, you might be urged to open that file immediately. That file might look like a legitimate document, and so on. But that sense of urgency should really STOP you from opening unfamiliar files. In fact, before you open any new file, you should learn to scan it with a security tool, as it would decrease the possibility of getting infected with malware.
As for Kraken Cryptor Ransomware, you can remove it today. This program doesn’t have a point of execution, so you do not need to modify Windows registry in any way. Simply delete all the files associated with this infection, and then look for various file recovery options that will help you restore the encrypted data.
Needless to say, if you have copies of your files saved in some other location, you can simply delete the encrypted files no questions asked. Then you can transfer all the healthy copies into a clean computer, and carry on as if nothing has happened. After that, do everything you can to prevent similar infections from entering your computer.
How to Remove Kraken Cryptor Ransomware
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc and open Task Manager.
- Click the Processes tab and highlight suspicious processes.
- Press End Process and exit Task Manager.
- Delete the most recent files from Desktop.
- Remove the most recently downloaded files from the Downloads folder.
- Press Win+R and type %TEMP%. Click OK.
- Remove the most recent files from the directory.
In non-techie terms:
Kraken Cryptor Ransomware is a dangerous infection that can encrypt your files. It means that this program locks up your files, and you can no longer access them. The program wants you to pay a lot of money for the decryption key, but that is not an option. Remove Kraken Cryptor Ransomware from your system right now, and then look for ways to get your files back. If you need more information about this infection or computer security in general, please feel free to drop us a comment below.