What is KEKW Ransomware
This article today is dedicated to KEKW cryptovirus (alt. name is KEKW-Locker Ransomware) which has become more active in the last couple of weeks of March this year. Like many analogs, it comes to a computer that encrypts user data of various formats, including audio, video, documents, office and much more. Moreover, it changes the extension of the infected files to .kekw. Of course, it is worth noting that the files become unsuitable for further use. Like other similar crypto viruses, it creates a note file Decrypt.txt that contains information about encryption and possible redemption methods. Here’s what it looks like:
According to the note, the user must contact the attackers and pay the ransom equivalent of BTC. The cost of the repurchase is 1000000 BTC. Apparently, scammers have a good sense of humor, because you can only demand such money as a joke. However, this does not beg the fact that the files are unsuitable for further use. We do not recommend you to pay, because there are no guarantees that KEKW’s developers will really return your files to you.
RANSOM MESSAGE
GIVE ME 1 MILLION BITCOIN at RANSOM.onion
AES Encryption Key: G3Xgfd9aizCCOCZurvAlNaEs09RbA23iFjs3kySDlZQ=
AES Encryption IV: cswzut8/X3qc6xgISDSu9Q==
Most often KEKW comes as an attachment to a spam mailing list or as a false software update or utility. This happens for two reasons, firstly because of user inattention, the other reason is the absence of a legitimate antivirus. Below you can read our recommendations to try to remove KEKW and decrypt .kekw files right now.
Well, there are 2 options for solving this problem. The first is to use an automatic removal utility that will remove the threat and all instances related to it. Moreover, it will save you time. Or you can use the Manual Removal Guide, but you should know that it might be very difficult to remove KEKW ransomware manually without a specialist’s help.
If for any reason you need to recover deleted or lost files, then check out our article Top 5 Deleted File Recovery Software
KEKW Removal Guide
Remember that you need to remove KEKW Ransomware first and foremost to prevent further encryption of your files before the state of your data becomes totally useless. And only after that, you can start recovering your files. Removal must be performed according to the following steps:
- Download KEKW Removal Tool.
- Remove KEKW from Windows (7, 8, 8.1, Vista, XP, 10) or Mac OS (Run system in Safe Mode).
- Restore .KEKW files
- How to protect PC from future infections.
How to remove KEKW ransomware automatically:
Norton is a powerful antivirus that protects you against malware, spyware, ransomware and other types of Internet threats. Norton is available for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android devices. We recommend you to try it.
If you’re Mac user – use this.
Manual KEKW Removal Guide
Here are step-by-step instructions to remove KEKW from Windows and Mac computers. Follow these steps carefully and remove files and folders belonging to KEKW. First of all, you need to run the system in a Safe Mode. Then find and remove needed files and folders.
Uninstall KEKW from Windows or Mac
Here you may find the list of confirmed related to the ransomware files and registry keys. You should delete them in order to remove virus, however it would be easier to do it with our automatic removal tool. The list:
KEKW.dll
_readme.txt
readme.txt
Windows 7/Vista:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to KEKW by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Windows 8/8.1:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to KEKW by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Windows 10:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to KEKW by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Windows XP:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to KEKW by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Mac OS:
- Restart the computer;
- Press and Hold Shift button, before system will be loaded;
- Release Shift button, when Apple logo appears;
- Find programs or files potentially related to KEKW by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
How to restore encrypted files
You can try to restore your files with special tools. You may find more detailed info on data recovery software in this article – recovery software. These programs may help you to restore files that were infected and encrypted by ransomware.
Restore data with Stellar Data Recovery
Stellar Data Recovery is able to find and restore different types of encrypted files, including removed emails.
- Download and install Stellar Data Recovery
- Choose drives and folders with your data, then press Scan.
- Select all the files in a folder, then click on Restore button.
- Manage export location. That’s it!
Restore encrypted files using Recuva
There is an alternative program, that may help you to recover files – Recuva.
- Run the Recuva;
- Follow instructions and wait until scan process ends;
- Find needed files, KEKW them and Press Recover button;
How to prevent ransomware infection?
It is always rewarding to prevent ransomware infection because of the consequences it may bring. There are a lot of difficulties in resolving issues with encoders viruses, that’s why it is very vital to keep a proper and reliable anti-ransomware software on your computer. In case you don’t have any, here you may find some of the best offers in order to protect your PC from disastrous viruses.
Malwarebytes
SpyHunter is a reliable antimalware removal tool application, that is able to protect your PC and prevent the infection from the start. The program is designed to be user-friendly and multi-functional.