Remove Kobos ransomware And Restore Locked Files

Complete Guideline To Delete Kobos ransomware

Kobos ransomware is a precarious kind of computer malware which aims to encrypt files of Windows users so that it could generate illicit revenues out of them. Discovered by security researcher Ravi, once this deadly crypto-threat successfully infiltrates the targeted systems, it encrypts pictures, videos, audios, documents, spreadsheets etc. using a strong encryption algorithm and makes victims unable to access those files. It also renames the compromised data by adding user ID, attackers’ email address and appending “.kobos” extension with each of them. After that, the locked data become totally useless and can only be retrieved by using a decryption key that is allegedly kept on attackers’ server.

Depth Analysis of Kobos ransomware:

Following successful encryption, Kobos ransomware drops a ransom note named “## HOW TO RECOVER ##.hta” on each affected folder and informs victims regarding the attack. They are also asked to pay an amount of ransom to the crooks in order to regain access to the compromised data. The ransom amount is not specified however, it has to be paid in BitCoins cryptocurrency. To start the recovery process, victims are instructed to contact the hackers via the provided email address.

Kobos ransomware authors also offer to decrypt up to three locked files for free that should not contain any valuable information (such as large Excel sheets, databases, backups etc.) and should be less than 4 MB (non-archived) in size. These files have to be sent via email. Criminals will decode them and send them back to prove that the decryption is possible. The message also includes warning alerting users that renaming the infected files or trying to decrypt them with third-party tools may lead to permanent data loss.

Should You Pay The Ransom?

Kobos ransomware authors don’t assure that they will provide you the required decryptor even after taking the ransom and hence, you should not make any sort of payment to them no matter what situation is. There are various occasions when such people disappeared after taking money or delivered dubious application to the victims in the name of decryption tool. Paying ransom to these criminals is not a clever thing to do under any circumstance as there is huge chance of getting scammed and end up with losing both files as well as money.

How To Recover The Locked Data?

Before attempting to restore the encrypted files, you should first focus on Kobos ransomware removal from the computer as early as possible. After that, you can recover the compromised data using a recently made backup that you have saved on any external drive. In the absence of an appropriate backup, you can try a powerful file-recovery application. Be cautious while choosing a proper recovery tool as hackers may try to deceive you into purchasing malicious software.

Threat Specification

Name: Kobos ransomware

Type: Ransomware, File-encrypting malware, Crypto-virus

Short Description: Hazardous malware which encodes data and then asks victims to pay the attackers a hefty sum of ransom to get the decryption software/key.

Extension:  .kobos (files are also appended with a unique ID and attackers’ email address)

Ransom Notes: ## HOW TO RECOVER ##.hta

Attackers’ Contact: [email protected] and [email protected]

Symptoms: Encrypted files become inaccessible and useless stored inside the infected PCs, previous functional data now have different extension, a ransom demanding message is put on each affected folder. Users are asked to pay an amount of ransom to unlock their encrypted files.

Distribution methods: Spam emails, peer to peer network sharing, unofficial activation and updating tools.

Damage: All files are encrypted and cannot be accessed without paying ransom, Additional password stealing Trojans and malware infections can be installed along with ransomware infections and other malware.

Removal: To remove this virus from the system, we advise you to use a reliable anti-malware tool. Once malware gets removed, you can recover your files by using existing backup or data-recovery software.

Penetration of Kobos ransomware:

It has been reported that the most popular and common ransomware distribution source is email spam. Cyber hackers attach the malicious payload in the form of an executable, word document, or zip file. These mails are often represented as ‘important’ or ‘crucial’ or may pretend to be from some reputable companies. However, as soon as the attachments included in these mails are opened, run or executed, it triggers the malware installation process.

In addition, crypto-viruses also distributed via pirated files like game cheats, software cracks, or serial numbers to some security tools, genuine license keys. It is not easy to identify the particular source where those files are coming from, so stay away from illegal or careless activities in order to keep the device virus-free. In case your computer is infected with this dangerous parasite, you must remove Kobos ransomware from the machine without wasting any time.

Text Presented In The Ransom Note:

All your files have been encrypted!

All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail : [email protected]

Write this ID in the title of your message : –

In case of no answer in 12 hours write us to this e-mail : [email protected]

You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the tool that will decrypt all your files.

Free decryption as guarantee

Before paying you can send us up to 3 files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 4Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)

How to obtain Bitcoins

The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click ‘Buy bitcoins’, and select the seller by payment method and price.

hxxps://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins

Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:

hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/

Attention!

# Do not rename encrypted files.

# Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.

# Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove Kobos ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete Kobos ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove Kobos ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

For Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Boot the PC in “Safe Mode”. Click on “Start” option and continuously press on F8 during the start process until the “Windows Advanced Option” menu appears on the screen. Choose “Safe Mode with Networking” from the list.

Now, a windows homescreen appears on the desktop and work-station is now working on “Safe mode with networking”.

For Windows 8 Users: Go to the “Start Screen”. In the search results select settings, type “Advanced”. In the “General PC Settings” option, choose “Advanced startup” option. Again, click on the “Restart Now” option. The work-station boots to “Advanced Startup Option Menu”. Press on “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options” button.  In the “Advanced Option Screen”, press on “Startup Settings”. Again, click on “Restart” button. The work-station will now restart in to the “Startup Setting” screen. Next is to press F5 to boot in Safe Mode in Networking.

For Windows 10 Users: Press on Windows logo and on the “Power” icon. In the newly opened menu, choose “Restart” while continuously holding “Shift” button on the keyboard. In the new open “Choose an option” window, click on “Troubleshoot” and then on the “Advanced Options”. Select “Startup Settings” and press on “Restart”. In the next window, click on “F5” button on the key-board.

Step 2: Delete Kobos ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with Kobos ransomware. Open the browser and download a legitimate anti-malware tool. Do a full System scanning. Remove all the malicious detected entries.

In case if you cannot start the PC in “Safe Mode with Networking”, Try using “System Restore”

• During the “Startup”, continuously press on F8 key until the “Advanced Option” menu appears. From the list, choose “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and then press “Enter”

• In the new opened command prompt, enter “cd restore” and then press “Enter”.

• Type: rstrui.exe and Press “ENTER”

• Click “Next” on the new windows

• Choose any of the “Restore Points” and click on “Next”. (This step will restore the work-station to its earlier time and date prior to Kobos ransomware infiltration in the PC.

• In the newly opened windows, press on “Yes”.

Once your PC gets restored to its previous date and time, download the recommended anti-malware tool and perform a deep scanning in order to remove Kobos ransomware files if they left in the work-station.

In order to restore the each (separate) file by this ransomware, use “Windows Previous Version” feature. This method is effective when “System Restore Function” is enabled in the work-station.

Important Note: Some variants of Kobos ransomware delete the “Shadow Volume Copies” as well hence this feature may not work all the time and is applicable for selective computers only.

How to Restore Individual Encrypted File:

In order to restore a single file, right click on it and go to “Properties”. Select “Previous Version” tab. Select a “Restore Point” and click on “Restore” option.

In order to access the files encrypted by Kobos ransomware, you can also try using “Shadow Explorer”. In order to get more information on this application, press here.

Important: Data Encryption Ransomware are highly dangerous and it is always better that you take precautions to avoid its attack on your work-station. It is advised to use a powerful anti-malware tool in order to get protection in real-time. With this help of “SpyHunter”, “group policy objects” are implanted in the registries in order to block harmful infections like Kobos ransomware.

Also, In Windows 10, you get a very unique feature called “Fall Creators Update” that offer “Controlled Folder Access” feature in order to block any kind of encryption to the files. With the help of this feature, any files stored in the locations such as “Documents”, “Pictures”, “Music”, “Videos”, “Favorites” and “Desktop” folders are safe by default.

It is very important that you install this “Windows 10 Fall Creators Update” in your PC to protect your important files and data from ransomware encryption. The more information on how to get this update and add an additional protection form rnasomware attack has been discussed here.

How to Recover the Files Encrypted by Kobos ransomware?

Till now, you would have understood that what had happed to your personal files that got encrypted and how you can remove the scripts and payloads associated with Kobos ransomware in order to protect your personal files that has not been damaged or encrypted until now. In order to retrieve the locked files, the depth information related to “System Restore” and “Shadow Volume Copies” has already been discussed earlier. However, in case if you are still unable to access the encrypted files then you can try using a data recovery tool.

Use of Data Recovery Tool

This step is for all those victims who have already tries all the above mentioned process but didn’t find any solution. Also it is important that you are able to access the PC and can install any software. The data recovery tool works on the basis of System scanning and recovery algorithm. It searches the System partitions in order to locate the original files which were deleted, corrupted or damaged by the malware. Remember that you must not re-install the Windows OS otherwise the “previous” copies will get deleted permanently. You have to clean the work-station at first and remove Kobos ransomware infection. Leave the locked files as it is and follow the steps mentioned below.

Step1: Download the software in the work-station by clicking on the “Download” button below.

Step2: Execute the installer by clicking on downloaded files.

Step3: A license agreement page appears on the screen. Click on “Accept” to agree with its terms and use. Follow the on-screen instruction as mentioned and click on “Finish” button.

Step4: Once the installation gets completed, the program gets executed automatically. In the newly opened interface, select the file types that you want to recover and click on “Next”.

Step5: You can select the “Drives” on which you want the software to run and execute the recovery process. Next is to click on the “Scan” button.

Step6: Based on drive you select for scanning, the restore process begins. The whole process may take time depending on the volume of the selected drive and number of files. Once the process gets completed, a data explorer appears on the screen with preview of that data that is to be recovered. Select the files that you want to restore.

Step7. Next is to locate the location where you want to saver the recovered files.