How to remove Kangaroo Ransomware and decyrpt .crypted_file files

What is Kangaroo Ransomware

Kangaroo is a ransomware infection released by developers behind earlier file-encryptors, such as Apocalypse, Fabiansomware, and Esmeralda. Although this file-encryptor was actively circulating in 2021, some users may still end up penetrated by it these days. The purpose of malware within this category is to encrypt potentially important data and extort money for decryption from victims. The feature that makes Kangaroo stand out among other common ransomware infections is that it configures registry values to display a ransom message prior to entering the Windows log-in screen. Immediately after logging into the system, it also displays a fake screen with the same ransom message but this time with a dedicated field for inserting a password to unlock it. Here is the full text written in it:

Kangaroo makes it impossible to remove the fake screen by terminating the Explorer processes and blocking access to Task Manager (in case users attempt to force-quite the ransom window). This way, victims become essentially stuck and cannot use their computers until a ransom is paid. Despite this, it is possible to bypass the screen lock by entering Safe Mode, which is essential for removing the infection afterwards. During encryption, Kangaroo also assigns the .crypted_file extension and creates identical ransom messages in form of text notes. Such text notes get created additionally to each encrypted file and are named based on the post-encryption file’s name (like here 1.pdf.crypted_file.Instructions_Data_Recovery.txt).

Kangaroo Ransomware (ransom note 1)

Kangaroo Ransomware (ransom note 2)

Cybercriminals behind Kangaroo Ransomware urge victims to establish contact with them via e-mail and include the “Personal Identification ID” inside the letter. After this, victims are said they will receive further instructions to retrieve the special password and decryption software. As a rule, ransomware is designed to capitalize on victims financially. Thus, it is likely that threat actors will require payment of somewhere between 100$ and 1,000$.

Unfortunately, even 2 years after Kangaroo started its malicious campaign, has not yet been confirmed to be decryptable with free third-party software. This means initial ransomware developers are likely to be the only figures able to decipher access to data. Victims can only recover their data from backup if such is available to them and contains the necessary files. In very rare cases, it may also be possible to recover from Windows Shadow Copies if the virus failed to wipe them at the time of infection for some reason. Thus, you can consider trying this recovery option as well if no other option is available. Buying software from cybercriminals is also an option, however, please note that ransomware developers are known to sometimes fool their victims and no send any decryption tools even after the payment.

Finally, if you think you can lose the encrypted data without regrets, then you can also ignore decryption/restoration and simply delete the virus. You should also delete the virus if you are not going to collaborate with extortionists – this is crucial to not let it encrypt other files at the time of manual recovery or spread to other systems working in the same network. It is also important to make sure your system is virus-free after decrypting files with cybercriminals if you decide to. Follow our guide below to do so and get protection against such threats in the future. You will also see some reputable third-party decryption/recovery software presented in our guide, however, this recommendation is general and does not guarantee the tools will successfully decrypt files blocked by Kangaroo Ransomware. You can give them a try if no other option is left.

How Kangaroo Ransomware infected your computer

Kangaroo Ransomware is known to penetrate systems by manually hacking the RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) configuration. In other words, this means that a malware developer could gain unauthorized access to your computer and manually deploy the ransomware infection. Once done, a pop-up window appears on the screen with the victim’s identification code and encryption key displayed on it. Subsequently, cybercriminals have to click the “Copy and Continue” button, which will copy this data into the clipboard buffer and initiate encryption of data with the aforementioned symptoms. As a rule, RDP attacks happen when users connect to an infected server, which may help threat actors hijack the user’s connection and inject malware into the system.

Apart from this method, it is also worth mentioning other infiltration techniques that are often used by other ransomware infections. Such include phishing e-mail letters, infected software installers (pirated or cracked), exploit kits, trojans, fake updates/license cracking tools, unreliable ads, backdoors, keyloggers, and other dubious channels. To stay protected against malicious infections, it is always important to avoid interacting with dubious download sources, torrent-sharing pages, suspicious ads, potentially malicious attachments/links, and other kinds of risky content. Rely on downloading software only from official resources to prevent drive-by (stealth) installations of malware. You can read our guide below for more information on protecting against ransomware and other forms of malware.

1. Download Kangaroo Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .crypted_file files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like Kangaroo Ransomware

Kangaroo Ransomware files:


explorer.exe
filename.originalextension.crypted_file.Instructions_Data_Recovery.txt
{randomname}.exe


Kangaroo Ransomware registry keys:


HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon "LegalNoticeText"...
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run "Windows Explorer"="C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows NT\explorer.exe
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run "Windows Explorer"="C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows NT\explorer.exe"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon "LegalNoticeCaption"="Attention!"


How to decrypt and restore .crypted_file files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .crypted_file files. Download it here:

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .crypted_file files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with Kangaroo Ransomware and removed from your computer you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .crypted_file files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there is no items in the list choose alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the DropBox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like Kangaroo Ransomware , in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Dashboard

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Alert

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Blocked

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Kangaroo Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.