What is Killnet Ransomware
Killnet is a ransomware infection designed to encrypt personal data. During encryption, it assigns the .killnet extension, forcing a vivid change in files’ appearance. For instance, a file that was originally named 1.pdf will change to 1.pdf.killnet and become no longer accessible after encryption. To follow this stage of attack, the virus creates a text note called Ru.txt with text written in the Russian language. In addition, the ransomware replaces the desktop wallpapers as well.
Вы атакованы killnet_reservs
Донаты: @donate_killnet
Наш официальный @killnet_reservs
Поддержка @killnet_support
Основатель @killmilk_rus
Обменник t.me/killnetexchange
Резервный @killnet_mirror
Наш канал hxxps://t.me/killnet_reservs
Слава России Братья!
You were attacked by killnet_reservs
Donations: @donate_killnet
Our official @killnet_reservs
Support @killnet_support
Founder @killmilk_rus
Exchange t.me/killnetexchange
Reserve @killnet_mirror
Our channel hxxps://t.me/killnet_reservs
Glory to Russia Brothers!
The information given inside this note is vague and does not give any clear guidelines on what victims should do. There are only a number of Telegram handles for different purposes named “donates”, “support”, and so forth. Normally, the goal of ransomware attackers is to extort money from victims by offering full decryption of data in return. Unfortunately, it is rarely possible to decipher access to data without the help of cybercriminals. They are often the only figures wielding the necessary decryption keys to ensure decryption. Even so, some cybercriminals end up scammers and fool their victims without sending any decryption tools in return. Thus, it is recommended against collaborating with cybercriminals. Unless there is a third-party tool proven to decrypt .killnet files, the only way of recovery users can rely on is the usage of backup copies. If a backup of files is present on external storage like a USB flash drive, it can easily be used for recovering data. Below, you will be able to see information about reputable decryption tools, however, their capacity might not be enough to ensure complete decryption at the moment. You can give them a try only if there are no other alternatives you can choose from. Please note that prior to trying to recover the data without the help of cybercriminals, it is important to delete the infection first. Although it will not return access to the already blocked data, deletion is necessary to prevent further encryption of data. Follow our tutorial to do it and learn what can be done to be better protected against such threats in the future.
How Killnet Ransomware infected your computer
Trojans, deceptive third-party downloads, fake software updates/installers, backdoors, keyloggers, botnets, system exploits, and e-mail spam letters are usually the most cited distribution channels used for precipitating malware. The goal of cybercriminals is often to trick inexperienced users into downloading ostensibly “important” software, clicking on dubious pop-ups, executing (opening) malicious attachments/links, and so forth. For instance, many users get caught by phishing techniques in e-mail spam letters. Such e-mails are usually covered under the names of legitimate companies or entities (e.g., delivery companies, tax authorities, banks, and so forth). For instance, it can be a fake message encouraging users to open a file and read some important information from tax authorities. Unfortunately, doing so will likely expose you to facing an imminent ransomware infection. Files with .DOCX, .XLSX, .PDF, .EXE, .ZIP, .RAR, .JS, and other extensions are often the ones cybercriminals misuse for dropping various infections. While such formats have nothing to do with malware on the initial basis, cybercriminals have learned how to configure them for executing the installation of malicious infections. In most cases, the infection occurs only after users bypass the “Protected View” in malicious MS Office documents. Be skeptical whenever you receive such attachments for no expected reason and download software only from official or trusted resources. You can also read our guide below to learn about security tips that will protect you from such threats in the future.
- Download Killnet Ransomware Removal Tool
- Get decryption tool for .killnet files
- Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
- Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
- Restore files with Shadow Explorer
- How to protect from threats like Killnet Ransomware
Download Removal Tool
To remove Killnet Ransomware completely, we recommend you to use SpyHunter 5 from EnigmaSoft Limited. It detects and removes all files, folders, and registry keys of Killnet Ransomware. The trial version of SpyHunter 5 offers virus scan and 1-time removal for FREE.
Alternative Removal Tool
To remove Killnet Ransomware completely, we recommend you to use Norton Antivirus from Symantec. It detects and removes all files, folders, and registry keys of Killnet Ransomware and prevents future infections by similar viruses.
Killnet Ransomware files:
Ru.txt
{randomname}.exe
Killnet Ransomware registry keys:
no information
How to decrypt and restore .killnet files
Use automated decryptors
Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor
Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .killnet 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 .killnet 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 Killnet 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 .killnet files
- Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
- Click Recover Data button.
- Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
- Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
- Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.
Using Windows Previous Versions option:
- Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
- Select Previous Versions tab.
- Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
- To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
- In case there is no items in the list choose alternative method.
Using Shadow Explorer:
- Download Shadow Explorer program.
- Run it and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
- Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
- Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
- In case there are no other dates in the list, choose alternative method.
If you are using Dropbox:
- Login to the DropBox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
- Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
- Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.
How to protect computer from viruses, like Killnet Ransomware , in future
1. Get special anti-ransomware software
Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware
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. Killnet 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.
