How to remove KUZA Ransomware and decrypt .Ripa files

What is KUZA Ransomware

KUZA Ransomware represents a significant threat in the digital landscape, characterized by its malicious encryption of victim’s files and demanding ransom for decryption keys. This article delves into the nature of KUZA Ransomware, exploring its infection vectors, the encryption methodology it employs, the characteristics of the ransom note it generates, the availability of decryption tools, and the steps involved in attempting to decrypt .ripa files. Upon successful infiltration, KUZA Ransomware initiates a file encryption process, rendering files inaccessible to the user. It employs strong encryption algorithms that are difficult to crack without the corresponding decryption key. A distinctive hallmark of KUZA’s encryption process is the appending of a specific file extension, .Ripa, to the encrypted files. This extension serves as a clear indicator of the files’ compromised status. Victims of KUZA Ransomware encounter a ransom note, typically found on their desktop or within folders containing encrypted files. This note provides instructions on how to pay the ransom in exchange for the decryption key. The ransom note, identified as #Read-for-recovery.txt, includes contact information via Tox chat and a Discord handle (@01oq9iw), guiding victims through the ransom payment process.

As of the latest reports, there are no publicly available decryption tools capable of unlocking files encrypted by KUZA Ransomware. This lack of decryption utilities presents a significant challenge for victims, emphasizing the critical importance of preventive measures such as regular file backups and maintaining up-to-date antivirus software. In the absence of a dedicated decryption tool for KUZA Ransomware, victims have limited options for recovering their encrypted files. The primary recommendation is to restore affected files from a secure backup, assuming such backups exist and are not compromised by the ransomware. Alternatively, victims may explore third-party recovery software, although the effectiveness of such tools can vary and may not guarantee the successful decryption of .Ripa files.

How KUZA Ransomware infects computers

KUZA Ransomware infiltrates computers through several sophisticated mechanisms. Primarily, it exploits fraudulent advertisements, torrent websites, and infected email attachments containing macros. These infection vectors are common among ransomware attacks, leveraging social engineering and software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to users’ systems. Additionally, KUZA Ransomware can infect computers via malicious email attachments, fake software updates, or by exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated software. This multi-faceted approach to distribution underscores the importance of vigilance and robust cybersecurity practices for users.

1. Download KUZA Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .Ripa 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 KUZA Ransomware

KUZA Ransomware files:


#Read-for-recovery.txt
{randomname}.exe


KUZA Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .Ripa files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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

Download RakhniDecryptor

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 .Ripa 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 KUZA 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 .Ripa files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the 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.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a 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 are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a 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 an 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 KUZA 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.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

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. KUZA 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.

Download MailWasher Pro