KASP ransomware infects computers after users download it in a form of a software crack, mostly. It tries to hide its encryption process by displaying a fake Windows update screen. In this case, users believe that their computers are merely having an OS update and do not try to stop the process. Unfortunately, data encryption is an extremely strong file-locking method that makes encoded information inaccessible for regular use. In other terms, you can only recover encrypted files if you have a unique KASP decryption key. This article contains explanation of how the KASP ransomware operates, what are the chances to decrypt your files and how to remove the virus safely.

What’s inside the ransom note _readme.txt: pay or lose your files

Since cybercriminals are in hold of all important documents once the encryption process is done, they try to extort money from their victims. The _Readme.txt file, which is left by KASP virus in every affected data folder, is also known as a ransom-demanding message that explains what happened to the encrypted data and what to do next. Victims are encouraged to contact the attackers via helpmanager@mail.ch or restoremanager@airmail.cc emails to receive further payment details. Before that, they are demanded to pay $490 within the first 72 hours of the infection or $980 later. The attackers also suggest testing the decryptor first – they promise to decrypt one small file for free. The victim needs to send it alongside an email to the criminals. However, even if they do decrypt your test file, we have some reasons why you should never pay the cybercriminals.

Do not pay the ransom

Even though paying up to the crooks might seem like the only option here, the majority of them are highly unreliable. They might not only trick you into transferring the money and refuse to deliver the decryption tool later but also try blackmailing to pay more and more money at the end. Likewise, our security experts recommend you remove KASP ransomware virus instead of dealing with the attackers. Furthermore, researchers have spotted that this crypto-malware installs a password stealer, known as AZORULT Trojan. As we have already mentioned, cyber criminals are not reliable and only driven by monetary benefits. They can gather your sensitive data and use it for their malicious purposes or sell for third-parties in the underground markets. We strongly suggest you avoid any type of contact with the crooks if you want to avoid financial losses or further damage to your system. For KASP ransomware removal and the elimination of other variants (NPPH, GENO, BOOP, OONN, VARI, NILE, LYLI) we suggest employing a professional malware removal software. While there are numerous different options, we recommend choosing a robust one, like RESTORO. Once you install it, run an entire system scan and clean your computer from the file-encrypting virus and its components. Once the elimination is complete, you can start restoring locked files by using backup copies from the Cloud.

Virus Summary

Users install the virus through malicious pop-ups or software cracks

Security experts have spotted KASP virus spreading as a malicious pop-up that appears while browsing on suspicious pages. In this particular case, it imitates notifications to update well-known programs, such as Adobe Flash Player or others. Since the crooks have designed the pop-up to look extremely legitimate, many people fall for this trick and end up installing the ransomware once they click on the update button. Furthermore, there are cases where this cyber threat entered the system via malicious spam email. Cybercriminals also try to impersonate popular service providers and send letters that encourage to update account details by pressing on the link inside. While the email might look convincing, it is a well-developed trick to start and automatic installation of ransomware once the person clicks on the link. If you want to protect your computer from crypto-malware attacks, you should stop browsing on unverified websites and clicking on various advertisements online. Also, you must only download applications from official websites and never visit illegal file-sharing pages. Finally, pay attention to the emails you receive — if you have not expected a letter, refrain from opening it or at least do not click on any attachments or links inside.

Remove KASP ransomware virus now

The only way to remove KASP ransomware virus and protect your system is to get a robust malware removal software. Keep in mind that there are numerous product offerings. Although, we suggest choosing the one that is robust enough to deal with such dangerous cyber threats as file-encrypting viruses. Our experts recommend RESTORO for the elimination procedure. Since some STOP/DJVU variants might block the access to security pages or even antivirus tools, you must boot your computer into Safe Mode before you start KASP file virus removal. It is a relatively easy process that is explained in the instructions below. Once you finish the ransomware elimination, you can start restoring encrypted files from backups or try alternative methods. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove KASP ransomware virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users Now, you can search for and remove KASP ransomware virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense If you’re looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek’s Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Decrypt KASP files

Fix and open large KASP files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. KASP ransomware virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie. Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible. In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt KASP files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The KASP decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages: Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID] This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor’s database. No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible. Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future. If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn’t available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your KASP extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Victims of KASP ransomware virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can’t find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up “[your country name] report cyber crime”. This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities. Another recommendation is to contact your country’s or region’s federal police or communications authority.