Kuub ransomware victims can’t open files anymoreThreat SummaryDistribution tricksKUUB ransomware removal guidelines
This ransomware variant emerged after NESA and BOOT, but before RECO ransomware version. These are the latest and updated crypto-malware versions that cannot be decrypted that simply because they use a proper combination of AES/RSA crypto-algorithms to corrupt data on the computer. Once encoded, the data can be restored only using the private key owned by the attackers. During the encryption process, .Kuub file extension virus communicates with its Command&Control server, which serves it the ONLINE key. In case the virus cannot reach the C&C server, the files will be encrypted using an OFFLINE key, which gives hope for possible data recovery options (more on that in the main article about DJVU malware). Currently there is no Kuub decryption software available. However, please stay patient – security experts might come up with one soon. For now, you can only restore your files using data backups. The ransom note left by the criminals contains demands regarding the ransom payment. According to the cybercriminals, they can provide victims with KUUB decryption software if the victim pays the specified amount of money in Bitcoins. They ask for $490 if the victim pays within 72 hours from the infection moment; $980 for all the ones who decide to pay later. A full ransom note is provided below. It is unknown whether the attackers provide the decryption software after receiving the payment, so we do not recommend paying the ransom under any circumstances. It is impossible to recover files from Volume Shadow Copies because the malware executes these commands to destroy them and any other means of data restoration: sc stop VVSsc stop wscsvcsc stop WinDefendsc stop wuauservsc stop BITSsc stop ERSvcsc stop WerSvccmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled Nocmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailuresC:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe” /C vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet If you have fallen victim to this cyberthreat, you must remove KUUB ransomware virus instantly. Security experts inform that it spreads together with Azorult Trojan which steals private data such as passwords and possibly can empty your bank account quickly. To delete the malware, we recommend using a robust anti-virus solution.
Threat Summary
Distribution tricks
Kuub virus managed to infect thousands of users worldwide using standard ransomware proliferation tactics. It employs malicious spam and malicious bundling techniques to reach its potential victims on a daily basis. Victims have reported receiving the malicious payload along with software cracks, keygens, and other officially illegal files. You must pay attention to the fact that criminals will use such free goods as bait to serve malware to you. Additionally, they tend to exploit victims’ curiosity by packing the malware into malicious spam attachments or links. If you wish to avoid being hit by ransomware from STOP/DJVU family, PHOBOS, OmniSphere or any other, we strongly recommend reading these ransomware prevention guidelines.
KUUB ransomware removal guidelines
To remove Kuub ransomware virus, you must use a trustworthy antivirus software. Do not settle with suspicious so-called malware removers – only choose the one with great reviews. There are good paid and free alternatives on the market. You can also use self-help guide provided below for manual KUUB ransomware removal. However, you should still run a system scan afterwards to check whether all malware remains were wiped out. 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.
Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove the 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, see a video tutorial on how to do it: Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users Now, you can search for and remove KUUB ransomware 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 malware removal program. In addition, we suggest trying a combination of INTEGO Antivirus (removes malware and protects your PC in real-time) and RESTORO (repairs virus damage to Windows OS files).
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 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. 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.
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