Remove Kool ransomware

Kool ransomware is a file-encrypting piece of malware. It comes from the notorious Djvu/STOP ransomware family. It targets personal files to encrypt them and is considered to be very dangerous because file recovery is not always possible.

 

 

 

When users open an infected file, the ransomware initiates and starts encrypting files. During the encryption process, the ransomware shows a fake Windows update window to distract users. Unfortunately, the ransomware targets personal files like photos, videos, documents, images, etc. Users will not be able to open any of the affected files. The files will also have a .kool extension added to them. For example, a 1.txt file would become 1.txt.kool when encrypted.

The ransomware drops a _readme.txt ransom note as well. The note explains what victims have to do to get the decryptor necessary to restore encrypted files. The note explains that victims need to pay $999 to receive the Kool ransomware decryptor. There’s also supposedly a 50% discount to users who make contact within the first 72 hours. The note also states that users can decrypt one file for free as long as it does not have any important information in it. Users should be very skeptical about the ransom note contents as trusting malicious actors would be a mistake.

Buying the decryptor is not recommended for two reasons. First of all, paying does not mean a Kool ransomware decryptor will be sent. Users who are considering paying should keep in mind that ransomware operators are cybercriminals. There is nothing to force them to send the decryptor once a payment is made. Unfortunately, many ransomware victims have not received their decryptors after paying, leaving them with encrypted files and stolen money. Another reason paying ransom is not recommended is because the money will be used to finance future criminal activities. As long as users pay ransom, ransomware will remain widespread.

You can find the full contents of the _readme.txt ransom note below:

ATTENTION!

Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like pictures, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
Do not ask assistants from youtube and recovery data sites for help in recovering your data.
They can use your free decryption quota and scam you.
Our contact is emails in this text document only.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
–
Price of private key and decrypt software is $999.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $499.
Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.

To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
support@freshingmail.top

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
datarestorehelpyou@airmail.cc

Your personal ID:

 

Whether backup is available or not, users need to remove Kool ransomware from their computers. Using anti-malware software to remove Kool ransomware is highly recommended. Ransomware is a very complex infection and requires a professional program to get rid of. Once users remove Kool ransomware, they can access their backup and start file recovery. If users do not have a backup, their only option is to wait for a free Kool ransomware decryptor to be released.

How did Kool ransomware enter your computer?

Ransomware infections are distributed via methods like torrents, email attachments, malicious ads, etc. Ransomware is prevalent so picking up an infection is very easy. This is why it’s important to have an active anti-malware program on the computer. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to become familiar with malware distribution methods and develop better online habits.

Torrents are often used for malware distribution, especially torrents for popular entertainment content like movies, TV series, and video games. Torrent sites are usually unmoderated, and torrents with malware can be available for a while. Downloading copyrighted content using torrents is not only content theft but could also lead to malware infections.

Email attachments are also often used to distribute malware. Malicious actors buy leaked email addresses and launch massive malspam campaigns using them. Users receive emails claiming that an important document is attached to the email and needs to be reviewed urgently. The email may claim that the email is a parcel delivery notice, an expensive item order confirmation, etc., to pressure the recipient into opening the attachment without double-checking anything. While users who rush to open all email attachments may not notice this, emails carrying malware are often quite obvious at a closer look. For example, they are full of grammar and spelling mistakes. Senders pretend to be from legitimate companies but when the emails are full of mistakes, it’s immediately obvious. Another example is malicious emails using generic words like User, Member, Customer, etc., to address the recipient. A legitimate email whose attachment is time-sensitive and important will address the recipient using their name. Using users’ names is a common tactic by companies to make emails seem more personal.

Malware-carrying emails are considerably more sophisticated when they target specific users. Sophisticated malicious emails would not have any grammar/spelling mistakes, address users by name, and even contain information to make the email seem credible. This is why even if an email seems completely legitimate, it’s recommended to scan all email attachments with VirusTotal or anti-virus programs before opening them.

How to remove Kool ransomware

Ransomware is a very complicated infection and needs to be handled very carefully. You need to use an anti-malware program to remove Kool ransomware. If you try to delete Kool ransomware manually, you could cause additional damage to your device. Furthermore, if you do not fully remove the infection and connect to your backup, your backed-up files will become encrypted as well. If that were to happen, your files would be lost for good.

If you have a backup, you should access it only after your computer is completely malware-free. If you do not have copies of your files saved somewhere, your only option is to wait for a free Kool ransomware to be released. NoMoreRansom is a safe source for ransomware decryptors so if a free Kool ransomware decryptor does get released, it would be downloadable from there. Other questionable sites promoting a free Kool ransomware decryptor are very unlikely to be legitimate.

Other anti-malware programs that detect Kool ransomware are:

• Avast/AVG – Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj]
• Malwarebytes – Trojan.MalPack.GS
• Microsoft – Trojan:Win32/Redline.LDR!MTB
• TrendMicro – Trojan.Win32.SMOKELOADER.YXECOZ
• BitDefender – Trojan.GenericKD.71979845
• ESET – A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HWPK
• Kaspersky – HEUR:Trojan-Spy.Win32.Windigo.gen
• McAfee – Artemis!FD97B32294D2