Kool Virus – Details
Kool is a malicious software functioning as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the well-known virus researcher, very first discovered this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Kool was created for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Realistically, as soon as the file encryption is successfully accomplished, the users are unable to get access to them. Kool ransomware adds its own “.kool” to all the encrypted files. For instance, the file “price_list.xls”, once modified by Kool, will be titled as “price_list.xls.kool”. When the file encryption is achieved, Kool puts its own special text document (_readme.txt) into all the folders that store the encrypted files.
The message mentioned by text file requesting the random os very similar to the notices provided by other ransomware dangers coming from the DJVU family. The warning essentially shows that the files have been encrypted and the only option to get access to it is to use a distinct standalone key. Regretfully, this declaration is definitely real.
The method to secure the files used by Kool is not totally investigated. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that each computer system owner may be issued an unique decryption key, which is absolutely distinct. It is incredibly tough to recuperate the information without the suitable key in location.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from text file message:
One more peculiarity of the Kool infection is that the users are unable to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on a special server under the complete control by the scoundrels who have launched the Kool ransomware into the web. In order to get the key and bring back the important information, the users are informed to connect with the frauds through email or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the quantity of $980.
The message also says that individuals should contact the Kool authors within 72 hours upon the minute of the information file encryption. The alert indicates that by doing so individuals will get a 50% discount rate, for that reason, the ransom quantity drops down to $490.
Kool modified your files, nevertheless, it might not be the only risk on your PC. Plus, the ransomware may be hidden deep in the system. To find and delete the risk completely, we recommend you to describe the aid of GridinSoft Anti-Malware app.
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No matter what the quantity of the ransom is, we highly recommend that you do not pay the ransom. There is no warranty that these online crooks will keep their guarantees, so they might not care at all what the victims feel about the file encryption, even when the quantity of the ransom is received into their accounts. Thus, paying ransom typically does not lead to a successful healing. So, the users may just lose their money for nothing.
Likewise, we advise you not to contact the scams as they instruct. Do not move money into their wallets. There are no applications that could crack the Kool virus or bring back the information at no cost. For that reason, the only correct decision is to bring back the data from possible backups (if offered).
Virus Summary
| Name | Kool Ransomware |
| File Extension | kool |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Family | DJVU |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files. |
| Symptoms | File encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES-256 algorithm (CFB mode) encryption algorithm. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special .kool extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Lokas, Besub, Nusar |
| Kool Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
| Kool Decryption Tool | Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor |
Do not forget that the Web is now filled with infections similar to the Kool ransomware. For instance, this particular risk is basically similar to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These harmful energies have actually been established in order to secure the crucial information and reveal the need for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections use the identical algorithm to produce the particular key for effective information decryption.
Unless the Kool ransomware is still under the development process or has got some hidden bugs, it is not possible to restore the data by hand. Therefore, the only working option to avoid the loss of your essential data is to frequently preserve current backups of all your crucial files.
Another essential piece of advice is to keep the backups on unique storage not linked to your primary PC. For example, you may store it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external disk drive, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your system drive is very dangerous, given that the backup may also be secured by the Kool virus.
Leaks for the Kool ransomware attack.
Kool utilizes many courses to penetrate the susceptible computers. It is not certain what particular method was utilized in your case, however, the intrusion might take place through the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, generally free apps;
- spam e-mails from the unknown senders;
- websites offering complimentary hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent software.
There are times when the Kool virus may disguise itself as some genuine application, for example, through the deceptive signals requiring installation of some software upgrade. This is the most typical trick used by the frauds to inject the Kool virus files into the system. By doing this users partially participate in its setup, without clearly comprehending the risk.
In addition, the frauds might send out unsolicited spam e-mail with difficult signals encouraging individuals to open suspicious accessories or click on some download links, for instance, those encouraging individuals to open certain images, text files, tax files and other info.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking the malicious links may essentially damage the system. Fake Acrobat Reader update alerts may cause the Kool ransomware seepage. Likewise, downloading the cracked software might additionally contain the ransomware installer. The last but not the least, setup of Kool might happen through some Trojan horses that might be installed stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct consent and even permission.
Preventing the Kool attack.
Obviously, there is no absolute guarantee that your computer will be always free of any malware attacks, however, we would like to share some helpful tips with you to make it much safer. Make certain to pay extremely attention while searching the web and particularly while getting cost-free programs. Do not open any dubious e-mail accessories, especially if the sender is not known to you.
Do not forget that specific freeware installer might also consist of some other additional apps in the bundle. These additional applications may be very destructive. It is of utmost importance to keep your anti-virus software application and your operating system in basic to be always appropriately updated.
It is rather logical that downloading cracked programs is unlawful, nevertheless, additionally, such unapproved apps usage might likewise bring major damage to your system. Hence, do not download any split programs. Plus, the truth that your present anti-virus did not secure the system from the Kool ransomware is a good reason for you to reconsider your options and switch to another program that can render the securing functions on a much better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Kool text file:
ATTENTION! Don't worry, you can return all your files! All your files like photos, 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. You can get and look video overview decrypt tool: https://we.tl/t-2P5WrE5b9f Price of private key and decrypt software is $980. Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490. 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: restorealldata@firemail.cc Reserve e-mail address to contact us: gorentos@bitmessage.ch Our Telegram account: @datarestore
Screenshot of files with “.kool” extension added by the ransomware:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Kool ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:
2. Double-click on the setup file.
When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.
An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.
4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
5. Click on “Clean Now”.
When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.
Use Emsisoft Decryptor for restore kool files
You can download Emsisoft Decryptor by clicking the button below:
- Run the decryptor as an administrator. The license terms will show up, which you have to agree to by clicking the “Yes” button.
- Once the license terms are accepted, the primary decryptor user interface opens.
- By default, the decryptor will pre-populate the locations to decrypt with the currently connected drives and network drives. Additional locations can be added using the Add” button.
- Decryptors typically offer various options depending on the particular malware family. The available options are located in the Options tab and can be enabled or disabled there. You can find a detailed list of the available Options below.
- After you have added all the locations you want to decrypt to the list, click the “Decrypt” button to start the decryption process. The screen will switch to a status view, informing you about the current process and decryption status of your files
- The decryptor will inform you once the decryption process is finished. If you require the report for your personal records, you can save it by clicking the “Save log” button. You can also copy it straight to your clipboard to paste it into emails or forum posts if you are asked to.
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