Koti Virus Removal Guide (+Decrypt .koti files)

Koti Virus Ransomware

Koti is a harmful software functioning as typical ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the widely known virus researcher, first found this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.

Koti was developed for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Realistically, as quickly as the encryption is effectively achieved, the users are not able to get access to them. Koti ransomware adds its own “.koti” to all the encrypted data. For example, the file “price_list.xls”, when crypted by Koti, will be entitled as “price_list.xls.koti”. Once the file encryption is accomplished, Koti puts its own unique text document (_readme.txt) into all the folders that store the encrypted files.

The alert specified by text file requesting the random os extremely similar to the notifications provided by other ransomware threats coming from the DJVU family. The caution basically shows that the data has been encrypted and the only service to get access to it is to use a special standalone key. Regretfully, this declaration is definitely real.

The approach to encrypt the files utilized by Koti is not entirely investigated. However, there is no doubt that each computer owner may be issued an unique decryption key, which is absolutely distinct. It is incredibly difficult to recover the data without the suitable type in location.

“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from _readme.txt message:

One more peculiarity of the Koti virus is that the users are not able to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on an unique server under the complete control by the criminals who have launched the Koti infection into the internet. In order to obtain the key and restore the essential information, the users are informed to contact the scams by means of e-mail or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the amount of $980.

The message also says that the people must get in touch with the Koti authors within 72 hours upon the moment of the data encryption. The alert shows that by doing so the people will obtain a 50% discount rate, for that reason, the ransom amount falls to $490.

No matter what the amount of the ransom is, we strongly encourage that you do not pay the ransom. There is no guarantee that these online crooks will keep their pledges, so they may not care at all what the victims feel about the encryption, even when the quantity of the ransom is received into their accounts. For this reason, paying ransom typically does not lead to an effective healing. So, the users may merely lose their money for nothing.

Similarly, we urge you not to call the scams as they instruct. Do not transfer money into their wallets. There are no applications that could break the Koti virus or restore the information at no charge. For that reason, the only right choice is to restore the data from possible backups (if readily available).

Virus Summary

Name Koti Ransomware
File Extension koti
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 .koti extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method Adware bundles and software cracks
Similar Infections Mzlq, Sqpc, Mpal
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Do not forget that the Web is now loaded with infections similar to the Koti virus. For instance, this particular danger is basically similar to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These destructive utilities have been developed in order to secure the important information and express the need for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the identical algorithm to create the specific key for effective data decryption.

Unless the Koti ransomware is still under the advancement process or has actually got some hidden bugs, it is not possible to bring back the data by hand. Therefore, the only working service to avoid the loss of your crucial information is to regularly maintain current backups of all your important documents.

Another essential piece of advice is to save the backups on unique storage not linked to your main computer. For instance, you might save it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external hard disk, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your routine drive is extremely dangerous, considering that the backup may also be encrypted by the Koti .

Leaks for the Koti ransomware attack.

Koti uses numerous courses to penetrate the susceptible computers. It is not certain what specific method was utilized in your case, nevertheless, the intrusion may happen via the following channels:

  • bundling with third-party programs, generally freeware;
  • spam emails from the unidentified senders;
  • sites offering complimentary hosting;
  • P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent software.

There are times when the Koti virus might camouflage itself as some real application, for instance, through the deceptive informs demanding setup of some software update. This is the most typical trick utilized by the scams to inject the Koti ransomware files into the system. This way users partly participate in its setup, without plainly comprehending the threat.

In addition, the frauds may send unsolicited spam e-mail with difficult informs motivating individuals to open dubious accessories or click some download links, for instance, those encouraging individuals to open certain photos, text files, tax documents and other info.

No doubt, opening these files or clicking on the malicious links may basically damage the system. Fake Acrobat Reader update notices may result in the Koti ransomware seepage. Similarly, downloading the split software application might furthermore consist of the ransomware installer. The last however not the least, setup of Koti might occur through some Trojan horses that might be installed stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct authorization or perhaps approval.

Preventing the Koti virus injection.

Obviously, there is no absolute warranty that your computer will be always devoid of any malware attacks, however, we want to share some beneficial tips with you to make it safer. Make sure to pay really very close attention while searching the web and particularly while downloading cost-free programs. Do not open any suspicious email attachments, particularly if the sender is not understood to you.

Do not forget that particular freeware installer might also include some other extra apps in the package. These additional applications may be extremely harmful. It is of utmost importance to keep your anti-virus software application and your operating system in basic to be always properly upgraded.

It is rather sensible that downloading pirated programs is illegal, however, in addition, such unapproved software application use may also bring severe damage to your PC. Hence, do not download any cracked programs. Plus, the fact that your existing anti-virus did not protect the system from the Koti ransomware is a great reason for you to reconsider your choices and switch to another program that can render the protecting functions on a better level.

Below please find the quotation from the Koti 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 “.koti” extension added by the virus:”

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Koti ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can get GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

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.

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Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann has been writing on security and malware subjects for many years and has been working in the security industry for over 10 years. Daniel was educated at the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany and currently lives in New York.

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