To inform the computer user about what is unraveling, notifications known as _readme.txt file would be dropped in every folder. This notification also serves as a ransom note in addition to the information it passes across, notifying the victim about the use of the very strong key in encrypting all their files. Based on the successful takeover of the computer system by the cybercriminals, the victim would be expected to pay certain fees as ransom to enable him or her to receive KRUU decryption tool as promised by the cybercriminals.

Further explanations concerning the ransom note

The ransom note usually has a bold headline meant to draw the computer user’s attention. More details about the cyber-attack would also be provided under the headline. They will emphasize that important documents, videos and photos etc. have all been encrypted using a very special and complex key that can’t be breached. Therefore, the only way out for the victim to recover their encrypted files is to pay the ransom requested by the cybercriminals. Once that is done, decryption tools and software would be sent across to them. No other plea or concession would be entertained and failure to meet their demand would lead to an irreversible loss of all the encrypted files. To provide a communication channel between the attacker and victim, two email addresses would also be made available in the ransom note i.e. manager@time2mail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc. Even though the emails are provided to enable further talks towards making payment, the cybercriminals would still maintain a rigid stance on their demands. However, they may suggest that victims can forward samples of the encrypted files to them so they could provide text decryptions as a way of displaying their expertise but would still warn that such samples must contain information they could perceive as crucial.At this point, they would state that the ransom fee or decryption tool would cost a total of $980. However, if the victim is willing to pay within 72 hours i.e. 3 days after being notified, it would enable them to leverage their 50% discount policy, thereby bringing the ransom fees down to $490. The terms and conditions don’t end there, as the cybercriminals would also mandate their victim to make use of cryptocurrency when paying the ransom. The reason for choosing such a medium of payment is to prevent anything that could potentially expose their location or identity. Shown below is _readme.txt ransom note cybercriminals usually forward to all folders. FBI as well as other cybersecurity experts has warned victims never to pay ransom, no matter how difficult the situation may be. The major reasons why they advocate this is stated below:

In certain countries, it might be against the law to pay ransom;Ransom payment does not guarantee file recovery;Paying ransom enriches cybercriminals thus motivating to commit more fraud;More money at the disposal of cybercriminals would enable them to increase their capacity.

Aside these facts listed above, when victims pay ransom they make themselves vulnerable to future attacks since the cybercriminals would see them as a willing cash cow they can always milk to assuage their greed.

Other risk factors associated with ransomware attacks

Most STOP/DJVU ransomware variants, including this latest one are known to passively release other types of virus on the already compromised computer. Typical ones that are often dropped are AZORULT and VIDAR Trojans. These secondary viruses are equally as dangerous and can be used by the cybercriminals to covertly obtain sensitive personal information, including passwords, banking details, cryptocurrency wallets, and browsing history, among others. Once the cybercriminals succeed in getting them, it gives them more opportunities to perpetrate additional crimes. Considering these threats and how vulnerable victims could be, KRUU ransomware virus must be removed without further delay anytime it infects any computer. The recommended safe way of getting rid of it is to make use of Safe Mode with Networking option when booting the compromised computer before downloading genuine antivirus software. Such antivirus should be updated at all times for maximum protection. In addition to that, we also recommend the use of RESTORO software in repairing some of the damaged files.

Ransomware Summary

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE This is how encrypted files look like.

Various methods cybercriminals use in spreading malware and how to protect your computer

There are several fraudulent methods cybercriminals exploit in their desperate attempts to distribute malware, including malicious email attachments, pirated activation keys or “cracks”, phishing and fake/deceptive ads, among others. They frequently make use of online torrents platforms for uploads of pirated software contents embedded with malware. Therefore, the use of such illegal items in any form or even to download is highly prohibited to ensure your computer remains safe. Computer users should only make use of software content produced by genuine brands and also distributed by or their affiliated partners. Cybercriminals usually exploit files like PDF, Microsoft Word, JavaScript, etc., in embedding and distributing malware to unsuspecting computer users. To deceive their target audience, they often make use of transactional terms like Tracking Number, Pending Payment, and Invoice etc. The aim is to bait the computer user into opening the attachments which would automatically result in malware infection. Alternatively, they may even spoof their actual address to make it appear different or like that of a popular brand, complete with their logo. Due to such impersonation, computer users should be careful when going through their inboxes. Any email that appears weird or is not from a known source shouldn’t be opened. It is also important to ignore any website that claims to have tools or software that works perfectly against STOP/DJVU ransomware encryptions. More often than not, such websites are used for fraudulent purposes. At the moment, the two brands that have been recognized for having effective tools against these malware variants are Emsisoft and DiskTuna.

Remove KRUU Ransomware and Decrypt Infected Files

The most effective way to remove KRUU ransomware virus is when the compromised computer is powered on using Safe Mode with Networking option. Once that is done, genuine antivirus software should be activated and kept running for optimal results. The following should be done now that KRUU ransomware virus has been removed:

Report to the nearest law enforcement agency.Consider the use of any available backup device to restore lost files.Learn further about STOP/DJVU ransomware strain and how files locked by its versions could be decrypted.All passwords associated with the compromised computer must be changed immediately.

Before we conclude, remember that RESTORO can be downloaded and used in salvaging some of the damaged files. Also note that installation and periodic updating of genuine antivirus software on your computer is very important as a way of safeguarding your computer and the files contained in it. 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 KRUU 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 KRUU 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 KRUU files

Fix and open large KRUU 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. KRUU 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 KRUU files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The KRUU 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 KRUU 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 KRUU 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.