Remove KIFR Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .kifr FILES)
KIFR ransomware attack: how does this malware affect data stored on computers?
Contents
KIFR is a ransomware-type computer virus that uses encryption to make personal files inaccessible. The virus is a variant of STOP/DJVU, and it uses .kifr extension to mark encrypted files. The operators of this malware seek to extort the computer user by taking all files hostage and demanding a ransom. The ransomware is designed to drop _readme.txt files, also known as ransom notes, into each affected data folder. This note explains what has happened, and how much the victim needs to pay in order to access data decryption tools.
To understand how affected files appear after attack, see the following example: files originally named 1.jpg, 2.docx, 3.png will be renamed to 1.jpg.kifr, 2.docx.kifr, 3.png.kifr. In addition, there will be no way to open or edit these files.
KIFR ransomware drops a ransom note: what does it say?
The ransomware leaves _readme.txt note in several folders, including desktop, in order to make it noticeable for the victim. The note is quite short, and it briefly explains that all files on the system have been encrypted with the “strongest” algorithm, and, according to the criminals, there are no other ways to decrypt .kifr files but to obey cybercriminals’ demand to pay a ransom.
The note lists two email addresses: support@freshmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc, and recommends writing an email to the criminals. They urge to do so within 72 hours after being attacked, because this secures a lower ransom price point and sets it to $490. Whoever hesitates too much and contacts the criminals after 72 hours will be asked to pay $980. Like usual, cybercriminals will later explain that they only accept cryptocurrency-based payments to preserve their anonymity.
The note also suggests that the criminals are willing to provide a “guarantee” for the victim. The ransomware operators suggest decrypting one sample file for free, if the victim provides a sample of encrypted file and the Personal ID included in the ransom note.
However, you should not pay the ransom. It is not recommended by FBI, NCSC and other cybersecurity experts. Not only it doesn’t guarantee data recovery, but it also makes you a desirable target in future cybercrime attacks. On top of that, money is what helps the criminals to continue and even expand their operations.
Ransomware damage explained
During the attack, KIFR virus performs several checks, and ensures that the computer isn’t located in one of countries where it won’t encrypt files. The virus is programmed to cease its operations in case the computer’s country code belongs to Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Syria.
The virus also drops additional malware on the system, including Vidar, RedLine, or AZORult Trojans. These are information stealers, capable of extracting saved passwords, credit card information, cryptocurrency wallets, browsing history and related data from compromised PC. In addition, some of these stealers can be controlled remotely to view, delete files stored on the computer, or download additional malware.
The ransomware then attempts to connect to its Command&Control server and request a unique encryption key. If this fails, the ransomware reverts to offline encryption mode and uses a hardcoded key instead. That said, all victims affected by offline encryption can decrypt their files with a single key, whereas each victim affected by online encryption has to purchase a unique decryption key from the criminals.
If you have been affected by this malware, we strongly advise deleting it from your computer. You should use instructions provided below this article to remove KIFR ransomware virus and related threats. If you do not have an antivirus solution yet, we highly recommend using INTEGO Antivirus, which has excellent malware detection rate. Also, if you want to give Restoro try, you can download it here – RESTORO. This tool is helpful when dealing with virus-damaged Windows OS files.
Ransomware Summary
| Name | KIFR Ransomware Virus |
| Type | Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus |
| Family | STOP/DJVU |
| Encryption type | RSA 2048 + Salsa20 |
| Previous versions | JYPO, KIFR, KIOP, KITZ, BOZA, BOTY, COZA (find full list here) |
| Version | 683rd |
| Extension | .kifr |
| Cybercriminal emails | support@freshmail.top, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc |
| Additional malware dropped | Azorult, RedLine or Vidar |
| Damage | The ransomware uses encryption to maliciously modify all files on the PC and marks their original names with .kifr extension. Ransom notes called as _readme.txt will be dropped in every computer folder. This piece of malware usually drags VIDAR Stealer alongside it and also eliminates VSS from the system. On top of that, it tends to modify Windows HOSTS file to restrict computer user’s access to cybersecurity-related websites online. |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom demand | $490-$980 in Bitcoin |
| Distribution | Victims often download this ransomware along illegal torrent downloads, cracked software, activators, key generators or tools like KMSPico. |
| Known software cracks to contain this malware | Corel Draw, Tenorshare 4ukey, Adobe Photoshop, Cubase, Adobe Illustrator, Internet Download Manager, Tally, HP/Epson printer drivers, League of Legends. |
| Detection names | Trojan:Win32/Azorult.FW!MTB (Microsoft), Gen:Heur.Mint.Zard.52 (B) (Emsisoft), HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Scarsi.gen (Kaspersky), Gen:Heur.Mint.Zard.52 (BitDefender), Trojan.MalPack.GS (Malwarebytes), ML.Attribute.HighConfidence (Symantec) see all detection name variations on VirusTotal |
| Removal | Remove ransomware and related malware from your PC using trustworthy software like INTEGO Antivirus. To repair virus damage on Windows OS files, download and try RESTORO (secure download link). |
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Ransomware distribution strategies to know
KIFR ransomware is spread using traditional malware distribution techniques, such as cracked software downloads, malicious email attachments, and exploits. It is important to learn how cybercriminals spread similar viruses in order to avoid getting your computer infected.
Malicious email attachments. Cybercriminals use phishing techniques to trick recipients into thinking the email comes from a trustworthy source – such as well-known company, government entity, or someone they know. Such emails usually include attachments, often in regular document formats, such as MS Word, OneNote, Excel, or PDF. The criminals urge the recipient to open the attachment, claiming there is some important information that the user needs to review. As soon as the recipient does so, the malicious code in the document infects the computer. It is strongly recommended to stay cautious when checking emails, and avoid opening attached files if you can spot urgent message tone asking you to do so.
Cracked software versions. If you’re someone who is trying to install pirated or cracked software versions in hopes of bypassing license key or subscription fees, then you are at high risk of infecting your computer with malware. Cybercriminals often set up fake crack websites and publish many posts including links to promoted software cracks – however, once downloaded, these files infect the system with STOP/DJVU ransomware and other malware. We strongly recommend that you only visit legitimate websites when looking for downloads, and pay for genuine software instead of putting your files and privacy at risk.
Exploits. Cybercriminals often use exploits set up in rogue websites that search and try to take advantage of vulnerabilities in software that you’re using. Installing software updates is a must, because these updates often address various security vulnerabilities in programs, apart from delivering additional software functionalities.
Remove KIFR ransomware virus and recover your data
Do not delay KIFR ransomware removal – use the instructions provided below the article and get rid of this threat now. You will need to start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking and run an up-to-date antivirus solution from there. We do not recommend attempting to delete malicious files manually, because it is a tedious task that only cybersecurity experts should do.
Once you remove KIFR file virus and related threats, make sure to enable real-time protection in your antivirus settings so it could guard you from threats in the future. Additionally, you may want to download RESTORO and use it to repair virus damage inflicted upon Windows OS files. Finally, we recommend that you take actions to protect your privacy, for example, change your passwords used on the compromised computer. Finally, you can recover your files using data backups, but if you do not have any, read this tutorial for STOP/DJVU victims.
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:
STEP 1. REMOVE AUTOMATICALLY WITH ROBUST ANTIVIRUS
STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER
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KIFR Ransomware Virus Removal Guidelines
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Step 1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove KIFR 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 video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube.
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
- First of all, turn off your PC. Then press the Power button to start it again and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. This launches the Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Use arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate down to Safe Mode with Networking option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users
- Open Windows Start menu, then press down the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then select Restart option.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Networking. In this case, it is the F5 key.
Step 2. Remove files associated with the virus
Now, you can search for and remove KIFR 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.
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Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically.
Step 1. Boot Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
- Shut down your PC. Start it again by pressing the Power button and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. You will see Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Using arrow keys on the keyboard, navigate down to Safe Mode with Command Prompt option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users
- Launch Windows Start menu, then click the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then choose Restart option with the mouse cursor.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Command Prompt. In this case, press F6 key.
Step 2. Start System Restore process
- Wait until system loads and command prompt shows up.
- Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter. Or you can just type %systemroot%system32restorerstrui.exe in command prompt and hit Enter.
- This launches System Restore window. Click Next and then choose a System Restore point created in the past. Choose one that was created before ransomware infection.
- Click Yes to begin the system restoration process.
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
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Decrypt KIFR files
Fix and open large KIFR 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.
- Create a copy of encrypted file to a separate folder using Copy > Paste commands.
- Now, right-click the created copy and choose Rename. Select the KIFR extension and delete it. Press Enter to save changes.
- In the prompt asking whether you want to make the changes as file might become unusable, click OK.
- Try opening the file.
STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide
STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. KIFR Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like JYPO, KIFR, KIOP, KITZ, BOZA, BOTY, COZA (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, 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 KIFR files, follow the given tutorial.
- Download the decryption tool from Emsisoft.
- Click the little arrow next to your download and choose Show in Folder.
- Now, right-click the file and choose Run as Administrator. If asked, enter administrator's password.
- In UAC window, click Yes.
- Click Yes to agree to software terms in both windows.
- The tool will automatically include C:// disk as a location to decrypt. The file recovery tool will prepopulate the locations to scan, including connected data storage drives or network drives. Click Add folder if you wish to add additional locations.
In Options tab, you can choose to keep encrypted file copies. We recommend leaving this option selected, especially if you do not know if the decryption tool will work. - Click Decrypt to start restoring KIFR files. You will see the progress in the Results tab. Here, you can see messages from the tool, such as whether the decryption procedure is successful, or you need to wait for an update.
You might also be informed that online key was used to encrypt your files. In such case, the decryption tool won't work for you, and the only way to recover your files is to use a data backup.
Meanings of decryptor's messages
The KIFR 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 KIFR 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.
Report Internet crime to legal departments
Victims of KIFR 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can only open KIFR files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.
To figure out whether you were affected by offline encryption, please go to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt and see if the string inside of it ends in t1. You can also try using Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/DJVU.
Please follow the guidances provided by the official KIFR decryption tools and believe what they say. If they say it is impossible to decrypt, it really is so. There is no magic tool or human capable of decrypting your files hiding somewhere. Encryption is technique created to be nearly impossible to decrypt without a special private key (held by the criminals).
We advise scanning with anti-virus, anti-malware, malware removal tools or software like RESTORO to eliminate virus damage on the system. If you do not trust using a single tool, try running one after another. However, we do not recommend keeping several security programs on a computer at once as they can interfere with each other's work.
Beware of fake KIFR decryption tools circulating around the web. Cyber criminals are uploading them to various shady websites, also might be promoting them via suspicious Youtube videos. These programs can infect your computer even more heavily (Trojans, miners, etc.). We suggest being extremely cautious around the web. If there will be an official STOP/DJVU decryption tool available, it will be widely discussed in public media.
Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.
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