Geek's Advice

Kuub ransomware victims can’t open files anymore

Kuub ransomware is a malicious computer virus that encodes personal files and seeks to extort victims. It is the v0168 version from STOP/DJVU malware group. Once it makes a file inaccessible, it also ads .kuub file extension to it. Following that, the virus leaves a ransom note ( _readme.txt) to instruct the victim on how to pay a ransom in exchange for data decryption software. They provide two emails – gorentos@bitmessage.ch and gerentoshelp@firemail.cc so that the victims could contact them.

This ransomware variant emerged after NESA and BOOT, but before RECO ransomware version. These are the latest and updated crypto-malware versions that cannot be decrypted that simply because they use a proper combination of AES/RSA crypto-algorithms to corrupt data on the computer. Once encoded, the data can be restored only using the private key owned by the attackers.

During the encryption process, .Kuub file extension virus communicates with its Command&Control server, which serves it the ONLINE key. In case the virus cannot reach the C&C server, the files will be encrypted using an OFFLINE key, which gives hope for possible data recovery options (more on that in the main article about DJVU malware).

Currently there is no Kuub decryption software available. However, please stay patient – security experts might come up with one soon. For now, you can only restore your files using data backups.

The ransom note left by the criminals contains demands regarding the ransom payment. According to the cybercriminals, they can provide victims with KUUB decryption software if the victim pays the specified amount of money in Bitcoins. They ask for $490 if the victim pays within 72 hours from the infection moment; $980 for all the ones who decide to pay later.

A full ransom note is provided below.

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:
[removed link]
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:
gorentos@bitmessage.ch

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
gerentoshelp@firemail.cc

Your personal ID:
983mhflGeRsMTHVpwfk4tlm4RWx1y69zcacA5hSp3l60BnYwdtr

Message from KUUB ransomware developers

It is unknown whether the attackers provide the decryption software after receiving the payment, so we do not recommend paying the ransom under any circumstances.

It is impossible to recover files from Volume Shadow Copies because the malware executes these commands to destroy them and any other means of data restoration:

sc stop VVS
sc stop wscsvc
sc stop WinDefend
sc stop wuauserv
sc stop BITS
sc stop ERSvc
sc stop WerSvc
cmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No
cmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe” /C vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet

If you have fallen victim to this cyberthreat, you must remove KUUB ransomware virus instantly. Security experts inform that it spreads together with Azorult Trojan which steals private data such as passwords and possibly can empty your bank account quickly. To delete the malware, we recommend using a robust anti-virus solution.

Threat Summary

Distribution tricks

Kuub virus managed to infect thousands of users worldwide using standard ransomware proliferation tactics. It employs malicious spam and malicious bundling techniques to reach its potential victims on a daily basis. Victims have reported receiving the malicious payload along with software cracks, keygens, and other officially illegal files.

You must pay attention to the fact that criminals will use such free goods as bait to serve malware to you. Additionally, they tend to exploit victims’ curiosity by packing the malware into malicious spam attachments or links.

If you wish to avoid being hit by ransomware from STOP/DJVU family, PHOBOS, OmniSphere or any other, we strongly recommend reading these ransomware prevention guidelines.

KUUB ransomware removal guidelines

To remove Kuub ransomware virus, you must use a trustworthy antivirus software. Do not settle with suspicious so-called malware removers – only choose the one with great reviews. There are good paid and free alternatives on the market.

You can also use self-help guide provided below for manual KUUB ransomware removal. However, you should still run a system scan afterwards to check whether all malware remains were wiped out.

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

REMOVE & PROTECT WITH INTEGO

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.

STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER

DOWNLOAD RESTORO

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.

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.

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.

Norbert Webb

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.