SyncCrypt ransomware: decrypt .kk virus files

The new SyncCrypt ransomware acts more evasively than others, appends the .kk extension to encrypted files and drops ransom notes named readme.html/txt.

The authors of SyncCrypt, a new uncrackable ransom Trojan that blemishes encoded files with the .kk extension token, have managed to break quite a bit of new ground with the way their contrivance behaves. The infection is capable of flying under the radar of most antimalware products, and here is why. It is being distributed via malicious spam containing very tricky WSF (Windows Script File) attachments. These entities on board tend to be camouflaged as court orders, just to make sure the recipients gets curious and opens them. As soon as the attachment is opened, its surreptitious JScript component automatically downloads trojanized images onto the target host. These image files are the ones to blame for dropping SyncCrypt ransomware modules to the computer’s Temp directory. The trick is, security solutions usually won’t raise any red flags on images, hence the very low detection rate for this strain.

Once SyncCrypt is deployed inside the system, it goes ahead and scans disk partitions for hundreds of hard-coded file formats. Every match found in the course of this scouring job is then encrypted using symmetric AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) cipher. The crypto routine is only half-way through at this point, though. The AES key itself is also subject to encryption, but this time with asymmetric RSA-4096 cryptosystem. The victim’s files skewed in this fashion also get an external tweak, which is the .kk extension concatenated to each one. So a sample entry named Chart.xlsx turns into Chart.xlsx.kk at the end of the day.

The ransomware has an interesting take on victim interaction, too. It creates a new folder on the desktop called README that contains the following items: the above-mentioned AES key ciphered with RSA standard; a file named AMMOUNT.txt, which lets the victim know how big the ransom is; and a combo of rescue notes named readme.txt and readme.html.

By adding a new scheduled task, the SyncCrypt virus makes sure the HTML edition of the recovery how-to is loaded in the user’s preferred web browser. The message goes, “Your files were encrypted using military grad encryption. The encrypted files have the additional extension .kk. You won’t be able to retrieve your data unless you purchase the software provided by us.” The rest of the note notifies the victim about the deadline to pay up, which is set to 48 hours, otherwise the private key will be purportedly erased from the criminals’ secret server.

To get started on decryption, the user is instructed to pay 0.1 Bitcoin (about $400) and then send an email to each one of the following addresses: getmyfiles@keemail.me, getmyfiles@scryptmail.com, and getmyfiles@mail2tor.com. This way, the threat actors probably try to make sure the message reaches them if one or two of the contact email accounts get blocked. In the message, the victim is supposed to include the KEY file from the README folder on the desktop, and the transaction ID of the Bitcoin payment. So much for the extortion chain.

By the way, victims won’t see the name “SyncCrypt” anywhere in the ransom notes. The pest actually got its name from Sync.exe, which is the core process behind this ransomware’s misdemeanor. So, what to do if this sophisticated cyber intruder has infected a computer? Researchers haven’t been able to create a free decryption tool for it at this point. Therefore, the dilemma is to pay or not. If you do, there isn’t much chance that the attackers will stay true to their word and provide the decryption key. If you don’t, there are alternate methods to recover data – the success of this undertaking depends on a number of factors, though. The latter approach is definitely worth a shot anyway. See the part below for details.

SyncCrypt ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like SyncCrypt, one of the best shortcuts in terms of removal is to use Combo Cleaner, a lightweight and incredibly effective application with PC security and optimization features under the hood. It detects and thoroughly deletes threats while giving you insights into the overall health of your computer.

This program’s protection power spans modules that forestall all known types of malware, including ransomware and browser hijackers, and take your online security to the next level by blocking phishing sites and other suspicious web pages. Follow these simple steps to eliminate the infection for good:

1. Download Combo Cleaner installer.

Download SyncCrypt remover

^{Combo Cleaner scans your PC with no strings attached, but you’ll have to buy its fully functional version to remove the threats it detects. The disk optimization tools that find large files and duplicates are free to use.}

2. Open the CCSetup.exe file to get started. Several subsequent screens will allow you to make initial customizations so that the program works exactly as you need from the get-go.

3. The installation will be followed by an update of malware signatures. Once this process is through, click the Start Scan button in the left-hand sidebar.

4. Combo Cleaner will then check system locations that are most often polluted by Windows malware. The first scan can take a while to finish.

5. Combo Cleaner will display a system tray notification as soon as the scan is over. Click the Resolve found threats button to view the results.

6. The scan summary shows the names and types of the detected threats as well as their statuses and locations. Click the Remove all threats button and follow further on-screen prompts to get rid of these items.

Data recovery toolkit to the rescue

Some strains of ransomware are known to delete the original files after the encryption routine has been completed. As hostile as this activity appears, it can play into your hands. There are applications designed to revive the information that was obliterated because of malfunctioning hardware or due to accidental removal. The tool called Stellar Data Recovery features this type of a capability and therefore it can be applied in ransom attack scenarios to at least get the most important files back. So use the app to get an idea of what data can be restored and let it do the recovery job. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

2. Open the application, select the types of recoverable files to look for, and click Next.

3. Choose the areas you want the tool to recover from and click the Scan button.

4. Having scanned the specified locations, the program will display a notification about the total amount of recoverable data. Close the dialog and click the Recover button. This will hopefully help you get some of your valuable files back.

SyncCrypt ransomware manual removal and file recovery

Some ransomware strains terminate themselves after completing the encryption job on a computer, but some don’t. Furthermore, the SyncCrypt virus may prevent victims from using popular antimalware tools in order to stay on board for as long as possible. Under the circumstances, it may be necessary to utilize the Safe Mode with Networking or System Restore functionality.

Be advised that even after the ransomware is removed, files will still be encrypted and inaccessible. The malicious code cleanup part, however, is important because it keeps a relapse of the infection from occurring further on and eliminates all opportunistic malware.

Ways of non-ransom recovery of .kk extension files

Cracking the crypto used by this ransom Trojan is more of a science fiction thing rather than an attainable prospect for the masses. This is why the troubleshooting in predicaments of this sort is a matter of two approaches: one is to pay the ransom, which isn’t an option for many victims; and the other is to apply instruments that take advantage of the ransomware’s possible weaknesses. If the latter is your pick, the advice below is a must-try.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid SyncCrypt ransomware and other file-encrypting infections in the future, follow several simple recommendations:

These techniques are certainly not a cure-all, but they will add an extra layer of ransomware protection to your security setup.

Revise your security status

Post-factum assessment of the accuracy component in malware removal scenarios is a great habit that prevents the comeback of harmful code or replication of its unattended fractions. Make sure you are good to go by running an additional safety checkup. Another benefit of using the antimalware tool is that it will keep ransomware threats from intruding on your computer further on.

Download SyncCrypt removal tool