Koti Ransomware Appeared in the Middle of May 2020

The Koti ransomware is the latest version of the infamous crypto-malware family  Djvu . Appearing in the middle of May 2020, it takes the 226th position in the list of STOP / Djvu variants and has similarities with the entries  .mpal , .sqpc ,  covm ,  lalo and  .mzlq . Like its predecessors, the Koti ransomware uses the RSA encryption model to block files not associated with the system and uses a common ransom note _readme.txt. Additionally, it uses the .koti extension to separate documents, photos, videos, images, databases, archives, and other encrypted files.

The criminals responsible for the Koti ransomware use the addresses helpmanager@mail.ch and restoremanager@firemail.ch for contact. Apparently, they use the same extortion scheme, as victims are required to pay $ 980 in Bitcoins as a ransom for a decoder, promising a 50% discount if payment is made within the first 72 hours.

The manifestation of the Koti ransomware was expected in May since the Djvu ransomware is known for its regular releases of enhanced versions. The first sample of this virus was uploaded to the Emsisoft assistance forum, where the victim presented the ransom note _readme.txt, accompanied by a blocked file with the extension .koti.

A more thorough investigation proved the relationship between the evidence of the Koti virus and the Djvu ransomware family. It uses a similar basis for its distribution, infiltration, encryption, and extortion. According to investigators, your payload is typically distributed via spam emails with malicious attachments or pirated software. Additionally, it can also be used to spread the AZORult trojan as a secondary payload. 

After successful infiltration, the ransomware begins its first phase of activities. The malware activates multiple system boot processes, activates PowerShell to eliminate Shadow Volume Copies, and disables the antivirus engine to avoid immediate elimination. The Koti ransomware can also corrupt Windows host files and block Firewall access to security-related forums and other websites with instructions for deleting the ransomware and recovering damaged files. 

This computer infection is not a common threat, as it can cause permanent loss of your files. The best solution to completely eliminate Koti ransomware involves using a program like SpyHunter 5, Malwarebytes, or another professional antivirus tool. This file encryption virus is not only able to encrypt the data on the affected machine, but it is also capable of planting multiple malicious files, seriously compromising the system, in addition to downloading the Azorult trojan as a secondary payload. As a result, criminals can gain access to your personally identifiable information, including saved passwords, bank information, login details, etc.

Changes initiated by the Koti ransomware should not be underestimated. Initially, the malware starts to execute malicious processes in the Task Manager, which explains the significant increase in the use of CPU resources. The most obvious sign that indicates the presence of the ransomware is the extension .koti applied to images, files, Microsoft Office documents, videos, and other files not belonging to the system.

Finally, the virus creates a ransom note _readme.txt in random folders on the system and the desktop. The note contains detailed instructions on how to contact the creators of the ransomware and how to transfer the ransom money. In short, victims are influenced to contact criminals at helpmanager@mail.ch and restoremanager@firemail.ch and transfer the ransom, which ranges from $ 480 to $ 980 in Bitcoins. 

Yes, the criminals who promote this ransomware hope to be able to extort as much money as possible. However, our best advice is to remove the Koti ransomware immediately and then try to recover the files with software from other entities. Do not be alarmed when they say that analysis with the antivirus will cause the permanent loss of the files. Criminals use these tactics to immobilize victims in their bait. 

After completely removing the Koti ransomware, you can start thinking about recovering encrypted data. Since Djvu is one of the largest ransomware families on the web, cybersecurity experts invest a lot of time in creating free decryption software. At the moment,  Dr. Web Rescue Pack is probably the best tool for recovering affected files. However, not all variants of the Djvu malware can be decoded with this tool. If that doesn't work, try the alternative recovery methods listed at the end of this article.

Methods That Criminals Use to Distribute Ransomware

LosVirus.es experts shared with us what they found out about methods used by cybercriminals in the common distribution of ransomware. According to their studies, the most popular means of spreading malicious payloads is sending spam to users' emails. Hackers create reliable-looking messages, imitating the style of several other companies and institutions (DHL, FedEx, White House, Red Cross, etc.) and hiding the ransomware in infected "order confirmations" or other similar attachments. 

Either way, junk email attachments are not the only transmitters for ransomware. Criminals often exploit vulnerable network connections with Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and force their attacks on infected systems. TCP port 3389 is one of the most frequently exploited vulnerabilities, allowing criminals to easily attack potential victims. P2P networks, illegal or infiltrated websites, software cracks, keygens, and other online content can be easily used by competent hackers.

Therefore, having an antivirus program installed is not enough to protect the system from malware invasion. Awareness of users is also important. First, people should start backing up their files, or at least the most important data, such as documents or family photographs. Second, think twice before downloading illicit software or visiting potentially dangerous domains.

Use a Professional Antivirus to Remove the Koti Ransomware

The elimination of the Koti ransomware requires the use of a powerful antivirus program like complete security. If you have ever dealt with a ransomware virus, you should know that manual elimination is impossible in these circumstances. Viruses that encrypt files are created in a very thorough way, infiltrating dozens of harmful files in different system folders to force Windows to execute its malicious commands.

Before attempting to remove the Koti ransomware, we recommend that you copy the encrypted files to an alternative disk, USB stick, or cloud. It is a necessary preventive measure to prevent the permanent loss of files encrypted with the extension .koti. 

For the complete elimination of Koti use SpyHunter 5, Malwarebytes, or an alternative antivirus software of your choice. Then try to recover your data with the recovery solutions provided below.