How to remove Kook ransomware and decrypt “.Kook” files

What is Kook?

Today surfing the internet is not so safe, as we want it to be. Nearly every day we face various threats, that can potentially damage our systems or data. The one of the most dangerous threats is ransomware. And the one of the newest ones is Kook ransomware. This virus belongs to the STOP(DJVU) file-encryption ransomware family, which contains a great number of members. These viruses spread very fast due to the tricks that hackers use to spread it. In case of Kook virus, hackers usually spread it by the means of fake installers. Often victims download such files from free file-sharing services and torrent trackers. However, sometimes hackers even make deceptive websites to spread them. When victims come to such sites, they receive various notifications, the purpose of which is to force victims to download this file. Moreover, hackers sometimes inject the code of the virus into a regular Office documents and then send it by email. In this case the operating system executes the code of the virus, once the file is opened. Be aware, it works even if you open the file in a preview. If Kook successfully got into the system, it changes some registry keys and their values. Then it infects system processes, by the means of which it encrypts the files. As the result of encryption the files get new “.Kook” extension. After it, the virus drops the ransom note, called “_readme.txt”. The purpose of this note is to assure victims, that the only way out is to pay for the decryption tool. Unfortunately, it’s the surest way to decrypt your files, but in the most cases, hackers just ignore the victims, after being paid, or even make the situation much worse. However, there is still a way out. That’s why we’ve prepared the detailed guide on how to remove Kook ransomware and decrypt “.Kook” files without paying ransoms.

_readme.txt

Article’s Guide

1. How to remove Kook ransomware from your computer
2. Automatically remove Kook ransomware
3. Manually remove Kook ransomware
4. How to decrypt .Kook files
5. Automatically decrypt .Kook files
6. Manually decrypt .Kook files
7. How to prevent ransomware attacks
8. Remove Kook ransomware and decrypt .Kook files with our help

How to remove Kook ransomware from your computer?

Every day ransomware viruses change as well as their folders, executable files and the processes, which they use. For this reason it’s difficult to detect the virus yourself. That’s why we’ve prepared the detailed guide for you on how to remove Kook ransomware from your computer!

Automatically remove Kook ransomware

We strongly recommend you to use automated solution, as it can scan all the hard drive, ongoing processes and registry keys. It will mitigate the risks of the wrong installation and will definitely remove Kook ransomware from your computer with all of its leftovers and register files. Moreover, it will protect your computer from future attacks.

Our choice is Norton 360 . Norton 360 scans your computer and detects various threats like Kook virus, then removes it with all of the related malicious files, folders and malicious registry keys. Moreover, it has a great variety of other features, like protection from specific ransomware attacks, safe box for your passwords and many other things!

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Manually remove Kook ransomware

This way is not recommended, as it requires strong skills. We don’t bear any responsibility for your actions. We also warn you that you can damage your operating system or data. However, it can be a suitable solution for you.

1. Open the “Task Manager”
2. Right click on the “Name” column, add the “Command line”
3. Find a strange process, the folder of which probably is not suitable for it
4. Go To the process folder and remove all files
5. Go to the Registry and remove all keys related to the process
6. Go to the AppData folder and remove all strange folders, that you can find

How to decrypt .Kook files?

Once you’ve removed the virus, you are probably thinking how to decrypt “.Kook” files or at least restore them. Let’s take a look at possible ways of decrypting your data.

Restore .Kook files with Stellar Data Recovery

If you decided to recover your files, we strongly advise you to use only high-quality software, otherwise your data can be corrupted. Our choice is Stellar Data Recovery. This software has proven to be very appreciated by customers, who have faced ransomware problems!

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery
2. Select drives and folders with your files, then click Scan.
3. Choose all the files in a folder, then press on Restore button.
4. Manage export location.

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Other solutions

The services we’ve mentioned in this part also guarantee users, that the encrypted data is unlikely to become damaged. But you should understand, that there is still a risk to corrupt your files.

Decrypt .Kook files with Emsisoft decryptor

Decrypt .Kook files with Kaspersky decryptors

Decrypt .Kook files with Dr. Web decryptors

Decrypt .Kook files manually

If above mentioned solutions didn’t help to decrypt .Kook files, still, there is no need to invest in the malicious scheme by paying a ransom. You are able to recover files manually.
You can try to use one of these methods in order to restore your encrypted data manually.

Restore .Kook files with Windows Previous Versions

Restore .Kook files with System Restore

How to prevent ransomware attacks?

If you have successfully removed Kook ransomware, you know probably think about the ways how to protect your data from future attacks. The best way is to create backups of your data. We recommend you to use only high-quality products. Our choice here is Stellar Data Recovery. This soft can easily create highly-qualified backups, has a user friendly interface and moreover, it can help you to restore your files! Then you should take under strict control all your internet connections. Some of the ransomware viruses connect to various internet services and can even infect computers that are connected to the same local network. That’s why it’s important to use a strong firewall, that can easily restrict any connection. The best choice is GlassWire. This program has a user friendly interface and it becomes very easy to prevent any ransomware or hacker attack.

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If you want to learn out more details about the ways how to prevent ransomware attacks, read our detailed article!

Write us an email

If your case is an unusual one, feel free to write us an email. Fill the form below and wait for our response! We will answer you as soon as possible. The files we need to inspect your case are: executable files of the virus, if it’s possible; examples of the encrypted files; screenshots of your task manager; ransom note; background screen.

CONCLUSION: nowadays, these solutions are the all possible ways to remove Kook ransomware and decrypt “.Kook” files. Nowadays the best way to remove it is the Norton 360 . Their specialists improve the scan system and update the databases every day. It helps not only to remove existing problems, but also protects computers from future attacks. If there is a new way to decrypt your files, we will update the article, so stay tuned.

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