Kvag ransomware | Easy & Effective Removal Guidelines

Understanding Kvag ransomware

Another high-risk ransomware has emerged in the infamous DJVU ransomware family. Developers called it – Kvag Ransomware! Kvag virus targets multiple versions of Windows Operating System. It includes Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10 as well. The malicious ransomware attacks your system with strong financial motive! Let us dive deep into the menaces caused by .kvag file virus!

Cyber experts often call such software as ‘Trojan Ransomware’, as their ultimate aim is not to ruin OS but to extort large sum of money. And hence, Kvag – An advances cryptomalware uses powerful file-encoding encryption ciphers to ensure successful .kvag file encryption. Upon successful infiltration, it appends a unique Kvag extension with the filenames. Furthermore, the locked files are hold hostage until the demanded ransom amount is not paid. Keep in mind, Kvag virus ransomware encryption is an irreversible task. Nevertheless, every problem comes with a solution! And Kvag decrypter is its only way out!

Tech enthusiasts, this article will give you the insights about dangerous Kvag ransomware.

Threat Summary

Name	Kvag
Type	Ransomware
Category	Malware
Targeted OS	Windows
Symptoms	Once in your system, it encrypts all your files and makes them unreadable. Furthermore, hefty amount of ransom is also demanded to decrypt .kvag files.
Damage	In case of unsuccessful payment, you might lose .kvag files permanently. Additionally, it might increase the malicious payload in your system.
Removal	Download Removal Tool

Distribution Technique

The hackers use numerous tricks to propagate the malicious Kvag extension in your system. The various methods, allow the developers to increase their victim count, which eventually boost their profits.

Spam campaigns are the most frequently used method. The attack begins with sending spammed emails with malicious attachments. These emails look legitimate and trustworthy, however the danger lies deep within the content or attachment. Sent with forged header information, it informs about an unauthorised shipment or undelivered package.

In any case, as soon as you download/open the attachment, your system will be exposed to the risk of .Kvag file virus.

The list of deceptive methods is long! Software cracks are also used by hackers these days! Although, it is a useful program, yet the cyber criminals have designed its infected versions. Originally, it was designed to crack the paid versions of the licensed applications/software. However, now a day, instead of cracking the licensed version, they silently install the malwares in your system.

To conclude with, the two major reasons for this infiltration are reckless behavior of users and lack of proper knowledge. Be alert and keep your system safe!

Threat Behavior

Alike other ransomware-like software, the destruction begins with file encryption! Fortunately, it does not impact the Operating System, instead Kvag aims at extorting hefty amount of money from victim users. In order to ensure the encryption process, it uses powerful file-encoding algorithm. Also, a unique extension – ‘.kvag’ is appended as suffix to the filenames. For example, if a file is located on your system with the name ‘project.docx’ it will be renamed as ‘project.docx.kvag’ after encryption. Furthermore, this additional Kvag extension makes the files inaccessible and unreadable. Cyber crooks hold corrupted files as hostage until the ransom amount is paid.

However, it is just the beginning of menace caused by nasty Kvag virus. The files once encrypted cannot be decrypted easily. Though the task to recover .Kvag files is irreversible, yet it is followed by a solution. With the help of Kvag decryption tool, you can quickly restore your locked files. However, obtaining this key is not a child’s play! The key is safely stored at the developer’s server & is exchanged in return of hefty ransom. Additionally, the ransom is demanded by a text file named ‘_readme.txt’.

This text file states about the attack of malicious ransomware in your system. This ransom demanding file is dropped in every folder containing corrupted files. In case of Kvag ransomware, developers ask for large amount equivalent to $980. Alike its siblings, the payment is accepted only in bitcoins! To your surprise, cyber crook behind this dangerous virus offers you a discount of 50% in ransom amount. However, you can only avail the discount by contacting them within 72 hours of Kvag attack! Hence, your ransom amount will be reduced to $490.

Download Vipre Malware Remover

Removal guidelines for Kvag ransomware

Many of the users fall in the trap set by this expert marksman and end up paying to the demands. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee to the cure offered and the information may never be restored in many cases.

If you have been trapped by malicious Kvag ransomware, following are few possible steps to remove Kvag Ransomware.

STEP A: Reboot your system to Safe Mode

Windows 7/ Vista/ XP

1. Click on Windows icon present in the lower left corner of the computer screen.
2. Select and click  Restart.
3. When the screen goes blank, Keep tapping  F8  Key until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
4. With the help of arrow keys on keyboard, Select Safe Mode with Networking  option from the list and press the Enter Key. The system will then restart to Safe Mode with Networking.

5 Once the system restarts, click on the username and enter the password (if any) to log in.

Windows 10 / Windows 8

1. Press and hold the Shift Key and simultaneously click on the windows icon present in the lower left corner of your computer screen.
2. While the Shift key is still pressed click on the Power button and then click on Restart.
3. Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings.
4. When the Startup Settings screen appears which is the first screen to appear after restart, select and click on Enable Safe Mode with Networking. The system will then restart to Safe Mode with Networking.
5. Once the system restarts in Safe Mode, click on the username and enter the password, if any to log in.

STEP B: Delete the suspicious file from Configuration Settings

1. Type “Msconfig” in search box / Run Box, select it and press Enter.
2. Click on “Services” Tab and click on “Hide all Microsoft services”.
3. Select Kvag ransomware from the list of remaining services and disable it by removing the tick mark from the checkbox and click on Apply button.

Windows 7

1. Click on the next tab – “Startup”.
2. Find any blank or suspicious entry or the entry with Kvag ransomware mentioned and remove the check mark.
3. Click on Apply button and then click on OK.

Windows 10

1. Click on the next tab – “Startup”.
2. Take the mouse cursor to ‘Open task Manager‘ link and click on it.  This opens the Task Manager window.
3. Find any blank or suspicious entry or the entry with Kvag ransomware mentioned and click on it.
4. Then click on Disable button.

STEP C: Remove malicious file from Command Prompt

Deleting service from safe mode with command prompt

Once the system starts, ensure to use an account with administrative privilege to access Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

After the user enters admin credentials, Command prompt window is displayed wherein you are entitled to enter the below commands:

1. Type the command “sc delete Kvag ransomware” in the command prompt and press Enter.
2. Type “exit” to exit the command prompt and restart the system in safe mode with command prompt.

STEP D: Restore the system files & folders

From Control Panel

For Windows 7

1. Click on the ‘Start’ button on the taskbar. This will open the Start menu.
2. Click on the ‘Control Panel’ button in the Start menu. This will open the control panel window.
3. In the Control Panel window, click on the ‘View by:’ button on the top right. Select the Large Icon option
4. In the control Panel window click on the ‘Recovery Icon’. This will open a window that will ask ‘Restore the computer to an earlier point in time’.
5. Click on the ‘Open system restore’ button. This will open the ‘system restore ’window where you need to click on the Next Button.
6.  Select the restore point that is prior the infiltration of Kvag ransomware. After doing that, click Next.
7. This will open the ‘Confirm your restore point’ dialog box. Click on Finish button. This will restore your system to a previous restore point before your system was infected by Kvag ransomware.

OR

From Command Prompt

1. Type cmd in the search box and click on the command prompt to open the Command Prompt window. box and clicking on it.
2. Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.(Ensure that you in the system32 directory of Windows folder in C Drive)
3. Now type rstrui and press Enter again.
4. When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Kvag ransomware. After doing that, click Next.
5. This will open the ‘Confirm your restore point’ dialog box. Click on Finish button. This will restore your system to a previous restore point before your system was infected by Kvag ransomware.

OR

Method 3 : Directly type ‘rstrui’ in the search box

1. Type ‘Rstrui’ in the search box present on the task bar. This will open the System restore dialog box.

Continue to follow steps 4 & 5 of Method 2 to restore the System Files and settings.

Tips to prevent your system from Kvag ransomware

1. Keeping the Operating System Updated- In order to remain protected and avoid such infections, it is recommended to keep your Operating System updated by enabling the automatic update on your system. The systems with outdated or older versions of Operating System become an easy target for the attackers.
2. Resist clicking on spam emails – One of the major techniques used for malware distribution is forwarding spam emails to the user. The system gets infected as soon as the user clicks on the attachment. These mails appear to be genuine, so be aware and resist falling for these tricks.
3. Keep an eye on third party installations- It is quite important that you take due care while installing any third party applications for they are major source of such infections. Such malware programs come bundled with the free applications thereby requiring the user to remain cautious.
4. Regular periodical backup- In order to keep your data and files safe, it is recommended to take regular back up of all your data and files either on an external drive or cloud.
5. Use Anti-Virus Protection- We strongly recommend the use of antivirus protection/internet security in your PC like Kaspersky, Hitman Pro and Bull Guard so that it remains safe.
6. Enable the Ad Blocker/Popup Blocker in your browser- Enabling the popup blocker/ ad blocker in your chosen browser will help you to stay protected from annoying adware.