Koti is a part and parcel of the DJVU family. It is a PC ransomware-form of infection that encrypts essential personal data, preventing the user to access his own data. If you have come across this unfortunate virus, worry not as we will help you solve the issue in this Koti ransomware removal guide.
About the Koti Ransomware
Koti is a ransomware virus that takes over control of your personal data by encrypting. The orchestrators behind the virus will force ask for a ransom fee in exchange for the decrypting key. Once your data has been encrypted, the affected files will have the .koti extension. The attackers will then attempt to force the victim into paying a ransom fee discreetly via Bitcoin.
What Does Koti Ransomware Do?
When the virus gets into you PC, it scans your system, searching for images, documents, videos, as well as other files such as .doc, and .pdf. Once it has detected these files, the virus will begin to encrypt them, altering the extension to .koti. Upon the completion of encrypting files, you won’t be able to access your files. a readme.txt will then be dropped into your system containing the ransom note, together with the directions of making the payment equivalent to the demanded fee. Usually, victims are asked to get in touch with one of the cybercriminals’ agents through an email address: helpmanager@mail.ch or restoremanager@firemail.ch.
_readme.txt:
ATTENTION!
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important files 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:
https://we.tl/t-sBwlEg46JX
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:
helpmanager@mail.ch
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
restoremanager@firemail.cc
Your personal ID
Despite the note seemingly convincing, we strongly advise not to pay a single dime. Instead, contact one of the government fraud sites immediately depending with your region:
- On Guard Online for US region
- SCAMwatch for the Australian region
- Anti-Fraud Centre for the Canadian region
- Action Fraud for the UK region
- Alternatively, you can get in touch with the local authorities
How to Get Koti Ransomware?
The Koti ransomware uses various cyber attack techniques to penetrate your system. However, just like any other virus, carelessness from computer users creates vulnerabilities to the system, of which, Koti ransomware takes advantage of such mishaps. The virus is spread through spam messages sent via email, or as part of an untrustworthy software bundle.
Through email, cyber attackers send you a message with a disguised header, deluding you into trusting that it’s from a reputable company such as DHL or FedEx. The email elaborates that there was an attempt to deliver your package but due to some reason it failed. No, it’s natural to get curious about what is referred to in the email. Therefore, users are tempted to click on the attachment or link. And just like that, your system gets infected by Koti ransomware.
How to Remove Koti Ransomware?
IMPORTANT NOTE!
By initiating this removal process, there is a risk that you may lose your entire data, and I can’t guarantee you will be able to recover it. Moreover, your data can get permanently corrupted while implementing the removal process. Therefore, to stay prepared for the worst, I advise on creating a backup image of the data that is encrypted before starting the process.
At first glance, this removal guide may appear intimidating. However, we made it that way to ensure that all details are clear, precise, as well as easy to understand, such that anyone can follow through.
Upon initiating the process, make sure to follow the steps in their order. If you find yourself lost, always refer back to the guide to understand where you are getting it wrong. To get rid of Koti ransomware, these are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Run Auslogics Anti-Malware to Get Rid of KOTI Ransomware
Auslogics Anti-Malware offers a robust version that can do the task excellently. The tool is one of the most popular for the Windows platform due to its capability to destroy various types of malicious programs which tend to be missed by many security tools. Considering that this is a premium tool packed with features that easily challenge any other reputable premium options, it’s better to go for it since it also plays well with most of the antivirus programs. All you need to do is download the setup file from the Auslogics site before following the installation prompts. Once done, launch a full system scan, and restart your computer.
Step 2: Get a Second Scan Report to Detect Trojans and Malware
Use another security tool to scan for any missed Trojans and malware. In this part, it’s better to use a scanner that inspects the characteristics of active files. Moreover, a malware tool with a cloud backing feature is ideal as it can send suspicious files that it’s not sure about for further investigation to the cloud.
Step 3: Run an Antivirus Tool to Double-Check for Any Malware
Although the above steps may seem enough already, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Thus, you should run another scan using reputable antivirus software. Once done with the scan, ensure that the antivirus tool is activated all the time, giving you real-time protection.
Step 4: Restore the Encrypted Files
Unfortunately, a majority of cases have shown negative results when attempting to recover encrypted files by Koti ransomware. The reason behind this is due to the requirement of a key to unlock encrypted data, which can only be provided by cybercriminals. However, regardless of this sad finding, it doesn’t hurt to try as shown in the minority success cases.
To begin, you must:
- Download a decryptor program such as Emsisoft Decryptor for DJVU.
- Run the setup file, and then follow the installation prompts.
- Once done, click on the Decrypt button to switch to the Status view screen.
The program will alert you when it’s done. Moreover, you can save a report of the decryption process for future reference. Also, we would advise changing all of your passwords as the attackers may have already obtained some of your data and made copies.