Remove .Krab File Virus (+Recover Files)

How to Remove Krab Ransomware?

Readers recently started to report the following message being displayed when they boot their computer:

–= GANDCRAB V4 =—

Attention!

All your files, documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted and have the extension: .KRAB
The only method of recovering files is to purchase a unique private key. Only we can give you this key and only we can recover your files.

The server with your key is in a closed network TOR. You can get there by the following ways:
—————————————————————————————-
| 0. Download Tor browser – https://www.torproject.org/
| 1. Install Tor browser
| 2. Open Tor Browser
| 3. Open link in TOR browser: ***
| 4. Follow the instructions on this page
—————————————————————————————-

On our page you will see instructions on payment and get the opportunity to decrypt 1 file for free.
ATTENTION!

IN ORDER TO PREVENT DATA DAMAGE:

* DO NOT MODIFY ENCRYPTED FILES
* DO NOT CHANGE DATA BELOW

—BEGIN GANDCRAB KEY—
lAQAADcGuK2O86SjorV5S***2252_chars***3xoPSX/TrEnwTiQ76HdztGYuXZ4KO7rogc=
—END GANDCRAB KEY—

—BEGIN PC DATA—
wfKD6iudumBkmpL8IRr4U7***76_chars***mMngioqtOiJtTit2DjRIuBtNYA==
—END PC DATA—

If the .Krab file extension prevents you from opening your files, prepare for bad news. Your device is infected. The nasty .Krab Ransomware lurks in the shadows of your OS and wreaks havoc. This virus is the newest version of the infamous GandCrab Ransomware. .Krab uses trickery to sneak into your system undetected. Once on board, it wastes no time and corrupts your entire OS. The ransomware corrupts essential system folders and files. It modifies your System Registry and alters your settings. This done, and the virus starts a file-encryption process. The ransomware follows orders to locate and lock all user-created files. .Krab Ransomware is after your pictures, videos, databases, documents. The virus uses the advanced TEA (Tiny Encryption Algorithm) encryption algorithm to lock your files. In complete silence, the ransomware corrupts your files. When it’s done, it drops a ransom note which explains the hackers’ demands. The note also provides information on how you should pay the ransom. To recover your files, the criminals demand a hefty ransom paid either in Bitcoin or DASH. The criminals give you limited time to do so. If you don’t pay within the time limit, the demanded sum doubles. Do not fall victim to this psychological trick. The hackers want to push you into impulsive actions. Take your time to consider the situation. Paying the ransom is never a good idea. You are dealing with criminals. They won’t hesitate to double-cross you. Your best course of action is the removal of the .Krab virus. Don’t waste your time. Clean your computer before the virus gets a chance to cause more harm!

How did I get infected with?

As advanced as .Krab Ransomware is, the parasite relies on your carelessness. The virus lurks in the shadows and waits for you to make a mistake. Do not make its job easier. Do not let your guard down. Parasites like .Krab Ransomware lurk behind torrents, spam emails, and fake updates. Your caution can prevent these methods from succeeding. Don’t visit shady websites. Download your software from reputable sources only. When installing an app, pay attention to the fine print. And, of course, be very careful with your inbox. The good old spam emails are still the number one cause of virus infection. Treat all unexpected messages as potential threats. Before you even open them, take a minute to verify their senders. For example, if you receive an email from an organization, go to their official website. Compare the email dresses listed there to the questionable one. If they don’t match, delete the pretender immediately. The key to a secure and infection-free computer is caution. Don’t ever give into naivety. Always take the time to do your due diligence!

Why is Krab dangerous?

You are in a bad situation. Your files are locked, and your computer – corrupted. .Krab Ransomware controls the way you use your computer. It also threatens to destroy your precious files. Be strong! Don’t follow the hackers’ instructions. Do not contact them, and don’t sponsor them. These people are criminals. Their promises are not warranted. More often than not, they don’t fulfill their pledges. Practice shows that the hackers tend to ignore the victims once the ransom is paid. There are cases where the hackers dared demand second ransom. How many times are you willing to pay for your own files? Not to mention that the promised decryption may not work properly. Don’t play games with the hackers. You cannot win against these criminals. Remove the .Krab virus before it causes more trouble. These viruses, more often than not, are spying tools as well. The criminals use them to steal sensitive information such as your personal and financial details. Do not risk it. Remove the ransomware ASAP!

Krab Removal Instructions

STEP 1: Kill the Malicious Process

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

STEP 3: Locate Startup Location

STEP 4: Recover Krab Encrypted Files

STEP 1: Stop the malicious process using Windows Task Manager

• Open your task Manager by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+ESC keys simultaneously
• Locate the process of the ransomware. Have in mind that this is usually a random generated file.
• Before you kill the process, type the name on a text document for later reference.

• Locate any suspicious processes associated with Krab encryption Virus.
• Right click on the process
• Open File Location
• End Process
• Delete the directories with the suspicious files.
• Have in mind that the process can be hiding and very difficult to detect

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

• Open any folder
• Click on “Organize” button
  
• Choose “Folder and Search Options”
• Select the “View” tab
• Select “Show hidden files and folders” option
• Uncheck “Hide protected operating system files”
• Click “Apply” and “OK” button

STEP 3: Locate Krab encryption Virus startup location

• Once the operating system loads press simultaneously the Windows Logo Button and the R key.

• A dialog box should open. Type “Regedit”
• WARNING! be very careful when editing the Microsoft Windows Registry as this may render the system broken.

Depending on your OS (x86 or x64) navigate to:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]

• and delete the display Name: [RANDOM]

• Then open your explorer and navigate to:

Navigate to your %appdata% folder and delete the executable.

You can alternatively use your msconfig windows program to double check the execution point of the virus. Please, have in mind that the names in your machine might be different as they might be generated randomly, that’s why you should run any professional scanner to identify malicious files.

STEP 4: How to recover encrypted files?

• Method 1: The first and best method is to restore your data from a recent backup, in case that you have one.

• Method 2: File Recovery Software – Usually when the ransomware encrypts a file it first makes a copy of it, encrypts the copy, and then deletes the original. Due to this you may try to use file recovery software to recover some of your original files.
• Method 3: Shadow Volume Copies – As a last resort, you can try to restore your files via Shadow Volume Copies. Open the Shadow Explorer part of the package and choose the Drive you want to recover. Right click on any file you want to restore and click Export on it.