DarkKomet virus is a new Hidden Tear ransomware that uses the AES cipher to process files, read our removal guide to learn more.
Manual Removal Guide
Recover DarkKomet Virus Files
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How Does DarkKomet Virus Infiltrate the System?
The DarkKomet virus is distributed using different methods of infection. The strategies used to deliver the captured samples associated with the DarkKomet ransomware are outlined below:
Email spam messages that utilize social engineering tricks are one of the primary ways of getting infected with the DarkKomet virus. They use template graphics and text that makes the targets trust and execute the malware. The DarkKomet ransomware is either attached to the messages themselves or is linked somewhere in the body contents. The malicious binaries themselves can be hosted on third-party download sites or P2P networks
Interacting with download sites and web scripts can lead to an DarkKomet virus infection. Such infections can also be incurred by using a malicious browser add-on, also known as a browser hijacker. They are usually made for the most popular web browsing applications (Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge and Safari) and modify essential settings: default home page, new tabs and search engine to point to a hacker-specified address.
The DarkKomet ransomware can also be used as a payload in direct hacker attacks. The criminals attempt to find software weaknesses in the installed applications and the running operating system. One of the discovered vulnerabilities is the use of the RDP protocol which is typical for maintaning remote control sessions.
Related: EyLamo Virus, CryptoSpider Virus
Infection Flow of DarkKomet Virus Virus
The DarkKomet virus is a new ransomware that has just been identified by security experts in a new attack campaign. During the initial analysis it was discovered that it is based on the Hidden Tear open-source project. This is one of the most popular toolkits used for creating ransomware. The DarkKomet virus is a simple threat that at the moment contains only an encryption engine. This is probably due to the fact that the collected samples are probably the initial versions of the threat. Depending on its developers we may see future versions that may feature additional components.
During the investigation no information about the person or people behind it has been found – it is likely that it is being made by an unknown hacker or a criminal collective.
After the infection has been complete on the affected machines the encryption engine is started immediately. Like other similar Hidden Tear malware it seeks to process files based on a built-in list of file type extensions. Depending on the attack campaign the hackers may opt to encrypt the most popular data: music, videos, photos, documents, archives, backups, databases and etc. All processed files are renamed using the ransomware extension .locked that is widely used by many Hidden Tear malware iterations.
Depending on the DarkKomet virus a ransomware note, wallpaper change or lockscreen may be initiated. Lockscreens are specific application that block ordinary computer interaction until the infection has been removed.
Ransomware notes are crafted in “Qiuping ” container files. The captured DarkKomet ransomware samples showcase a simple red text on black background that read the following message:
Ooops! Your files have been encrypted!!!
Some of the identified samples have been found to feature a Trojan module, also known as a RAT (Remote Administration Tool). This makes it possible for the hackers to control the infected machines and spy on the victims at all times. Such programs can steal sensitive files and may even deliver additional threats to the victims.
This is the reason why a quality anti-spyware solution is the only reliable way of recovering from an active DarkKomet virus infection. Once this is done a professional-grade data recovery application can restore all affected files.
Remove DarkKomet Virus and Restore Data
WARNING! Manual removal of DarkKomet Virus requires being familiar with system files and registries. Removing important data accidentally can lead to permanent system damage. If you don’t feel comfortable with manual instructions, download a powerful anti-malware tool that will scan your system for malware and clean it safely for you.
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DarkKomet Virus – Manual Removal Steps
Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network
This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently. The steps bellow are applicable to all Windows versions.
1. Hit the WIN Key + R
2. A Run window will appear. In it, write msconfig and then press Enter
3. A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named Boot
4. Mark Safe Boot option and then go to Network under it to tick it too
5. Apply -> OK
Show Hidden Files
Some ransomware threats are designed to hide their malicious files in the Windows so all files stored on the system should be visible.
1. Open My Computer/This PC
2. Windows 7
- – Click on Organize button
– Select Folder and search options
– Select the View tab
– Go under Hidden files and folders and mark Show hidden files and folders option
3. Windows 8/ 10
- – Open View tab
– Mark Hidden items option
4. Click Apply and then OK button
Enter Windows Task Manager and Stop Malicious Processes
1. Hit the following key combination: CTRL+SHIFT+ESC
2. Get over to Processes
3. When you find suspicious process right click on it and select Open File Location
4. Go back to Task Manager and end the malicious process. Right click on it again and choose End Process
5. Next, you should go folder where the malicious file is located and delete it
Repair Windows Registry
1. Again type simultaneously the WIN Key + R key combination
2. In the box, write regedit and hit Enter
3. Type the CTRL+ F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable
4. In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys
Click for more information about Windows Registry and further repair help
Recover DarkKomet Virus Files
WARNING! All files and objects associated with DarkKomet Virus should be removed from the infected PC before any data recovery attempts. Otherwise the virus may encrypt restored files. Furthermore, a backup of all encrypted files stored on external media is highly recommendable.
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1. Use present backups
2. Use professional data recovery software
Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery – a specialist tool that can restore partitions, data, documents, photos, and 300 more file types lost during various types of incidents and corruption.
3. Using System Restore Point
- – Hit WIN Key
– Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps
4. Restore your personal files using File History
- – Hit WIN Key
– Type restore your files in the search box
– Select Restore your files with File History
– Choose a folder or type the name of the file in the search bar
– Hit the “Restore” button
