Discovered by a well-known malware analyst named Petrovic, Kfuald is a piece of malicious software classified as ransomware. If you have never heard of this form of malware infection to date, then you may be in for a surprise.
This type of malware operates by encrypting all kinds of files (for example, photos, videos, archives, excel documents, etc.) saved on a computer system and making ransom demands for the decryption.
If you want to learn how to protect yourself from being a victim of file-encrypting malware, then you have come to the right place. In this blog, we will tell you about Kfuald ransomware, how you get it, and what to do to protect against it.
What is Kfuald Ransomware?
Kfuald ransomware is a newly-discovered malware infection that encrypts (locks) a victim’s files and demands bitcoin cryptocurrency in order to regain access. Like CHEATER, Siliconegun, CRYSTAL, and other ransomware-type programs, Kfuald also employs powerful encryption algorithms to encrypt files stored on the targeted computers.
During the encryption procedure, it changes the names of the affected files by appending a unique “.kfuald” extension. For instance, a file originally named “music.mp4” would appear as something similar to “music.mp4.kfuald” – following encryption.
After the encryption process is complete, the it displays a pop-up window to inform victims that all the stored files have been encrypted and can be decrypted only by paying ransom money to the attackers.
The ransom-demanding message displayed in a pop-up window usually contains an email address of Kfuald ransomware authors, price of a decryption software, cryptocurrency wallet address, and other payment-related instructions.
How Does Kfuald Ransomware Infect Your Computer?
Understanding how ransomware variants propagate is a vital aspect to avoid falling victim to an attack. There are a number of attack vectors that cybercriminals can exploit to evade detection and infect targeted systems. Below we have listed some of the most common ransomware distribution methods that hackers use to hold your data hostage. Now, let’s have a look at them.
- Spam or phishing emails
- Malicious URLs and advertisements
- Drive-by downloads
- Remote desktop protocol (RDP) hacking
- Pirated or cracked software versions
- Pornographic websites
- USB and removable media drives
- Peer-to-peer networks
- Third-party freeware download websites
- Outdated or unpatched software versions
How to Remove Kfuald Ransomware from your computer
Since the manual method of malware removal is a painstaking and time-consuming process, we recommend performing a full system scan using a reliable and competent antivirus/anti-malware software for hassle-free removal of Kfuald ransomware and other dangerous malicious threats.
