How to remove Killer Skull Ransomware and decrypt your files

What is Killer Skull Ransomware

Killer Skull Ransomware is a menacing form of malware designed to encrypt user files, demanding a hefty ransom for their decryption. This ransomware is part of the Chaos ransomware family, notorious for its robust file encryption techniques, specifically employing the ChaCha20 algorithm. Upon infiltration, Killer Skull alters the filenames by appending a random four-character extension, so files like photo.jpg might be transformed into photo.jpg.ab12. After encrypting the files, this malware alters the victim’s desktop wallpaper and propagates a ransom note named payment_information.txt. This note explicitly warns victims of the ransomware’s presence, detailing that all data on their hard drives and networks have been encrypted and can only be restored by purchasing a decryption key from the attackers. Victims are urged to contact the perpetrators via a provided email address, with the staggering ransom request usually noted in Bitcoin, leaving many users with a dilemma, as paying does not guarantee file recovery and may embolden these cybercriminals.

Currently, no free decryption tools are available for files encrypted by the Killer Skull ransomware, which poses significant challenges for victims attempting to regain access to their files without capitulating to the ransom demands. The encryption used by Killer Skull is highly sophisticated, making manual decryption practically infeasible without the unique decryption keys held by the attackers. However, victims are discouraged from paying the ransom, as it does not ensure the decryption of files and can expose individuals to further attacks. For those looking to decrypt files, the best strategy is to rely on backups stored prior to the ransomware attack. Additionally, victims are advised to remove the ransomware from their systems using reputable antivirus software like SpyHunter 5 to prevent further damage. Interruption of the ransomware’s processes and removal should be prioritized, and efforts to find updates on potential decryption tools should continue. Regularly checking platforms like the No More Ransom Project is also recommended, as decryption solutions may eventually become available as cybersecurity experts study the ransomware further.

How Killer Skull Ransomware infects computers

Killer Skull Ransomware primarily infects computers through deceptive tactics employed by cybercriminals. One common method involves emails containing malicious attachments or links, which, when opened, execute the ransomware on the victim’s system. In addition, attackers often hide the ransomware within pirated software or disguise it as legitimate downloads from untrustworthy sources, such as shady websites and P2P networks. Exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated software or utilizing malicious advertisements are other strategies used to spread this malware. Once the ransomware is executed, it encrypts files on the system, appends a unique extension, and demands a ransom for decryption. To mitigate the risk of infection, users should exercise caution with unsolicited emails, keep software updated, and avoid downloading software from unreliable sites.

1. Download Killer Skull Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for encrypted files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like Killer Skull Ransomware

Killer Skull Ransomware files:


payment_information.txt
{randomname}.exe


Killer Skull Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore encrypted files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt encrypted files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of encrypted files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with Killer Skull Ransomware and removed from your computer you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore encrypted files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like Killer Skull Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Killer Skull Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro