How to remove King Ransomware and decrypt .king files

What is King Ransomware

Discovered in 2024, King Ransomware is a notorious ransomware variant stemming from the Proton family, designed to encrypt files on infected systems. Once it infiltrates a computer, it appends the .king file extension to encrypted files along with an email address, effectively rendering them inaccessible. For instance, a file named document.docx would be transformed into document.docx.[king_ransom1@mailfence.com].king. This ransomware uses sophisticated encryption algorithms, making file recovery challenging without specific decryption keys. An ominous ransom note named #Read-for-recovery.txt is created on the infected system and also changes the desktop wallpaper to instruct victims on how to reclaim their files. The note directs victims to contact the cybercriminals through the provided email addresses and await further instructions.

Unfortunately, no universal decryption tools are currently available for King Ransomware, making recovery a significant hurdle for affected users. Victims are generally advised against paying the ransom, as there is no guarantee the attackers will provide the required decryption tools even after payment. To potentially recover .king files, users can explore third-party data recovery solutions or restore lost files from backups if available. Alternatively, they can seek assistance through reputable cybersecurity forums where experts might offer additional support. The No More Ransom project remains one of the primary resources for any emerging decryption capabilities, although it might not always have an immediate solution for every type of ransomware.

How King Ransomware infects computers

King Ransomware infiltrates computers through various deceptive tactics commonly employed by cybercriminals. One prevalent method involves phishing emails containing malicious attachments or links, which, when opened, execute the ransomware payload. Additionally, King Ransomware can be embedded in pirated software, cracking tools, and malicious advertisements. Exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated software and operating systems is another widespread technique, allowing the ransomware to breach security defenses. Furthermore, visiting compromised websites or using infected USB drives can also lead to infection, highlighting the importance of maintaining robust cybersecurity practices and regularly updating systems.

1. Download King Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .king 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 King Ransomware

King Ransomware files:


#Read-for-recovery.txt
{randomname}.exe


King Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .king files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .king 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 .king 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 King 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 .king files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the 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 a 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 a 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 King 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. King 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