Through the use of Ransomware, the hackers of the Internet are able to make the files of their victims inaccessible to anyone who may try to open them. The method which allows Ransomware infections to achieve this is called data-encryption. In and of itself, the data-encryption method isn’t something that’s harmful or damaging. In fact, it is supposed to keep files safe from unauthorized access and modifications. It is oftentimes used by people who wish to keep some very important data safe and secure. However, when this method is implemented by cyber criminals who create Ransomware threats, the whole effect of the data-encryption gets reversed, and used for the purposes of illegal money extortion. The gist of the Ransomware scheme is that, once the user gets their data encrypted, their only hope of restoring the files would be through the payment of a ransom.
The new .Kovasoh virus
Kovasoh is a cryptovirus infection that works in this exact way – it uses its advanced data encryption to render the files of its targets inaccessible and then it shows a notification banner on the computer screen. Through the message in this banner, the user learns that their files have been locked by a Ransomware and that they would need to pay money to the hackers if they are to acquire the decryption key corresponding to the encryption code. Many users pay the demanded ransom immediately after they read the ransom message. However, a lot of people can’t afford to spend a couple of hundred, or even a couple of thousand dollars by sending them to some online criminals. Also, and this should go without saying, there isn’t any conceivable way of actually knowing whether or not the hackers would enable you to restore the access to your data by sending you the corresponding decryption key – for all you know, they may simply be lying to you. And of course, should you still send your money to the criminals behind an infection such as Kovasoh, Cosakos, Nvetud you’d never get the chance to get that money back from the hackers. Even if you don’t get to unlock your files after the payment, there wouldn’t be a refund.
The .Kovasoh file encryption – options?
If you have decided that you will still pay despite the warnings we’ve just given you, it is your decision and you are the only one who knows your specific situation. However, if you choose to put aside the payment option and instead focus on some of the potential alternatives, we may have something for you here.
No matter what happens with your files, it’s still important to remove Kovasoh, and the Kovasoh removal guide below will hopefully allow you to do exactly that. And after you are done eliminating the nasty Ransomware, you can try some of the potential file recovery options we have on our site. Sadly, we can’t guarantee that any of them will enable you to release all of your data from Kovasoh. Still, they are a good place to start and it won’t cost you a penny to give them a try.
Kovasoh SUMMARY:
| Name | Kovasoh |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Danger Level | High (Kovasoh Ransomware encrypts all types of files) |
| Symptoms | Kovasoh Ransomware is hard to detect and aside from increased use of RAM and CPU, there would barely be any other visible red flags. |
| Distribution Method | Most of the time, Trojans get distributed through spam e-mails and social network messages, malicious ads, shady and pirated downloads, questionable torrents and other similar methods. |
Remove Kovasoh Ransomware
1: Preparations
Note: Before you go any further, we advise you to bookmark this page or have it open on a separate device such as your smartphone or another PC. Some of the steps might require you to exit your browser on this PC.
2: Task Manager
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to enter the Task Manager. Go to the Tab labeled Processes (Details for Win 8/10). Carefully look through the list of processes that are currently active on you PC.
If any of them seems shady, consumes too much RAM/CPU or has some strange description or no description at all, right-click on it, select Open File Location and delete everything there.
Also, even if you do not delete the files, be sure to stop the process by right-clicking on it and selecting End Process.
3: IP related to Kovasoh
Go to c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts. Open the hosts file with notepad.
Find where it says Localhost and take a look below that.
If you see any IP addresses there (below Localhost) send them to us here, in the comments since they might be coming from the Kovasoh.
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4: Disable Startup programs
Re-open the Start Menu and type msconfig.
Click on the first search result. In the next window, go to the Startup tab. If you are on Win 10, it will send you to the Startup part of the task manager instead, as in the picture:
If you see any sketchy/shady looking entries in the list with an unknown manufacturer or a manufacturer name that looks suspicious as there could be a link between them and Kovasoh , disable those programs and select OK.
5: Registry Editor
Press Windows key + R and in the resulting window type regedit.
Now, press Ctrl + F and type the name of the virus.
Delete everything that gets found. If you are not sure about whether to delete something, do not hesitate to ask us in the comments. Keep in mind that if you delete the wrong thing, you might cause all sorts of issues to your PC.
6: Deleting potentially malicious data – Kovasoh
Type each of the following locations in the Windows search box and hit enter to open the locations:
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
%Temp%
Delete everything you see in Temp linked to Kovasoh Ransomware. About the other folders, sort their contents by date and delete only the most recent entries. As always, if you are not sure about something, write to us in the comment section.
7: Kovasoh Decryption
The previous steps were all aimed at removing the Kovasoh Ransomware from your PC. However, in order to regain access to your files, you will also need to decrypt them or restore them. For that, we have a separate article with detailed instructions on what you have to do in order to unlock your data. Here is a link to that guide.
