So, a file that was previously stored in the computer system as 1.jpg, 2.png, or 3.jpeg as the case may be, automatically becomes 1.jpg.kcvp, 2.png.kcvp and 3.jpeg.kcvp after a ransomware virus attack. Furthermore, the virus drops _readme.txt ransom note in every data folder so that the victim could access the message from ransomware operators easily. The motive of ransomware operators is constant, i.e., infect as many computers as possible and hope that some of the victims would reach out to them for possible assistance on how to recover the encrypted files. For the record, trying to establish contact with cybercriminals in the hope of seeking their assistance is a bad idea. Generally, every computer should have strong antivirus software installed and kept active as a first line of defense. There are other dos and don’ts as well computer users should always be aware of, and they would be discussed extensively in this article.

Contents of the ransom note (_readme.txt) explained

The ransom note file briefs the victim about the incident. They usually threaten the victim by saying that the decryption is only temporary, pending when they’re able to pay ransom fees, but if they fail to comply quickly, the loss of data now becomes permanent. Two email addresses (support@fishmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc) are also forwarded at this point in the hope that victims will write them as they seek to recover their encrypted files. Writing to cybercriminals or responding to their threats is not a wise thing to do; rather, they should be completely ignored. The reason why cybercriminals have remained a menace over the years is that some victims have continued to pay the ransom. More reasons why ransom should never be paid will be further discussed in this article. Meanwhile, cybercriminals typically announce that $980 is the ransom fee expected to be paid by the victim. However, they may also add that 50% discount can be leveraged by those willing to pay within 72 hours of being asked to do so. There are other issues victims have to contend with like how to make the ransom fee available to cybercriminals. Conventional payment methods are not acceptable to the rogues because they know it would reveal their real identity and possibly lead to arrest. So they make it mandatory that cryptocurrency must be used due to its anonymous nature. Nevertheless, victims of ransomware attacks are generally advised never to negotiate with cybercriminals and neither should they pay ransom fee. Below are some of the reasons given:

Paying a ransom is not approved by law. When victims pay up, they end up encouraging cybercrimes. Records have shown that those who pay ransom to cybercriminals are usually targeted again in the future. More funds in the hands of cybercriminals enable them to build a more sophisticated structure.

Additional malware dropped poses more risks

Victims of KCVP ransomware should be aware of the fact that cybercriminals equally use the opportunity to spread secondary malware, known as RATs. This is an apt name that was derived from Remote Access Trojans. In other words, threats like VIDAR, AZORULT or RedLine Stealer are commonly found in malware samples responsible for STOP/DJVU malware execution. These Trojans enable the perpetrators to covertly obtain sensitive personal information without the victim being aware, thereby putting them at serious risk. Software login information, browsing history, banking details, etc. could be stolen with the help of these pieces of malware in the infected computer. To protect your computer and information kept in it, we strongly recommend that you remove KCVP ransomware virus using instructions provided by our team – you can find them below the article. The software combination we recommend using for the removal is INTEGO Antivirus along with a Windows OS-file repair tool that you can download here – RESTORO. For further instructions how to use them, follow the removal instructions below.

Ransomware Summary

Methods used by cybercriminals in spreading ransomware

Cybercriminals use certain subtle methods to disguise their actual intentions when spreading ransomware viruses. This section explains the common ones and how they can be avoided. Award-winning antivirus solution for your PC. Robust security software that provides robust 24/7 real-time protection, Web Shield that stops online threats/malicious downloads, and Prevention engine that wards off Zero-Day threats. Keep your PC safe and protected against ransomware, Trojans, viruses, spyware and other forms of dangerous programs.

Emails and attachments

Illegal software download sources

Cybercriminals are aware that some software users habitually look for ways they can obtain needed software without paying the official fees. So, what they do is to clone such software contents, especially those in high demand and upload them to online torrent platforms where they are shared freely. What their target audience is not aware is that ransomware virus has been embedded in them. When the unsuspecting users download them as freebies, thinking they’ve saved themselves some money, they only end up exposing their computers to a ransomware attack. Therefore, you’re better off sourcing for your software legitimately. Those that usually seek software through file sharing measures like peer-to-peer are risking ransomware virus infection. It should also be noted that using P2P sharing method is quite comparable to stealing of intellectual property, and there can be grounds for prosecution. It takes a lot to research and develop software content, and the IT experts that invest their time and resources on it deserve their due profit. Unfortunately, when individuals make use of P2P sharing, they make it difficult for legitimate software developers to make a profit. To prevent all these, going to the official platform as endorsed by the content owners is recommended. It should be noted that cybercriminals don’t just clone any software but mostly target those that are more popular. Remember that their intention is not to help those in need of software but to spread malware. So, when they clone software copies that are in high demand, chances are high that they would be downloaded by those in need of them. Here are some of the ones they usually clone:

Corel Draw; Adobe Photoshop; Microsoft Office 365; FIFA 22; VMware Workstation; Internet Download Manager; Adobe Illustrator; Tenorshare 4ukey and many others.

The importance of removing KCVP ransomware virus ASAP

The rule of thumb is that any form of malware should be removed as quickly as possible. Immediate removal of malware would not just mitigate further damages but also make a recovery quicker. Any strong antivirus can be used to remove malware. However, it’s even lot better to have antivirus software installed and running actively at all times as a preventive measure. Our team relies on INTEGO Antivirus for KCVP virus removal. For restoration of damaged Windows OS files, consider scanning with RESTORO (secure download link). Also, ensure to do the following:

Change all passwords. Restore encrypted files using backup. Let relevant local authorities know about the computer attack. Ensure you install antivirus and keep the real-time protection feature active at all times.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove KCVP Ransomware Virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users Now, you can search for and remove KCVP Ransomware Virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense If you’re looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek’s Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Decrypt KCVP files

Fix and open large KCVP files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. KCVP Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie. Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible. In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt KCVP files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The KCVP decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages: Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID] This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor’s database. No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible. Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future. If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn’t available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your KCVP extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Victims of KCVP Ransomware Virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can’t find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up “[your country name] report cyber crime”. This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities. Another recommendation is to contact your country’s or region’s federal police or communications authority.