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MKOS Ransomware (.mkos File Extension)

MKOS a strain within the STOP/Djvu Ransomware family, employing the Salsa20 encryption algorithm to encrypt files on compromised systems. Victims are coerced into paying a ransom ranging from $490 to $980 in Bitcoins for the decryption key.

You may be interested in taking a look at our other antivirus tools:
Trojan Killer, and Online Virus Scanner.

About Mkos:


NameMkos Virus
Version0193
File Extension.mkos
Contact[email protected], [email protected]
FamilySTOP/Djvu Ransomware
Note_readme.txt
Offline IDT2rTkvqPawuxU1ZHaaduwWpHn6I22SeYX39M9Zt1
Last seenJune 25, 2022
AlgorithmSalsa20 encryption. If Mkos cannot establish a connection to crooks server before starting the encryption process, it uses the offline key. This key is the same for all victims(!), making it possible to decrypt .mkos files in the future.
RansomFrom $490 to $980 (in Bitcoins)
Damage
  1. ⮞ Can delete Volume Shadow copies to make victim’s attempts to restore data impossible;
  2. ⮞ Adds a list of domains to HOSTS file to block access to certain security-related sites;
  3. ⮞ Installs password-stealing trojan virus, like Redline Stealer, Vidar Stealer, Smokeloader, Azorult and others;
DistributionThird-party downloaders, installers, peer-to-peer networks, RDP exploits, etc.,
RSA Public Key-----BEGIN PUBLIC KEY----- MIIBIjANBgkqhkiG9w0BAQEFAAOCAQ8AMIIBCgKCAQEAuuw1sCcnLLtOa65MKBKr zMtpvwqH6CaMTMyo/jZgv7gbC9xqO0gebHMcaSnNOCrbiNE59FiTuRS8bDNCZUIz c/hAt6TuQfau/+Cj0jVXh2JAxTL0Yi8x3F5OLVSYSShRLFANAtum+F3xSfIMK3iA yUzXUkv1O8zVB0E22Z4alNpTxVdWfTivwW2uRYrNaLgzPjlUtwFy8V1mdBkCxSsc aA/+zAYfzDFla9ANcK0HDIVqlwie5n1fWuQGZrUvjxglLgJT5XzNTKFcmfHbKGM8 96ZreaNsGtUR7NEciAV0NIC9MRm3EwrORnhzSk7WyAo1DQEQn77NjgGbgBaH3MlD iQIDAQAB -----END PUBLIC KEY-----
Other variants
  • Msop Ransomware (.msop encrypted files)
  • Meka Ransomware (.meka encrypted files)
  • Nakw Ransomware (.nakw encrypted files)
  • MKOS Virus Removal Tool

    What is Mkos?

    Mkos ransomware is a formidable adversary, encrypting your files and demanding a ransom, while also compromising several critical system functions. You may find yourself struggling to access certain websites or perform basic tasks. Yet, understanding your opponent is half the battle won.

    Employing the Salsa20 encryption algorithm, this ransomware presents a near-impossible challenge to overcome. With an extensive key length and an astronomical number of potential keys, brute-force attacks are impractical without extraordinarily powerful computing resources. While utilizing already compromised decryption keys is one approach, the success rate of such decryption tools is generally low.

    The intrusion of ransomware into your PC is no mysterious affair. Mkos ransomware predominantly spreads through dubious means, including "free" versions of well-known software, cheat engines, Windows activators, and keygens. These methods are common across all STOP/Djvu ransomware family members, with Mkos being no exception. Investing in legitimate software licenses is not only simpler but also significantly cheaper than the hefty sum demanded for file decryption.

    Mkos Encryption process

    The Mkos uses the Salsa20 encryption algorithm. That is not the strongest method, but it still provides an overwhelming amount of possible decryption keys. To brute force the 78-digit number of keys, you need 3.5 unvigintillion years (1*10^65), even if you use the most powerful regular PC. Quantum computers can show a bit better results, but it is still too slow to get your files back while you are alive.

    The exact algorithm of encryption is next: malware scans each folder for the files it is able to encrypt. Then, when it finds the target, it makes a copy of your file, removes the original one, encrypts the copy and leaves it instead of the removed original. Such a procedure is done to prevent the situation when you have already opened the file, so ransomware is not able to read it because of the Windows restrictions. To each encrypted copy, the virus adds the specific extension - ".mkos". Then, ransomware creates a _readme.txt file in the folder where the encrypted file is located, and goes to the next folder.

    .MKOS Files

    Such an encryption method can be exploited for file recovery. Since the original file is deleted, you may try to recover it using the file recovery tools. The less time is passed - the bigger the chance to get your files back, so hurry up!

    Another specific moment that can help you to use the files even after the encryption is the fact that Mkos ransomware encrypts only the first 150KB of each file. Hence, you can try to run a big file, such as video or music, without the encryption. Similar feature also works with other ransomware families - Dharma, Conti and Makop encrypt the same 150KB.

    Mkos note:

    Ransom note is the same for the whole STOP/DJVU family. In fact, it is one of the main signs of to which family the certain ransomware belongs. Here is the typical note for STOP/Djvu family:

    ATTENTION!

    Don't worry, you can return all your files!
    All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
    The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
    This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
    What guarantees you have?
    You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
    But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
    You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
    https://we.tl/t-Be28TGxMAy
    Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
    Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
    Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
    Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.


    To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
    [email protected]

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    Indicators of Compromise(IOC)

    File NameMD5File Size
    📜 SAMPLE.EXE4e4945bcc58de69e0e29ab6ca879bee1741888