November 4, 2016

Kangaroo is a new variant of file-encryption ransomware called Apocalypse. Following successful infiltration, Kangaroo encrypts files and appends their names with the ".crypted_file" extension (for example, "sample.jpg" becomes "sample.jpg.crypted_file"). Once files are encrypted, Kangaroo opens a pop-up message and creates identical text files beside each encrypted file. The text file names are associated with the encrypted files (for example, "sample.jpg.crypted_file.Instructions_Data_Recovery.txt"). The pop-up message and text files contain an identical ransom-demand message.

The ransom-demand message provides no information regarding the type of encryption used. Therefore, it is currently unknown whether Kangaroo uses asymmetric or symmetric cryptography. In any case, decryption without a unique key is impossible. This key is stored on remote servers controlled by Kangaroo's developers. Victims must pay a specific sum to receive it by contacting developers via an email address provided (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Detailed payment instructions are then provided. The cost is currently unknown, however, ransomware-type viruses usually demand 500 - 1000 US Dollars in Bitcoins. The cost is high and cyber criminals are likely to ignore victims, despite submitted payments. Therefore, it is probable that paying will not deliver any positive result - you will merely be scammed. We strongly advise you to ignore all requests to contact these people or pay any ransom. Paying is equivalent to sending your money to cyber criminals - you will simply support their malicious businesses. Kangaroo is currently undecryptable. Therefore, the only solution to this problem is to restore your files/system from a backup.

Screenshot of a message encouraging users to contact the developers of Kangaroo ransomware to decrypt their compromised data:

Kangaroo has very similar characteristics to hundreds of other ransomware-type viruses such as Hollycrypt, Locky, .thor, and Rotor. All ransomware-type viruses have more or less identical behavior: they encrypt files and demand ransom payments. There are just two major differences between these viruses: 1) encryption type, and; 2) size of ransom. Most are distributed using malicious files attached to spam emails, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks (such as Torrent, eMule, and others), various unofficial software download sources (freeware download websites, free file hosting sites, etc.), fake software update tools, and trojans. Therefore, you should never open any files received from unrecognizable/suspicious email addresses. Furthermore, never download software from third party sources. Be aware that cyber criminals are devious and skillful enough to infect systems by exploiting software bugs/flaws. Therefore, keeping installed applications up-to-date and using a legitimate anti-virus/anti-spyware suite is also paramount.

Screenshot of Kangaroo ransomware text file:

Ransom-demand message (presented in pop-up and text files):

Windows has encountered a critical problem and needs your immediate action to recover your data. The system access is locked and all the data have been encrypted to avoid the information be published or misused. You will not be able to access to your files and ignoring this message may cause the total loss of the data. We are sorry for the inconvenenience.
You have to contact the email below along with your Personal Identification ID to restore the data of your system.
Your Personal Identification ID: -
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
You will have to order the Unlock-Password and the Kangaroo Decryption Software. All the instructions will be sent to you by email.

Screenshot of files encrypted by Kangaroo ransomware (".crypted_file" extension)

Kangaroo ransomware removal:

Step 1

Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer start process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, and then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Windows 8 users: Start Windows 8 is Safe Mode with Networking - Go to Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click Advanced startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window, select Advanced startup. Click the "Restart now" button. Your computer will now restart into the "Advanced Startup options menu". Click the "Troubleshoot" button, and then click the "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen, click "Startup settings". Click the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press F5 to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.

Step 2

Log in to the account infected with the Kangaroo virus. Start your Internet browser and download a legitimate anti-spyware program. Update the anti-spyware software and start a full system scan. Remove all entries detected. Click here to download.

By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. We are affiliated with anti-virus and anti-spyware software listed on this site. All the products we recommend were carefully tested and approved by our technicians as being one of the most effective solutions for removing this threat.

If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking, try performing a System Restore.

1. During your computer start process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears, and then select Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list and press ENTER.

2. When Command Prompt mode loads, enter the following line: cd restore and press ENTER.

3. Next, type this line: rstrui.exe and press ENTER.

4. In the opened window, click "Next".

5. Select one of the available Restore Points and click "Next" (this will restore your computer system to an earlier time and date, prior to the Kangaroo ransomware virus infiltrating your PC).

6. In the opened window, click "Yes".

7. After restoring your computer to a previous date, download and scan your PC with recommended malware removal software to eliminate any remaining Kangaroo ransomware files.

To restore individual files encrypted by this ransomware, try using Windows Previous Versions feature. This method is only effective if the System Restore function was enabled on an infected operating system. Note that some variants of Kangaroo are known to remove Shadow Volume Copies of the files, so this method may not work on all computers.

To restore a file, right-click over it, go into Properties, and select the Previous Versions tab. If the relevant file has a Restore Point, select it and click the "Restore" button.

If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking (or with Command Prompt), boot your computer using a rescue disk. Some variants of ransomware disable Safe Mode making its removal complicated. For this step, you require access to another computer.

To regain control of the files encrypted by Kangaroo, you can also try using a program called Shadow Explorer. More information on how to use this program is available here.

To protect your computer from file encrypting ransomware such as this, use reputable antivirus and anti-spyware programs. As an extra protection method, you can use programs called HitmanPro.Alert and EasySync CryptoMonitor, which artificially implant group policy objects into the registry to block rogue programs such as Kangaroo ransomware.)

HitmanPro.Alert CryptoGuard - detects encryption of files and neutralises any attempts, without need for user-intervention:

EasySync CryptoMonitor - kills an encryption infection and blacklists it from running again:

Other tools known to remove Kangaroo ransomware - Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

News Courtesy : https://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/10628-kangaroo-ransomware#a1