KCTF Locker Ransomware

KCTF Locker Ransomware is a threat that was developed for the CyberSecurity Capture The Flag (CTF) competition. In other words, it was not released seeking to obtain money from users. Researchers do not believe that this exact version of KCTF Locker Ransomware will ever be distributed actively, but we still want to let you know about it because it might be slightly updated or its source code might be used to build a new harmful ransomware infection encrypting files. If it ever happens that you encounter KCTF Locker Ransomware, we expect you to get rid of it immediately. You must eliminate it from your PC no matter you have found your files encrypted or not. The successful entrance of any malicious application clearly shows that there is a security loophole you need to fix. We do not say that you must become a malware expert or disable Internet on your PC and never go back online. We just want you to keep a security application installed on your computer 24/7. It will not unlock your files if they have already been encrypted by KCTF Locker Ransomware, but you should not encounter any new malicious application ever again.

As research has shown, KCTF Locker Ransomware has been programmed using .NET. The thorough analysis of its source code has revealed that it employs the XOR encryption method. At the time of research, it was looking for a .dwg file that is used by CAD software, but, of course, if cyber criminals ever start distributing it with the intention of obtaining money from users, the list of extensions it targets will probably considerably expand. Usually, ransomware infections lock users’ images, documents, music, videos, and a bunch of other files. Then, they demand a ransom from them. KCTF Locker Ransomware opens a window with a message after locking users’ personal files as well. It asks 10 Bitcoins, which is an extremely high price for a decryption tool. Never send money to malware developers even if you encounter the most harmful computer threat in the world because a bunch of users do not get anything in return. In other words, there are no guarantees that you will get the decryptor even if you send money to the ransomware developer. Malware will not disappear from the system too. As mentioned, the original KCTF Locker Ransomware version should not be used to obtain money from users, but we cannot guarantee that cyber criminals will not steal its source code or start actively distributing it after updating it.

KCTF Locker Ransomware was not distributed at all at the time of analysis, but we cannot promise that it will never be spotted in the wild. Theoretically, cyber criminals might change it a little and then start distributing it actively to extract money from users. You should remember how ransomware is distributed so that it would be easier to prevent these threats from entering the system. Usually, crypto-malware is spread via emails. Mainly, spam emails, so it would be best that you ignore all of them and never open their attachments. Also, it is advisable to download software from trustworthy websites only because you might end up with harmful threats by simply clicking the Download button located on some kind of shady website. Third, if you use RDP connections, make sure their credentials cannot be guessed/deciphered easily because cyber criminals might drop malware onto your PC after hacking your remote connection. Last but not least, you cannot surf the Internet if you do not have an antimalware tool installed. KCTF Locker Ransomware might never become a serious threat, but, believe us, there are hundreds of harmful infections that might try to enter your system illegally out there, so the sooner you acquire and install security software on your computer, the better.

As mentioned, you should not encounter the original version of KCTF Locker Ransomware, but we cannot guarantee that you will never find the modified version of this malicious application installed on your system. If it ever happens that you encounter it, close the window opened on your screen by clicking X in the top-right corner and then delete the malicious file. All existing infections can be erased with the help of an automated malware remover as well. Choose the removal method you like best.

How to remove KCTF Locker Ransomware

1. Click X to close the window KCTF Locker Ransomware has opened.
2. Remove the malicious file launched.
3. Empty Recycle Bin.