Kindest Ransomware

The Kindest Ransomware is a ransomware Trojan that is used to force computer users to pay a ransom. To do this, the Kindest Ransomware encrypts the victim's files using a strong encryption method. This is an attack strategy that has been observed in numerous ransomware variants in the last few years. The Kindest Ransomware poses a real threat to the computer users' data, and preventive measures should be taken to limit the possible damage that can come as a result of a Kindest Ransomware infection.

The Kindest Ransomware was Released to 'Educate' Computer Users

The Kindest Ransomware encrypts its victims' data, like most ransomware Trojans. However, unlike many other ransomware Trojans, the Kindest Ransomware displays an educational video to explain to the victim what occurred. The Kindest Ransomware does not demand a ransom fee and seems to have been created for educational purposes. After the victim watches the video, the victim's data is decrypted automatically. It may seem like the Kindest Ransomware is harmless, but you should understand that even educational ransomware Trojans pose a significant danger. In fact, the Kindest Ransomware is based on the HiddenTear project, an open source ransomware Trojan released in 2015 that, although released for educational purposes, has now spawned countless variants of ransomware Trojans due to the easy availability of its open source ransomware engine. In fact, it would not take much tweaking for on artists simply take the Kindest Ransomware and replace the condition of watching a video with a large ransom payment to turn the Kindest Ransomware from a harmless threat into a fully functional ransomware attack.

How the Kindest Ransomware may Infect a Computer

Because of the potential for additional damage, the Kindest Ransomware is not classified as a beneficial program by PC security researchers. Everything about the Kindest Ransomware points to its potential to be used for evil. The Kindest Ransomware uses the custom AES and RSA encryptions that make decrypting affected files without the decryption key impossible completely. Because of this, reverse engineering it can result in ransomware Trojans that can claim numerous victims, in the same way as its predecessor has spawned countless variants. The Kindest Ransomware is being distributed in spam email messages, in the same way as most other ransomware Trojans. In fact, it is possible that the Kindest Ransomware is being used to test a ransomware mechanism still in development, which may result in a future infection with Command and Control servers and a ransom fee. However, the video link associated with the Kindest Ransomware is also inaccessible at this time.

The Kindest Ransomware's 'Ransom Note'

After encrypting the victim's files, the Kindest Ransomware displays a ransom note, an image with a skull, and the following text, which is displayed on the infected computer:

'Hello
Your computer has been infected by the Kindest Ransomware ever.
We will not take your money or anything else from you. We just want you to be more aware of ransomwares about how it works. Now watch this video while we are doing everything a ransomware does.
If you want to be more aware go to [LINK IS DEAD]'

Regardless of the intentions of the victims, PC security researchers strongly advise computer users against considering these threats as beneficial. Numerous examples of ransomware Trojans released with good intentions or as proofs of concept by security software developers have been turned into threats with very little modification.

Preventing the Kindest Ransomware Attacks

As with most ransomware Trojans, the best way to prevent the Kindest Ransomware attacks is to have a capable security program that is fully updated and take precautions when handling email messages and attachments. The best way to protect your data from a Kindest Ransomware infection is to have file backups of all files. Having backup copies of all data nullifies these attacks completely.