A recent surge in Kyj ransomware attacks revealed victims waking up to locked files marked with the .kyj
extension—prompting ransomware notes demanding contact via kyjpc@cock.li
or Telegram. These incidents show classic Dharma tactics: relentless file encryption, note deployment, and pressure to pay within hours.
Threat Overview
Kyj belongs to the Dharma ransomware family—a subset of crypto-viruses. It targets documents, media, databases, and backups. Encrypted files append .kyj
and include IDs and attacker contact info. Without decryption keys, data remains locked. No free decryptor has surfaced to date.
In-Depth Analysis
Infection Vector
- Threat actors use phishing emails carrying malicious attachments or links.
- Infected software cracks, torrents, or fake ads/notifications also serve as delivery mechanisms.
- Unsecured RDP endpoints are vulnerable to brute‑force intrusions—an increasingly observed Dharma tactic.
Behavioral Profile
- Malware executes and installs persistence in
%LOCALAPPDATA%
. - Disables Windows Firewall and deletes Volume Shadow Copies.
- Performs AES + RSA encryption across local and networked drives; renames files to include
.kyj
, ID, and email. - Displays pop-up and drops
info-kyj.txt
with ransom instructions. - Disables recovery paths, warning victims against file renaming or third-party tools.
Risk Assessment
- Immediate impact: inaccessibility of crucial files—documents, backups, business systems.
- Secondary threats: possible installation of additional malware (keyloggers, trojans).
- No guarantee that payment yields valid decryption keys.
- Root cause often traces to RDP weakness, outdated software, and lack of backups.
Existing victims have reported ransomware notes stating:
“All your files have been encrypted! … write to the mail: kyjpc@cock.li YOUR ID … Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software … may cause permanent data loss.”
Artifact Text
Popup ransom note:
All your files have been encrypted!
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
If you want to restore them, write to the mail: kyjpc@cock.li YOUR ID –
If you have not answered by mail within 12 hours, write …: kyjpc@mailum.com
…
TELEGRAM: @kyjpc
Attention! … Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software …
info-kyj.txt
file text:
all your data has been locked us
You want to return?
write email kyjpc@cock.li or kyjpc@mailum.com or @kyjpc
Manual Ransomware Removal Guide
Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).
Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet
- Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.
Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode
For Windows Users:
- For Windows 10, 11:
- Press Windows + R, type
msconfig
, and hit Enter. - Go to the Boot tab.
- Check Safe boot and select Network.
- Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.
- Press Windows + R, type
- For Windows 7, 8:
- Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.
For Mac Users:
- Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
- Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
- Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.
Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes
For Windows Users:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
- Right-click on the process and select End Task.
For Mac Users:
- Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
- Look for unusual processes.
- Select the process and click Force Quit.
Step 4: Delete Malicious Files
For Windows Users:
- Press Windows + R, type
%temp%
, and hit Enter. - Delete all files in the Temp folder.
- Navigate to:
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
C:\Windows\System32
- Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.
For Mac Users:
- Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
- Type
~/Library/Application Support
and delete suspicious folders. - Navigate to
~/Library/LaunchAgents
and remove unknown.plist
files.
Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings
For Windows Users:
Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.
- Press Windows + R, type
regedit
, and hit Enter. - Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
- Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
- Right-click and select Delete.
For Mac Users:
- Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
- Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
- Navigate to
~/Library/Preferences
and remove malicious.plist
files.
Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)
For Windows Users:
- Press Windows + R, type
rstrui
, and hit Enter. - Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.
For Mac Users:
- Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
- Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
- Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.
Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)
- Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.
Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup
- If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.
Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter
If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.
Step 1: Download SpyHunter
Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter
Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions
Step 2: Install SpyHunter
- Open the downloaded file (
SpyHunter-Installer.exe
). - Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
- Once installed, launch SpyHunter.
Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan
- Click on Start Scan Now.
- SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
- Wait for the scan to complete.
Step 4: Remove Detected Threats
- After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
- Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.
Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)
If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.
Step 6: Restore Your Files
If your files are encrypted:
- Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
- Restore from cloud storage or external backups.
Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks
- Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
- Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
- Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
- Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
- Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.
Conclusion
Kyj ransomware is a serious threat—full encryption, no known decryptor, and strong warnings against third-party tools. Prompt isolation, malware removal, and clean backups are your best defense. Rigorous patching, secure RDP, firewalls, and staff vigilance can help prevent future incidents.