This article will aid you to remove Ahihi Ransomware. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of the article.
Ahihi Ransomware is one that encrypts your data and demands money as a ransom to get it restored. The Ahihi Ransomware will leave ransomware instructions as text file. Keep on reading the article and see how you could try to potentially recover some of your locked files and data.
Threat Summary
| Name | Ahihi Ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files and leave a ransom note with payment instructions. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Ahihi Ransomware. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
Ahihi Ransomware – Distribution Techniques
The Ahihi ransomware is a newly released threat which is alternatively known as the BangLuongThang02 virus. The first attacks with it have been reported in January 2019 and they appear to target all English-speaking users. The number of collected samples is low which indicates that no particular delivery method is used, we assume that several ones may be trialed in order to judge which would be the most effective.
A popular tactic is the coordination of SPAM email messages which use a combination of social engineering tactics and a large number of sent messages. They are designed as being sent by legitimate companies or services that the users might use. The Ahihi ransomware code can be either directly attached as files or inserted as hyperlinks or rich content in the body contents. Examples include text links, images and videos.
A similar strategy is the creation of fake web sites which have the same intention of tricking the users into believing that they are accessing a legitimate domain: vendor landing pages, download portals or other web content.The hackers will use similar sounding domain names and security certificates as additional measures.
The files associated with this threat can be found on file-sharing networks like BitTorrent which are often used to spread both legitimate and pirate content. All of these three methods are widely used to deploy Asihi ransomware payload carriers, two popular examples are the following:
- Malicious Documents — The hackers can craft documents containing malicious scripts and embed them into the most popular file formats: text documents, spreadsheets, presentations and databases. Once they are opened by the victims a prompt will be spawned asking them to enable the built-in macros in order to correctly view the file. If this is done the ransomware infection will be triggered.
- Setup Files — The other possibility is the creation of infected installers of popular software: system utilities, creativity suites, office applications and etc. This is done by taking the original files from their official sources and modifying them with the required scripts. Upon merely launching the installation process the infections will be done.
Larger attacks can be done by using browser hijackers which are malicious plugins made for the most popular web browsers. They are regularly uploaded to the relevant repositories making use of hacked or hacker-made developer credentials and reviews. Whenever they are installed changes to the browser settings will be made along with the virus infection: redirection to a hacker-controlled page by means of setting it up as the default new tabs page, search engine and home page.
Ahihi Ransomware – Detailed Analysis
The captured strains according to the available information is the base version which appears to only contain the relevant encryption module. As such it is expected that future versions of it may be updated to include other components. We anticipate that a standard behavior pattern will be considered by the attackers. The Ahihi ransomware appears to contain some source code from the Hidden Tear malware family along with other samples from different viruses. This gives the researchers reasons to believe that the released samples are probably early releases or test versions.
One of the first modules that are run with advanced infections is the one associated with data acquisition. The virus will be programmed in a way which will search for strings related to the identity of the victims: their real name, address, phone number, interests, location data and even stored account credentials. Other possible information that is harvested is the one related to the installed hardware components and software configuration. It is used to generate an unique ID to each compromised host. Both of these data types can be used not only for addressing the victim users, but also for crimes such as identity theft and financial abuse.
When a large enough footprint of information related to the computer’s configuration is collected it can be used to bypass security measures which are capable of stopping the virus infection — anti-virus engines, firewalls, sandbox environments and virtual machine hosts.
The Ahihi ransomware has the ability to reconfigure the whole system by impacting important areas — configuration files, the Windows Registry and boot options. As such it can become very difficult to remove, this is often referred to as a persistent infection. This includes possible restrictions to the boot and recovery menus, this makes many manual user removal guides useless. In this case only an advanced anti-spyware solution can remedy the virus intrusion.
Hooking up to already existing services and processes will allow the ransomware to read what the users is doing. Creating its own processes sand services is also possible with the option of obtaining administrative privileges.
Changes to the Windows Registry can cause additional damage, if third-paprty applications values are changed then the programs may quit unexpectedly and not run the way they are intended. Modifications to strings used by the operating system can cause overall performance issues and sometimes a complete lockdown.
One of the most dangerous types of ransomware infections of which the Ahihi ransomware can also become part of is the deployment of other payloads. Examples include the following:
- Cryptocurrency Miners — These infections take advantage of the available system resources and perform complex calculations. Every completed task will result in the income generation for the hacker operators — they will receive cryptocurrency directly into their digital wallets.
- Trojans — The malware can download Trojan horses that will establish a persistent connection to a hacker-controlled server. This will enable them to spy on the users, steal their data and also overtake control of the machines at any given time.
- Web Browser Hijackers — The browsers can be reconfigured in order to install a dangerous plugin, known as hijacker. They server the same function as described in the distribution paragraph — to redirect the victims to a hacker-controlled landing page by changing the browser settings.
Ahihi Ransomware – Encryption Process
The encryption module will be launched after all other operations have completed running. It has been confirmed that the AES cipher is used to target files according to a built-in list of target file types. An example would probably feature the following data:
- Archives
- Documents
- Backups
- Music
- Videos
- Images
To differentiate itself from other similar ransomware the present versions do not assign a malware extension to the compromised files. The associated ransomware note is created in a file called README.txt which reads the following message:
Your files have been encrypted. If you want to get your files back, please visit https://ripyon.me/decrypt and provide us the following information
Your computer name: ***
Your username: ***
Your token: ***
CAUTION: DO NOT run this app again or your files will be encrypted permanently
Remove Ahihi Ransomware and Try to Restore Data
If your computer system got infected with the Ahihi ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for Ahihi Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Ahihi Ransomware and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Ahihi Ransomware on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Ahihi Ransomware there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Ahihi Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Ahihi Ransomware.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and Ahihi Ransomware aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Ahihi Ransomware-FAQ
What is Ahihi Ransomware Ransomware?
Ahihi Ransomware is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does Ahihi Ransomware Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does Ahihi Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.Ahihi Ransomware Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of Ahihi Ransomware is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .Ahihi Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Ahihi Ransomware files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Ahihi Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Ahihi Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Ahihi Ransomware files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of Ahihi Ransomware Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate Ahihi Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Ahihi Ransomware files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can Ahihi Ransomware Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the Ahihi Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Ahihi Ransomware how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Ahihi Ransomware ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
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