.Kimchenyn Ransomware - Decrypt Files Encrypted for Free + Remove

by Ventsislav Krastev | November 14, 2017 | 1 Comment Decryption Instructions, file-encryption, GlobeImposter, malware, ransomware

Threat Summary .kimchenyn Ransomware – How Does It Infect .kimchenyn Files Virus – More Information on It’s Activity .kimchenyn File Ransomware – Encryption Process Remove .kimchenyn Ransomware and Restore Your Files

This article has a goal to help you by showing you how to remove the .kimchenyn GlobeImposter ransomware variant and how to restore files that have been encrypted with the added .kimchenyn file extension to them.

GlobeImposter ransomware family of viruses keeps resurfacing with many new variants. One of them is the virus, using the .kimchenyn file extension which it adds to your files after the malware encrypts them. The ransomware also adds a ransom note, named how_to_back_files.html which not only notifies the users that their files are encoded, but also aims to get them to make a ransom payment to the cyber-crooks who are behind this virus in order to decrypt the files. If your computer has been infected by the .kimchenyn ransomware variant, we strongly recommend that you read this article and learn how to remove the .kimchenyn ransomware and how to decrypt your files for free without paying the ransom.

Threat Summary

Name	.kimchenyn Ransomware
Type	Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description	New GlobeImposter ransomware variant, one of hundreds detected so far. Encrypts files and demands a ransom payment.
Symptoms	This GlobeImposter virus, adds the .kimchenyn file extension to the files encrypted by it after which drops a ransom note, named how_to_back_files.html.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss .kimchenyn Ransomware.

.kimchenyn Ransomware – How Does It Infect

The infection process of this ransomware virus is conducted via an infection file. This file may be spread via a multitude of methods, the main one of which is reported to be e-mail spam. Such spammed messages may be sent to victims in various forms. Most often the malicious file is masked as a fake:

Invoice.
Receipt.
Banking statement.
Company document.

Such fraudulent files are often accompanied with messages that seem like they are coming from legitimate companies from the likes of PayPal, FedEx, DHL and others. Most of the messages are very professionally written, for example:

One of the malicious samples of .kimchenyn ransomware virus infection has been detected to be conducted via a chess.exe.old infection file, suggesting that the virus may be uploaded as a fake chess game on torrent sites or suspicious software providing sites as well.

.kimchenyn Files Virus – More Information on It’s Activity

When an infection takes place, the chess.exe.old file runs in an obfuscated manner on the computer of the victim. As soon as the malware does this, it immediately begins to perform other activities on the victim’s computer, like:

Obtain system information about your computer.
Obtain network information.
Steal data, such as saved passwords and user names.
Drop it’s malicious files.

In order to situate the malicious files on your computer, the malware may begin to download the virus files of .kimchenyn file ransomware. They may be under different names and located in the commonly targeted Windows folders which generally are:

After having dropped the malicious files, the .kimchenyn ransomware may delete the backups and shadow volume copies on your computer, by using the vssadmin command. This happens by running the command as an administrator in Windows:

→ vssadmin delete shadows /for={DrivePartition} /oldest | /all | /shadow={Identification of the shadow copies}] /quiet

After having done this, the .kimchenyn GlobeImposter ransomware variant may also modify the following Windows Registry sub-keys with the one and only purpose to add registry value strings in them:

→ 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

These strings have the one and only purpose of making it possible fr the malicious files of .kimchenyn ransomware to run automatically on Windows boot and and encrypt the files afterwards. If you locate the value string in the Run and RunOnce sub-keys, there is a good chance that In them you will find the data leading to the actual location and the name of the file encryption executable, which is often randomly named or may have the same chess.exe.old name as the infection file.

.kimchenyn File Ransomware – Encryption Process

For this ransomware to encrypt the files on the computers that are infected by it, it uses a scanning and matching sequence. The .kimchenyn ransomware firstly has a pre-set list of the most commonly used file extensions most of which are the following:

“PNG .PSD .PSPIMAGE .TGA .THM .TIF .TIFF .YUV .AI .EPS .PS .SVG .INDD .PCT .PDF .XLR .XLS .XLSX .ACCDB .DB .DBF .MDB .PDB .SQL .APK .APP .BAT .CGI .COM .EXE .GADGET .JAR .PIF .WSF .DEM .GAM .NES .ROM .SAV CAD Files .DWG .DXF GIS Files .GPX .KML .KMZ .ASP .ASPX .CER .CFM .CSR .CSS .HTM .HTML .JS .JSP .PHP .RSS .XHTML. DOC .DOCX .LOG .MSG .ODT .PAGES .RTF .TEX .TXT .WPD .WPS .CSV .DAT .GED .KEY .KEYCHAIN .PPS .PPT .PPTX ..INI .PRF Encoded Files .HQX .MIM .UUE .7Z .CBR .DEB .GZ .PKG .RAR .RPM .SITX .TAR.GZ .ZIP .ZIPX .BIN .CUE .DMG .ISO .MDF .TOAST .VCD SDF .TAR .TAX2014 .TAX2015 .VCF .XML Audio Files .AIF .IFF .M3U .M4A .MID .MP3 .MPA .WAV .WMA Video Files .3G2 .3GP .ASF .AVI .FLV .M4V .MOV .MP4 .MPG .RM .SRT .SWF .VOB .WMV 3D .3DM .3DS .MAX .OBJ R.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG ..CRX .PLUGIN .FNT .FON .OTF .TTF .CAB .CPL .CUR .DESKTHEMEPACK .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG”

The malware also has a white list of folders which are excluded from the scanning process, like the %Windows% and other system folders, so that it does not damage your OS. If the files it scans for match with the files on it’s pre-configured list, the .kimchenyn virus encrypts them and generates a unique decryption key. The malware also ads it’s distinctive file extension and this results in your important files to begin appearing like the image below and no longer to be usable:

Fortunately, the virus may just be decryptable. In order to learn how to remove it and decrypt it’s files, we advise you to read the paragraph below and follow the instructions carefully.

Remove .kimchenyn Ransomware and Restore Your Files

In order to remove this ransomware infection from your computer, it is important to isolate it first, just like you would do with any cyber-threat. To do this, we advise you to follow either the manual or automatic removal instructions below. It is preffered to download an advanced anti-malware software to help you with the full and automatic removal of .kimchenyn ransomware instead of having to do it manually with no guarantee.

Furthermore, the previous variants of this virus were decryption, which suggests that this variant may also be of this type. This is why you should try and use the decrypter we have linked below for GlobeImposter in order to attempt and decrypt .kimchenyn encoded files without having to pay ransom.

Ventsislav Krastev

Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.

How to Remove .kimchenyn Ransomware from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .kimchenyn Ransomware

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows key() + R

2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

Step 2: Uninstall .kimchenyn Ransomware and related software 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:

1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .kimchenyn 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 .kimchenyn Ransomware there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

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.

IMPORTANT!
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: Scan for .kimchenyn Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .kimchenyn Ransomware.

Ransomware infections and .kimchenyn 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.

1. Download the reccomended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

EaseUS Data Recovery Software

Simply click on the link and on the website menus on top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.

Windows Mac OS X

Get rid of .kimchenyn Ransomware from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall .kimchenyn Ransomware and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to .kimchenyn Ransomware:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to .kimchenyn Ransomware. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to .kimchenyn Ransomware. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

Go to Finder.
In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.

In case you cannot remove .kimchenyn Ransomware via Step 1 above:

In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as .kimchenyn Ransomware. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:

→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons

Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for .kimchenyn Ransomware:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .kimchenyn Ransomware.

1. Download the reccomended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

EaseUS Data Recovery Software

Simply click on the link and on the website menus on top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.

.kimchenyn Ransomware FAQ

What is .kimchenyn Ransomware ransomware and how does it work?

.kimchenyn 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 algorithm how 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.

How does .kimchenyn Ransomware ransomware infect my computer?

Via several ways..kimchenyn Ransomware Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.

After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.

Another way, you may become a victim of .kimchenyn 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 ..kimchenyn Ransomware files?

You can't. At this point the ..kimchenyn Ransomware files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.

Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?

Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your ..kimchenyn Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.

One way to restore files, encrypted by .kimchenyn Ransomware ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.

How Do I restore "..kimchenyn Ransomware" files (Other Methods)?

Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..kimchenyn Ransomware files.

These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.

How do I get rid of .kimchenyn Ransomware ransomware virus?

The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate .kimchenyn Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..kimchenyn Ransomware files.

Also, keep in mind that viruses like .kimchenyn Ransomware ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.

What to Do If nothing works?

There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:

Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.

More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.

How to 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.

.Kimchenyn Ransomware – Decrypt Files Encrypted for Free + Remove