Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Note! Your computer might be affected by ChinaYunLong and other threats.
Threats such as ChinaYunLong may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
This article provides detailed information about ChinaYunLong ransomware, its complete removal from the infected PC and alternative .yl data recovery approaches.
ChinaYunLong is data locker ransomware that renames corrupted files with the malicious extension .yl and blackmails victims into paying ransom for the decryption key. At the end of infection, ChinaYunLong replaces desktop wallpaper with an image that depicts a figure with the famous Anonymous mask. Additionally, a window called China Yun Long pop ups on the screen. The text on the pop up is supposed to be the ChinaYunLong ransom note. However, it appears to be completely crabbed due to eventual encoding errors.
Threat Summary
Name
ChinaYunLong
Type
Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description
The ransomware encrypts files on your computer and displays an unreadable ransom message afterward.
Symptoms
The ransomware will encrypt your valuable files and rename them with the .yl file extension.
Distribution Method
Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Detection Tool
See If Your System Has Been Affected by ChinaYunLong
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.
ChinaYunLong Ransomware – Distribution
The methods employed for ChinaYunLong ransomware distribution are believed to be the usual ones. The widely used spam emails are the preferred method of infection. Hackers use various social engineering tactics to trick users into downloading malicious file attachment or clicking corrupted web link. File attachments are extremely insidious as they trigger the ransomware infection as soon as they are started on the system. They come in different file formats – documents (with malicious macros), PDFs (with malicious JavaScript code), archived files in ZIP or RAR format, and other types of frequently used data. The email text generally presents the files as legal documents, invoices, vouchers, receipts, data reports, etc. In case that the malicious ChinaYunLong ransomware payload is injected into a web page, may land on the PC at the moment you open the site via the so called drive by download attack. Another way to infect with ChinaYunLong ransomware is through downloading various files via BitTorrent trackers and malicious or hacked download sites. Currently, its primary target seems to be Chinese speaking users who do not exclude attacks against users worldwide.
ChinaYunLong Ransomware – Overview
The infection process of ChinaYunLong ransomware begins once its payload is running on the system. The file is programmed to perform various system modifications, terminate and end processes to complete the attack. For the purpose, ChinaYunLong crypto virus is believed to establish a connection with its command and control server and then drop additional malware files on the PC. This connection can also be used for the data decryption key once it is generated. Data associated with the ransomware may be situated in the following folders:
%USERPROFILE%\Desktop\China Yun Long.exe
%PROGRAMFILES%\China Yun Long
%PROGRAMFILES%\Second Resurrection
%PROGRAMFILES%\Resurrection
%WINDIR%\Resurrection.exe
%USERPROFILE%\Desktop\China Yun Long.exe
C:\Second Resurrection.exe
C:\yl.ini
Next ChinaYunLong can open Registry editor to create new values under the keys Run and RunOnce in order to set the automatic execution of its payload each time the Windows operating system starts. Some values created in these keys allow the ransomware to replace the desktop wallpaper with ransomware associated image and display its ransom message on the PC screen. The ransom note is contained in a window that depicts the popular “Anonymous” mask and text that cannot be read as it contains only strange symbols. It is programmed to appear as a pop-up window that is named China Yun Long.
On it is provided a field which probably should be used for the decryption key. The ransomware seems to be in development, and its detected samples may be released in a test campaign. Users whose machines are infected with ChinaYunLong ransomware are strongly advised to delete the threat and avoid ransom payment. Otherwise, you risk losing your money for a decryption key that is completely broken or missing at all.
ChinaYunLong Ransomware – Encryption
For the encryption process ChinaYunLong crypto virus first initiates a scan process of all drives. During the scan the ransomware compares each file stored on the system with files set as targets. Target data is predefined in its code as a list of various file extensions. The full list includes:
ChinaYunLong encrypts frequently used files that contain valuable information like documents, images, photos, videos, music, archives, databases, projects and other.
Once the threat encrypts a file, it becomes completely unusable until the decryption key is applied. Corrupted data can also be recognized by the file extension .yl that is appended to the file name. At this point no information about the used encryption algorithm is available. Hopefully, security researchers will be able to crack the code of ChinaYunLong ransomware and release freely available decryption tool for .yl files. Meanwhile, after the ransomware removal, some alternative data recovery tools may be of a help for the encrypted files.
Remove ChinaYunLong Ransomware and Restore .yl Files
ChinaYunLong ransomware should be removed from the infected machine as it cannot be used regularly as long as the threat is running on it. Leaving the ransomware code on the PC will allow it to encrypt each new file you create and display its objects each time you start the Windows OS. Furthermore, once it is gone, you can try to recover part of .yl files by following our instructions in the guide below. The ChinaYunLong ransomware removal can be completed either manually or automatically.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by ChinaYunLong and other threats. Scan Your PC with SpyHunter SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as ChinaYunLong. 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.
To remove ChinaYunLong follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove ChinaYunLong files and objects
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
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
For Windows XP, Vista and 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu. 2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Step 1: Open up the Start Menu.
Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
2. Find files created by ChinaYunLong on your PC
Find files created by ChinaYunLong
1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
Step 1:
On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
Step 2:
Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
Step 3:
Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
Step 1:
Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
Step 2:
After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
Step 3:
After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
IMPORTANT! Before starting the Automatic Removal below, 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.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Scan your PC and Remove ChinaYunLong with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for ChinaYunLong and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove ChinaYunLong. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
Step 1: Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
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.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup.
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for ChinaYunLong and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
