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 |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss ChinaYunLong. |
| 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. |
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:
.7z, .asp, .avi, .bak, .doc, .docx, .dps, .e, .et, .excel, .h, .htm, .html, .jpg, .mp3, .mp4, .pdf, .php, .png, .ppt, .pptx, .rar, .txt, .word, .wps, .xls, .xlsx, .zip
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.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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- Guide 1: How to Remove ChinaYunLong from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of ChinaYunLong from Mac OS X.
- Guide 3: Remove ChinaYunLong from Google Chrome.
- Guide 4: Erase ChinaYunLong from Mozilla Firefox.
- Guide 5: Uninstall ChinaYunLong from Microsoft Edge.
- Guide 6: Remove ChinaYunLong from Safari.
- Guide 7: Eliminate ChinaYunLong from Internet Explorer.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
How to Remove ChinaYunLong from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove ChinaYunLong
Step 2: Uninstall ChinaYunLong 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by ChinaYunLong 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 ChinaYunLong 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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Get rid of ChinaYunLong from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall ChinaYunLong and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- 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 ChinaYunLong 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:
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.
Step 2: Scan for and remove ChinaYunLong files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as ChinaYunLong, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove ChinaYunLong from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Erase ChinaYunLong from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Uninstall ChinaYunLong from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove ChinaYunLong from Safari.
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the ChinaYunLong will be removed.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Eliminate ChinaYunLong from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
