KIANO Ransomware Virus
KIANO ransomware also known as .KIANO virus file is a malicious program of ransomware-type. It encrypts personal files by appending the .KIANO extension to them. The encryption makes corrupted files inaccessible. All encrypted files will appear with the new extension. After encryption, KIANO ransomware drops a ransom note (KIANO-HELP.txt). It gives instructions to victims on how they can potentially restore files after transferring a ransom fee to hackers and receiving a decryption tool.
Sadly, KIANO ransomware will possibly encrypt all types of files that store valuable information – audio, video, pictures, backups, banking data, and other personal files. Still, a ransom payment is not recommendable. Keep up with this ransomware removal guide and secure your infected PC.
KIANO Summary
| Name | KIANO also known as Ransom:Win32/SuspFile.0f99dfaa, Trojan.GenericKD.37085840, TROJ_FRS.VSNTFC21 |
| File Extension | .KIANO |
| 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 KIANO virus will encrypt your files by appending the .KIANO extension to them. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | KIANO-HELP.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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.KIANO Virus File – How Did It Infect My PC and What Happened?
The KIANO virus is a Nefilim ransomware variant. The strain has recently been released in active attack campaigns against computer users. Like some of the previous versions – NEPHILIM, TRAPGET, KIANO is possibly being spread via infected documents that once opened on a computer ask for specific commands to be run by users.
An alternative method is the creation of the so-called application bundle installers. Here it is about program setups that have been created by embedding the virus scripts in them. The software that is chosen is usually commonly downloaded and run by the victims from the Internet.
All virus files can be distributed via email messages, prepared usually in templates and sent in bulk, and hacked websites. Other methods include the use of file-sharing networks which are very popular for spreading virus-infected files.
As soon as the KIANO virus runs on a given computer, its built-in mechanism starts the malicious sequence of operations that is programmed by hackers. The virus can start different activities, including a startup security bypass. This process will scan the compromised system for any installed security programs and disable them. By doing this, the ransomware becomes able to continue altering other system settings and running different files.
The KIANO virus may also be programmed to carry out system changes that affect boot options. The malware can be programmed to alter settings that enable its automatic start when the computer is powered on. Typically, this includes the creation of harmful Windows Registry values. This can lead to severe performance issues, data loss, unexpected errors, and the inability to run certain services.
The KIANO virus will run the final encryption procedure when the other attack stages have passed. This is done by using a very powerful cipher. It is utilized against a list of target file type extensions. Common ones are backups, archives, documents, multimedia files, and etc. All of the target files will receive the relevant .KIANO extension. Like the previous iterations, a ransom note will be generated to blackmail the victims into paying the hackers a given decryption fee. This file is called KIANO-HELP.txt and will be placed in folders where there are encrypted data.
What it states is:
Two things have happened to your company.
======================================
Gigabytes of archived files that we deemed valuable or sensitive were downloaded from your network to a secure location.
When you contact us we will tell you how much data was downloaded and can provide extensive proof of the data extraction.
You can analyze the type of the data we download on our websites.
If you do not contact us we will start leaking the data periodically in parts.
======================================
We have also encrypted files on your computers with military grade algorithms.
If you don’t have extensive backups the only way to retrieve your data is with our software.
Restoration of your data with our software requires a private key which only we possess.
======================================
To confirm that our decryption software works send 2 encrypted files from random computers to us via email.
You will receive further instructions after you send us the test files.
We will make sure you retrieve your data swiftly and securely and your data that we downloaded will be securely deleted when our demands are met.
If we do not come to an agreement your data will be leaked on this website.Website: hxxp://corpleaks.net
TOR link: hxxp://hxt254aygrsziejn.onionMail list:
michaeldrumman1977@tutanota.com
jamescowworkingsa1988@tutanota.com
michaeldrumman1977@protonmail.com
Remove KIANO Virus
If your computer got infected with the KIANO 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.
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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Step 1: Scan for KIANO with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall KIANO 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 KIANO 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 KIANO 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 KIANO
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by KIANO.
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 KIANO 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.
KIANO-FAQ
What is KIANO Ransomware?
KIANO 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 KIANO 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 KIANO Infect?
Via several ways.KIANO 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 KIANO 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 .KIANO files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .KIANO 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 .KIANO files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".KIANO" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .KIANO 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 KIANO 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 KIANO ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .KIANO 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 KIANO 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 KIANO Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this KIANO 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 KIANO 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.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
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