Piny ransomware – a ransom-demanding virus that can urge a price up to approximately $1K in Bitcoin cryptocurrency
Piny ransomware is a dangerous malware form that locks files with the .piny appendix and demands for money via the _readme.txt ransom note. This malicious string resides from the Djvu ransomware family and includes the same operating module as its earlier partners. The infection process begins with system modification in directories such as the Windows Task Manager and Windows Registry.[1] Also, Piny ransomware includes an executable to %AppData% location that allows it to scan the entire machine for encryptable components. Furthermore, the ransom message is placed on the computer screen and also in every folder that holds encrypted data. The criminals claim that the only way to recover the locked information is by purchasing the decryption tool from them for $490 or $980 if the users decide to transfer the money later than in 72 hours. Additionally, these people add the datarestorehelp@firemail.cc email address as a way to make contact and the datahelp@iran.ir email if no answer has been received from the primary email address.
| Name | Piny ransomware |
|---|---|
| Family | Djvu ransomware/STOP ransomware |
| Features | This notorious cyber threat is capable of locking files by using a unique encryption appendix, demanding a ransom, modifying the Windows Registry and Task Manager, damaging the hosts file, deleting Shadow Volume Copies of encrypted data, installing additional malware, enabling itself within every startup process |
| Appendix | Once all of the data files and documents are locked, all of them appear with the .redl extension added |
| Ransom note | All the ransom demands and contact information is provided in the _readme.txt ransom message that is the same for all Djvu ransomware variants |
| Demanded price | The criminals urge for $490 as the starter price and threaten to raise the ransom amount by 50% if the primary payment is not processed within 72 hours |
| Malware spread | This ransomware virus is capable of distributing other dangerous threats such as AZORult trojan that can modify your computer system, steal private data, swindle money, etc. |
| Removal | The only way to get rid of the ransomware virus properly is to use automatical software for its removal process. Manual elimination might be to difficult to get rid of a virus like this one |
| Fixing tip | If the malware has managed to compromise some system objects on your Windows computer system, try using a repair tool such as FortectIntego |
Piny ransomware is a malicious infection that can come from email spam, a software crack or when hackers decide to misuse vulnerable RDP[2] configuration. When this malware lands on a Windows computer system, it starts injecting its own processes and files into the Windows Task Manager and Windows Registry directories.
Piny ransomware brings malicious executables that look for encryptable data. Afterward, all the found documents and files are locked by using a unique symmetric or asymmetric cipher and each filename is modified with the .piny appendix added. From now on, the locked files are no longer properly accessible.
Continuously, Piny ransomware delivers a ransom message named _readme.txt where ransom demands are placed. The criminals urge for a big amount of money to be paid. They start with $490 and end up with $980 if the victims do not transfer the primary price in Bitcoin within a three-day time period:
ATTENTION!
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-4NWUGZxdHc
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.
Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
datarestorehelp@firemail.ccReserve e-mail address to contact us:
datahelp@iran.ir
The crooks will try to convince you to deliver the money as fast as possible as their only goal is to collect money from you. You should never trust Piny virus developers as these people might be seeking to scam you. They might take all of your money and run away by giving you no decryption option at all.
Even though .piny files do not have an official decryptor released yet, you should try other alternatives. First, completing the Piny ransomware removal with reliable antimalware would be a wise step. Also, repairing damaged objects on your computer system by trying a tool such as FortectIntego is another step to take.
When you remove Piny ransomware and the threat no longer persists on your computer, you can start looking for alternative data recovery methods. An option would be to try DrWeb's Rescue Pack that includes 2 years of antivirus protection and decryption software that has already helped some people.
Continuously, Piny virus is also a member of the STOP ransomware family. This means that the malware can distribute other parasites such as AZORult trojan. Be aware of this cyber threat as it can steal your private information, enter your bank account, swindle your money from it, damage your machine and software.
Be aware that Piny ransomware might be capable of evading some type of antimalware detection. So, in order to detect and remove the malware properly, you will need to get a reliable tool. Additionally, make sure that all system locations are cleaned from this ransomware virus, otherwise, the infection might return repeatedly.
Some other features of Piny ransomware include damaging the Windows hosts file to prevent users from visiting security-related pages, eliminating Shadow Copies by executing specific PowerShell commands, enabling itself with every startup process, scanning the system repeatedly and checking for decryptable files.
The most popular spreading techniques of ransomware infections
Cybersecurity specialists from Virusai.lt[3] state that ransomware viruses have multiple distribution sources and enter Windows computer systems silently without the user's consent. However, there most often is a mistake made by the user that resulted in the malware's infiltration.
For example, if you would rather open bogus email messages that deleting them right away, you slightly increase the chance of infecting your computer system with malware. Ransomware infections camouflage as letters from reliable shipping companies, healthcare, and banking organizations.
Malicious actors inject the malicious payload into a form of an attachment or hyperlink and add it to the spam message. This is why you should not open any messages that fall into your spam section or arrive from unknown senders. Additionally, do not load any attachments without scanning them with antimalware software first.
Continuously, ransomware viruses are distributed via cracked software that is provided on p2p networks[4] such as The Pirate Bay, BitTorrent, and eMule. You should download all of your wanted products and services only from well-known sources and official developers.
Furthermore, criminals also often misuse vulnerable RDP configuration to log into users' computers remotely. These hackers search for RDP that includes weak passwords or has none at all. This is why you should always think about adding strong and complex passwords.
Piny ransomware removal process
In order to remove Piny ransomware properly, you should employ reliable antimalware software. These products will ensure you that the entire malicious software and its additional products have been eliminated properly. If you have found yourself struggling to get rid of the virus even by using antimalware programs, you can try diminishing malicious activity first by using Safe Mode with Networking or activating the System Restore feature.
When Piny ransomware removal is completed, you should check your computer system for possible damage. You can do that by employing software such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. Also, try repairing all the compromised objects by using another tool such as FortectIntego. Once you complete all of these tasks, you can continue with data recovery possibilities. We have provided three solutions at the end of this article that might help you to restore some files.
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