Chinadecryption2021 ransomware: what it is and how to remove it

From our report of Oct 2021 · not reviewed since

More from our earlier report on Chinadecryption2021 ransomware

• Perform a full system scan with or another reputable security software
• Malware can seriously tamper with Windows systems, causing errors, crashes, lag, and other stability issues after it is terminated.
• Free Ransomware Decryptors by Kaspersky

From our report of Oct 2021 · not reviewed since

Chinadecryption2021 ransomware is a computer infection that locks your files and asks you to pay ransom for their return

Chinadecryption2021 is a virus that one could get infected with without expecting it at all - malware is distributed in ways that allow stealthy infiltration.

Once inside a Windows computer, it changes the way it operates by modifying certain settings, dropping malicious files, creating directories, etc. However, this is not the main goal of attackers, as these modifications are done for one and sole purpose - to lock all personal files on the device and networks.

The encryption process of pictures, videos, documents, or other files is performed with the help of a powerful encryption algorithm (usually, AES), which makes all the data unreadable.

In essence, files are locked behind a complex password that is generated for each of the users individually, making it impossible to replicate the decryption process of another victim. At this time, all the files are marked with .chinadecryption2021. , extension, and can no longer be opened.

The data locking process is usually very quick unless the number of files on the system is very large; this makes interrupting the process rather difficult. It is important to note that the data is not corrupted and requires a unique key in the possession of cybercriminals. For obvious reasons, they are not willing to provide it for free.

The attackers state all their demands within a ransom note titled "!!! ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED !!!.txt," the attackers state all their demands. They claim that the only way to restore files is to pay a ransom. While the sum is not stated, it is clear that Bitcoin should be used when paying - criminals use digital currency because it provides them anonymity and multiple other benefits.

We strongly advise against paying, as there is no guarantee that hackers will keep their promises. Instead, you could take a different approach and try to restore your data using alternative methods. Note that this is not always possible, as it depends on various factors on an individual level.

From our report of Oct 2021 · not reviewed since

Why you should avoid paying

Some malware is designed to be stealthy - it runs in the background without emitting any symptoms and even sometimes bypasses security measures implemented on the machine to remain there as long as possible. The most known types of malware that employ these tactics are Trojans designed for stealing sensitive information. Likewise, rootkits might be employed by criminals to hide the presence of malware.

That being said, Chinadecryption2021 and any other ransomware only hide itself before it finishes the file encryption process. After that, it is in the attackers' best interest to make users aware of what happened to their computers and personal data.

For this purpose, ransomware is programmed to generate a predetermined ransom note, which might sometimes pop up as a program window, although, in most cases, a simple text file is employed.

In this case, a ransom note !!! ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED !!!.txt is placed on users' desktops, as well as all directories where affected files are located. The exclamation marks within the name also help the note to stay at the very top of all the other files, making it more noticeable. Here are the contents of the note:

It does not differ much from any other ransom notes that are used by other ransomware strains. Cybercriminals explain that all the files on the system have been locked, and they are willing to provide a decryption tool for a fee. They also claim to provide a free test decryption service, which would allegedly convince users that recovering files using threat actors' decryptor is possible.

However, this is a mere trick. There have been plenty of instances where users were provided with sample decryption but later did not receive the key that would unlock all personal files.

In other words, you can never trust cybercriminals, as they do not care about the well-being of their victims. Without a doubt, it is not a rule but keep in mind that you might not only lose your files but also money. For that, refer to the information we provide below.

From our report of Oct 2021 · not reviewed since

Things to do before you start Chinadecryption2021 ransomware removal

File encryption and ransomware infection are two independent processes (although the latter would not be possible without the former).

However, it is important to understand that malware performs various changes within a Windows operating system, fundamentally changing the way it works.

IMPORTANT for those without backups! → If you attempt to use recovery software immediately, you might permanently damage your files, and even a working decryptor then would not be able to save them.

Encrypted data does not hold any malicious code, so it is safe to transfer to other devices.

It is important to do this in Safe Mode, as malware could be potentially spread to the external device. To reach Safe Mode, follow these steps:

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

Windows 10 / Windows 8

Once here, insert a storage device and move over your most important files. Without a doubt, if you have working backups you could restore your files from, you can skip this step.

• Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
• When your computer becomes active, start pressing the F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. - it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
• Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
• Right-click on the Start button and select Settings.
• On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
• Click Restart now.
• Select Troubleshoot.
• Go to Advanced options.
• Select Startup Settings.
• Click Restart.
• Press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

From our report of Oct 2021 · not reviewed since

Step 1. Use security software

It is very important to use security software for Chinadecryption2021 virus removal.

While there is a chance that malware would delete itself after data encryption is complete, there is no guarantee that additional modules would not be present on the machine. For example, Djvu variants Zaps, Maql, and many others, were found dropping data-stealing components that would steal passwords and other sensitive information when browsers are used.

Likewise, if any type of malicious software has compromised your system, there is always a chance that it came in bulk. Infection weakens the initial protection of systems implemented in Windows to repel other threats. As a result, there could be data stealing or another type of malware running in the background.

This would ensure that all the malicious components are eliminated from the device automatically. While it is possible to delete ransomware manually, it requires excessive IT knowledge and is not a recommended practice for home users.

From our report of Oct 2021 · not reviewed since

Step 2. Alternative file restoration methods

Many users, once they realize that their files have been locked, fall into a straight-out panic - their documents for school or work can no longer be opened.

At this point, victims believe that their files have been damaged and are not recoverable. While it is true that the attackers have the decryption key (although this might not always be true) that would be able to restore all the encrypted files, paying them is very risky.

There are also people who believe that security software can restore the .chinadecryption2021 files after malware is removed. Unfortunately, this is not the case at all, and after its elimination, data will remain locked.

This is precisely why ransomware remains one of the most devastating PC infections out there. To prevent this from happening, make sure you always have working backups of your most important files - we provide details on how to create them below.

So, what choices do you have? Paying crooks is risky, but you also want your files back. We would recommend you try using recovery software which can, under certain circumstances, be successful in the recovery process.

Another way to recover the encrypted files is to wait for a free decryptor from security experts. There are plenty of examples where researchers managed to find bugs within the ransomware code, which allowed them to create a free decryption tool.

Alternatively, law enforcement agencies might capture the remote servers controlled by the attackers, which would make all the unique keys available to victims. Here are a few links you can use to look for a decryptor:

• Download .
• Double-click the installer to launch it.
• Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
• As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
• Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
• Press Next.
• At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
• Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
• You can now pick which folders/files to recover - don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
• Press Recover to retrieve your files.
• No More Ransom Project
• Free Ransomware Decryption Tools from Emsisoft

From our report of Oct 2021 · not reviewed since

Step 3. Fix damaged system files

Finally, you should take care of your computer health.

Malware is a complex program that uses sophisticated methods to bypass built-in protection and change the way Windows operates. During the infection period, some system components can be inadvertently damaged, which might cause some software or computer to crash or return errors. This is particularly common after malware is deleted from the infected system, as anti-virus cannot repair damaged system files.

Not only can it fix virus damage after the infection, but it can also remove malware that has already broken into the system thanks to several engines used by the program. Besides, the application can also fix various Windows-related issues caused by malware infections, such as Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc.

Below, you will also find more information on how to back up your files correctly to avoid future ransomware attack consequences. Keep in mind that anti-malware software, such as or , remains your primary defense mechanism against incoming attacks.

• Download the application by clicking on the link above
• Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
• If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
• Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
• The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
• Once complete, check the results - they will be listed in the Summary
• You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually