WininiCrypt ransomware virus. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
WininiCrypt – recently emerged ransomware virus
WininiCrypt is a file-encrypting virus that appends .[cho.dambler@yandex.com] file extension to the target files. Once all the data is locked with a sophisticated algorithm, malware delivers a ransom note in HOW_TO_BACK_FILES.html file.
Typically WininiCrypt virus spreads as an obfuscated file in the emails. As soon as a user opens it, malware enters the system. Then it creates a new process in the %WINDIR%\System32\cmd.exe directory and drops an executable file called sdelete.exe.
WininiCrypt ransomware might also modify proxy settings, queries sensitive IE security settings, install suspicious files, and alters or creates new Windows Registry entries. When it strengthens its presence, crypto-malware starts scanning the system looking for the targeted data for the encryption.
Apart from encrypting the files, the virus also deletes Shadow Volume Copies[1] by executing the command:
vssadmin Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
Thus, it means that data recovery after ransomware attack might be nearly impossible without specific decryption tool. Undoubtedly, hackers offer to obtain it from them. However, paying the ransom and hoping that cyber criminals will keep their word is naive.
After ransomware attack, you should focus on your computer’s state and remove WininiCrypt together with its malicious components. Virus elimination won’t help to restore your files, but you will be able to use backups, extract valuable data from emails and use alternative recovery methods.
WininiCrypt removal is performed with professional malware removal software, such as Reimage. However, this crypto-virus might prevent from installing or running security program. For this reason, you may need to reboot your PC to the Safe Mode with Networking (instructions below).
Select 'Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next'
Select your restore point and click 'Next'
Click 'Yes' and start system restore
Precautions to take against ransomware
We are talking about a brand new cyber threat that hasn’t started spreading actively. Therefore, you should take some precautions to avoid ransomware attack.
- Do not open suspicious spam emails, and especially links or attachments included in them.[2]
- Do not download illegal programs, movies or other files.
- Do not click on an aggressive or “too good to be true” ads.
- Avoid visiting high-risk websites, such as gaming or adult-themed.
- Create backups.
- Install reputable antivirus.
- Keep all your programs updated.
Termination guidelines of the WininiCrypt malware
Manual WininiCrypt removal is not recommended for home computer users. Ransomware is a complex cyber infection that must be eliminated properly. According to malware analysts from Bedynet,[3] attempts to remove file-encrypting viruses usually end up with irreparable damage to the system.
Thus, we highly recommend choosing Reimage or Malwarebytes MalwarebytesCombo Cleaner for cleaning your computer. The instructions below will explain how to disable the virus and remove WininiCrypt automatically.
To remove WininiCrypt virus, follow these steps:
Remove WininiCrypt using Safe Mode with Networking
Follow the steps below to disable the virus and run automatic elimination:
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Networking
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
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Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Remove WininiCrypt
Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete WininiCrypt removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove WininiCrypt using System Restore
This method might also help to initiate automatic ransomware removal:
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
-
Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
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Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of WininiCrypt. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove WininiCrypt from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.If your files are encrypted by WininiCrypt, you can use several methods to restore them:
Data Recovery Pro – useful tool after ransomware attack
This tool has helped people to restore their files after system wreckage and ransomware attacks. So, follow the steps and give it a try:
- Download Data Recovery Pro;
- Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
- Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by WininiCrypt ransomware;
- Restore them.
Windows Previous Versions feature might help to recover individual files after the WininiCrypt attack
If System Restore has been enabled before ransomware attack, you might be able to copy individual files by following these steps:
- Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
- Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
- Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.
WininiCrypt decryptor is not available yet.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from WininiCrypt and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage, Malwarebytes MalwarebytesCombo Cleaner or Plumbytes Anti-MalwareMalwarebytes Malwarebytes
About the author
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References
- ^ Jason Faulkner. What Are “Shadow Copies”, and How Can I Use Them to Copy Locked Files?. How-to Geek. How-to's and technology-related information.
- ^ Malspam. Malwarebytes Labs. The security blog.
- ^ Bedynet. Bedynet. Russian website about recent cyber threats, their removal and precautions.