XINOF ransomware (virus) - Jan 2021 update

What is XINOF ransomware?

XINOF is the name of a ransomware virus that is a sibling of Fonix gang

XINOF ransomware is a successor of the infamous Fonix. It locks files and demands a payment

XINOF ransomware is a successor to a relatively new crypto-malware Fonix. The new variant, which is actually the first update of the initiate ransomware virus that resurfaced in the middle of July 2020. Detected by a well-known ransomware researcher dnwls0719^[1], the malware is known for leveraging malicious MS Word and Excel attachments of spam emails and locks users' data using Salsa20and RSA4098 encryption models.

The XINOF virus uses a specific pattern to mark the locked files – the email address (thunder@fonix.email) + a unique ID number (8 characters) and .XINOF extension at the end. Besides, it generates several ransom notes under different locations and names them either How To Decrypt Files.hta or Help.txt, or both. Victims are expected to email criminals on thunder@fonix.email or alternative email provided on the note and transfer the payment within 48 hours. Although the ransom size is not known, a single dollar paying to the criminals is not worth the risk.

XINOF ransomware virus does not have unusual traits that would allow it to stand out from the crowd. However, its abilities should not be underestimated. Based on the research, the virus shows a tendency to spread via highly obfuscated files that can hardly be detected by AV programs. This way, it gets a freeware to infect PCs exhibiting less and medium protection.

Right after the install, the malware runs the xinof.exe file, which runs the payload and drops multiple helper objects under locations like C:Program Files, C:Users/[current user]/AppDataRoamingMicrosoft C:\Windows\System32, and many others. Therefore, it is not possible to detect and remove XINOF file virus manually. It can only be detected by professional security software.

When the ransomware gains persistence, it enables the encryption tool, which uses a mathematical structure (the combination of Salsa20and RSA4098) to completely lock non-system files. Only after that, the victim is acquainted with the v virus and its capabilities. For finding out more, the victim has to open the Help.txt file (the excerpt given below) or click on the How To Decrypt Files.hta file, which redirects to the Tor site automatically.

ALL YOUR FILES HAS BEEN ENCRYPTED!!!

All your important files like photoes, documents, audios and etc has been encrypted by FonixCrypter using strong cryptography algorithms Salsa20and RSA 4098

Decryption key is hold in our server

!!Recovery tools and other software will not help you !!

The only way to receive your key and decrypt your files is the payment with bitcoin
You have to 48 hours(2 Day) To contact or paying us

After that, you have to Pay Double!!
Our Email = thunder@fonix.email in case of no answer in 24 hours write us to this Email = fonix@mailfence.com if you don't know how to buy bitcoin you can use this link.
The easiest way to buy bitcoin is local Bitcoins.

Note: Before payment, you can contact with us and send 1 free small file (size less 2Mb) as decryption test
The test files shouldn't contain valuable data like large SQL or Backup files.

ATTENTIONS :Don't delete any files or rename encrypted files

– If you using other applications to decrypt, it may damage your files
– Don't find your backups? they have been Successfully encrypted too or securly wiped.

No matter how scary this virus may seem, do not fall for panic. No rush to pay the ransom. The only thing that should arouse your interest should be how to remove XINOF ransomware completely. Do not postpone the elimination of malicious programs as they often can run secondary payloads and severely damage the system.

XINOF is a type of malware that can attacks machines via spam email attachments and completely lock most of the personal files

The XINOF removal and .xinof file recovery are two different processes

Do not get deceived by claims that running a scan with a security tool will both remove the virus and decrypt .XINOF files. That is not true and you should not trust the websites that share such claims. File encryption algorithms cannot be cracked down by AV scanners as they do not have such a function or at least not yet.

Anyway, there are several methods that can help you recover .XINOF extension files. These are the following:

1. You can pay the criminals and expect that they will send you the decryption key (NOT recommended);
2. You can use backups of the locked files. Please note that Gmai account automatically creates backups, so you may check what files can be restored via the connected account;
3. Alternatively, you can use third-party data recovery tools, for example, Data Recovery Pro or Shadow Explorer. Although they cannot guarantee a full data recovery, there's a chance to unlock some of the .XINOF ransomware files.
4. Finally, you can contact reputable ransomware researchers, provide them with the ransomware samples, and wait for a free decryptor to be released.

Protect your machine using a strong AV engine and be careful with suspicious content online

Cybercriminals make use of various security gaps, be it unprotected RDP, security vulnerability, zero-day vulnerabilities, remote code execution possibilities, and whatnot. Therefore, it's very important to take any possible precautionary measures to protect the machine if you store single file copies and valuable information on it. For this purpose, it's not enough to install the AV program. It's also important to keep it updated, ensure that a full service is enabled (real-time protection, scan to email, and similar). Besides, regularly update the software and all possible patches to minimize security risks.

Despite the variety of virus distribution techniques, spam remains the main and the most successful way of disseminated malicious cyber infections. Spam emails may be spread via targeted attacks to specific emails or distributed by bots en masses using random email addresses that might have been leaked during a data breach^[3]. Therefore, hundreds of less experienced users can get tricked into opening malicious spam email attachments. Thus, do not get tempted by the curiosity to check the “Order confirmation” if you haven't ordered anything or similar.

XINOF virus can use several interfaces and different-looking ransom notes

The ways to remove XINOF ransomware virus from Windows machines

XINOF ransomware removal is the main thing that you should think of as soon as your files get locked. However, make sure that this process may not be easy to accomplish. The ransomware may run tens of malicious files, some of which may work as helper tools that block AV scanners, prevent the system from rebooting, and similar.

Therefore, in order to remove XINOF virus from the Windows system completely, you have to restart the machine into Safe Mode with Networking. That's the only way to temporarily disable malicious processes and launch the AV scanner. Our recommendation – use SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes security tools, though you a free to choose whichever security software you prefer using.

After XINOF virus removal, try alternative file recovery options. We'll provide a full list of our suggestions below. However, be aware that these methods do not grant file recovery, so, if possible, use backups or check for available decryptors on these websites:

• https://www.nomoreransom.org/en/index.html
• https://id-ransomware.malwarehunterteam.com/
• https://www.emsisoft.com/ransomware-decryption-tools/
• https://www.avast.com/ransomware-decryption-tools