Do you know what Qinynore Ransomware is?
Qinynore Ransomware is an infection that, according to our research, was deigned to infect Windows operating systems. The malicious infection works as a file-encryptor, and so if it is executed successfully, it can corrupt files and render them unreadable. Once files are encrypted using an AES-256 key, it is not possible to recover them unless a decryption key is obtained. Although the creator of the threat offers to sell it for a fee (aka, a ransom), it is not possible to do, and even if it was possible, our research team would not recommend doing it anyway. If it became possible to pay the ransom, and you did it, your money would be irrecoverable, and a decryptor would not be provided to you in return. Overall, regardless of the situation, you must remove Qinynore Ransomware, and, hopefully, you do not lose your files in the process. Unfortunately, your files are safe only if backups exist.
It was discovered that Qinynore Ransomware was built using a code that is very similar to the infamous Hidden Tear open-source code. It has been used by the creators of Nog4yH4n Project Ransomware, Suri Ransomware, and hundreds of other threats alike. Unfortunately, it is possible that we will see a wave of new infections created using this new variant of the code. When it comes to the distribution, it appears that the creators of Qinynore Ransomware are not straying away from the tried and tested methods. Spam emails and downloaders promoting fake cracks/keygens are still being used. If the infection is executed – and the process is silent – it starts encrypting files right away. It appears that the threat can encrypt files throughout the system, including %PROGRAMFILES(x86)%, %ALLUSERSPROFILE%, and %HOMEDRIVE%\Users directories, but excluding system-related files, and directories where they are stored. If the malicious ransomware is not removed in time, it encrypts personal files (see the list below), and attaches the “.anonymous” extension to their names.
Qinynore Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
The types of files Qinynore Ransomware targets:
.asp, .aspx, .backup, .bak, .bat, .bmp, .csv, .dll, .doc, .docx, .dwg, .exe, .flv, .gif, .html, .jar, .jpg, .jpeg, .lnk, .mdb, .mid, .mp3, .ms11, .mui, .odt, .pdf, .psd, .php, .ppt, .pptx, .png, .rar, .rtf, .sql, .sln, .txt, .vbs, .vdi, .xls, .xlsx, .xml, .zip
After encryption, Qinynore Ransomware also creates two files. The first one is called lol.jpg, and it is created in the %USERPROFILE%\Documents\ folder. This file automatically replaces your regular wallpaper to introduce you to a scary message. According to it, your files will be destroyed if you try to remove malware or shut down the computer. The message also informs that the victim has 5 hours to pay a ransom that equals $400 in Bitcoins. The same message is reaffirmed using the second file called “YOU_MUST_READ_ME.rtf.” It is created on the Desktop, and the message inside instructs to send “some bitcoins or say goodbye to your files.” At the time of research, a valid bitcoin address to which the ransom would have to be sent did not exist, which meant that paying the ransom was not possible. Even if it was possible, paying the ransom is never a good idea. Instead, we focus on the removal.
You must delete Qinynore Ransomware if it has invaded your operating system. This malicious threat can encrypt files, and if you do not remove it right away, it goes on to encrypt all personal files in its way. After encryption, nothing can be done, and files can be recovered only if copies are stored in backup. If you do not use backups, we suggest that you purchase a spacious external drive or invest in a secure cloud storage service, and frequently back up files to ensure that they are safe. Before that, you must remove Qinynore Ransomware, and while you might do that manually, we strongly advise leaving it to anti-malware software that will automatically erase the infection and then will secure the system.
Remove Qinynore Ransomware
- Find and Delete the malicious launcher (location and name are random).
- Move to the Desktop and Delete the file named YOU_MUST_READ_ME.rtf.
- Set the desired Desktop wallpaper.
- Launch Explorer (tap Win+E keys) and enter %USERPROFILE%\Documents\ into the field at the top.
- Delete the file named lol.jpg.
- Empty Recycle Bin and then quickly install a trusted malware scanner to see if leftovers still exist.
In non-techie terms:
Qinynore Ransomware is a dangerous and malicious infection that was created to encrypt files and then make victims pay a ransom in return for them being recovered. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees that anyone could restore your files. Furthermore, it is not possible to pay the ransom at this time. This does not mean that a valid option has been taken away from you. In reality, cyber criminals just promise to decrypt files so that you would pay the ransom. Hopefully, you have backups for the encrypted files, and you can restore them after you delete Qinynore Ransomware. Do so manually or, better yet, install a trusted anti-malware program that will reliably secure your system against malware after it deletes the malicious file encryptor.