KIANO Ransomware – Virus Removal

A new ransomware called KIANO is identified as variant of Nefilim, hence, there are speculation that its origin is also Nemty. KIANO ransomware may have identified this way due to same nature with variants from the said group. But according to malware researcher @dnwls0719 who discovered this threat, it was developed using complex programming language which is very much the same source code from the threats in mentioned ransomware group.

The spread tactics applied by KIANO ransomware authors is just the same and as usual, they are taking advantage of the mass-mailing campaign. KIANO ransomware executable is attached to email and sends it to a huge amount of email address on their target list. Basically, this attack can hit random recipients and those that are careless email user will take the blow.

Once executed on the computer KIANO ransomware searches local drive for target files, which it will encrypt using a complex algorithm method. The virus appends the file with .KIANO file extension and therefore, the common report.xlsx will become report.xlsx.KIANO once fully encrypted. At the last stage of the attack, it leaves a ransom note called KIANO-HELP.txt that contains the following message:

Two things have happened to your company.
Gigabytes of archived files that we deemed valuable or sensitive were downloaded from your network to a secure location.
When you contact us we will tell you how much data was downloaded and can provide extensive proof of the data extraction.
You can analyze the type of the data we download on our websites.
If you do not contact us we will start leaking the data periodically in parts.
We have also encrypted files on your computers with military grade algorithms.
If you don’t have extensive backups the only way to retrieve your data is with our software.
Restoration of your data with our software requires a private key which only we possess.
To confirm that our decryption software works send 2 encrypted files from random computers to us via email.
You will receive further instructions after you send us the test files.
We will make sure you retrieve your data swiftly and securely and your data that we downloaded will be securely deleted when our demands are met.
If we do not come to an agreement your data will be leaked on this website.

Website: corpleaks . net
TOR link: hxt254aygrsziejn . onion

Mail list:
michaeldrumman1977@tutanota.com
jamescowworkingsa1988@tutanota.com
michaeldrumman1977@protonmail.com

Screenshot of KIANO ransom note

Technical Details
Threat Name: KIANO Ransomware, Nefilim
Threat Type: Crypto-virus, File Locker, Encryption Virus
File Extension: .KIANO
Ransomware Note File: KIANO-HELP.txt
Attacker’s email: michaeldrumman1977@tutanota.com
jamescowworkingsa1988@tutanota.com
michaeldrumman1977@protonmail.com
Discovered by: @dnwls0719
Virus Alias: Ad-Aware : Trojan.GenericKD.37085840
Alibaba : Ransom:Win32/SuspFile.0f99dfaa
ALYac : Trojan.Ransom.Nefilim
Arcabit : Trojan.Generic.D235E290
Avast : Win32:Malware-gen
Avira : TR/Redcap.cofkb
BitDefender : Trojan.GenericKD.37085840
Bkav Pro : W32.AIDetect.malware2
Comodo : Malware@#17hdmlk8hodvz
DrWeb : Trojan.Encoder.34021
eGambit : PE.Heur.InvalidSig
Emsisoft : MalCert-S.KT (A)
eScan : Trojan.GenericKD.37085840
ESET-NOD32 : A Variant Of Win32/Filecoder.Nemty.I
FireEye : Trojan.GenericKD.37085840
Fortinet : W32/Filecoder_Nemty.I!tr
GData : Trojan.GenericKD.37085840
Gridinsoft : Ransom.Win32.Filecoder.oa
Ikarus : Trojan-Ransom.Nemty
Kaspersky : Trojan-Ransom.Win32.SuspFile.n
Malwarebytes : Malware.AI.3900587509
McAfee : Artemis!6F518408AC9C
Microsoft : Ransom:MacOS/Filecoder
Panda : Trj/CI.A
Sophos : Mal/Generic-S
Symantec : Downloader
TrendMicro : TROJ_FRS.VSNTFC21
Webroot : W32.Trojan.GenKD
Yandex : Trojan.Agent!XIxUiqMfnNY

Backup your files

One important step before proceeding with the procedures below is to backup your files. Ransomware are not the same. Each has its unique sets of payloads aside from encrypting the files with complex method. Others tend to delete the infected files after certain period, while others keep them concealed on hidden places. In addition, ransomware decryption tools are not guaranteed to be perfect, there are instances that files suffer from damages during the decryption process.

So, create a backup copy of your entire KIANO encrypted files right now.

KIANO Ransomware Removal Guide

First thing to do is remove the KIANO virus before attempting the decryption. Remember that as long as the ransomware is active, it will repeatedly encrypt the files on the compromised computer.

Infection of KIANO ransom virus is dangerous to the system because it can inject files that runs each time Windows starts. To prevent the malicious files from loading, Windows operating system must run with minimal process and it can be done through SafeMode With Networking.

Quick Fix - Scan the PC with Combo Cleaner for Windows

Combo Cleaner is a trusted PC security and optimization tool equipped with powerful virus and malware detection engine. This program can get rid of ransomware like KIANO through this procedure.

1. Download the application from the following page:

2. Save the file to your preferred location.

3. Double-click the downloaded file CCSetup.exe and install with the default settings.

CC for Windows Installation

4. At the end of the setup process, click Finish to run Combo Cleaner.

5. The tool will update the signature file, please wait for this process to complete.

6. To begin checking for threats like KIANO ransomware, click on the Start Scan button. Wait for this scan to finish.

CC for Windows Start Scan

7. At the end of the scan process, click on Remove all threats to delete KIANO ransomware including all malicious objects from the computer.

Free features of Combo Cleaner for Windows include Disk Cleaner, Big Files finder, Duplicate files finder, and Uninstaller. To use antivirus, privacy scanner, and to delete identified threats, users have to upgrade to a premium version.

Please continue with the succeeding removal procedures if your are comfortable to manually get rid of the threat and malicious items linked with it.

Step 1 : Start Windows in Safe Mode With Networking

The method of running Windows in Safe Mode before running a virus scan is effective in getting rid of KIANO. This process can prevent most viruses and malware from loading, making it easier to detect and remove them.

1. On the Windows Search bar, please type msconfig.

Screenshot of MSConfig Command

2. Select and open System Configutation on the list of found results.

3. Once you are in the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab.

Screenshot of SafeBoot

4. Under the Boot Options area, please check Safe Boot and select Network. This will allow Windows to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.

5. Lastly, click on Apply and OK to save the changes.

6. Please restart Windows.

Do not forget to restore the normal boot process of Windows after running the virus scan. Simply repeat the method above, and this time, uncheck the Safe Boot option to run Windows normally.

Step 2 : Scan the Computer with Sophos Antivirus

Ransomware files are placed deeply into the system and on various locations, thus, thorough scanning is vital to totally remove KIANO virus. Aside from our suggested tool, you may also run your own security program.

To remove KIANO ransomware automatically, scanning the computer with this efficient anti-malware tool is suggested. This scanner does not just uncover known threats like viruses or malware, it is also effective in discovering hazardous ransomware like KIANO.

1. Download Sophos Virus Removal Tool from the link below. Save the file on your computer where you can easily access it.

2. Once the download completes, browse the location of the file. Double-click to run the program and begin the install process.

3. On first windows of installation wizard, click Next to continue. Then, it will display the program’s License Agreement. You need to Accept the terms in order to proceed. If Windows prompts for User Account Control, please click Yes to proceed.

Screenshot of Sophos EULA Page

4. On succeeding windows, click Next or Continue to carry on with the installation. After completing the installation process, Launch Sophos Virus Removal Tool.

5. Internet connection is required when running this virus scanner in order to download important updates. Make sure that everything is up-to-date to effectively remove KIANO ransomware and other relevant viruses.

6. Click the Start Scanning button to inspect the computer. This will check the system for presence of malicious objects, malware, and viruses. The tool reveals items that were found linked to KIANO ransomware and other suspicious entities. Be sure to remove all identified threats.

Screenshot of Sophos Virus Scan

The above procedures should have totally eliminated KIANO ransomware. However, if you found that there are still remnants of the virus, please proceed to succeeding procedures below.

Step 3 : Double Check with Windows Security Apps

Microsoft Windows has a built-in security application that you can use to double-check if your computer is still infected with KIANO. For Windows 10/11 users, please run Windows Security.

Windows 10 / 11 Instructions:

Windows Security is a free tool that was built to help you remove KIANO, viruses, and other malicious items from Windows 10/11 systems. Follow these procedures to scan your computer with the tool:

1. Tap or click the Search charm, search for Windows Security, and then open the application.

Image of Windows Security Search

2. On the Home tab, click Virus and threat protection from the sidebar.

3. On the main window, click on Scan Options. Then, click on Full Scan button.

Image of Scan Options

4. Lastly, click on the Scan now button to start scanning for the presence of KIANO. The process may take a while to complete.

5. After the scan, Delete/Quarantine identified threats, whether they were relevant to KIANO or not. You may now restart Windows to complete the virus removal process.

For older versions of Windows, you can scan the computer for free with the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT 64-Bit). It is a stand-alone virus scanner tool that targets prevalent malware groups.

Recover Files from KIANO Ransomware Infection

On this section, we will provide ways to decrypt files infected with KIANO ransomware. Aside from dedicated decryption software and common tools, other options for file recovery are provided. As much as we can, we will update this area whenever there is new and more suitable decryption tool was made available.

Decrypting KIANO infected files with Emsisoft Tools

This service from Emsisoft is helpful in unlocking encrypted files without paying the ransom. The page provides the list of ransomware decryption tools. All you have to do is look for the specific tool and start recovering the KIANO encrypted file.

Option: Use ShadowExplorer to restore files encrypted by KIANO Ransomware

ShadowExplorer depends on the presence of System Protection on every drive from which you wish to retrieve data. Furthermore, it is crucial that System Protection is enabled prior to any event that requires file recovery. It is worth noting that Windows automatically enables System Protection solely on the system partition (C). 

ShadowExplorer is taking advantage of shadow copy created by Windows system. This tool allows you to retrieve older version of files before it was encrypted by KIANO ransomware.

1. Download ShadowExplorer from the official web site.

2. Install the program with the default settings.

3. The program should run automatically after installation. If not, double-click on ShadowExplorer icon.

4. You can see the drop-down list on top of the console. Please select proper drive and the most recent point-in-time shadow copies of files you wish to restore prior to KIANO ransomware infection.

Screenshot of ShadowExplorer

5. Right-click on the Drive, Folder, or File you wish to restore and click Export...

6. Lastly, ShadowExplorer will prompt for location where you want to save the copy of recovered files.

How to protect the computer from KIANO ransomware?

After the removal of the ransomware, it is important to prevent similar incident from happening again. In order to protect the computer effectively, computer user must know how KIANO ransomware was able to infect the computer. To minimize the possible infection, staying away from the common sources of this virus is crucial.

How KIANO ransomware can infect your computer?

The method of infecting the computers was found to be similar as other common viruses. Though, ransomware like KIANO is seen to have efficient deployment via spam email messages, web injectors, malicious software installers, misleading online advertisements, and through another virus infection.

Once the virus is executed, it immediately infects the system. Then, KIANO ransomware communicates to remote server so that unique key can be generated for the specific computer. After acquiring the key, it starts to decrypt target files using a complex method that is almost unbreakable. On the last stage of the attack, KIANO ransomware demands for ransom money as payment for the decryption tool. To further understand the attack scheme, we have included an infographic below.

Infographic image of ransomware attack stages
You can print, download, or share the infographic by clicking the image.

Securing the computer against ransomware attack

Do a Regular File Back-up - Always backup your data on a separate storage devices such as external hard drives, optical discs, or online backup services.

Keep Your Software Updated - Make sure that you have the latest software updates especially on the operating system. Recent updates often contain vital security patches to help protect the computer against all forms of threats.

Install a Security Program - Protect the computer with effective anti-virus application using efficient real-time scanning. Regularly run a complete scan to check the computer for presence of malware.

Protect your files with Controlled Folder Access (Windows 10/11)

For Windows 10/11 users, aside from protecting the computer using anti-virus or anti-malware programs, one way to protect against ransomware attack is by using Controlled Folder Access. This feature of Windows Defender Security Center may not prevent the KIANO ransomware infection, but it can protect the folder and files in general. Follow the steps to enable Controlled Folder Access in Windows 10/11.

1. Go to Windows Taskbar and search for Windows Defender Security Center.

2. Open Windows Defender Security Center and click on Virus & Threat Protection icon.

Virus and Threat Protection

3. On next window, please click on Ransomware Protection.

4. Under Controlled Folder Access section, switch the slider to On. That will enable the feature and protect the folder against KIANO virus or any type of ransomware.

Controlled Folder Access

5. Click on Protected Folders link to include additional folders. Make sure that folders where important files are located should be included in the list.

Include Your Protected Folder

Troubleshooting Guide

Certain programs maybe blocked by Controlled Folder Access feature. To fix the issue, simply have the specific program to be white listed.

1. Under Protected Folders, click Allow an app through controlled folder access.

2. Next, click the Add an allowed app and include the target executable file.

This Controlled Folder Access feature is one way to protect files against KIANO ransomware. Other important things to do in keeping files safe against ransomware is through early prevention like keeping programs updated, install an efficient security program, an do regular file backup on a separate media drive.

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