Remove PINY Ransomware Virus (Data Recovery Guide)

PINY ransomware locks data and demands money in Bitcoin

PINY is a ransomware-type computer virus that comes from DJVU ransomware family. It is a malicious virus that targets Windows computers and encrypts all files stored on them marking them with .piny extension. Next, the malware leaves ransom notes called _readme.txt behind. This note holds a message from the virus developers who demand paying a ransom in order to recover encrypted data. According to them, the victim needs to contact them via helpmanager@firemail.cc or helpmanager@iran.ir and transfer $490 or $980 in Bitcoin.

PINY ransomware virus aims to prevent the victim from accessing files stored on personal or work computer. Therefore, it uses RSA cryptography to lock files. During the encryption process, the virus attempts to communicate with its command and control server and obtain online keys for data encryption. Otherwise, it uses an offline encryption key. Once all files are encrypted, the virus drops ransom notes that briefly explain what happened.

The _readme.txt ransom note suggests purchasing .piny decryption software, and the price of it depends on how fast the victim contacts the attackers. If the victim manages to pay within 72 hours (3 days), the price will be lower – $490 in Bitcoin. Otherwise, the price goes up to $980.

The ransom note also suggests the victim to test the decryption software. In order to do this, the victim has to send one encrypted file via the provided emails. As a result, the attackers will send a decrypted file back.

Threat Summary

Name	PINY ransomware virus
Type	File-encrypting virus; ransomware
Origins	STOP/DJVU ransomware (195th version)
Behavior	Encrypts files on the computer system, installs AZORULT Trojan
Extension	Appends .piny file extension to filenames
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Ransom demand	$490 or $980
Emails	Uses new emails – helpmanager@firemail.cc or helpmanager@iran.ir
Distribution	Spreads via malicious downloads such as illegal software license activation tools
Decryption tools	STOP Decryptor doesn’t support this extension at the moment
Removal	Remove using antivirus while in Safe Mode (see instructions below)

However, one should not expect that paying the ransom will solve all of the issues. PINY file virus isn’t only dangerous because it restricts access to your files. What it also does is it installs Azorult Trojan, infamous for its capabilities to steal login credentials (passwords and other sensitive data) and transmit them to criminals.

It is obvious that you must immediately remove PINY ransomware virus along with other malware it installed on your system. You can do this by using the instructions provided at the end of this article.

Is it possible to decrypt .piny extension files?

.PINY extension files can be recovered only under certain circumstances. We will explain this in detail and in an easily understandable way.

As mentioned earlier, DJVU ransomware variants use either online or offline keys to encrypt files. You can figure out how your data was encrypted by going to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt. If you can find a key that ends in t1, all or part of your data was encrypted with offline key. Please pay attention that all other IDs mean ONLINE ENCRYPTION, and these files can’t be recovered using any third-party decryptors.

However, if your files were encrypted by the offline key (ending in t1), you can recover your files as soon as STOP decryptor will be updated. You can find a guide on how to use it here. Please be patient – it takes time.

If your .piny extension files were converted using the online key, you can recover data by using data backups. However, you need to make sure to eliminate the virus from the system first.

Avoid shady downloads to prevent ransomware attacks

PINY ransomware, just like the previous ransomware versions such as RIGH, NBES, MKOS, ZOBM and others reach the victims via malicious online downloads. It has been noticed that these viruses hide in software cracks, keygens, and other tools that claim to be capable of activating paid software licenses for free.

Please be careful and stay away from such downloads, as they are the straightest way to invite malicious payloads into your PC. Doing so can convert your files into useless data pieces, and you could lose years of work files or memories.

However, it is not just the malicious downloads that can carry ransomware executables – you can receive such malware via email spam in a form of document (Word, PDF). You might also be infected if you tend to visit untrustworthy and insecure online websites.

Remove PINY ransomware virus immediately

An urgent PINY ransomware removal will to ensure your safety. You must delete all traces of malicious activity on your computer so that you would be the only one having access to information stored on it. We’re also talking about the elimination of Azorult, which steals private data from your computer. You will also need to change your passwords after erasing malware from the computer.

To remove PINY ransomware virus from the system, you need to use one of the methods provided below. To cleanse the system after booting into Windows Safe Mode, consider using a trustworthy antivirus tool. You might want to check reviews here.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system:

GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense

If you're looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek's Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.