How to remove PINY ransomware and decrypt .PINY files

Article’s Guide

1. What does .PINY stand for?
2. PINY ransomware encryption process.
3. How to remove PINY Ransomware from your computer
4. How to decrypt .PINY files
5. Data Recovery
6. Automated decryption tools
7. Other software

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What does .PINY stand for?

A few days ago attacks of a new virus were detected. This virus is called PINY ransomware and it belongs to the STOP(DJVU) file-encryption ransomware family. This family includes a great variety of members, such as PEEK, REDL, MKOS, LOTEP, NBES, GESD, RIGH, MERL, HETS, MSOP, ZOBM, ROTE, MBED, PEET, GROD, MOSK, TOEC, NAKW, Derp, COOT, Nols, Werd, Ndarod, Leto, Bora and RECO ransomwares. The clearest sign of the infection with PINY ransomware is the .PINY extension, that is added to the names of attacked files. The most dangerous feature of this virus is the ways of its spreading. Hackers nowadays have a great armory of tricks, that allows them to install PINY ransomware unnoticed by a victim. For example, recently hackers have begun to widely use ScreenConnect service. By the means of this soft they get almost full control over attacked device and it’s nothing for them to install this virus staying unnoticed. Moreover, the most widely used ways of spreading PINY ransomware are fake installators and email attachments. The code of the virus is injected into such files and immediately executes once such file is opened. To force a victim to open such a file, hackers use various psychological tricks, so even an experienced user can easily become infected. If you are unlucky and your computer is infected with this virus, don’t even try to remove PINY ransomware and decrypt .PINY files by yourself! Every changing of a file can make it corrupted without any hope of restoration.

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PINY ransomware encryption process.

This process always occurs immediately, once the virus successfully gets into the system. PINY ransomware encryption can be easily divided into 2 logical steps. At first the virus scans all the folders on the hard drive, as it can modify only the definite file formats. These formats usually are documents (.doc, docx and etc.), media files (.mp4, .jpg and etc.), data bases and archieves. However, viruses of STOP(DJVU) family can also be easily modified and get the ability to modify other files. When the files are found, PINY ransomware begins to modify them. By the changing of file structures it makes them unreadable and adds new extension – .PINY to their names. In the very end PINY ransomware creates ransom note, that is called _readme.txt. By the means of this message hackers try to force victims to pay for the decryption of their files. Unfortunately, the only method to decrypt PINY files surely is to get decryption key, that the criminals proovide. However, very often they just stop all contacts with the victim, once they’ve been paid. Moreover, it’s nothing for them to encrypt your files twice, to damage them or to damage your operating system. That’s why we strongly recomend you to avoid any contact with them and scan your device for possible weaknesses. Still, there is a chance to restore your files. Specially for this case, we’ve prepared the detailed guide on how to remove PINY ransomware and decrypt .PINY files!

_readme.txt

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How to remove PINY Ransomware from your computer?

We strongly recommend you to use a powerful anti-malware program that has this threat in its database. It will mitigate the risks of the wrong installation, and will remove PINY from your computer with all of its leftovers and register files.

Solution for Windows users: our choice is Norton 360 . Norton 360 scans your computer and detects various threats like PINY, then removes it with all of the related malicious files, folders and registry keys.

Download Norton

If you are Mac user, we advise you to use Combo Cleaner.

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How to decrypt “.PINY” files?

Once you’ve removed the virus, you are probably thinking how to decrypt “.PINY” files or at least restore them. Let’s take a look at possible ways of decrypting your data.

Restore “.PINY” files with Data Recovery

1. Download and install Data Recovery
2. Select drives and folders with your files, then click Scan.
3. Choose all the files in a folder, then press on Restore button.
4. Manage export location.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

_{The download is an evaluation version for recovering files. To unlock all features and tools, purchase is required ($49.99-299). By clicking the button you agree to EULA and Privacy Policy. Downloading will start automatically.}

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Decrypt “.PINY” files with other software

Unfortunately, due to the novelty of PINY ransomware, there are no decryptors that can surely decrypt encrypted files. Still, there is no need to invest in the malicious scheme by paying a ransom. You are able to recover files manually.
You can try to use one of these methods in order to restore your encrypted data manually.

Decrypt .PINY files with Emsisoft decryptor

This software includes information about more than 100 viruses of STOP(DJVU) family and others. All that you need are two files or some luck. You can freely use it as it distributes free of charge. If it doesn’t work for you, you can use another method.