RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove MERIN Virus (.MERIN Files Ransomware) – Nephilim Ransomware

MERIN Virus Ransomware

The MERIN stands for a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the Nephilim ransomware family. MERIN was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. As soon as the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. MERIN adds the “.MERIN” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by MERIN, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.MERIN“. As soon as the encryption is finished, MERIN places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by MERIN text file asking for the ransom is absolutely the like the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives belonging to the Nephilim type. It actually points out that the information is encrypted which the only way to bring back it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Sadly, this is definitely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism used by MERIN is still not properly examined. Still, it is definitely specific that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is totally unique. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.

Another trick of MERIN is that the victims cannot gain access to the key. The key is kept on a specific server run by the frauds associated with MERIN ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people have to pay the ransom.

Nonetheless, regardless of the requested amount, people need to keep away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to entirely ignore what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom typically does not provide any positive result and people simply waste their money for absolutely nothing.

We highly advise that you do not contact these crooks and absolutely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack MERIN ransomware and to recover the information data free of charge. Hence, the just best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameMERIN Ransomware
File Extension.MERIN
TypeRansomware
FamilyNephilim
Short DescriptionThe ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files.
SymptomsFile encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special MERIN extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to MERIN ransomware. Destructive programs of such kind are usually elaborated to encrypt important data and to state the demand before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to create the unique decryption key for information decryption.

Thus, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is simply not feasible. The only method to avoid the loss of your important files is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Keep in mind that even if you create such backups, they should be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the Memory Stick or external hard disk for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you store your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted along with other files, so it’s absolutely not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are numerous methods used by online frauds to distribute MERIN virus. Even though it is uncertain how exactly MERIN injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

  • integration with third-party software, especially freeware;
  • spam emails from unknown senders;
  • websites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Frequently MERIN virus may exist as some legitimate software application, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to execute some important software application updates. This is the common technique used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing MERIN infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals might refer to different email spam strategies to inject harmful codes into systems. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some receipts, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may badly harm the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update notifies may result in MERIN virus injection. As for the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise include harmful codes resulting in MERIN secret installation. Lastly, injection of MERIN may happen by means of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and set up malicious tools without the user’s consent.

Is there any method to avoid the injection of MERIN ransom virus?

Although there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we want to share with with you. First of all, be very cautious when you surf the web and specifically while downloading totally free programs. Keep away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Remember that some freeware installers may contain other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be destructive. Make certain that your current anti-virus and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is illegal and may lead to essential damage to be produced your PC. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise strongly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps switch to another security solution that can render much better services of protecting your system.

Screenshot of files with “.MERIN” extension added by the ransomware:
MERIN Ransomware - encrypt files with .MERIN extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove MERIN ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

2. Double-click on the setup file.

When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware
An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Setup

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Install

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware  Start

4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan

5. Click on “Clean Now”.

When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan Result

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Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann has been writing on security and malware subjects for many years and has been working in the security industry for over 10 years. Daniel was educated at the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany and currently lives in New York.

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