RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove MINIME Virus (.minime Files Ransomware) – Chaos Ransomware

MINIME Virus – Details

The MINIME stands for a ransomware-type infection. The infection comes from the Chaos ransomware family. MINIME was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. MINIME adds the “.minime” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, as soon as encrypted by MINIME, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.minime“. As quickly as the encryption is completed, MINIME places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by MINIME text file asking for the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives belonging to the Chaos type. It literally mentions that the info is encrypted and that the only way to bring back it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Sadly, this is absolutely true. The type of cryptography mechanism applied by MINIME is still not properly examined. Still, it is absolutely certain that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is completely unique. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.

Another technique of MINIME is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is stored on a particular server run by the frauds connected with MINIME ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people have to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, irrespective of the requested quantity, people must keep away from paying the ransom virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to totally ignore what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom normally does not provide any positive outcome and people just waste their money for 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 MINIME ransomware and to recover the information data totally free. Thus, the only best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameMINIME Ransomware
File Extension.minime
TypeRansomware
FamilyChaos
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 minime extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the world wide web is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to MINIME ransomware. Destructive programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt essential data and to state the demand prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to create the special decryption key for files decryption.

Hence, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is simply not feasible. The only way to prevent the loss of your essential information is to frequently create backups of your important information.

Remember that even if you create such backups, they need to be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the USB Memory Stick or external hard drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you keep your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted together with other files, so it’s certainly not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

There are several methods used by online scams to distribute MINIME ransomware. Although it is uncertain how precisely MINIME injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

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

Often MINIME virus might exist as some genuine software application, for instance, in the pop-ups instructing users to execute some crucial software application updates. This is the typical trick used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing MINIME infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals may describe numerous e-mail spam tactics to inject destructive codes into systems. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notifications 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 significantly damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade notifies may result in MINIME virus injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may also include harmful codes leading to MINIME secret installation. Lastly, injection of MINIME may take place by ways of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and install malicious utilities without the user’s authorization.

Is there any method to avoid the injection of MINIME ransomware?

Although there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we wish to share with with you. To start with, be very careful when you surf the web and particularly while downloading free programs. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Keep in mind that some freeware installers may consist of other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be malicious. Ensure that your current antivirus and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may result in important damage to be made for your system. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also strongly advised to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps change to another security solution that can render better services of protecting your PC.

Below please find the quotation from the MINIME text file:

Don\'t worry, you can return all your files!


All your files like documents, photos, databases and other important are encrypted


What guarantees do we give to you?


You can send 3 of your encrypted files and we decrypt it for free.


You must follow these steps To decrypt your files :   
1) Write on our e-mail :test@test.com ( In case of no answer in 24 hours check your spam folder
or write us to this e-mail: test2@test.com)


2) Obtain Bitcoin (You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins.
After payment we will send you the tool that will decrypt all your files.)

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

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove MINIME 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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