RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove XINOF Virus (.XINOF Files Ransomware) – Fonix Ransomware

XINOF – Ransomware

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

The message given by XINOF text file requesting the ransom is definitely the like the statements given by other ransomware representatives belonging to the Fonix type. It actually discusses that the info is encrypted which the only way to bring back it is to use a a special decryption key. Unfortunately, this is definitely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism applied by XINOF is still not properly examined. Still, it is definitely particular that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is totally distinct. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.

Another trick of XINOF is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is saved on a specific server run by the frauds related to XINOF ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people need to pay the ransom.

However, regardless of the requested amount, people need to keep away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to entirely 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 result and people simply lose their money for nothing.

We highly encourage that you do not contact these crooks and certainly do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack XINOF ransomware and to recover the data data totally free. Therefore, the only right decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

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

Keep in mind that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to XINOF ransomware. Harmful programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt essential data and to set forth the need prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to generate the unique decryption key for files decryption.

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

Bear in mind 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 Flash Drive or external hard drive 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 together with other files, so it’s absolutely not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

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

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

Often XINOF ransomware might exist as some genuine software, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to execute some essential software updates. This is the typical technique used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing XINOF infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals might refer to numerous email 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 video, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may seriously harm the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade alerts may result in XINOF ransom injection. As for the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may also include harmful codes resulting in XINOF secret installation. Lastly, injection of XINOF may take place by methods of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and install destructive utilities without the user’s approval.

Is there any method to prevent the injection of XINOF ransom virus?

Although there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we wish to show with you. Firstly, be really cautious when you browse the web and especially while downloading complimentary 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 contain other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be destructive. Make certain that your current antivirus and your entire operating system is always appropriately updated.

Naturally, 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 also strongly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and possibly change to another security solution that can render far better services of defending your Windows.

Below please find the quotation from the XINOF text file:

Are you looking for your important files?

Send a message to ransom12344@fonix.email
ransom12344@protonmail.com

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

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove XINOF 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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