How to remove Annoy Ransomware and decrypt .annoy files

What is Annoy Ransomware

Annoy Ransomware represents a severe threat designed to encrypt users’ files, leaving them inaccessible and compelling victims to pay a ransom to potentially regain access. Upon infecting a system, Annoy Ransomware alters the filenames of encrypted files, adding an extension formatted as {victim’s_ID}.annoy, such as 1.jpg transformed into 1.jpg.{FBDC1672-D8E4-6322-BAAA-BCC19668745C}.annoy. This sophisticated piece of malware utilizes complex cryptographic algorithms, potentially symmetric or asymmetric, making it difficult to reverse-engineer without the decryption key held by the attackers. Once the encryption process is complete, a ransom note is generated in a text file titled README.TXT, typically located in multiple directories, including the desktop. The note threatens increased ransom fees if victims do not respond within a specified timeframe and warns against contacting recovery professionals.

No comprehensive decryption tools are currently available for Annoy Ransomware-encrypted files due to the ransomware’s sophisticated encryption mechanisms. As such, decrypting files appended with “.annoy” generally requires obtaining a decryption key from the attackers themselves, which poses ethical and financial risks, as paying does not guarantee receiving the decryption tool. Experts strongly advise against meeting ransom demands, as it can further fund cybercriminal activities without promise of data recovery. Victims should focus instead on using trustworthy antivirus solutions to eliminate the ransomware from their systems. For those whose data is properly backed up on external drives or cloud storage prior to the infection, recovery of original files through these backups remains the most reliable method. Encrypted files may also be potentially recovered using specialized data recovery tools, although their effectiveness can vary depending on the specific encryption variant employed by the ransomware.

How Annoy Ransomware infects computers

Annoy Ransomware infiltrates computers primarily through phishing emails and social engineering tactics, where unsuspecting users are tricked into opening malicious attachments or clicking deceptive links. These emails often masquerade as legitimate communications from trusted sources, luring victims into executing the embedded malware. Once activated, the ransomware swiftly encrypts files, appending them with a unique victim ID and the “.annoy” extension, rendering them inaccessible. Annoy Ransomware can also spread through compromised websites, exploiting drive-by downloads and backdoor trojans that silently install the malware without user interaction. Additionally, it leverages malicious ads and bogus software updates from untrustworthy sources to propagate itself. Its capability to self-proliferate through local networks and connected external storage devices further amplifies its reach, making it a potent threat to both individual users and corporate environments.

1. Download Annoy Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .annoy files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like Annoy Ransomware

Annoy Ransomware files:


README.TXT
{randomname}.exe


Annoy Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .annoy files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .annoy files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .annoy files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with Annoy Ransomware and removed from your computer, you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually, you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .annoy files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like Annoy Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Annoy Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro