How to remove Qilin (Agenda) Ransomware and decrypt your files

What is Qilin Ransomware

Qilin Ransomware is a formidable threat that belongs to the Agenda family of ransomware, known for its ability to encrypt various file types including documents, images, and videos, rendering them inaccessible to the user. Upon infection, it appends a unique string in the form of a file extension to each targeted file, which can be represented as *.random_string. This transformation indicates that the file has been compromised, and access has been effectively locked by the attackers. Alongside this encryption, Qilin Ransomware generates a ransom note, titled [random_string]-RECOVER-README.txt, which is placed in every folder containing encrypted files. This document contains critical information regarding the attack, including instructions on how to contact the attackers and details regarding the ransom payment for the decryption key.

Unfortunately, as of now, no universally available decryption tools exist specifically for Qilin Ransomware, making recovery of encrypted files particularly challenging. While some ransomware variants may have dedicated decryption software released by cybersecurity researchers, Qilin’s encryption method appears to be robust, and typical decryption techniques often fail against its protocols. Recovering files from a Qilin infection generally requires paying the ransom, a risky and often fruitless endeavor, as hackers have been known to simply vanish after receiving payment without providing any means of file recovery. In cases where victims choose to refrain from engaging with attackers, the best course of action is to regularly back up data and invest in reputable anti-malware tools that may provide some level of protection against ransomware attacks. Ultimately, close attention to cybersecurity practices and prompt responses to infections are crucial to mitigating the damage inflicted by ransomware like Qilin.

How Qilin Ransomware infects computers

Qilin Ransomware employs various tactics to infiltrate computers, making it a significant threat to users. One common method of infection is through malicious email campaigns, where cybercriminals send deceptive messages that appear to be from legitimate sources, enticing victims to open attachments or click on links containing the ransomware. Additionally, Qilin can be delivered via Trojan infections, where seemingly harmless software is bundled with the malware, allowing it to bypass security measures. Peer-to-peer file sharing networks also present a risk, as users may unknowingly download infected files disguised as legitimate software or media. Once inside the system, Qilin encrypts files, rendering them inaccessible, and often deploys additional malicious payloads, such as keyloggers, to gather sensitive information. Users must remain vigilant, employing robust security practices to mitigate the risk of such infections.

1. Download Qilin Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for encrypted 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 Qilin Ransomware

Qilin Ransomware files:


[random_string]-RECOVER-README.txt
{randomname}.exe


Qilin Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore encrypted files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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

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 encrypted 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 Qilin 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 encrypted files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose 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.

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose 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 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 Qilin Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Dashboard

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Alert

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Blocked

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.

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. Qilin 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.