What is Kiano ransomware?

Kiano is a so-called “virus-extortionist” that blocks access to users’ data until the ransom is paid. The scheme is very typical and common for all viruses of this type. All encrypted files can not be used or accessed until they are decrypted. Clearly, such data is vital for many users so cybercriminals blackmail them taking advantage of this. Despite their claims that decryption key purchase is the only way to return affected files, we don’t recommend abiding by their terms. There is always a risk of getting scammed by criminals. Instead, we recommend you use our guide to remove Kiano ransomware and decrypt .KIANO files.

Once the encryption procedure is done, you won’t be able to open files with .KIANO extension until they are decrypted. After that, Kiano ransomware leaves KIANO-HELP.txt file that contains a ransom-demanding message. Cybercriminals urge users to contact them in order to get further instructions:

Two things have happened to your company.
==================
All of your files have been encrypted with military grade algorithms.
The only way to retrieve your data is with our software.
Restoration of your data requires a private key which only we possess.
==================
Information that we deemed valuable or sensitive was downloaded from your network to a secure location.
We can provide proof that your files have been extracted.
If you do not contact us we will start leaking the data periodically in parts.
==================
To confirm that our decryption software works email to us 2 files from random computers.
You will receive further instructions after you send us the test files.
We will make sure you retrieve your data swiftly and securely and that your data is not leaked when our demands are met.
If we do not come to an agreement your data will be leaked on this website.

Website: hxxp://corpleaks.net
TOR link: hxxp://hxt254aygrsziejn.onion

Contact us via email:
Mariajackson2020williams@protonmail.com
MariaJackson2019williams@protonmail.com
StephanVeamont1997C@tutanota.com

In the end, it’s up to you to believe it or not, but let us warn you – no one can ensure that they would do their part of the deal. On the contrary, there is a high risk of being deceived and simply left with nothing. The only reliable way to solve the problem is to remove Kiano ransomware from the system using appropriate software in order to stop the malicious actions of the virus and then restore your data from the backup.

Screenshot of encrypted files:

remove Kiano ransomware

There are two solutions to remove Kiano Ransomware and decrypt your files. The first is to use an automated removal tool. This method is suitable even for inexperienced users since the removal tool can delete all instances of the virus in just a few clicks. The second is to use the Manual Removal Guide. This is a more complicated way that requires special computer skills.

How Kiano ransomware gets on my computer?

Cybercriminals use various techniques to deliver the virus to the target computer. Ransomware viruses can infiltrate victims’ computers more than in one or two ways, in most cases, cryptoviral extortion attack is carried out with the help of the following methods:

Brief overview:
Name Kiano
Type of threat Ransomware, cryptovirus, file-locking virus
File Extension .KIANO
Ransom Note KIANO-HELP.txt
Contact michaeldrumman1977@tutanota.com, jamescowworkingsa1988@tutanota.com, and michaeldrumman1977@protonmail.com
Genealogy NEFILIM Ransomware
Detections Avast (Win32:DangerousSig [Trj]),
BitDefender (Trojan.GenericKD.34572950),
ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Filecoder.Nemty.I),
Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Generic), more detections VirusTotal
Distribution Spam email attachments, RDP, pirated software, torrent websites, phishing sites
Removal Tool

In order to completely remove ransomware from your computer, you will need to install an antivirus software. We recommend using SpyHunter

Recovery Tool

The only effective method to restore files is to copy them from a saved backup. If you don’t have a suitable backup, you may use third-party recovery software such as Stellar Data Recovery

How to remove Kiano ransomware?

Recommended Solution:

Try SpyHunter

SpyHunter is a powerful tool that is able to keep your Windows clean. It would automatically search out and delete all elements related to malware. It is not only the easiest way to eliminate malware but also the safest and most assuring one. The full version of SpyHunter costs $42 (you get 6 months of subscription). By clicking the button, you agree to EULA and Privacy Policy. Downloading will start automatically.

Download SpyHunter

for windows

Try Stellar Data Recovery

Stellar Data Recovery is one of the most effective tools that can recover lost and corrupted files — documents, emails, pictures, videos, audio files, and more — on any Windows device. The powerful scan engine can detect compromised files and finally save them to specified destination. Despite its advancedness, it’s very concise and simple so that even the most inexperienced user can figure it out.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

Try MailWasher

Email security is the first line of defense against ransomware viruses. To do this, we recommend that you use MailWasher. MailWasher blocks ransomware viruses coming through spam and phishing, and automatically detects malicious attachments and URLs. In addition, malicious messages can be blocked even before the recipient opens them. Since the main source of the spread of ransomware viruses are infected emails, antispam significantly reduces the risk of a virus appearing on your computer.

Download MailWasher

You may find more detailed information about antivirus products in our article – Top 5 Antivirus Software for Windows


Once Kiano ransomware has been successfully removed, you can begin the file decryption procedure.

How to decrypt files infected by Kiano Ransomware?

Method 1. Restore your files with the help of Recovery Tool

Stellar Data RecoveryIn case your PC has been attacked by ransomware, you may restore your files by using file recovery software. Stellar Data Recovery is one of the most effective tools that can recover lost and corrupted files — documents, emails, pictures, videos, audio files, and more — on any Windows device. The powerful scan engine can detect compromised files and finally save them to specified destination. Despite its advancedness, it’s very concise and simple so that even the most inexperienced user can figure it out.

Download Stellar Data Recovery
  1. Run Stellar Data Recovery.
  2. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next.
  3. Stellar Data Recovery

  4. Select the drive and folder where your files are located and date that you want to restore them from and press Scan.
  5. Stellar Data Recovery

  6. Once the scanning process is done, click Recover to restore your files.
  7. Stellar Data Recovery

  8. After this, select a destination and click Start Saving to save restored data.
  9. Stellar Data Recovery

Since new ransomware-type viruses appear almost every day, there is no technical possibility to issue a decryptor for each virus. In this case, the recovery tool comes to the rescue. Despite the fact that this is one of the most effective methods in the absence of a decryptor, this is not 100 percent and not the only way.


Method 2. Restore the system using System Restore

Although the latest versions of Kiano Ransomware can remove system restore files, this method may help you partially restore your files. Give it a try and use standard System Restore to revive your data. The entire process is preferably carried out in Safe Mode with Command Prompt:

For Windows XP/Vista/7 users:

Restart your computer and before your system starts – hit F8 several times. This will prevent system from loading and will show Advanced boot options screen. Choose Safe mode with Command Prompt option from the options list using up and down arrows on your keyboard and hit Enter.

safe mode with networking

For Windows 8/10 users:

  1. Click the Start button, then select Settings
  2. Click Update & Security, then select Recovery and click Restart now.
  3. After your device reboots, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options >Startup Settings > Restart
  4. safe mode with Command Prompt

  5. After your PC restarts, you should press F5 key to Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

After the system is loaded in Safe Mode with Command Prompt, do following:

  1. In the Command Prompt window, type cd restore and hit Enter.
  2. system restore

  3. Then type rstrui.exe and hit Enter again.
  4. system restore

  5. Once a new window shows up, click Next.
  6. system restore

  7. Choose the date before the infection appearance and click Next again
  8. system restore

  9. In the opened pop-up window, click Yes to start system restore.
  10. system restore


Method 4. Roll the files back to the previous version

Previous versions can be copies of files and folders created by Windows Backup (if it is active) or copies of files and folders created by System Restore. You can use this feature to restore files and folders that you accidentally modified or deleted, or that were damaged. This feature is available in Windows 7 and later versions.

windows previous versions

  1. Click the encrypted file and choose Properties
  2. Open the Previous Version tab
  3. Select the latest version and click Copy
  4. Click Restore

How to prevent your system from Ransomware?

No one is safe from infection with a virus that secretly encrypts your data. But in order to minimize this risk, you need to follow the rules:

1. Always make Windows updates on time and keep them up to date. Remember that these updates close the security holes in the system through which the virus can enter your computer.

2. The most efficient way to avoid data loss is of course to make a backup of all important data from your computer. It is enough just to synchronize the necessary folders with one of the cloud services, so as not to be afraid to see the text requiring the payment of bitcoins in exchange for a decryption key. It can be a cloud or a remote hard drive on the network. If you store all your files on the Internet, the likelihood of virus infection will be lower. Do not make copies to external hard drives, as this could damage them.

3. Since spam email is the most popular form of spreading ransomware-type viruses, the user should never open email attachments without first having scanned them with antivirus. Just clicking on the link or opening the attachment can damage the operating system (Windows) in a few minutes, damage important data and infect other machines with the virus.

4. All previous methods do not matter if you do not have a reliable antivirus. The presence of anti-virus protection on your computer can prevent all these unpleasant surprises. Anti-virus software will protect you from malware, money loss, time loss, invasion of your personal life. Now the antivirus market is so huge that it is difficult to make a choice in favor of one of them. If you have not decided who to give preference to, we suggest you familiarize yourself with our Top 5 Antivirus Software for Windows

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