Remove Tianrui Ransomware

Tianrui is a ransomware-type virus that was discovered during an analysis of new malware submissions to VirusTotal. It belongs to the same family as Hush, MoneyIsTime, and Boramae ransomware. Like other ransomware threats, Tianrui encrypts victims’ files and demands payment for their decryption.

When Tianrui infects a system, it modifies file names by appending a unique victim ID and the “.tianrui” extension. For example, a file initially named “1.jpg” will be renamed as “1.jpg.{9D2E69B0-DE01-B101-914B-5F2CBAAA094E}.tianrui”. Once the encryption process is complete, the ransomware drops a ransom note titled “README.TXT”, warning victims about the encryption and demanding payment.

Tianrui Ransomware Threat Summary

Attribute	Details
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, File Locker
Encrypted File Extension	.{victim’s_ID}.tianrui
Ransom Note Filename	README.TXT
Attacker Contact	tianrui@mailum.com, Session Messenger
Detection Names	Avast (Win32:RansomX-gen [Ransom]), DrWeb (Trojan.MulDrop29.19664), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Filecoder.OOW), Kaspersky (UDS:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Generic), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/FileCoder.ARAE!MTB)
Symptoms	Inability to open files, changed file extensions, ransom note displayed, threats of stolen data exposure
Distribution Methods	Phishing emails, drive-by downloads, malicious attachments, fake updates, torrents, pirated software
Damage	File encryption, ransom demand, potential exposure of sensitive data
Danger Level	High

Ransom Note Overview

The ransom note created by Tianrui ransomware provides the following message:

Your files have been encrypted. To decrypt them, you must pay a ransom.
If you refuse to pay, we will leak sensitive information from your company network,
including financial documents, email contents, and staff data.

Additionally, if you do not contact us within 12 hours, we will make your attack public.

Contact us via Session messenger or email: tianrui@mailum.com

Warning: Do not try to decrypt files manually or use third-party tools,
as this may result in permanent data loss.

How Tianrui Ransomware Works

Tianrui ransomware uses strong encryption algorithms, making it nearly impossible to recover files without the attacker’s decryption key. Unfortunately, paying the ransom does not guarantee file recovery, as cybercriminals often fail to provide decryption tools even after payment.

This ransomware also threatens to publish stolen data if victims refuse to comply with the ransom demand. The attackers claim they will reduce the ransom by half if the victim contacts them within 12 hours.

How Tianrui Ransomware Spreads

Tianrui ransomware is distributed through multiple attack vectors, including:

• Phishing Emails: Malicious attachments or embedded links in emails can download the ransomware onto the victim’s system.
• Drive-by Downloads: Compromised websites can deliver the malware silently to unsuspecting visitors.
• Torrents and Pirated Software: Downloading cracked or pirated software from unreliable sources increases the risk of infection.
• Fake Software Updates: Malicious actors disguise ransomware as legitimate software updates.
• Trojan Malware: Cybercriminals use trojans to install ransomware alongside other malware infections.
• Removable Storage Devices: Tianrui can spread through infected USB flash drives and external hard drives.

Symptoms of Tianrui Ransomware Infection

Victims of Tianrui ransomware will notice the following signs:

• Inability to open files previously accessible
• File extensions altered to “.tianrui”
• A ransom note titled “README.TXT” placed in affected folders
• Demands for ransom payments in cryptocurrency
• Potential theft and exposure of sensitive company data

The Danger Level of Tianrui Ransomware

Tianrui ransomware is classified as highly dangerous due to its ability to encrypt files, steal sensitive data, and threaten to expose confidential information. The ransomware’s extortion tactics increase its impact on businesses and individuals alike.

Manual Ransomware Removal Guide

Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users:

1. For Windows 10, 11:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
   • Go to the Boot tab.
   • Check Safe boot and select Network.
   • Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.
2. For Windows 7, 8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
2. Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
3. Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes

For Windows Users:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
3. Right-click on the process and select End Task.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unusual processes.
3. Select the process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Malicious Files

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Windows\System32
4. Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and delete suspicious folders.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/LaunchAgents and remove unknown .plist files.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings

For Windows Users:

Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
4. Right-click and select Delete.

For Mac Users:

1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/Preferences and remove malicious .plist files.

Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
2. Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
3. Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.

Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)

• Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.

Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup

• If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.

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Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter

If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter

Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe).
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
3. Once installed, launch SpyHunter.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click on Start Scan Now.
2. SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.

Step 4: Remove Detected Threats

1. After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.

Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)

If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.

Step 6: Restore Your Files

If your files are encrypted:

• Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
• Restore from cloud storage or external backups.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
• Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
• Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
• Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
• Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.