AES-NI Ransomware removal: decrypt .aes_ni_0day files

Users who got their personal files encrypted and appended with the .aes_ni_0day or .aes256 extension should leverage this tutorial for recovery assistance.

Just like fingerprints in a real-world crime investigation, every ransomware attack is accompanied by unique IOCs (indicators of compromise) that make it possible to identify the specific crypto threat and the family it represents. One of such infections currently running rampant takes victims’ files hostage and blemishes them with the .aes_ni_0day or .aes256 extension. The former file suffix is inherent to the latest edition of the pest circulating as of mid-April 2017, and the latter refers to a variant that’s been around since December 2016. The offending program proper is called the AES-NI ransomware. The cryptographic facet of this menace involves symmetric AES-256 and RSA-2048 algorithms. While each one is strong enough to thwart brute-forcing as long as it’s implemented right, a combination of both poses an insurmountable obstacle to recovery of the data.

To let the affected user know what happened and what to do next, the plague leaves a ransom note named “!!! READ THIS – IMPORTANT !!!.txt” on the desktop and inside folders with scrambled data. The wording in this how-to varies, depending on whether it’s a server edition of the ransomware or one that affects individual computers. In case a server got hit, the note will start with the following phrase, “AES-NI, special version: NSA exploit edition. INTRO: If you are reading it, your server was attacked with NSA exploits. Make World Safe Again.” The next part is basically the same for both AES-NI versions. It goes, “SORRY! Your files are encrypted. File contents are encrypted with random key (AES-256 bit; ECB mode). Random key is encrypted with RSA public key (2048 bit). We strongly recommend you not to use any “decryption tools”. These tools can damage your data, making recovery impossible.”

Either way, to obtain the RSA private key and get the locked information back, victims are instructed to reach the threat actors via email using one of the following addresses: 0xc030@protonmail.ch, 0xc030@tuta.io, or aes-ni@scryptmail.com. Alternatively, those infected can contact the attackers over Bitmessage or Jabber instant messenger, the corresponding IDs being indicated in the “!!! READ THIS – IMPORTANT !!!.txt” ransom note mentioned above. A really weird thing, though, is that the crooks also tell users to create a topic regarding their issue on Bleeping Computer security forums in case they don’t receive an email response in 48 hours. To put it mildly, that’s an interesting way for criminals to get in touch with their preys.

The size of the ransom fluctuates from incident to incident. Obviously, an organization will have to pay more than a home user. The lowest amount reported by victims at this point is 1.5 Bitcoin, which is worth about 1,800 USD. That’s still higher than the average size across the board. Given the numerous adverse effects, it goes without saying that end users and companies should do their best to prevent ransom Trojans like AES-NI from attacking them. Unlike the majority of its counterparts, this particular strain mostly propagates via Remote Desktop Protocol. This is old school hacking in action. Aside from hardening RDP related defenses, users should prioritize their data and back up at least the most important files. If the .aes_ni_0day / .aes256 file ransomware has already gotten inside and done its filthy job, start the troubleshooting with the steps below.

AES-NI ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like AES-NI, one of the best shortcuts in terms of removal is to use Combo Cleaner, a lightweight and incredibly effective application with PC security and optimization features under the hood. It detects and thoroughly deletes threats while giving you insights into the overall health of your computer.

This program’s protection power spans modules that forestall all known types of malware, including ransomware and browser hijackers, and take your online security to the next level by blocking phishing sites and other suspicious web pages. Follow these simple steps to eliminate the infection for good:

1. Download Combo Cleaner installer.

Download AES-NI remover

^{Combo Cleaner scans your PC with no strings attached, but you’ll have to buy its fully functional version to remove the threats it detects. The disk optimization tools that find large files and duplicates are free to use.}

2. Open the CCSetup.exe file to get started. Several subsequent screens will allow you to make initial customizations so that the program works exactly as you need from the get-go.

3. The installation will be followed by an update of malware signatures. Once this process is through, click the Start Scan button in the left-hand sidebar.

4. Combo Cleaner will then check system locations that are most often polluted by Windows malware. The first scan can take a while to finish.

5. Combo Cleaner will display a system tray notification as soon as the scan is over. Click the Resolve found threats button to view the results.

6. The scan summary shows the names and types of the detected threats as well as their statuses and locations. Click the Remove all threats button and follow further on-screen prompts to get rid of these items.

Data recovery toolkit to the rescue

Some strains of ransomware are known to delete the original files after the encryption routine has been completed. As hostile as this activity appears, it can play into your hands. There are applications designed to revive the information that was obliterated because of malfunctioning hardware or due to accidental removal. The tool called Stellar Data Recovery features this type of a capability and therefore it can be applied in ransom attack scenarios to at least get the most important files back. So use the app to get an idea of what data can be restored and let it do the recovery job. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

2. Open the application, select the types of recoverable files to look for, and click Next.

3. Choose the areas you want the tool to recover from and click the Scan button.

4. Having scanned the specified locations, the program will display a notification about the total amount of recoverable data. Close the dialog and click the Recover button. This will hopefully help you get some of your valuable files back.

AES-NI ransomware manual removal and file recovery

Some ransomware strains terminate themselves after completing the encryption job on a computer, but some don’t. Furthermore, the AES-NI virus may prevent victims from using popular antimalware tools in order to stay on board for as long as possible. Under the circumstances, it may be necessary to utilize the Safe Mode with Networking or System Restore functionality.

Be advised that even after the ransomware is removed, files will still be encrypted and inaccessible. The malicious code cleanup part, however, is important because it keeps a relapse of the infection from occurring further on and eliminates all opportunistic malware.

Ways of non-ransom .aes_ni_0day / .aes256 files recovery

Cracking the crypto used by this ransom Trojan is more of a science fiction thing rather than an attainable prospect for the masses. This is why the troubleshooting in predicaments of this sort is a matter of two approaches: one is to pay the ransom, which isn’t an option for many victims; and the other is to apply instruments that take advantage of the ransomware’s possible weaknesses. If the latter is your pick, the advice below is a must-try.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid AES-NI ransomware and other file-encrypting infections in the future, follow several simple recommendations:

These techniques are certainly not a cure-all, but they will add an extra layer of ransomware protection to your security setup.

Revise your security status

Post-factum assessment of the accuracy component in malware removal scenarios is a great habit that prevents the comeback of harmful code or replication of its unattended fractions. Make sure you are good to go by running an additional safety checkup. Another benefit of using the antimalware tool is that it will keep ransomware threats from intruding on your computer further on.

Download AES-NI removal tool