LINA ransomware originates from DHARMA/CrySiS malware familyRansomware SummaryDistribution methods and ways to prevent computer infectionsRemove LINA ransomware virus and restore your files
In addition to dropped text notes, LINA ransomware also launches a info.hta window that is named linajamser@aol.com and says “Your files are encrypted.” The note says that the victim still has a chance to decrypt .lina extension files, but for that to happen, the computer user has to contact the ransomware developers via provided emails. The main contact email is included in encrypted file extensions, although the note leaves an “alternative” email spare332@protonmail.ch to use if criminals do not reply within 12 hours. It is clear what kind of response the criminals will provide – they will provide the price of the ransom in USD, but this sum will be asked to be paid in cryptocurrency, most likely Bitcoin. Such transfers help to protect the attackers’ identity. In exchange for the payment, the attackers promise to provide LINA file decryption key and software. However, we strongly advise against meeting cybercriminals’ demands, as they are not the people to trust. Cybersecurity experts recommend restoring encrypted files with a help of previously created data backups, or use file recovery tools available on the market. We must note that file recovery using Volume Shadow Copies will be impossible as the virus deletes them as soon as it lands on the target system. We strongly recommend cleansing malware remains and virus damage on the system using RESTORO.
Ransomware Summary
Distribution methods and ways to prevent computer infections
LINA ransomware is essentially similar to ZPHS, BLM, XATI, DATA and other crypto-virus infections, and therefore it spreads in similar ways as well. The most common distribution method its operators use is malicious email spam. In such emails, criminals compose a convincing message, typically informing about a very important document such as invoice, missing payment or similar that needs to be viewed ASAP. Unfortunately, the sent document contains a malicious script that downloads and launches ransomware on victim’s computer. Therefore, computer users should always double-check the sender of the email and open its attachments only if they are 100% sure that the attachment is secure. Another common method used to distribute ransomware-type computer viruses is illegal downloads. Here, we would like to mention popular torrent-sharing websites that promote illegal software cracks, keygens, or tools like KMSPico to crack Microsoft Windows or Office products. Remember that attempts to obtain full software versions that are usually paid can result in a full data encryption on your PC. Therefore, we suggest you to invest in legitimate software license keys and keep your personal belongings secure. We also would like to mention that illegal downloads are mostly used to distribute STOP/DJVU like KOLZ, an extremely active ransomware family nowadays. Finally, stay away from untrustworthy websites that trigger loads of pop-ups, banner or pop-under ads. You should know that such infectious sites might display fake notifications urging you to “update” Adobe Flash or another widely used software. However, allowing to “update” can simply drag in a ransomware payload to your computer. Therefore, make sure you download software updates from the official application vendor websites or update via the program directly.
Remove LINA ransomware virus and restore your files
Before you can start restoring your files, you must remove LINA ransomware virus remains from the system. For virus damage repair on Windows OS, we kindly suggest downloading RESTORO software. It is a popular solution that can soften the damage done to the system after a malware attack on the system. For more detailed malware removal instructions, see the guide attached below. Once LINA virus removal is complete, you can plug your data backup to the computer and start transferring clean files to your computer. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.
Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove the virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, see a video tutorial on how to do it: Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users Now, you can search for and remove LINA ransomware virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable malware removal program. In addition, we suggest trying a combination of INTEGO Antivirus (removes malware and protects your PC in real-time) and RESTORO (repairs virus damage to Windows OS files).
Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future. Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
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