Oni Ransomware Removal Guide

Do you know what Oni Ransomware is?

There are two different kinds of the malicious Oni Ransomware. The first one is a regular file-encryptor that introduces users to clear demands once the files are corrupted. The second one acts more as a data wiper because it modifies the master boot record (MBR) and encrypts disk partitions. In the first case, users are dealing with the loss of files. In the second one, all data is wiped and the operating system is compromised, which prevents users from using it in any way. Needless to say, the losses are great in both cases, which is why it is crucial to keep the operating system protected. If you need tips on how to do that, please continue reading this report. By doing that, you will also learn more about the infection itself and its removal. The bad news is that it is unlikely that you will be able to delete Oni Ransomware by yourself.

The version of Oni Ransomware that is capable of modifying the MBR is believed to be targeted at operating systems that belong to Japanese organizations and companies and that had already been compromised by cyber criminals prior to the infiltration of the ransomware. In fact, there is data suggesting that the ONI MBR Ransomware – which is how this version is often referred to – is employed to wipe data so that malicious activity would be concealed for good. Some researchers suggest that this malicious ransomware was created to conceal a hacking attack that might have spanned from three to nine months. If that were the case, these big companies and organizations have bigger security issues to think about. At the moment, the information regarding this is very limited, and we cannot give any definitive answers; however, if new findings emerge, the report will be updated right away.

The second version of Oni Ransomware is based on the Globeimposter Ransomware that was first discovered in 2016. This threat uses RSA and AES algorithms to encrypt data, and when files are being corrupted, a unique extension (“.Oni”) is added to their names. This malicious threat creates a file called “!!!README!!!.html” to inform victims that they must communicate with cyber criminals using a special email address, hyakunoonigayoru@yahoo.co.jp. You are asked to send an ID number and two files so that cyber crooks could prove that file decryption is possible. If files come back decrypted, you are more likely to pay a ransom. Note that even though decryption might be possible, that does not mean that the creators of Oni Ransomware would bother with it once the money is in their hands. Our research team hopes that your personal data is back up on external drives or virtual cloud, and you do not need to worry about decryption.

As you can see, we have not provided a specific guide that could help you remove Oni Ransomware. That is because this particular threat is extremely complicated, and eliminating it manually is a huge challenge. Furthermore, other threats are likely to exist as well. In fact, the Oni Ransomware itself appears to be spread using a Remote Access Trojan, Ammyy. This RAT is spread via spam emails where it is concealed as a harmless file. Once this Trojan is in, it can be used to download any threat and cause any security problem. Who knows what other kinds of malware could be active on your operating system. We suggest installing an authentic anti-malware program to have your operating system cleaned. While this will not work on systems whose MBRs are encrypted, this can save those dealing with the other version of this threat.

In non-techie terms:

Oni Ransomware is a serious threat that works in two different ways. One version encrypts files and demands a ransom – which is how most threats of this kind work – and the other one encrypts the Master Boot Record to wipe the operating system. While there is nothing that can be done when the MBR-encrypting version attacks, there are things that can be done with the first version. First and foremost, users must not communicate with cyber criminals and pay the ransom. Second, it is crucial to have Oni Ransomware removed, which should be done using anti-malware software. Manual removal is not recommended because of the Trojans and other threats that are likely to exist as well. Make sure you employ a reliable and up-to-date anti-malware tool, and all threats should be deleted in no time.