NPPP ransomware creators are greedy for money: encrypts data to scare victimsThe message from the criminals demands moneyThreat SummaryWhy free decryption is almost impossibleDistributon methods employed by ransomware developersRemove NPPP Ransomware Virus
NPPP ransomware encrypts all files discovered on victim’s computer. It searches and affects all types of files, including documents, videos, audio files, images, archives, databases, and even more. The file-encrypting malware turns data collected for years and years into junk in a few moments. Once the encryption is complete, the virus deletes Volume Shadow Copies and installs Azorult (Trojan that steals private information such as passwords, logins, etc.).
The message from the criminals demands money
The virus drops _readme.txt notes all over the computer. This file contains a threatening message from the attackers, who suggest that all files were encrypted with “the strongest encryption and unique key. The only method of recovering files is to purchase NPPP decrypt tool and unique key for you.“ The attackers suggest decrypting one chosen file for free as a proof of the decryption tool’s functionality. The victim needs to send the personal ID included in the ransom note to the criminals via helpdatarestore@firemail.cc or helpmanager@mail.ch. If there is no response, the victim is advised to check Spam or Junk folders. In order to protect your file system and private information, remove NPPP ransomware virus as soon as you can. We suggest following the step-by-step guide provided below.
Threat Summary
Why free decryption is almost impossible
The primary matter for each NPPP file virus’ victim is to figure out a way to decrypt files so that they could go back to their original state. Unfortunately, this STOP DJVU ransomware variant is extremely sophisticated and dangerous. It is so because its encryption algorithm can be compared to the most secure mechanisms used to lock military-grade secrets. It would take a supercomputer and many years to crack just one encryption/decryption key pair. Therefore victims who were attacked by this virus should check for data backups instead. However, you must know that NPPP ransomware uses online or offline key to encrypt files. Such encryption methods are described below. STOP/DJVU encryption routine explained
ONLINE encryption. The virus successfully connects to its remote server and gets the individual encryption key from there. Each victim gets assigned with individual encryption/decryption keys in criminals’ database. Free decryption is impossible.OFFLINE encryption. Such encryption uses an encryption key hidden in the ransomware itself. The offline encryption occurs if the virus fails to connect to its C&C server. Therefore, you can understand that the key is the same for all computers on which the connection to C&C failed.
You can check whether you’re affected by the offline key by going to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt file. If the key ends in t1, you might recover files in the future. Learn more about STOP Decryptor and known offline decryption keys here.
Distributon methods employed by ransomware developers
NPPP file virus, just like BBOO, OOSS, MMNN, MOOL or other DJVU versions, hunt for victims in a very specific way. The creators of the virus hide the malware in software cracks or other illegal paid software activation tools (for example, KMSPico). We strongly recommend to follow cyber security experts’ advice and avoid ransomware attacks this way:
Do not open suspicious links online, such as those aggressively promoting various download links, adult games, gambling, and similar sites;Never open links or attachments added to suspicious emails;Use RDP Gateways and use strong passwords;Enable real-time protection anti-malware solution.
Remove NPPP Ransomware Virus
To protect your system, remove NPPP ransomware virus’ remains along with additional malware it dropped on the computer using instructions prepared by our experts. The next step is to restore data using your data backups, if you had them created earlier. NPPP virus removal guide explains how to start PC in Safe Mode and run antivirus or anti-malware of your choice. It is suggested to do this in secure environment, therefore the malevolent programs cannot interfere with your security software’s functionality. 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 NPPP Ransomware 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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