N-SpLiTTer ransomware / virus (Improved Instructions) - Decryption Methods Included
N-SpLiTTer virus Removal Guide
What is N-SpLiTTer ransomware virus?
What should you know about N-SpLiTTer virus?
The developers of HiddenTear ransomware[1] inspired another team of hackers to create a new ransomware – N-SpLiTTer virus. Based on this open source ransomware project, malware encrypts targeted files and demands a particular amount of money for the decryption[2]. Malware has been created to attack the most popular file types, such as image, audio and video formats, databases, as well as Microsoft Office documents. Targeting widely used file types allows causing more damage for the computer users and encourage them to pay the ransom. N-SpLiTTer ransomware spreads via Ru.exe file and not only targets home computer users but businesses as well. Victims who do not have data backups are forced to solve the dilemma – to pay the ransom or not?[3] We do not recommend transferring demanded amount of money because there are no guarantees that it will help to rescue your files. It’s better to remove N-SpLiTTer and start from the scratch. Ransomware-type viruses are created for swindling the money and decryption is only the matter of hacker’s conscience. Honestly, you should not rely on cyber criminals’ words.
N-SpLiTTer virus encrypts files using a strong algorithm and appends unique file extension in Cyrillic characters – .кибер. When all files on the attacked computer are damaged, malware drops a ransom note. In the message, victims can learn what encryption is and what have happened to their personal files. People cannot access and use their documents unless they purchase an individual decryption key. Hackers demand 0.5 Bitcoins[4] that equals to 546 USD at the moment. We understand that documents are important to you; however, you might lose your money as well. Start N-SpLiTTer removal as soon as this malware shows appearance on your PC. For that, you will need a strong malware removal tool such as FortectIntego. However, malware can prevent you from using security tools, so you will need our prepared instructions that are presented at the end of the article. After N-SpLiTTer ransomware elimination, you will be able to restore your files from backups. If you don’t have them, you should try additional data recovery methods described below.
The most popular ways to spread malware
The developers of the N-SpLiTTer virus use traditional ransomware distribution methods – malicious email attachments and infected software downloads or updates. Unfortunately, computer users are still naïve and trust every email that shows up in their inbox. If you haven’t experienced ransomware attack yet, you should learn to be careful with received emails[5]. Do not open spam emails – they were filtered there for a reason! Also, do not open any attachments or links in any suspicious email that claims to be from the governmental institution, reputable company or retailers. Before opening attachments, double check the information and contact organization directly. N-SpLiTTer hijack might also happen when you install bogus software or its updates from untrustworthy sources or file-sharing domains. So, install programs only from legitimate and official websites.
Guidelines for N-SpLiTTer removal
N-SpLiTTer malware attacks not only home computer users but companies as well. If it infects computer connect to the network, it can immediately attack other computers connected to the same network as well. If you got infected with ransomware do not try to get rid of it manually, opt for automatic N-SpLiTTer removal and scan device with FortectIntego or Malwarebytes. However, malware might be resistant and block access to security tools. In this case, you should follow our prepared instructions below. Sadly, it’s not enough to remove N-SpLiTTer to restore encrypted files. Anti-malware tools are not designed for this task. If you do not have data backups and cannot retrieve files from there, check our alternative data recovery options below.
Getting rid of N-SpLiTTer virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
If you cannot remove N-SpLiTTer virus automatically, reboot your computer to the Safe Mode with Networking.
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
Remove N-SpLiTTer using System Restore
If malware prevents you from accessing anti-malware tool, follow these instructions.
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
-
Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
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Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of N-SpLiTTer. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove N-SpLiTTer from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.Bear in mind that paying the ransom is not an option. After N-SpLiTTer ransomware attack, you can use data backups or try additional recovery methods.
If your files are encrypted by N-SpLiTTer, you can use several methods to restore them:
Data Recovery Pro – automatic data recovery option
Data Recovery Pro is a professional tool that can recover deleted, corrupted or encrypted files. Follow these steps and give this tool a try:
- Download Data Recovery Pro;
- Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
- Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by N-SpLiTTer ransomware;
- Restore them.
Retrieve individual files using Windows Previous Versions feature
This method allows traveling back in time. If System Restore function has been activated before N-SpLiTTer ransomware attack, follow these steps and get back individual files:
- Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
- Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
- Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.
Give ShadowExplorer a try
If N-SpLiTTer virus did not delete Shadow Volume Copies, ShadowExplorer tool could help you to restore encrypted files. Follow these steps:
- Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
- Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
- Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
- Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from N-SpLiTTer and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.
If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like Private Internet Access can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files. More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.
Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, Data Recovery Pro can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.
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- ^ Darren Pauli. Ransomware blueprints published on GitHub in the name of education. The Register. Sci/Tech News for the World.
- ^ Decryption. Technopedia. Where IT and Business Meet.
- ^ David Harley. Ransomware: To pay or not to pay?. WeLiveSecurity. News, views and insights on online security.
- ^ What is Bitcoin?. Bitcoin.org. Open source P2P money.
- ^ How to Identify a Dangerous/Malicious Email. Optimal Networks. IT Company.