Null ransomware / virus (Free Guide) - Quick Decryption Solution

Null virus Removal Guide

What is Null ransomware virus?

Null ransomware requires more than 10 thousand dollars for data decryption

The ransom note by Null ransomware

Null ransomware is a file-encrypting virus that uses AES cryptography[1] to corrupt various files on the targeted computer. It appends .null file extension and demands 2.2 Bitcoins for data recovery. After the attack, it delivers a ransom note in a pop-up window.

The ransom window has 5 tabs that include different information:

  • What happened to my PC
  • Encrypted files
  • How do I recover my files?
  • How do I send bitcoins?
  • What is AES 256?

Compared to other ransomware-type viruses, Null malware demands a huge ransom. Currently, 2.2 Bitcoins equals to almost 10.500 USD. Sending this sum of money is not recommended. You cannot be sure that crooks provide you working decryption software. Besides, if you have at least some of your files backed up, you can use them together with third-party tools.

The ransom note explains about data encryption and provides the list of encrypted files. Victims can see that ransomware encrypts at the most popular files, such as video, audio, image, documents, archives, and similar.

However, authors of the Null virus do not provide any relevant information on how to pay the ransom.Crooks also tell that users should disable their security software because it might disable decryptor. However, we strongly recommend doing the opposite.

Nevertheless, ransomware creates numerous system changes and might affect various processes; it’s not likely to delete Shadow Volume Copies. Thus, data recovery might be possible with third-party software. But first, you have to remove Null from the computer.

You have to wipe out malware from the system using professional security program. For Null removal, we highly recommend FortectIntego. Running full system scan with this security software will help to eliminate this cyber threat safely.

The image of Null ransomware virusNull ransomware demands more than $10 000 in Bitcoins.

Cyber criminals use multiple strategies to spread file-encrypting virus

Hackers rarely rely on one malware distribution method. Null ransomware is also being spread using several ways and methods, such as:

  • malicious spam emails that include infected content, for instance, links or attachments;[2]
  • malware-laden ads;
  • illegal downloads;
  • bogus software updates;
  • fake program installers.

All these methods require user’s participation. Therefore, to avoid ransomware, you have to be careful with emails and do not open suspicious content. It goes without saying that illegal or suspicious downloads should not be considered too.

Security experts from Sweden[3] also remind that malware might spread using RDP and exploit kits. So, using strong passwords and keeping the software, as well as operating system, updated is necessary for protecting yourself.

Null ransomware elimination guidelines

The only safe way to remove Null ransomware from the PC is to use professional security software. Ransomware might create or modify Windows Registry entries, install numerous malicious files and affect legitimate system processes. Thus, trying to fix everything manually might end up with the damaged system.

Therefore, install FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes. These programs are perfect for Null virus removal. However, you may need to reboot your computer to the Safe Mode with Networking first. The explanation how it’s done is presented below.

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What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of Null virus. Follow these steps

Manual removal using Safe Mode

Follow these steps to disable Null ransomware in order to run automatic its removal:

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
  1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
  2. 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.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list. Windows 7/XP
Windows 10 / Windows 8
  1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
    Settings
  2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
    Update and security
  3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
  4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
  5. Click Restart now.
    Reboot
  6. Select Troubleshoot. Choose an option
  7. Go to Advanced options. Advanced options
  8. Select Startup Settings. Startup settings
  9. Press Restart.
  10. Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking. Enable safe mode

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:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details.
    Open task manager
  3. Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
  4. Right-click and select Open file location.
    Open file location
  5. Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
    End task
  6. Delete the contents of the malicious folder.

Step 3. Check program Startup

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Go to Startup tab.
  3. Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
    Startup

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:

  1. Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
    Disk cleanup
  2. 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).
  3. Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:

    Temporary Internet Files
    Downloads
    Recycle Bin
    Temporary files

  4. Pick Clean up system files.
    Delete temp files
  5. 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 Null using System Restore

  • Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
    Windows 7 / Vista / XP
    1. Click Start Shutdown Restart OK.
    2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
    3. Select Command Prompt from the list Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'

    Windows 10 / Windows 8
    1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
    2. Now select Troubleshoot Advanced options Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
    3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window. Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
  • Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
    1. Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter. Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    2. Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again.. Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    3. When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Null. After doing that, click Next. When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next' Select your restore point and click 'Next'
    4. Now click Yes to start system restore. Click 'Yes' and start system restore
    Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with FortectIntego and make sure that Null removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Null from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.

If your files are encrypted by Null, you can use several methods to restore them:

Data Recovery Pro is helpful after ransomware attack

This professional software can restore various corrupted files.

  • 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 Null ransomware;
  • Restore them.

Windows Previous Versions feature might be useful after Null ransomware infiltration

If System Restore has been enabled before ransomware attack, you can copy previously saved versions of encrypted files by following these steps:

  • 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”.

Null ransomware decryptor is not available yet.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Null and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes

How to prevent from getting ransomware

Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are

There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.

Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.

Data backups are important – recover your lost files

Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.

While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.

About the author
Linas Kiguolis
Linas Kiguolis - Expert in social media

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