Nemucod ransomware: how does it operate?
Nemucod virus has the same name as a malicious Nemucod Trojan (known as JS.Nemucod[1]), however, these viruses are different. The ransomware virus is programmed specifically for encrypting personal information. Afterward, it urges a victim to pay the money in return for the data. If you are concerned about the safety of your device and you suspect that the system was infected with this threat, you should consolidate the protection by installing an anti-spyware program, such as FortectIntego, which can also remove Nemucod virus.
Some speculate that this ransomware is just another version of officially terminated TeslaCrypt[2] because the above-mentioned trojan used to distribute the infamous threat. Likewise, Nemucod ransomware mainly targets users living in Canada and the US. However, if you live outside these countries, remain vigilant because you never know when the virus appears in front of your OS’ doorstep. The virus is reported to be using RSA and AES asymmetric encoding algorithms. Thus, decrypting the locked files becomes more challenging. Moreover, due to the shape-shifting peculiarities of Nemucod malware, there is still a lack of consistent analysis. In some cases, it is reported that the virus may append an .crypted extension to the encrypted files, while in another case – .nemucod file extension.
If your computer has poor protection, the virus easily might pave its way into the system and start rampaging[3]. After it tracks down all possible important files and encodes them, it drops a DECRYPT.txt file with the instructions. Furthermore, you are urged to purchase Bitcoins. This action is supposed to help you retrieve the valuable information. Keep in mind that it is cyber criminals that you are dealing with, so brush aside naïve expectations and concentrate on Nemucod removal instead. Before we move on the section where we will introduce the solution to this threat, it is important to be wary of the distribution methods of this ransomware.
What methods are used for this crypto-ransomware proliferation?
There are a few main ways how Nemucod tiptoes into target computers. It can either reach the computer system when the victim visits an infected website that hosts an exploit kit [4], clicks on a malware-laden ad, or downloads a malicious email attachment. Hackers have mastered techniques to threaten users and convince them into opening the spam email with an infected link. At the moment, it is known that the malicious virus is delivered via emails that deliver attachments titled as [Scan/Receipt/Document]_[number].zip. The message title typically suggests that the email delivers a notification/fine/receipt/etc. Currently, the virus is being distributed via such emails:
- Sender: FedEx International MailService;
- Message title: Delivery Notification, ID 00000430307;
- Attachment: Label_00000430307.zip, SCAN_invoice_58492400.zip or similar.
You should never ever open email attachments that unknown people or organizations send to you. Use your common sense, and when you receive a message from a person/company that has never contacted you before or recently, think whether you were supposed to get a message from such sender. If not, better stay away from the email. Another indicator that shows you’re dealing with cyber criminals is a suspicious-looking sender’s email address. You must understand that rick.muller@e-qualitas.org.uk and similar emails do not belong to employees of well-known companies and that trustworthy people would never write from such emails to clients in behalf of a certain company. Unfortunately, users often recklessly rush to open malicious files without realizing the menace that lies behind them. Be smart and do not let scammers trick you! If you happen to notice any similar email in your spam or Inbox folder, delete it without entering it and opening the attachment. In addition, the malware may have used JS.Nemucod trojan to attack your OS. Due to its technical characteristics, some security programs might overlook it.
Nemucod Decryptor is available: decrypt your files for free
Luckily, malware researchers run down Nemucod’s attempts to wreak havoc on computers and ask for ransoms to restore infected systems. Although recently virus has been updated, malware analysts have managed to create an updated Nemucod decrypter that helps to restore files compromised not only by earlier versions of this ransomware, but also ones that have been corrupted by the latest virus variant (the one that emerged in December 2016). Therefore, if you have been hit by this ransomware, simply remove it from the system (essential step, do not try to decrypt your files while the virus is still on the system – uninstall it and the rest of malicious files/programs using anti-malware software!), and download the decryption tool here. The tool is created by a malware researcher F.Wosar, who has been creating antidotes for ransomware viruses for a long time now. You can find detailed data recovery instructions below the article.
Get rid of Nemucod ransomware now
Regarding the complex structure of the ransomware, automatic Nemucod removal might be the only choice. Thus, do not hesitate to install the anti-malware program like FortectIntego so that it could remove Nemucod within a glimpse. The recommended software will ensure that no potentially malicious files are left. It can also protect from similar ransomware variants, such as Locky, Cerber, or Thor[5]. Some users reported that the virus blocked attempts to launch anti-malware software, so please take a look at ransomware removal instructions provided below the article. If you have also encountered this program, take a look at the recovery instructions provided on this page. To sum up, keep in mind that the Internet is not the place where you can surf carelessly without having proper protection.
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