Netflix ransomware – dangerous crypto-malware that hides under Netflix Login Generator
Netflix Login Generator is a well known tool that is used to generate accounts for Netflix streaming service seemingly for free. It is not a secret the company is one of the largest video provider worldwide, although it comes with a price tag of $8.99 for a basic plan. Hence, there is no doubt that free account generator is not a legal tool. However, it was also uncovered that the program would install dangerous Netflix ransomware on users devices – a malicious program that is designed to extort money from victims.
In most cases, users download and launch the Netflix Login Generator ransomware (also known as Netix malware) from various shady websites, mistakenly believing that they will be able to stream TV shows and movies for free. Instead, once the executable is launched, they infect their systems with ransomware which encrypts all pictures, music, videos, documents, and other files on the host computer (each of them are appended with .se extension). To recover data, users are asked to pay $100 in bitcoin – this and other information is included in a ransom note Instructions.txt which is dropped on users' desktops. Additionally, Netflix ransomware also replaces the background picture with its own.
| Name | Netflix ransomware, Netflix Login Generator ransomware |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware, data locking malware, cryptovirus |
| Executable | Netflix Gen.exe |
| Encryption method | AES-256 |
| File extension | Each of the non-system and non-executable files are appended with .se extensions |
| Ransom note | Instructions.txt |
| Contact | Crooks provide a web link to follow in order to retrieve the decryption key |
| Ransom size | $100 |
| File Recovery | If no backups are available, recovering data is almost impossible. Nonetheless, we suggest you try the alternative methods that could help you in some cases – we list them below |
| Malware removal | Perform a full system scan with powerful security software, such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner |
| System fix | Malware can seriously tamper with Windows systems, causing errors, crashes, lag, and other stability issues after it is terminated. To remediate the OS and avoid its reinstallation, we recommend scanning it with the FortectIntego repair tool |
In this article, we want to introduce the Netix virus – a new cyber infection that spreads as a rogue Netflix [1] application. This fraudulent program is called Netflix Login Generator v1.1 and is a tool that generates login names and passwords, using which the users can supposedly access the paid Netflix services for free [2].
In reality, this supposedly useful program holds a very unpleasant surprise up its sleeve — a ransomware virus. Indeed, not only does the program deliver login credentials phished or hacked [3] from other Netflix users, which is an unethical act in itself, but it also simultaneously brings a file-locking and ransomware-demanding virus along. Unfortunately, from the very start, this cyber infection has been a successful project and has already managed to trick hundreds of users into downloading the malicious program with Netflix ransomware [4] hitched inside of its source code.
Experts cannot promise any improvement in the future, either. As long as the virus uses a sophisticated algorithm to encrypt files or malware analysts fail to find cracks in the program's source code, this parasite will not be stopped. It may evolve, change the carrier programs, and behave unpredictably. Thus, it is important to take proper protections and prepare the computer system for any critical situation.
Either you have to remove Netix ransomware or protect your computer against it, you should always employ reputable software like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes to help you through this process. Later on, we also recommend using FortectIntego to repair system damage that could have been caused by the infection.
The trick to the Netflix ransomware working principle is simple — the users activate the virus themselves when they click “Generate Login!” button in the running Netflix Login Generator v1.1.exe window labeled “Form1”. There are no flashing pop-ups which would announce that the encryption has started. In fact, this process runs silently in the background of the system, while the users unsuccessfully try to login to the Netflix account being given fake login details.
This gives the virus enough time to encrypt [5] the files stored on the computer. Luckily, the virus only targets the C: partition and specifically focuses on the “Users” folder. 36 types of files that this virus encrypts which may not seem like a lot compared to other ransomware like Cerber or Osiris which typically encrypt hundreds or file extensions. Nevertheless, the documents this virus does encrypt can be considered essential to the users personally. Below you can see the full list of these extensions:
.ai, .asp, .aspx, .avi, .bmp, .csv, .doc, .docx, .epub, .flp, .flv, .gif, .html, .itdb, .itl, .jpg, .m4a, .mdb, .mkv, .mp3, .mp4, .mpeg, .odt, .pdf, .php, .png, .ppt, .pptx, .psd, .py, .rar, .sql, .txt, .wma, .wmv, .xls, .xlsx, .xml and .zip
During the encryption, the Netflix ransomware appends regular file names with .se extensions this way indicating which files were locked using the military-grade AES-256 algorithm. Finally, the virus downloads and drops the Instructions.txt file on the victim’s computer, simultaneously changing the desktop background with a picture claiming that the data on the device has been locked and inviting the victim to open the previously mentioned document. As you can already presume, the Instructions.txt file features data recovery instructions.
The hackers demand 100 worth of Bitcoins for the SE Decrypter. That is a way larger sum than you would normally pay for the monthly subscription to the Netflix account. So, are the shady money saving techniques really worth the risk of having your personal files permanently locked by a ransomware virus? Barely so. Nevertheless, if you have already installed the fraudulent Netflix Login Generator v1.1 application on your computer, you can at least do the correct thing and do not pay the hackers, but take care of the Netflix virus removal instead.
Here is the ransom note that Netflix ransomware virus delivers:
#########################
# #
#########################
ID: 24#########################
All of your files have been encrypted with a military-grade encryption algorithm (AES 256)The only way to get your files back is to visit – in your web browser to buy the decryption key.
To purchase Bitcoin, please register an account with a Bitcoin wallet such as the Coinbase iPhone and Android app and buy $100 worth of Bitcoin, which is ~0.18 BTC.
When you visit the website, enter this ID: – to get your decryption key.
After you have received your decryption key, open the SE Decrypter program and enter the key that you received. Your files will then be decrypted.
The main principles that this ransomware uses to infiltrate computers
Netflix virus earns its name for a reason, because, as you already know, it spreads around as an application that generates logins for the Netflix accounts. We have already talked about the process that occurs after the Netix malware breaches the computer security, but how exactly does the virus get to this point? Frankly, it’s the you-pay-cheap-you-pay-twice type of situation, and in most cases, the users bring it all onto themselves. Let’s admit who doesn’t like saving money? What if there was a way to avoid that monthly fee for the Netflix subscription? Would you do it?
Well, there are users who will take any chance to save some cash and browse the web for tools, programs that would help them do it. It is only natural that the tools made for such unlawful purposes may also be dangerous themselves. Usually, you will find these tools promoted on some low reputation third-party websites that may even start the automatic downloads without your explicit permission. We can suggest one thing – stay on the safe part of the web and allow legitimate content creators to earn money, instead of supporting the cyber criminals.
Netix virus removal
As we have talked about all the malicious features of this parasite, you may be thinking that it is near to impossible to remove the Netix virus from the infected device. This is not true. It is not difficult to banish the virus from your computer; you just have to have the right tools to do it. We recommend investing in a powerful antimalware software to serve for the system cleanup purposes – SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes is perfect for the purpose.
When you are fully prepared and ready, you can then begin the Netflix ransomware removal procedure. Make sure your antivirus can run a proper system scan by running your computer in Safe Mode. We introduce the instructions explaining how to enable this mode below the article.
After you delete Netflix ransomware from your machine, you can then use alternative data recovery methods we provide below. Finally, do not forget to fix system damage done by the virus – use FortectIntego as an automatic solution.
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