How to remove NinjaLoc ransomware

NinjaLoc ransomware – a virus that was created for the purpose of extorting money from victims

NinjaLoc ransomware is a virus that was first discovered by cybersecurity experts in the middle of August 2018. The malware usually infiltrates users' computers when they open a disguised attachment or click on the malicious link. According to developers, the virus uses an AES^[1] encryption algorithm to prevent users from accessing their files. However, researchers concluded that NinjaLoc ransomware does not have the capability to function as intended, and data is left unharmed after the infection. Nevertheless, bad actors claim otherwise and hope that unsuspecting users pay the $100 ransom in Bitcoin cryptocurrency. 

NinjaLoc ransomware uses typical propagation techniques, including spam emails, malicious or hacked websites, weak RDP^[2] protection, fake updates, and similar. To prevent malware from entering, users should be cautious when browsing the internet and opening emails from unknown sources.

While the malicious program does not encrypt any files, the presence of the infection can be noticed straight away. NinjaLoc virus displays a ransom message on a General Window Interface (GUI) window that covers the taskbar. Hackers inform users about what happened as follows:

Opps All of your files have been encrypted!
JUST ENCRYPTED YOUR FILES!
DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME ON INTERNET SEARCHING OR SOLUTION NIGGA!
NOTE:IF YOU TRY TO REMOVE THIS RANSOMWARE YOU WILL LOSE ALL YOUR FILES INSTANTLY!

In addition to the GUI window, users can also see a similar message on the HowtoDecryptYourfiles.txt which is dropped on the desktop and the Documents folder. While hackers do everything for victims to pay the ransom, they should never contact cybercriminals, as NinjaLoc ransomware is a scam. 

While data is not encrypted, the infection is very real; thus, NinjaLoc ransomware removal should still be performed ASAP. The virus might be upgraded at any time, and actually encrypt personal files (such as photos, image files, videos, databases, etc.) in the future. Additionally, it might be used as a backdoor for other malware to enter.

To make sure you remove NinjaLoc virus completely, you should boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking and run a reputable security tool, such as FortectIntego or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner. You can also pick any other program of your liking, although some anti-virus software might not detect the infection.

Avoid ransomware viruses by being careful online

Most ransomware viruses do encrypt data, and getting the files back without a backup is almost impossible. Therefore, avoiding the infection is a better choice, rather than dealing with the malware after it is already established on the device. While no method of protection is 100% safe, there are several things you could do to diminish the possibility of the infiltration:

• Employ a reputable anti-virus software with real-time function. Security tools is a vital step in computer protection against malware. Those who refuse to obtain the program are in much higher risk of ransomware infiltration.
• Beware of spam emails. Hackers often employ bots to send out thousands of phishing emails to various users. While some might look clunky and fake, others might be created with great precision and look legitimate. Thus, never open attachments carelessly or click on hyperlinks included in the spam email.
• Protect your RDP. Malware authors often use so-called brute force attacks where they scan the internet for the RDP-enabled systems. The preset password list is then used to check every single account. Once accessed, the virus can be installed by hackers remotely.
• Avoid suspicious websites. Infected domains can run malicious JavaScript to detect vulnerable systems and inject malware automatically without the user noticing. Thus, always update your software on time and refrain from clicking on suspicious links or downloading executables from file-sharing sites.

Finally, back up your files!

Eliminate NinjaLoc ransomware using anti-virus software

NinjaLoc ransomware removal should not be that complicated. All you have to do is enter Safe Mode with Networking and perform a full system scan. As we already mentioned, not all security software can detect the malware, as not all databases are renewed immediately. For that reason security experts^[3] recommend using FortectIntego or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner.

Because malware does not encrypt files, there is no need to perform the data recovery. Nevertheless, ransomware authors usually work hard to improve the functionality of the code, and it is probably just a matter of time until they convert the malware into fully-functional ransomware. If that happens, make sure you remove NinjaLoc ransomware first and only then use backups or third-party software to recover your data.