How to remove NPSK ransomware

NPSK ransomware is a data locker that stems from Djvu virus family

NPSK ransomware is a cryptovirus that was first spotted at the end of March 2020, attacking users worldwide. Upon infiltration (which is usually executed via software cracks), the malware modifies Windows settings, weakening its defenses, and begins to look for data to encrypt. With the help of the RSA asymmetric algorithm,^[1] the virus appends .npsk extension to each of the files, preventing victims from opening them.

To redeem access to data, users need a particular NPSK ransomware decryptor – it can be obtained from the virus authors. The attackers also inform victims via the _readme.txt note that the tool should be paid for within 72 hours, otherwise the price doubles to $980 in Bitcoin (after the payment, users are advised to send an email to helpmanager@firemail.cc or helpmanager@iran.ir). However, since the NPSK virus belongs to a well-known malware family, Djvu, there might be a chance of free data recovery with the help of Emsisoft's decryptor if the encryption was performed with an offline ID, so paying cybercriminals is not advisable.

Djvu virus family, which NPSK ransomware belongs to, began its activity back in December 2017, and since then more than 200 variants have been released, each using a different file extension. The frequency of releases grew, and the attackers performed various changes to malware in the meantime.

For example, prior to August 2019, AES cipher was used for the file locking process, which was later replaced by RSA. This happened due to actions of cybersecurity researchers who discovered a way to crack down the malicious actions of malware and released a free decrytpor for the majority of virus versions.^[2] While there is no guaranteed way to retrieve data for those who got infected with variants released past August last year (including the NPSK virus), some victims may be lucky and recover data with another tool from security experts.

However, it only works if NPSK ransomware used and offline ID to lock data, which means that it could not access the remote C&C servers to retrieve a unique key. Additionally, each of suchlike versions can only be decryptable until one of the victims paid the ransom and retrieved the key.

It is important to note that NPSK ransomware removal should be performed after backing up the encrypted files if not backups are available, otherwise, the data might get corrupted. Proceeding with elimination process should be a top priority, as this ransomware family is known to import other malware (such as banking trojans) and modify Windows “hosts” file to prevent users from accessing security related files.

To remove NPSK ransomware from the system, you should employ anti-malware software that can detect and eliminate the threat. Keep in mind that none of the AVs can completely protect your from all new variants of malicious software. Nevertheless, the main executable of NPSK file virus, which is typically named as A2AA.tmp.exe or similar is detected under the following names, according to Virus Total:^[3]

• Trojan.GenericKD.42870227
• UDS:DangerousObject.Multi.Generic
• BehavesLike.Win32.Generic.bc
• Trojan.MalPack.GS
• Trojan:Win32/Racealer.DSK!MTB
• TROJ_GEN.R011H0CCM20, etc.

As you can see, most of the engines detect the malicious file-based heuristic detection,^[4] which means that NPSK ransomware has not been previously captured in the wild. However, this just highlights the importance of anti-malware software – it can prevent the majority of intrusions and save victims from the devastating consequences of ransomware.

File encryption process of NPSK ransomware

NPSK ransomware, just as many other file lockers, target Windows users exclusively, as the operating system is the most widespread in the world. Nevertheless, both of the architectures – 64bit and 32bit are affected.

Once inside the computer, the NPSK virus does not immediately begins the file encryption process. Instead, it weakens computer defenses first in order to prevent victims from achieving easy recovery – it does that with the help of a variety of changes. For example, it creates multiple new processes and terminates some existing ones, modifies the Windows registry, executes shell commands, starts new services, and much more. To recover revert these changes, we highly suggest scanning the system with FortectIntego after NPSK ransomware removal.

After the preparations are complete, NPSK ransomware begins to look for data to encrypt and targets the most commonly used file extensions like .pdf, .gif, .doc, .mp4, .jpg, .rar, .txt, and many more. During the encryption process, the virus displays a fake Windows update pop-up in order to stop users from interrupting the process before it is complete. If you can shut down your PC, you can save at least some of your files in some cases.

The following step of NPSK ransomware includes delivering the ransom note _readme.txt so that users would be aware of what happened to their computers and files. The following information is provided inside:

ATTENTION!

Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-Oc0xgfzC7q
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.
Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.

To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
helpmanager@firemail.cc

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
helpmanager@iran.ir

Your personal ID:

As mentioned before, paying cybercriminals behind NPSK ransomware is not recommended, as they might not deliver the required tool, or it might not work. It is also understandable that some users might not have another choice, despite the risks. Alternatively, you could try using third-party software or a few other methods we list below.

Software cracks – the easiest way to infect your PC with malware

Tools that are used to bypass the licensing process of an application – the so-called keygens, cracks, or loaders – are often used to deliver malware. Because of their functionality, security software will usually mark them as malicious regardless if they carry malware or not, so there is no secure way to check whether the crack is safe to use. Besides, perform such activity is illegal in the first place and could result in penalties by law enforcement – another thing to keep in mind.

Therefore, to avoid Djvu ransomware, you should never visit peer-to-peer or warez websites that offer cracked software, as it can be malicious. Instead, if you want to use certain programs, find alternatives that offer free versions, or simply pay for the license – at least you will be guaranteed that the app is secure and fully functional.

You should always backup your data and employ reputable anti-malware software that would protect your machine using a real-time protection module. Nevertheless, this is not enough to protect yourself fully, as you should also:

• never allow a spam email attachment to run a macro (“Allow content”) on your machine;
• hover over a link embedded inside a suspicious email to see where it will actually bring you to;
• install the latest security updates for your operating system and all the installed applications;
• use secure passwords for all your accounts and employ two-factor authentication where possible;
• when using Remote Desktop, employ VPN, secure it with a strong password, and never use the default TCP/UDP port;
• employ ad-block, firewall, and other security tools to protect you from harm online.

Remove NPSK ransomware from your system

As previously mentioned, while NPSK ransomware removal is very important to achieve as soon as possible due to its secondary functionality, you should not do it immediately if you have no backups prepared. First, copy the locked data over to a USB Flash or virtual storage like Google Drive to ensure that it will not get damaged during the further actions that you have to proceed with.

Once you have backups, you can remove NPSK ransomware with the help of anti-malware software. If in some cases, the malware is tampering with your security app, you can access Safe Mode with Networking as explained below and perform a full scan from there. Additionally, you should also go to the following location and delete the “hosts” file to regain access to all the websites:

C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\

Finally, you can proceed with data recovery – check out the instructions below. It is important to note that, if Emsisoft's decryptor does not currently work, but you have an offline ID, it should become functional in the future for the NPSK virus as well.