How to remove Nitro22 ransomware

Nitro22 ransomware uses encryption to lock users' files and asks them to pay for decryption

Nitro22 ransomware is a file-locking virus that prevents users from opening pictures, videos, documents, and other personal files. After the malicious program infiltrates the computer, files are locked using complicated encryption^[1] algorithms.

The affected files are marked with a .nitro extension. It is usually during this period that victims notice the infection. The file names look something like this – picture.jpg.nitro, video.mp4.nitro, and the icons turn to white pages so thumbnails are unavailable.

Shortly after, the malware generates a text file named #Decryption#.txt. This is called a ransom note. In the note, hackers reveal to victims what happened to their data and ask for payment in return for a decryption key. Ransomware attacks can be very devastating to those who do not have backups. We recommend you to read the guide fully, to prevent this in the future.

The ransom note

The full #Decryption#.txt ransom note reads as follows:

Hello!
Unfortunately for you, a major IT security weakness left you open to attack, your files have been encrypted
If you want to restore them, write
SKYPE:  
Nitro22  
E-MAIL :
nitro22@onionmail.org  
nitro22@msgsafe.io
   
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
We are always ready to cooperate and find the best way to solve your problem.
The faster you write, the more favorable the conditions will be for you.
Our company values its reputation.  We give all guarantees of your files decryption
IF WE DONT SEE MESSAGES FROM YOU IN 48 HOURS – WE WILL SELL YOUR DATABASES AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO YOUR COMPETITORS,AFTER YOU WILL SEE IT AT OPEN SOURCE AND DARKNET
Start messaging with an incident ID and 2-3 test files up to 1mb  
your unique ID
–

The ransom note is meant to scare people into taking action immediately. Cybercriminals try to intimidate victims by saying that there is no other way to recover the files and by giving a time limit – 48 hours to contact them. Otherwise, they threaten to leak the information to the public or sell it to other malicious parties.

We strongly advise not to pay the ransom because victims often do not receive the promised decryption tools after the payment is sent. Once you make a cryptocurrency^[2] transaction, you cannot reverse it, so you will most likely be left without your money and data. By paying, you will also support the malicious activity, which leads to more malware attacks on innocent users.

Even though often there is no other way to recover the data, it is not worth it to take that risk. Instead, learn how to backup your data, and follow security experts' guidelines on how to avoid malicious programs. In some cases, third-party solutions help recover the data, so we included them in our post.

Distribution methods

Cybercriminals use email attachments, fake software updates, unofficial sites that distribute “cracked” programs,^[3] and peer-to-peer file-sharing platforms to spread malicious programs. You should always be careful when downloading email attachments. Do not download attachments from senders you do not recognize.

Fake software updaters infect computers by installing malware instead of updates. Never update your software through your browser. If a page pops up saying you need to update something, go to the software's official page or open the program itself and check. Never download anything from a random pop-up.

Another common method used by threat actors to deliver ransomware is software vulnerabilities.^[4] It is extremely important to keep your operating system and software updated. Software developers regularly release security patches that fix known vulnerabilities. Install them as soon as they are available to prevent hackers from exploiting security holes.

Ransomware removal

If you try to recover your data first, it can result in permanent loss. It can also encrypt your files the second time. It will not stop until you remove the malicious files causing it first. You should not attempt removing the malicious program yourself. Use anti-malware tools like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes to scan your system. This security software should find all the related files and entries and remove them automatically for you. Automatic removal is the best option because there is less risk of leaving some of the traces behind.

Malware could prevent you from using antivirus software by turning it off. In that case, you should proceed with accessing Safe Mode first:

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 10 / Windows 8

1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
   
2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
5. Click Restart now.
6. Select Troubleshoot.
7. Go to Advanced options.
8. Select Startup Settings.
9. Click Restart.
10. Press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

File recovery using third-party software

Only hackers hold the decryption key, which can unlock your files, so if you did not back them up previously, you possibly lost your files forever. You can try using data recovery software, but third-party programs cannot always decrypt the files. We suggest at least trying this method. Before proceeding, you have to copy the corrupted files and place them in a USB flash drive or another storage. And remember – only do this if you have already removed Nitro22 ransomware.

1. Download Data Recovery Pro.
2. Double-click the installer to launch it.
   
3. Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
4. As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
5. Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
6. Press Next.
7. At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
8. Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
9. You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
10. Press Recover to retrieve your files.

Fix the operating system

Performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a full Windows reinstall is required, are expected after malware infection. These types of infections can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software is not able to repair it. 

This is why FortectIntego was developed. It can fix a lot of the damage caused by an infection like this. Blue Screen errors,^[5] freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc., can make your computer completely unusable. By using this maintenance tool, you could avoid Windows reinstallation.

• Download the application by clicking on the link above
• Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
  
  
• If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
• Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
• The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
• Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
• You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
• If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.