How to remove Naampa ransomware virus

Naampa locks personal data with .crptd file extension

Naampa is a new file-encrypting virus that employs RSA-2048 encryption algorithm to corrupt various files. It also appends .crptd extension to each of database, archive, document, audio, video or text files. Once it’s done, malware drops a ransom note called “! —- —- the README !. jpg.”

The ransom-demanding message is written in the Russian language. Thus, Naampa virus is aimed at Russian-speaking computer users.^[1] Crooks ask victims to contact them via unlckr@protonmail.com email address. In the letter, they have to provide one of the encrypted files and key.res file. If victims do not receive the answer within a day, they need to check current email address via provided address using TOR browser.

Instead of communicating with cyber criminals, you should remove Naampa from the PC and try alternative recovery methods. It may not be effective and help to decrypt all of your files. But it’s the only safe option at the moment because ransomware is capable of deleting Shadow Volume Copies of the targeted files. However, criminals are not reliable people, so you should not waste your money and obtain suspicious decryption software.

According to the current data, the virus might be related to Unlock92 ransomware virus that has been attacking Russian-speaking people at the end of 2016. This crypto-malware is decryptable.^[2] Thus, it’s decryptor might help to recover your files too.

Talking about characteristics of the Naampa ransomware, the virus is written in C# programming language. On the affected device malware drops two executable files – naampa.exe and mmspert.exe. These files are responsible for activating the virus and carrying out other tasks on the computer.

This cyber extortionist not only encrypts files but might cause damage to other system processes. The virus might make new entries on Windows Registry, delete or modify various sub-keys. What is more, it might affect legitimate system processes or install malicious files to complete harmful tasks. The malware creates and locates its components in these directories:

• %USERPROFILE%\Documents\!—-README—-!.jpg
• %USERPROFILE%\Documents\key.res

Deleting these files manually is not safe. Manual elimination of the ransomware might cause even bigger damage to the device. To stop malicious tasks on your computer and fix other problems on the system, you need to run professional security software, such as FortectIntego. It’s necessary for safe Naampa removal. If ransomware blocks removal tool, please check elimination instructions below the article.

Careless behavior on the Web might end up with a ransomware attack

Nevertheless, ransomware belongs to the most dangerous cyber infections; user’s participation is usually necessary to infiltrate the device. Several examples of currently active crypto-malware use exploit kits^[3] and hijack devices with the help of security vulnerabilities. However, authors of not so sophisticated viruses use traditional distribution techniques that require user’s clicks:

• emails that include malicious content (button, link, attachment);
• infected ads;
• illegal downloads;^[4]
• fake updates.

When you open an unknown email attachment, click on a suspicious advertisement, download illegal programs or other content or you are tricked to install a fake software update, you risk to let Naampa or another ransomware virus on your PC. Thus, be careful!

Removal steps for Naampa virus

As we have already told you, Naampa removal is performed using security software. If you do not know what malware removal tool to choose, we suggest using FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. These professional programs will detect and delete all malicious content that might hide in your computer.

However, if you cannot install, update or run your preferred virus elimination software, you need to reboot the device to Safe Mode with Networking. This helps to disable the malware. Then you will be able to run security software and remove Naampa.