Nagini ransomware / virus (Free Guide)

Nagini virus Removal Guide

What is Nagini ransomware virus?

Harry Potter echoes in cybercrime: Nagini ransomware is on the loose

It seems that the famous J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter franchise has some admirers among the cyber criminals since a ransomware infection called the Nagini virus has recently been spotted roaming the Internet. Nagini is a pet snake which belongs to Voldemort, the evil wizard and the main antagonist of Harry Potter. This ransomware virus is much like Nagini. It sneaks into the computers in a snake-like manner, without the users suspecting a thing and strikes from behind. Once on the computer, it runs its malicious code, blocking the victims from accessing their data stored on the device and then asks the users to pay up in order to access their personal data again. It is interesting that the virus does not follow the footsteps of such famous ransomware projects like Locky, Cryptolocker or Cerber and does not involve a broad scale of data encryption. Currently, it targets a couple of the main file extensions, such as .doc, .xls or .pdf and only if these documents are located in the C:\Users\Colosseum\Desktop\files\ directory. So, how does it block access to the computer? By initiating a lock screen, of course. The lock screen may not be as effective as a full drive encryption using AES or RSA algorithms, but it can sure make the less experienced users lose their wits and follow the criminals’ orders. Don’t be one of them and do not allow the evil doers make a fortune in such illegal ways. Besides, Nagini removal and data recovery is feasible and not too complex either. It might just take a system scan with a professional antivirus utility, such as FortectIntego and the virus will be banished from your system. But you have the screen lock to take care of first. You will learn how to do it in the virus elimination guide below.

Illustration of the Nagini ransomwre ransom note

Looking at the rather incomplex nature of this ransomware, we can only presume two things: either this program was created for the sole purpose of fun, not focusing much on the profit, or the ransomware is still under development and Nagini malware is just a pilot variant of the virus designed to test the waters. Both of these options are possible, but let us not steer away from the fact that this virus should not be underestimated. It may still lock files and prevent you from accessing your desktop which means that it also stops you from initiating a system scan with antivirus software. Besides, some of the virus functions are still unknown, for instance, the purpose of the C:\Temp\voldemort.horcrux folder that appears after file encryption. It’s all left for speculations, but we can only hope that nothing more serious grows out of it. In the meanwhile, take care of your future files and remove Nagini from your computer.

Can you fight ransomware viruses off?

Nagini is a perfect example of ransomware that infects computers with the help of Trojans or spam emails. If you are at least a little familiar with these distribution techniques, you should know how vulnerable the antivirus software can be against them. That’s mainly because the users download the infected files straight to their computers themselves and give very little time for the antivirus utility to inspect them. So, the best way to fight ransomware infections like Nagini off is to keep away from the potential infection spots. The malware-infected material can be encountered on obscure software download sites, insecure peer-2-peer networks, and even your email inbox. Thus, we highly advise you to evaluate every program or file you download on your computer as well as to be careful when dealing with emails received from unfamiliar senders, especially if they contain additional attachments.

Remove Nagini and recover your files:

Nagini virus is still in its initial stages of development, but that does not mean it should be treated any less serious than other ransomware infections. On the opposite, since this program is still in the making, you do not know what to expect from it and how can it start behaving as time goes by. So, the Nagini removal is essential to keep your computer and your data safe. To do that, you will have to remove all the components related to the virus from your computer. We suggest doing that automatically. Below we also provide instructions on how to remove Nagini lock screen and prepare your computer for the antivirus scan. Also, you will find some recommendations on data decryption, in case the virus managed to lock your personal files.

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What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of Nagini virus. Follow these steps

Manual removal using Safe Mode

Nagini virus initiated a lock screen appears on the screen every time you boot your computer. So it might be difficult to access the antivirus utilities and run the system scan. Luckily, you can reach your desktop by running the computer in the Safe Mode. This method is described below.

Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.

Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking

Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment. 

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

Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes

Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details.
    Open task manager
  3. Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
  4. Right-click and select Open file location.
    Open file location
  5. Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
    End task
  6. Delete the contents of the malicious folder.

Step 3. Check program Startup

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Go to Startup tab.
  3. Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
    Startup

Step 4. Delete virus files

Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:

  1. Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
    Disk cleanup
  2. Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
  3. Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:

    Temporary Internet Files
    Downloads
    Recycle Bin
    Temporary files

  4. Pick Clean up system files.
    Delete temp files
  5. You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):

    %AppData%
    %LocalAppData%
    %ProgramData%
    %WinDir%

After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.

Remove Nagini using System Restore

The main files associated with the ransomware are:
c:/Temp/voldemort.horcrux
%UserProfile%\Nagini.exe

Locate and remove them from your computer.

  • Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
    Windows 7 / Vista / XP
    1. Click Start Shutdown Restart OK.
    2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
    3. Select Command Prompt from the list Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'

    Windows 10 / Windows 8
    1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
    2. Now select Troubleshoot Advanced options Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
    3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window. Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
  • Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
    1. Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter. Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    2. Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again.. Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    3. When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Nagini. After doing that, click Next. When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next' Select your restore point and click 'Next'
    4. Now click Yes to start system restore. Click 'Yes' and start system restore
    Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with FortectIntego and make sure that Nagini removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Nagini from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.

If your files are encrypted by Nagini, you can use several methods to restore them:

Can you recover files with Data Recovery Pro?

Since Nagini virus is not as malicious as its counterparts, you might be able to recover the locked file using specialized software such as Data Recovery Pro. Below are the instructions for such data recovery.

  • Download Data Recovery Pro;
  • Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
  • Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by Nagini ransomware;
  • Restore them.

Will Windows Previous Versions feature help you recover your files?

Windows Previous Versions feature is a convenient and often successful technique to recover data after ransomware attack. Nevertheless, it only works on Windows and requires that the System Restore function is enabled before the virus infiltration. If everything’s set, you can follow the short guide below to try and restore your files using Windows Previous Versions feature.

  • Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
  • Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
  • Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.

How can I recover data using ShadowExplorer?

ShadowExplorer is another Windows function that allows recreating lost data from the Volume Shadow Copies that are normally saved on the computer. If the Nagini virus has not ravaged through these files copies, you can try recovering your personal data following the steps here:

  • Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
  • Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
  • Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
  • Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Nagini and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes

How to prevent from getting ransomware

Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are

There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.

Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.

Data backups are important – recover your lost files

Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.

While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.

About the author
Gabriel E. Hall
Gabriel E. Hall - Passionate web researcher

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