Nakw ransomware - Virus Files Removal - Updated Guide
Nakw virus Removal Guide
What is Nakw ransomware?
Nakw ransomware – the 177th version of Djvu ransomware that mainly spreads via software cracks
Nakw ransomware is the 177th version of Djvu ransomware
Nakw ransomware is a file-locking virus that employs the RSA encryption algorithm to lock all data on the host machine and marks it with .nakw appendix. First spotted by security researcher Michael Gillespie,[1] the threat appears to be 177th version of the notorious Djvu ransomware – one of the most prevalent file locking malware strains in the wild currently.
Nakw virus, just as the previous variants, mostly employs software cracks placed on torrent sites to spread – this is why it is so effective (Djvu accounts for more than 55% of worldwide ransomware infections among regular computer users). After the infiltration, it engages in the manipulation of some Windows registry files, deletion of Shadow Volume Copies, and other necessary preparations for the file encryption process.
After that, Nakw ransomware places _readme.txt file into all folders where the affected data is located – it serves as a note from the attackers. Unlike other malware, ransomware does not hide its presence post-infection and instead tries to convince victims to pay a ransom of $490 or, later, $980 in Bitcoin for software that could decrypt all the .nakw files. For communication purposes, hackers provide email addresses gorentos@bitmessage.ch and gerentosrestore@firemail.cc.
Name | Nakw ransomware |
---|---|
Type | Cryptovirus, ransomware |
Spotted by | This malware was first discovered by a cybersecurity researcher named Michael Gillespie who posted his findings on social network Twitter |
Family | Nakw virus belongs to the Djvu ransomware and STOP ransomware families |
Extension | Once files are locked, the ransomware virus appends the .nakw extension to each video, audio, text and other file types |
Cipher | Cybercriminals employ RSA encryption cipher to lock up all data that is found on the infected Windows computer and all the connected networks/external devices |
Ransom note | The _readme.txt ransom message is placed in each folder that holds encrypted data |
Ransom | Hackers ask for $490 if the ransom is transferred within 72 hours. After that, decryption software price goes up to $980 |
File decryption |
There are few methods that might be able to help you recover your data without paying criminals:
Unfortunately, STOPDecrypter no longer works |
Termination | Use robust anti-virus software to detect all malicious malware components on your Windows computer |
Virus damage recovery solution | Quite often, AV engines get rid of malware but fail to fix corrupted system files. Due to this, you might start experiencing various issues or even have to reinstall Windows. To prevent that, use PC repair tool FortectIntego |
Nakw ransomware tries to scare people that their data files have been locked with a strong encryption cipher, and the only way to recover them is by purchasing the decryption tool directly from the developers. For a convincing look, the hackers provide a video link regarding the decryption key's existence and also encourage users to send them one small file for free decryption in order to provide proof that the decryptor truly works and can be purchased from them.
Continuously, Nakw ransomware provides a 50% discount offer from $980 if the victim transfers the money in three days. However, if money is transferred later than in 72 hours, the user has to pay a full price. Also, the criminals provide two email addresses through which they can be reached: salesrestoresoftware@firemail.cc and salesrestoresoftware@gmail.com:
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-IbdGyCKhdr
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:
salesrestoresoftware@firemail.ccReserve e-mail address to contact us:
salesrestoresoftware@gmail.com
Nakw ransomware uses a module that allows the cyber threat to launch whenever the computer is turned on automatically. Most of the files that have been injected by this malware end up in these locations on the Windows computer:
- %Temp%.
- %AppData%.
- %Local%.
- %LocalLow%.
- %Roaming%.
Nevertheless, Nakw ransomware might launch specific processes that scan the computer system at regular intervals (for example, 30 minutes) and search for a file that could be encrypted, i.e., added anew. Furthermore, the ransomware virus will try to complicate the decryption process for victims by deleting Shadow Volume Copies by using Power Shell commands.
Also, the ransomware will damage the hosts file on your Windows PC to prevent you from entering security-related websites. So, once you complete Nakw ransomware removal, do not forget to eliminate the hosts file. Otherwise, the access might still remain blocked. Use security software to eliminate the threat and then try employing FortectIntego, which might help you to fix the damage that was done during the malware attack.
Nakw ransomware is a notorious malware string that uses the RSA cipher to lock up files with the .nakw appendix
However, Nakw ransomware might be capable of much more. This malicious infection makes the system vulnerable to other cyberattacks and might result in the infiltration of other viruses. For example, STOP ransomware versions are known for distributing the AZORult trojan horse, so this variant might also not be an exception. Receiving a trojan on your PC would result in data theft, monetary losses, software damage, and similar negative effects.
You should remove Nakw ransomware from your Windows system if you want to succeed in data recovery in the upcoming future. There is a chance of retrieving your files with the help of Emsisoft's tool for offline decryption cases; additionally, you can also try using data recovery software, as it might be successful in some cases.
The distribution process of ransomware
Ransomware infections sneak into the system by tricking users or abusing a lack of sufficient security precautions when it comes to passwords and other configuration settings used in Remote Desktop connections (RDP).
This means that cybercriminals hack RDPs such as the TCP port 3389 that include weak passwords or no protection at all. Afterward, they remotely connect to the targeted computer system and can execute the malicious payload. However, this is not the only technique used by cybercriminals.
Continuously, hackers are very likely to distribute ransomware via email spam campaigns. They camouflage as reliable shipping (FedEx/DHL) companies and claim to provide “order information.” Afterward, these people might try to encourage you to click on an infected link or open a malicious attachment.
Also, the crooks might place the malicious payload in P2P networks such as The Pirate Bay, eMule, or other torrent services. This way, the ransomware gets delivered through software cracks that are downloaded from third-party links.
Other ransomware distribution sources might include exploit kits, fake software updates, outdated software, trojans, and other methods.
Security tips for avoiding ransomware and data encryption
You always have to be aware of your computer and online security, as dangerous cyber threats can be lurking anywhere in the Internet sphere. You should practice the following safety precautions if you want to avoid as much computer infections as possible:
- Install reliable antivirus protection that includes as many safety features as possible.
- Keeping all of your products and services regularly updated.
- Avoiding third-party networks that are flagged as unsafe ones.
- Downloading products/services only from reliable developers and websites.
- Sorting out all of your email messages and instantly deleting all suspicious-looking ones.
- Scanning every suspicious email attachment with and AV tool.
File security is also a thing to be concerned about. You should make sure that you always hold backups of important documents in case a ransomware strikes. Purchase a portable USB drive or another remote device any copy data to it. Furthermore, ensure that you keep it unplugged from your machine when it is out of usage, otherwise, the ransomware virus might target the data inside the device if it is connected to the infected computer during the malware attack.
Data recovery possibilities for .nakw files
Nakw virus - ransomware that might use vulnerable RDP configuration to enter the targeted machine
Even though Emsisoft has released a decryption tool for various Djvu/STOP ransomware variants, it positively affects only those versions that were released before the start of August this year.[2] Nakw ransomware is a cyberthreat that uses the RSA encryption cipher and has been released at the end of October, so it can only be sometimes decrypted with Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu which works only if the hardcoded key was used for the encryption process, i.e., the virus failed to contact its C&C server.
However, there is still no need to pay the ransom as you might spend a lot of money on a tool that might not even be sent to you. Cybercriminals only care about their own needs, and some of them are very likely to scam the victims and provide them with no decryptor even after the payment.
Rather than risk paying Nakw ransomware developers, you should try some other data recovery methods. We have provided three possible options at the end of this article. Also, you can try using DrWeb's offered Rescue Pack that includes decryption software (works for only certain file types) and 2 years of anti-malware protection.[3]
Removal tips for Nakw ransomware virus
The best way to get rid of the Nakw virus is to use automated removal tools. Employing reliable anti-malware is a necessary step here if you want to proceed with the process correctly and safely.
Manual Nakw ransomware removal is something that should not be practiced by regular users, as the malware heavily modifies various system files and settings – recovering them to the original state manually is rather difficult. Thus, use anti-malware software and perform a full system scan. Be aware that some Djvu virus variants also dropped additional modules or payloads on the system, so there is a chance that Nakw ransomware is not the only malware present on your computer.
According to experts from Virusai.lt,[4], it is important to remove Nakw ransomware first before looking for data recovery possibilities. If you leave any malicious objects on the computer system, the malware might launch itself within every computer startup process, and the encryption will be repeated all over again.
Getting rid of Nakw virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Activate Safe Mode with Networking to disable the ransomware virus.
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
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- 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.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
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:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
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:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- 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).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- 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 Nakw using System Restore
Turn on System Restore to deactivate the malware. Use the below-provided steps to succeed in this task.
-
Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
- Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
-
Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
- Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
- Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
- When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Nakw. After doing that, click Next.
- Now click Yes to start system restore.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Nakw 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 Nakw, you can use several methods to restore them:
Use Data Recovery Pro to restore some data.
If your files and documents were locked with this suspicious tool, you can try recovering some of them with the help of this software.
- 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 Nakw ransomware;
- Restore them.
Employ Windows Previous Versions feature to recover some files/documents.
Use this product to recover some encrypted data. However, check if you have enabled system restore in the past.
- 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”.
Using Shadow Explorer might allow you to reverse some files back to their previous states.
Employ this software to recover some encrypted data. However, keep in mind that this tool might not work if the ransomware virus eliminated Shadow Volume Copies of encrypted documents/files.
- 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.
Try Emsisoft's decrypter for Nakw ransomware
Recovery software might not be helpful in quite a few ransomware cases. Nevertheless, Djvu variants known to fail to contact the remote server relatively often, and then perform the encryption using an offline key. If that is the case, you might be successful in recovering data with Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu.
Additionally, if you are willing to pay, Dr.Web offers decryption service – you can check the offer of Rescue Pack here.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Nakw and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Protect your privacy – employ a VPN
There are several ways how to make your online time more private – you can access an incognito tab. However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of Private Internet Access VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise. Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and Private Internet Access VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals.
No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool
If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers – human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence. In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.
If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. Data Recovery Pro is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market – it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.
- ^ Michael Gillespie. #STOP #Djvu #Ransomware. Twitter. @demonslay335 status.
- ^ Free Ransomware Decryption Tools. Emsisoft. Ransomware decryption tools.
- ^ Dr.Web Rescue Pack. DrWeb products. Decryption for ransomware.
- ^ Virusai.lt. Virusai. Security and spyware news.