Namaste ransomware (Virus Removal Guide) - Improved Instructions

Namaste virus Removal Guide

What is Namaste ransomware?

Namaste ransomware – a cryptovirus that plays an audio track to ask victims for ransom

Namaste ransomwareNamaste ransomware is a data-locking computer virus that asks to pay $12-worth of bitcoin to unlock files

Namaste ransomware is a treacherous computer virus that locks private files on an infected device and demands a ransom for deciphering them. During the encryption process, all data is renamed by appending a ._enc extension. It also changes the desktop wallpaper and generates a pop-up ransom note, in which the assailants state their demands.

One very peculiar thing about the Namaste virus is that it plays an audio recording repeating the words “pay now to recover your files.” There is no way to contact the criminals, as they don't provide an email address. A link to a website is given where the victims have to pay €10 (approx. $12) to receive the necessary decryption tool.

Although the price seems very small for the ability to regain access to your files, paying the criminals might be risky, and in this article, we'll explain why. We will also provide extensive details about the malware, its distribution techniques, how to avoid it, and of course, how to remove the cyber threat once and for all.

Name Namaste ransomware
Type File-locker, cryptovirus
Appended file extension ._enc
Ransom note Pup-up window
Distribution Malspam, file-sharing platforms, deceptive ads
Ransom amount €10
Additional info Namaste ransomware virus changes the wallpaper and plays an audio track saying, “pay now to recover your files”
Malware removal Professional anti-malware tools should be used to get rid of all malicious computer software
System health fix To fully eliminate the collateral damage your system sustained, use a powerful system repair tool like the FortectIntego app

Cybercriminals use various persuasion techniques to convince their victims to pay the necessary amount of money. Some blackmail their victims by stealing some data. Others offer discounts if the victims act swiftly. But victims should remember that after forwarding their money, any of these scenarios can come to life:

  • no decryption software is delivered,
  • the send decryptor doesn't work properly,
  • more money is asked,
  • instead of a decryption tool, more malware is delivered,
  • cybercriminals disappear altogether.

Furthermore, the ransom payment only motivates cybercriminals to attack more innocent people, develop new file-locking parasites, and research more advanced delivery techniques. Ransomware attacks can be stopped only if the victims stop succumbing to their assailants' demands.

Unlike other cryptoviruses, like 22btc virus, Plam virus, Cosd virus, and others, ._enc file virus demands the ransom to be paid via a website. That poses another threat. If the chosen payment method is with a credit/debit card, then without a doubt, the bank card details will be stolen.

Therefore, victims of Namaste virus should think very hard before submitting to the will of their assailants. There might be other ways to regain your precious data. If you didn't keep backups, then there are third-party decryption software that might help.

Either way, the best option is to remove Namaste ransomware from an affected Windows device. To do that properly and with a push of a button, we advise using trustworthy anti-malware such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes. Either of these security tools will take care of the infection and might prevent cyberattacks in the future.

Namaste ransomware virusNamaste virus appends each of the infected files with ._enc extension

Altered wallpaper, audio recording, and other details indicate that this cryptovirus has modified system files and settings. If left neglected, that might result in crashing, freezing, or even infection renewal. That's why experts[1] recommend using the FortectIntego tool after Namaste ransomware removal.

The whole ransom note displayed in the pop-up window states:

YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED!

– FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED SO FAR

Wait, what happend?

All of your files are currently in the process of being encrypted and many of them have already been. To decrypt these files and recover them you need to pay €10 via the website listed below and after payment you will get a decryption key that you can use. Your computer has been put in lockdown mode and you will not be able to use it until you pay. You can click here to open your web browser.

Can't I just close the program or restart my PC?

No. If you do so you will not be able to decrypt your files and they will also get deleted permanently. Don't be stupid.

How do I pay?

You can pay the €10 fee via one of the payment methods listed on the site below or visit the site directly via another device if you are not able to access it on this PC:
hxxps://sellix.io/product/-
Click here to pay now

I paid, what's next? How do I recover my files?

Input the key that was sent to your email below and press 'Decrypt my files'. Your files will start decrypting and will be made accessible again once finished. 🙂

Decryption key: [Decrypt my files]

Learn to avoid ransomware-type infections by staying cautious

The two most popular techniques that cybercriminals use to distribute their creations are malspam and file-sharing platforms. However, keep in mind that other distribution methods are available at hackers' disposal, such as deceptive ads, RDP attacks, drive-by downloads,[2] etc.

File-sharing platforms, especially torrent sites, have become a hotbed for ransomware. Threat actors use catchy names to camouflage malware and upload it. Due to the lack of security, all users that download an illegal activation tool for the latest game, pirated commercial software, or similar torrents can get their devices infected. Stay away from these sites if you value your privacy and security.

Spam emails are sent to users worldwide. Some of them can be harmless, while others might contain either infected attachments or malicious hyperlinks, Don't click on any links or download any attachments if the email is urging you to do so, contains grammatical errors, contains an offer that's too good to be true, or has any other similarities to a spam email.

Namaste virusNamaste ransomware is a computer virus that locks up all files with a sophisticated encryption algorithm

Remove Namaste ransomware and perform a system tune-up to prevent abnormal device behavior

If you have an anti-malware service, but your device still got infected, we're afraid that the tool in use should be substituted with a trustworthy security tool such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes. These reliable apps will automatically remove Namaste ransomware and protect your device in the future.

The need for a professional anti-malware tool is once more reiterated in the VirusTotal report,[3] which shows that 51 out of 70 security tools have identified the file-locking virus in question and stopped it from infecting the computer. Here's a few examples of its detection names:

  • Win32:Trojan-gen
  • Trojan.Encoder.33429
  • HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.MSIL.Encoder.gen
  • Ransom.FileCryptor
  • Artemis!86B4D2EB6FFD
  • Ransom:MSIL/CryptoLocker.DG!MTB

Corrupted system files and altered settings might result in various abnormal system behavior. Therefore, once you're finished with Namaste ransomware removal, you should take care of the overall device's health. The best way to do it is by using the powerful FortectIntego tool that fixes all system-related issues automatically.

Offer
do it now!
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Intego Happiness
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Compatible with Microsoft Windows Compatible with macOS
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 Namaste virus. Follow these steps

Important steps to take before you begin malware removal

File encryption and ransomware infection are two independent processes (although the latter would not be possible without the former). However, it is important to understand that malware performs various changes within a Windows operating system, fundamentally changing the way it works.

IMPORTANT for those without backups! → 
If you attempt to use security or recovery software immediately, you might permanently damage your files, and even a working decryptor then would not be able to save them.

Before you proceed with the removal instructions below, you should copy the encrypted files onto a separate medium, such as USB flash drive or SSD, and then disconnect them from your computer. Encrypted data does not hold any malicious code, so it is safe to transfer to other devices.

The instructions below might initially seem overwhelming and complicated, but they are not difficult to understand as long as you follow each step in the appropriate order. This comprehensive free guide will help you to handle the malware removal and data recovery process correctly.

If you have any questions, comments, or are having troubles with following the instructions, please do not hesitate to contact us via the Ask Us section.

IMPORTANT! →
It is vital to eliminate malware infection from the computer fully before starting the data recovery process, otherwise ransomware might re-encrypt retrieved files from backups repeatedly.

Scan your system with anti-malware

If you are a victim of ransomware, you should employ anti-malware software for its removal. Some ransomware can self-destruct after the file encryption process is finished. Even in such cases, malware might leave various data-stealing modules or could operate in conjunction with other malicious programs on your device. 

SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes can detect and eliminate all ransomware-related files, additional modules, along with other viruses that could be hiding on your system. The security software is really easy to use and does not require any prior IT knowledge to succeed in the malware removal process.

Repair damaged system components

Once a computer is infected with malware, its system is changed to operate differently. For example, an infection 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 capable of doing anything about it, leaving it just the way it is. Consequently, users might experience performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a full Windows reinstall is required.

Therefore, we highly recommend using a one-of-a-kind, patented technology of FortectIntego repair. Not only can it fix virus damage after the infection, but it is also capable of removing malware that has already broken into the system thanks to several engines used by the program. Besides, the application is also capable of fixing various Windows-related issues that are not caused by malware infections, for example, Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc.

  • Download the application by clicking on the link above
  • Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
    Reimage download
  • If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
  • Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process Reimage installation
  • The analysis of your machine will begin immediately Reimage scan
  • 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. Reimage results

By employing FortectIntego, you would not have to worry about future computer issues, as most of them could be fixed quickly by performing a full system scan at any time. Most importantly, you could avoid the tedious process of Windows reinstallation in case things go very wrong due to one reason or another.

Restore files using data recovery software

Since many users do not prepare proper data backups prior to being attacked by ransomware, they might often lose access to their files permanently. Paying criminals is also very risky, as they might not fulfill the promises and never send back the required decryption tool.

While this might sound terrible, not all is lost – data recovery software might be able to help you in some situations (it highly depends on the encryption algorithm used, whether ransomware managed to complete the programmed tasks, etc.). Since there are thousands of different ransomware strains, it is immediately impossible to tell whether third-party software will work for you.

Therefore, we suggest trying regardless of which ransomware attacked your computer. Before you begin, several pointers are important while dealing with this situation:

  • Since the encrypted data on your computer might permanently be damaged by security or data recovery software, you should first make backups of it – use a USB flash drive or another storage.
  • Only attempt to recover your files using this method after you perform a scan with anti-malware software.

Install data recovery software

  1. Download Data Recovery Pro.
  2. Double-click the installer to launch it.
    Launch installer
  3. Follow on-screen instructions to install the software. Install program
  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. Select what to recover
  6. Press Next.
  7. At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned. Select Deep scan
  8. Press Scan and wait till it is complete. Scan
  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. Recover files

Manual removal using Safe Mode

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.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Namaste 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
Jake Doevan
Jake Doevan - Computer technology expert

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