Nesa ransomware (Virus Removal Instructions) - Bonus: Decryption Steps

Nesa virus Removal Guide

What is Nesa ransomware?

Nesa ransomware – the 166th version of Djvu that employs the SHA-1 encryption algorithm for blocking access to the victims' files

Nesa malwareNesa malware - ransomware that might spread via TCP port 3389

Nesa ransomware is a ransom-demanding virus that appears to be one of the latest Djvu/STOP family variants (v0166). A couple of days ago a well-known cybersecurity researcher named Michael Gillespie announced that the new Nesa virus has reached the spotlight.[1] Since then, a lot of users have been flooding the Internet sphere with questions about how to fix all the problems that are caused by this dangerous infection. According to reports, this ransomware uses the SHA-1 encryption algorithm[2] to lock up all data found and places the _readme.txt note in every folder that includes encrypted data.

Nesa ransomware places ransom demands that vary from $490 to $980 and also urges users to send one small file for free decryption to one of these email addresses: gorentos@bitmessage.ch or gorentoshelp@firemail.cc. This is done in order to prove the decryption key's existence, however, even though if the tool does truly exist, there still is a very big risk of getting scammed by these unreliable people, so better to save your money for more trustworthy and valuable things.

Name Nesa
Type Ransomware
Family This notorious cyber threat belongs to the Djvu and STOP ransomware families and is the 166th member
Extension Once files are encrypted, all the data gets the .nesa extension appended to the filename
Cipher According to reports, the ransomware virus employs the SHA-1 encryption algorithm to lock up data
Note Ransom demands and contacts are presented in the _readme.txt message
Price The ransom price might vary from $490 to $980. The smaller price is valid when contact is made within a three day time period
Spreads by It is known that the ransomware virus might be capable of distributing through fake order shipping messages or the TCP port 3389
Detection Use a tool such as FortectIntego to perform a thorough system scan and detect all malicious strains
Data recovery Check the end of the article for possible data recovery solutions or try DrWeb's Rescue Pack
Detection names Trojan.GenericKD.41795510, Trojan.Agent (A), Trojan.MalPack.GS, Trojan.Gen.2, W32.Trojan.Gen

Nesa ransomware has a big chance to appear on your system when you open a fake shipping-related email message and its attachments/links that supposedly come from DHL or another reputable company. Also, the malicious payload might be injected into your machine through vulnerable RDP. It is known that bad actors are very likely to use the TCP port 3389 to brute force the password into the computer.

Continuously, Nesa ransomware begins its activity period by inserting bogus keys and entries into the Windows Registry and Task Manager sections. Usually, such malicious processes allow the ransomware virus to run the encryption code, boot itself up within every computer turn on, and execute other actions, for example, remote malware installation.

In addition, Nesa ransomware supposedly corrupts Windows hosts file to prevent victims from visiting security-related websites where they could get valuable information on the virus removal process. Besides, the malware tries to harden the decryption process by eliminating Shadow Volume Copies. According to the ransom note, the only way to restore data is to buy the decryption key from the hackers:

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-UV4s8jgncB
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:
gorentos@bitmessage.ch

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
gerentoshelp@firemail.cc

Your personal ID:
0166hTlGeRsiKipVw3BmOc23ENQ60ImYhCIv2GtVDPcfiBuDNw2

Nesa ransomware is a tricky file-locking virus that will supposedly not provide you with the decryption tool even if you pay the required price. These people keep both encryption and decryption software on remote servers or devices where they cannot be accessible by no one except the owners themselves. This really hardens the file recovery process but there still are other things to try that we are going to explain down below.

Nesa ransomwareNesa ransomware is a notorious cyber threat that damages the hosts file to disable users from accessing security-related pages

Nevertheless, Nesa ransomware might carry a complex module of different features and data encryption is only a part of it. Besides from data locking, ransom demanding, Shadow Copy deleting, automatical booting, antivirus disabling, and similar functions, the dangerous malware might bring other viruses such as the AZORult Trojan horse straight to your system that can perform malicious operations such as:

  • Personal data theft.
  • Money swindling.
  • Software and system corruption.
  • Cryptocurrency mining.

The only way to reduce the risk of such malicious activities is to remove Nesa ransomware from your Windows computer system. To begin with, employ a reliable security program such as FortectIntego in order to carry out a full system scan. Once it is completed, you will be able to see all locations on your machine that include malicious content.

Nesa ransomware removal is a process that should be completed with reputable repair programs only as there is a big risk of making damaging mistakes if manual steps are taken. Keep on reading and learn how to avoid ransomware, where it mostly hides, and data restoring possibilities.

Hacked RDP and email spam are likely to infiltrate ransomware

Criminals who are interested in gaining income by distributing ransomware virus think of different techniques how they could inject the malicious infection into your computer system. According to security experts from NoVirus.uk website,[3] vulnerable RDP such as the TCP port 3389 is one way to place malicious content on the computer.

Continuously, hackers drop reputable-looking emails to the Inbox or Spam section which supposedly come from a shipping organization such as FedEx or DHL and carry order confirmation data. In reality, the clipped attachment or hyperlink is just an attempt to trick you into launching the malicious payload.

Last but not least, various unsecured product-downloading networks are also the places where ransomware might be discovered. Cybercriminals like to inject hazardous content into movie-downloading hyperlinks that are found on websites such as The Pirate Bay as these networks have a big number of visitors but also include low protection.

Nesa ransomware virusNesa ransomware - the 166th version of Djvu ransomware

Employing reputable antivirus software is a necessity

Having automatical security on your computer system is a truly powerful weapon against malware attacks. What you have to do is check the Internet sphere for reviews on repair software and choose the most trustworthy one with a good reputation. Once you download the product, you are now responsible for updating it once in a while.

However, installing antimalware software and leaving the entire security job for this product is not the wisest option to make as you will still not be able to reach the ultimate safety level. In addition, there are some actions that should be taken by the user himself and this includes:

  • Securing your browsing sessions by not clicking on any bogus content and preventing yourself from entering unsecured third-party networks.
  • Downloading software, additional products, and services only from their original sources. Also, always check the developers from who you are downloading the program.
  • Avoid opening any email messages and especially their attachments/links if you were not expecting any inbox lately. Always identify the sender and scan attached files with antimalware security.
  • Keep all of your software and services updated. This is also a very important step as bad actors are very likely to misuse programs that include flaws.

Data recovery solutions for .nesa files

Nesa ransomware uses unique encryption ciphers to lock up various images, executables, word documents, and similar components. Currently, cybersecurity experts have not discovered a decryption tool that would unlock all blocked files at once. However, there still are some other options you could try.

DrWeb security offers users to get the Rescue Pack which includes a good data recovery possibility and antivirus protection for a 2-year time period. The package costs about $150 and is offered for those people who found the free file decryption software provided by DrWeb useful. If the free tool does not give you any results, DrWeb does not charge you with any fees.

In addition, scroll to the bottom of this article and you will also find some data restoring possibilities. We have provided three different file recovery software solutions that you might find useful and be able to restore at least some files.

Nesa ransomware removal process should be completed automatically

Due to the fact that ransomware viruses drop malicious content all over the place, Nesa ransomware removal should be carried out only automatically as the human eye might not be able to spot all harmful content and missing even one malicious file might allow the ransomware virus to renew itself within the next system boot.

Also, we suggest employing a tool such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes before you remove Nesa ransomware. This software will perform a thorough system scan and present you all dangerous threats that might be residing on your system after the malware attack. After you complete the termination successfully, check out the data recovery solutions provided below.

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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 Nesa virus. Follow these steps

Manual removal using Safe Mode

Boot your Windows system to Safe Mode with Networking in order to disable all malicious processes:

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 Nesa using System Restore

Perform a System Restore information by using these instructions to reverse your computer back to its previous state:

  • 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 Nesa. 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 Nesa removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Nesa 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 Nesa, you can use several methods to restore them:

Employ Data Recovery Pro for file restoring tasks:

You can use this software and try to restore some documents and files that have been touched by Nesa ransomware virus.

  • 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 Nesa ransomware;
  • Restore them.

Using Windows Previous Versions feature might allow recovering some data:

If you have already booted your computer via System Restore, you can give this product a try.

  • 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”.

Shadow Explorer might be useful in file restoring:

Before employing this software make sure that the malware did not damage Shadow Copies of encrypted 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.

Experts are currently working on the .nesa files decryption key.

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

How to prevent from getting ransomware

Do not let government spy on you

The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet. 

You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.

Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.

Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack

Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.

When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.

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

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