Netflix ransomware – dangerous crypto-malware that hides under Netflix Login Generator
Netflix ransomware is a malicious program that disguises itself as a tool that can generate free Netflix accounts
Netflix Login Generator is a well known tool that is used to generate accounts for Netflix streaming service seemingly for free. It is not a secret the company is one of the largest video provider worldwide, although it comes with a price tag of $8.99 for a basic plan. Hence, there is no doubt that free account generator is not a legal tool. However, it was also uncovered that the program would install dangerous Netflix ransomware on users devices – a malicious program that is designed to extort money from victims.
In most cases, users download and launch the Netflix Login Generator ransomware (also known as Netix malware) from various shady websites, mistakenly believing that they will be able to stream TV shows and movies for free. Instead, once the executable is launched, they infect their systems with ransomware which encrypts all pictures, music, videos, documents, and other files on the host computer (each of them are appended with .se extension). To recover data, users are asked to pay $100 in bitcoin – this and other information is included in a ransom note Instructions.txt which is dropped on users' desktops. Additionally, Netflix ransomware also replaces the background picture with its own.
Each of the non-system and non-executable files are appended with .se extensions
Ransom note
Instructions.txt
Contact
Crooks provide a web link to follow in order to retrieve the decryption key
Ransom size
$100
File Recovery
If no backups are available, recovering data is almost impossible. Nonetheless, we suggest you try the alternative methods that could help you in some cases – we list them below
Malware can seriously tamper with Windows systems, causing errors, crashes, lag, and other stability issues after it is terminated. To remediate the OS and avoid its reinstallation, we recommend scanning it with the FortectIntego repair tool
In this article, we want to introduce the Netix virus – a new cyber infection that spreads as a rogue Netflix [1] application. This fraudulent program is called Netflix Login Generator v1.1 and is a tool that generates login names and passwords, using which the users can supposedly access the paid Netflix services for free [2].
In reality, this supposedly useful program holds a very unpleasant surprise up its sleeve — a ransomware virus. Indeed, not only does the program deliver login credentials phished or hacked [3] from other Netflix users, which is an unethical act in itself, but it also simultaneously brings a file-locking and ransomware-demanding virus along. Unfortunately, from the very start, this cyber infection has been a successful project and has already managed to trick hundreds of users into downloading the malicious program with Netflix ransomware [4] hitched inside of its source code.
Experts cannot promise any improvement in the future, either. As long as the virus uses a sophisticated algorithm to encrypt files or malware analysts fail to find cracks in the program's source code, this parasite will not be stopped. It may evolve, change the carrier programs, and behave unpredictably. Thus, it is important to take proper protections and prepare the computer system for any critical situation.
Netflix ransomware encrypts files on the computer and then asks for $100 for the decryption tool
Either you have to remove Netix ransomware or protect your computer against it, you should always employ reputable software like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes to help you through this process. Later on, we also recommend using FortectIntego to repair system damage that could have been caused by the infection.
The trick to the Netflix ransomware working principle is simple — the users activate the virus themselves when they click “Generate Login!” button in the running Netflix Login Generator v1.1.exe window labeled “Form1”. There are no flashing pop-ups which would announce that the encryption has started. In fact, this process runs silently in the background of the system, while the users unsuccessfully try to login to the Netflix account being given fake login details.
This gives the virus enough time to encrypt [5] the files stored on the computer. Luckily, the virus only targets the C: partition and specifically focuses on the “Users” folder. 36 types of files that this virus encrypts which may not seem like a lot compared to other ransomware like Cerber or Osiris which typically encrypt hundreds or file extensions. Nevertheless, the documents this virus does encrypt can be considered essential to the users personally. Below you can see the full list of these extensions:
During the encryption, the Netflix ransomware appends regular file names with .se extensions this way indicating which files were locked using the military-grade AES-256 algorithm. Finally, the virus downloads and drops the Instructions.txt file on the victim’s computer, simultaneously changing the desktop background with a picture claiming that the data on the device has been locked and inviting the victim to open the previously mentioned document. As you can already presume, the Instructions.txt file features data recovery instructions.
The hackers demand 100 worth of Bitcoins for the SE Decrypter. That is a way larger sum than you would normally pay for the monthly subscription to the Netflix account. So, are the shady money saving techniques really worth the risk of having your personal files permanently locked by a ransomware virus? Barely so. Nevertheless, if you have already installed the fraudulent Netflix Login Generator v1.1 application on your computer, you can at least do the correct thing and do not pay the hackers, but take care of the Netflix virus removal instead.
Here is the ransom note that Netflix ransomware virus delivers:
######################### All of your files have been encrypted with a military-grade encryption algorithm (AES 256)
The only way to get your files back is to visit – in your web browser to buy the decryption key.
To purchase Bitcoin, please register an account with a Bitcoin wallet such as the Coinbase iPhone and Android app and buy $100 worth of Bitcoin, which is ~0.18 BTC.
When you visit the website, enter this ID: – to get your decryption key.
After you have received your decryption key, open the SE Decrypter program and enter the key that you received. Your files will then be decrypted.
Netix ransomware arrives on the computer as a Netflix Login Generator v1.1 application and supposedly generates logins allowing a free access to Netflix. CAREFUL: the "Generate Login!" button hides a ransomware!
The main principles that this ransomware uses to infiltrate computers
Netflix virus earns its name for a reason, because, as you already know, it spreads around as an application that generates logins for the Netflix accounts. We have already talked about the process that occurs after the Netix malware breaches the computer security, but how exactly does the virus get to this point? Frankly, it’s the you-pay-cheap-you-pay-twice type of situation, and in most cases, the users bring it all onto themselves. Let’s admit who doesn’t like saving money? What if there was a way to avoid that monthly fee for the Netflix subscription? Would you do it?
Well, there are users who will take any chance to save some cash and browse the web for tools, programs that would help them do it. It is only natural that the tools made for such unlawful purposes may also be dangerous themselves. Usually, you will find these tools promoted on some low reputation third-party websites that may even start the automatic downloads without your explicit permission. We can suggest one thing – stay on the safe part of the web and allow legitimate content creators to earn money, instead of supporting the cyber criminals.
Netix virus removal
As we have talked about all the malicious features of this parasite, you may be thinking that it is near to impossible to remove the Netix virus from the infected device. This is not true. It is not difficult to banish the virus from your computer; you just have to have the right tools to do it. We recommend investing in a powerful antimalware software to serve for the system cleanup purposes – SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes is perfect for the purpose.
When you are fully prepared and ready, you can then begin the Netflix ransomware removal procedure. Make sure your antivirus can run a proper system scan by running your computer in Safe Mode. We introduce the instructions explaining how to enable this mode below the article.
After you delete Netflix ransomware from your machine, you can then use alternative data recovery methods we provide below. Finally, do not forget to fix system damage done by the virus – use FortectIntego as an automatic solution.
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.
To enable Safe Mode and be able to run your antivirus smoothly, follow these instructions.
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 Netflix using System Restore
You may need to check out the instructions provided below in case you'll need to decontaminate the virus and let your anti-malware do the job.
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 Netflix. After doing that, click Next.
Now click Yes to start system restore.
Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with FortectIntego and make sure that Netflix removal is performed successfully.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Netflix 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 Netflix, you can use several methods to restore them:
Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by Netflix ransomware;
Restore them.
How to useWindows Previous Versions feature?
Windows Previous Versions feature is a practical method that you can use for the restoration of your data. There is only one condition — the System Restore function had to be enabled before the encryption took place. The instructions below describe how to use the 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 to use ShadowExplorer?
The instructions provided below will explain how to use the ShadowExplorer and recover your data from the Volume Shadow Copies of the encrypted files. Nevertheless, if the virus has deleted these files, the recovery will be impossible.
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 Netflix and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.
If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like Private Internet Access can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files. More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.
Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, Data Recovery Pro can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.
If this free guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be appreciated.
^What is Netflix anyway?. Finder. Takes the stress out of choosing life changing products. Compare credit cards, savings accounts, home loans, mobile phones and more!.
^ Kelly Sheridan. Netflix scam spreads ransomware. DarkReading. Cyber security's comprehensive news site is now an online community for security professionals, outlining cyber threats and the technologies for defending against them.
^Encryption: what it is, and how It works for you. TomsGuide. Find the best tech products by category. Tom’s Guide features unbiased reviews, buyer’s guides, tutorials and free software and app downloads.
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