Nlah ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
Nlah ransomware, first discovered by Michael Gillespie , is the latest family member of the Djvu ransomware family, which is positioned 229th in the list. Just like its forerunner, it uses a unique RSA algorithm to lock data on the host PC, although it uses a different extension - .nlah - to manifest the encryption.
Facts checked October 6, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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Nlah ransomware: summary
| Name | Nlah |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware / encryption-based malware |
| GENEALOGY | Djvu ransomware family |
| List number | 229th in the list |
| File extension | .nlah file extension |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 14 more facts
| Contact email | helpdatarestore@firemail.cc or helpmanager@mail.ch |
|---|---|
| Danger level | High. Permanent file loss possible. Serious Windows system compromises can cause system crashes. |
| Symptoms | Inaccessible files on the machine. Ransom file created on the desktop and non-system files. Sluggish PC's performance, high CPU usage, unresponsive AV engine |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Encrypted file extension | .nlah |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Evidence | 5 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .nlah |
| Attacker contacts | helpdatarestore@firemail.cc |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 8 June 2020 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.nlah - Note file:
_readme.txt - Contact:
helpdatarestore@firemail.cc
From our report of Jun 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Nlah
- Nlah removal depends on the powerful anti-virus program
How Nlah ransomware behaves
From our report of Jun 2020 · not reviewed since
Nlah ransomware is a sophisticated file encrypting malware that asks for up to $980 for data redemption
Nlah ransomware, first discovered by Michael Gillespie , is the latest family member of the Djvu ransomware family, which is positioned 229th in the list.
Just like its forerunner, it uses a unique RSA algorithm to lock data on the host PC, although it uses a different extension - .nlah - to manifest the encryption.
Although Emsisoft security research team developed a fully-functional Djvu decryption software, it can only decrypt files encrypted by Djvu variants launched before August 2019. Nonetheless, in case Nlah ransomware encrypted files with an offline ID, there is a chance that a different decryptor might work for you.
Nlah ransomware virus payload is usually launched after unsuspecting PC users open boobytrapped email attachments or download pirated software on P2P networks or similar sites. If the infection process is successfully initiated, it alters Windows Registry/Task Manager/Boot sequence to gain control over the system and launch the encryption algorithm smoothly.
Upon that, photos, documents, and other personal property stored on the machine are locked, and the specific appending is added. This ransomware is also dubbed as .nlah file extension virus based on the suffix of encrypted files. The ransom demand varies from $490 to $980, which is disclosed in _readme.txt file or lock screen.
During the installation, Nlah ransomware virus payload is extracted and multiple malicious entries are scattered through multiple system's locations. Some of the components are responsible for compromising Windows OS performance, the others for launching the cipher for data lock, and the last part initiates modifications to gain persistence, and prevent removal.
Typically, Nlah ransomware virus drops a malicious executable file in the %LocalAppData% or %AppData% and disguises it under legitimate Windows OS file names. Alternatively, it runs a Windows PowerShell command under administrative privileges, which deletes Volume Shadow Copies .
In many other traits, Nlah ransomware is identical to Zipe, Koti, Mzlq, Nesa, Gero, and the rest of 228 variants. However, not all of the Djvu versions are equally active.
The activity of the ransomware depends mostly on its distribution technique and it seems that this latest version is likely to be persistent. Just a few hours after its release, people started reporting on Reddit that their files have been encoded by this malicious crypto-ransomware.
According to the reports, the .nlah file virus is capable of locking most of the non-system files. Upon that, it automatically creates a text file _readme.txt, which informs the victim about the following requirements:
The original file of the ransom demand text file contains the following information:
If you have fallen victim to this cyber infection, please do not fall for paying the ransom. Experts from semvirus.pt claim that paying the ransom is a big mistake because of future insecurities that emerge because the victim may disclose some pieces of personal information to criminals during the transfer of the payment.
Besides, giving away money to criminals can't fix your machine. Therefore, full Nlah ransomware removal is a better solution.
In terms of decryption of the personal files locked by this ransomware, it's advisable to get an HDD or a high capacity USB flash drive for cold storage backups. Copy all encrypted data on the alternative storage and then run a thorough system scan with security tool to remove Nlah ransomware completely.
If you cannot remove Nlah virus because it actively blocks your anti-virus software, the only way to decontaminate malicious processes is to restart Windows OS into Safe Mode. The guide on how to do that is provided at the end of this post. Nevertheless, don't try to look for malicious entries manually because you will only waste your time for nothing.
- He or she has to pay the ransom that varies from $490 to $980;
- The only currency accepted - Bitcoin;
- The contacts of the Nlah ransomware managers - helpdatarestore@firemail.cc and helpmanager@mail.ch;
- If the victim contacts criminals less than 72 hours after the attack, they apply the lowest price for the decryption software;
- This version of ransomware uses an online key protected by RSA encryption cipher. Therefore, the decrypted files cannot be recovered for free.
The Nlah ransomware note
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:
hxxps://we.tl/t-7m8Wr997Sf
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:
helpdatarestore@firemail.cc
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
helpmanager@mail.ch
Your personal ID:
-
How to remove Nlah ransomware
Tools you'll need
All of these are free except where noted. Download them on a clean device if the infected PC is offline.
- A USB stick: to keep the ransom note, two or three encrypted files and screenshots off the infected PC.
- Microsoft Defender Offline: built into Windows 11 and Windows 10; scans before Windows starts, so running malware cannot hide.
- Microsoft Safety Scanner: a second, portable scanner with current signatures; each download works for 10 days.
- ID Ransomware: identifies the family from the note and one encrypted file and says whether a decryptor exists.
- No More Ransom: the free decryptors from police and security companies; check it again every few months.
- Fortect (optional): scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. The free scan is in the box above.
How to remove Nlah and get your files back
Work in this order.
Disconnecting comes first, removal comes before any restore, and nothing here asks you to contact the attackers.
Step 1: Disconnect the PC and unplug backup drives
Nlah encrypts everything it can reach, including drives and shares you connect later. Cut the network first: cable out, or Wi-Fi off from the taskbar.
Then unplug every USB stick and backup disk and pause cloud sync, so the encrypted versions do not replace your online copies. Do not reconnect any of them until the ransomware is removed from the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Windows 11: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 2: Save the ransom note and confirm the family
Copy
_readme.txtand one or two files ending in.nlahto a USB stick, and leave the originals where they are.From another device, upload the note and a sample file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom's Crypto Sheriff, which name the family from the note, the extension and the file structure.
Write down the contact address and your personal ID from the note, because a decryptor or the police may ask for them.
Warning: Never contact the attackers from the infected Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Windows 11: the ransom note and encrypted files to copy for identification. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 3: Check for a free decryptor
For Nlah, no free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026). Search the family name in the No More Ransom decryption tools list and in the free decryptors of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, because new tools appear years after an attack.
Important: Keep the encrypted files even if nothing works today, and do not pay before every free option is ruled out: payment does not guarantee a working key.
Decryptors run on Windows 11 and Windows 10, but only after the ransomware itself is removed.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Restoring or decrypting files while Nlah still runs lets it encrypt them again. Run a Full scan in Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, then the Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan).
If the ransomware blocks Windows Security, start Safe Mode with Networking and scan from there. Some families install a password stealer as well, so let both scans finish on Windows 11 or Windows 10.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 5: Look for shadow copies of the files
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run
vssadmin list shadows. If it lists copies dated before the attack, right-click a folder with encrypted files in File Explorer, choose Properties > Previous Versions, and open or restore a version from before that date.ShadowExplorer, a free tool, shows the same copies when the tab is empty or hidden. Most current families delete shadow copies, so an empty list is normal, but the check takes two minutes on Windows 11 or Windows 10.
Windows 11: vssadmin list shadows shows whether shadow copies exist. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 6: Restore the files from a backup or recover deleted originals
Restore from an external backup, File History or OneDrive's version history, choosing a date before the attack. Connect the backup drive only after the scans are clean, or the ransomware encrypts it too.
If there is no backup, file recovery software can sometimes find the deleted originals, because some ransomware writes an encrypted copy and deletes the original file.
Stop writing to the drive and try recovery on Windows 11 or Windows 10 before new files overwrite the space.
Full procedure with screenshots: Recover deleted files (Recycle Bin, backups, OneDrive) On uGetFix
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
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
- 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.
From our report of Jun 2020 · not reviewed since
.nlah file recovery methods are quite limited
Please note that ransomware termination and data encryption are two separate procedures, so you will not be able to recover your files just because you deleted the malware from your computer.
If you wonder how you can open .nlah files, there is no way to do that until the decryption is performed, although some alternative methods (such as Emsisoft's decryption tool or third-party recovery software) might be able to restore your data.
However, the success of the provided methods highly depends on various factors, including:
Despite these difficulties, you should still try to recover them in alternative methods and avoid contacting cybercriminals.
Keep in mind that .Nlah files do not pose any threat to your computer, as they do not hold any malicious code, while malicious processes on your computer should be stopped by a robust anti-malware software.
- For Emsisoft's decryptor to work, your files must be encrypted with an offline ID, which means that malware should not have contacted a remote server to extract a unique key; additionally, somebody infected with Nlah ransomware must have paid the ransom to cybercriminals and provided the decryption key to security researchers;
- Built-in methods, such as System Restore or Previous Version Feature would only work if malware failed to remove Shadow Volume Copies and other Windows backup mechanisms;
- Third-party recovery software can be successful in retrieving working copies of some of the files that are still present on the HDD and has not yet been overwritten by other data.
From our report of Jun 2020 · not reviewed since
The vulnerable system is a perfect target for criminals
The amount and time you invest in the system's stability and security pay off not in the cache, but the possibility to use the system efficiently and safely.
Those who do not invest in professional AV software package, use illicit Windows version, fails to update software, and leave vulnerabilities unpatched risk exposing PCs to hacks and virus attacks.
Security experts claim that people should patch vulnerabilities by installing the latest software updates. Microsoft regularly releases patches to fix security vulnerabilities, especially the ones that are easily exploitable by hackers.
If you are using RDP services, make sure to password protect the service and use a strong password, not 123321 because it can easily be revealed. Besides, do not underestimate the protection capabilities of the professional AV programs. A full pack of security tools can help to protect the system in real-time attacks, as well as quarantine cyber threats that have already installed on the machine.
Apart from brute force attacks and exploits, criminals prefer spamming campaigns for spreading ransomware payloads. Criminals create professional-looking emails pretending to be from courier companies (Fedex, DHL, etc.), banking firms, governmental institutions, or various worldwide-known organizations. Such emails contain an attachment, which carries obfuscated ransomware payload.
Therefore, we strongly encourage people to not open email messages that contain grammar, spelling mistakes, or unknown sender. Such attachment supplemented emails are a perfect medium for spreading not only ransomware but other malware as well, so it's better to send them to spam immediately than opening just to satisfy curiosity.
From our report of Jun 2020 · not reviewed since
Only a robust anti-virus tool can fully remove Nlah virus ransomware
Nlah ransomware removal is not the procedure that can be initiated in an easy way.
People who are not tech-savvy enough can hardly find any malicious entries by themselves as they are usually disguised under legitimate files in the following locations:
To remove Nlah virus once and for all, try downloading these tops: or . This piece of software will check the system for all malicious files and processes that belong to the suite of the ransomware and you won't have to search for any dangerous entries by yourself.
If, however, you doubt about the removal of this ransomware because you are afraid of losing files encrypted by .nlah file extension virus, then we can assure that keeping the virus on the system will not help with file recovery.
Alternatively, you can find tips on how to recover files locked by Nlah ransomware virus at the end of this article. We strongly recommend trying each of the methods because they can help you to restore at least a part of corrupted documents.
Besides, the post-ransomware for of the Windows OS requires deep maintenance. Compromised registry keys and executables can end up with incompatibilities, errors, BSODs, and similar malfunctions.
[GI=method-1]Safe Mode environment is required to delete the ransomware completely. A scan in a regular environment can end up with AV unresponsiveness and failure of the removal process.
Nlah ransomware locks files just like any other Djvu variant. However, the versions that were encrypted using the offline keys can be recovered using Emsisoft's STOP/Djvu decrypter. This 229th version has no decryption software, at least for now, so you can try alternative data recovery methods listed below:
However, before launching it, make sure that you have completely removed the Nlah ransomware.
Unlock files locked by .nlah extension with Windows Previous Versions feature
Unfortunately, users who did not have the Windows Previous Versions feature enabled, won't be able to retrieve any of the locked files.
Run Shadow Explorer software
Djvu developers are known for programming their software to delete Volume Shadow Copies. However, try to look for flaws in ransomware programming with the help of this tutorial.
Nlah decryptor is in a development stage. No free key is currently available.
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
Report it and recover your files
Report it
Report the attack even if you do not expect the files back: insurers and banks ask for the report number, and police use the contacts in the note to link cases.
- United States
- FBI IC3 · FTC ReportFraud
- United Kingdom
- Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) · NCSC
- Australia
- ReportCyber (ASD)
- EU countries
- Europol: national reporting sites
Give the victim ID, the note and the date the files were encrypted. A business that holds personal data may also have to notify its data protection authority, in the EU within 72 hours.
Protect the files you restore
Restore only after the scans are clean and the PC no longer shows files that end in .nlah and no longer open; otherwise the restored copies can be damaged again.
Then build a backup that survives the next infection:
- one copy in the cloud with version history
- one on an external drive that is disconnected between backups
- the working copy on the PC
Version history matters because a backup that syncs damaged files overwrites the good ones.
How to do this with the tools built into Windows: the 3-2-1 backup rule on Windows.
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 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 can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
Questions about Nlah ransomware
How do I open .nlah files?
You cannot open them by renaming or with another program, because the content of files ending in .nlah has been encrypted. The only ways back are a working decryptor for the family, or clean copies from elsewhere:
- OneDrive versions
- File History
- an offline backup drive
- Previous Versions if the ransomware did not delete them
Identify the family first by uploading the ransom note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom. Avoid websites and programs that promise to open any encrypted file; they do not work and some are scams.
Did Nlah steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Nlah, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .nlah and no longer open, which says nothing about what happened before. Many current ransomware attacks copy files or run a password stealer first, so it is wise to act as if they did.
From a clean device, change the passwords that were saved in the browsers on this PC, starting with e-mail and banking, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification. Watch bank statements and account activity for the next few weeks.
Is there a free Nlah decryptor?
We last checked on 6 October 2026, and for Nlah no free decryptor is known. We check No More Ransom, which collects free tools from police and security companies, and the decryptor pages of the major antivirus vendors. A working decryptor exists only when the encryption has a flaw or the keys were leaked or seized.
Ignore sites and videos that offer a "Nlah decryptor" for download or for a fee: these are usually scams or malware. Real decryptors are free and come from known security companies or law enforcement. Keep the encrypted files in case a tool appears later.
Should I pay the ransom?
We advise against it, and so do the FBI, Europol and national cyber agencies. Payment does not guarantee a working tool: some attackers never reply, some tools damage files, and some variants have no decryptor at all. Paying also funds further attacks and can make you a target again.
Before considering payment, try every recovery option in this guide and report the attack. Companies must involve their legal adviser and insurer, because payments to sanctioned groups can be illegal. If files are truly irreplaceable, store the encrypted copies and wait; decryptors sometimes appear later.
Can a data-recovery company decrypt my files for a fee?
Only if a decryptor already exists or the company pays the attackers for you. Some "ransomware recovery" services advertise that they can decrypt families with no known flaw; in practice they negotiate with the attackers and add their own fee. Others use the same free tools listed on No More Ransom.
Before you hire anyone, ask in writing how they will recover the files, whether they will contact the attackers and what happens if they fail. A legitimate service answers clearly. If a free decryptor exists for your family, you can run it yourself.
How did Nlah get on my computer?
The way Nlah spreads has not been documented yet, so look at your own recent activity. On home PCs, ransomware most often comes with cracked programs, game cheats, key generators and fake updates, or with an e-mail attachment that was opened. On business networks, attackers usually log in through Remote Desktop with a stolen or guessed password.
Think back to what was downloaded or installed in the days before files that end in .nlah and no longer open, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.
Is Nlah the same as other ransomware with a similar name?
Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.
Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.
What does _readme.txt tell me about the ransomware?
Quite a lot. The file name _readme.txt, the wording, the contact addresses and the format of the personal ID are typical for each family. Uploading the note together with one encrypted file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom's Crypto Sheriff usually names the family within seconds.
That name decides your options: some families have free decryptors, some can be partially recovered, and some cannot be decrypted at all. The note's claims about stolen data should be taken seriously but not at face value.
Should I reinstall Windows after the .nlah attack?
Reinstalling removes the ransomware but not the encryption: your files ending in .nlah stay encrypted afterwards. So first copy the encrypted files and the ransom note to a separate drive, in case a decryptor appears later. Then decide:
- a clean-up with an offline scan is often enough for home PCs
- while a full reset is safer if remote access was involved
- scans keep finding new items
Restore your backups only after the PC is clean, and change passwords from another device.
Will Fortect remove Nlah?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For Nlah, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Twitter: Michael Gillespie (read October 6, 2026)
- Reddit: ".nlah" Ransomware infected some files, any news or decryptors for these? (read October 6, 2026)
- Semvirus: NOVIDADES DE SEGURANÇA E SPYWARE (read October 6, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 6, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 6, 2026)