How to remove NM4 ransomware virus

NM4 – ransomware virus that received updates at the end of April, 2018

NM4 is a crypto-ransomware virus that uses a combination of RSA-2048 and AES-256 cryptography to lock files on targeted PCs. It's a variation of R ransomware^[1], which has been spreading around since 2017.  Like its predecessor, it interacts with victims via TOR onion website link – Recovers your files.html. NM4 ransomware renames the locked files by adding a .nm4 file extension, though the newer version know as .NMCRYPT! file extension virus has been spotted in the middle of April. It creates a ransom note and demands the victim to pay 1 BTC ransom, which is currently equal to 9,292 USD. 

Last year, the ransom was raised to 3 BTC, though the price of the Bitcoin was considerably smaller. In order to earn users’ trust, the perpetrators offer decrypting 3 selected files for free. However, in the same note, they emphasize that they hardly care about users' files. Instead of nurturing hopes about the data retrieval, proceed to NM4 removal. FortectIntego or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes assists in the elimination procedure.

One of the most obvious distinctive specifications of the hackers is their tendency to name ransomware. In the previous case, the hackers did not bother themselves with making up an elaborate one. This time, they even exceeded themselves with extending the title up to three letters. NM4 ransomware uses the same GUI^[2] as in the case of R virus.

The developer of this malware does not seem to be native English speaker. The web page even contains additional links instructing users how to purchase bitcoins. Summing up the features, the hackers manifest sufficient knowledge of programming as they have assured that their anonymity is guaranteed. The fact that the current malware is an improved version of the previously mentioned ransomware suggests that the hackers may continue releasing new threats.

Information about its distributing trojans^[3] would contribute to the analysis and termination of the malware. During the presence of this malware, you might notice slower PC processes. In addition, check the Task Manager for any suspicious tasks. By canceling them, you might interfere with the malware operation procedure.

In some cases restarting the computer interrupts data encryption process. Needless to say that it is quite difficult to spot the first signs of the malware as it covertly hides them. Nonetheless, there is no need to pay the ransom but instead, remove NM4 removal.

Peculiarities of the malware distribution

The ransomware may settle on the system via two main transmission peculiarities. It may be transmitted via corrupted spam email attachments^[4]. In that case, it is necessary to evaluate to assess the situation properly when you receive a spam email addressed directly to you. If such email carries ransomware, you may notice that the message contains grammar mistakes and altered credentials. Furthermore, you should increase the overall security of the system by arming up with protective means. It would be useful to combine anti-virus and anti-spyware programs. A firewall would be practical as well. The former programs also benefit in eliminating malware^[5].

NM4 removal steps

This malware is capable of inflicting damage, so it is important to remove NM4 virus as soon as possible. For that purpose, you might make use of malware termination utilities. Taking into account that the malware is well-designed, you may notice that it prevents you from launching antivirus or anti-spyware tools. In that case, you will find the below guide useful. On the final note, keep in mind that even if you remit the payment, that the developers might not play fair and decrypt all your encrypted files.