Nols ransomware (Tutorial) - Virus Removal Instructions

Nols virus Removal Guide

What is Nols ransomware?

Nols ransomware – a recently-discovered file-encrypting threat that appears to be the 173d Djvu ransomware variant

Nols ransomware virusNols ransomware - a ransom-demanding cyber threat that urges for $490 for the decryption key and doubles the price if the money is not transferred in 72 hours

Nols ransomware, found and announced by Michael Gillespie on Twitter,[1] is a ransom-demanding malware that is included as the 173d version of the Djvu ransomware family. The acting principle of this malware is the exact same one as used by its previous siblings: infecting > encrypting > ransom-demanding. Once Nols ransomware infects a particular Windows-based computer, all files, and documents that have been placed on the machine are locked by using unique algorithms such as AES, RSA, or SHA.[2] Afterward, every component ends up with the .nols appendix near to its filename and the _readme.txt ransom message shows up and urges users to transfer a price of $490-$980. If the victim fails to pay the $490 ransom in 72 hours, the price doubles up and people have to empty their pockets even more.

The creators of Nols virus claim that purchasing the decryption tool from them is the only way to properly recover files and any other options are not available and these people even offer to send them 1 small file for free decryption as evidence that the decryption software truly exists. For this purpose, the victims can make contact via gorentos@bitmessage.ch, gorentos2@firemail.cc, or @datarestore Telegram account.

Name Nols ransomware
Type Ransomware virus
Family This notorious cyber threat is the 173d version of the Djvu ransomware family that has been releasing new versions in a very fast speed
Appendix Once files and documents on the victim's computer system are locked by this malware strain, the filenames end up with the .nols appendix added
Encryption Hackers use unique encryption algorithms such as AES, SHA, or RSA to lock up files that are found on the infected computer system
Ransom note The dangerous malware places the _readme.txt ransom message on the Windows computer desktop and also adds the message to every folder that includes encrypted files and documents
Money demands Criminals demand $490 as the starter price if the money is transferred in a 3-day time limit. However, if users fail to follow this condition, they will have to pay a doubled price to receive the decryption key
Altered locations Malicious payload can be found in the Windows Task Manager and Registry sections. Besides, the ransomware virus can damage the Windows hosts file to prevent users from accessing security-based forums
Additional features .nols file virus might be capable of eliminating Shadow Volume Copies of encrypted data. Also, the malware can carry AZORult trojan as an additional malicious payload
Deletion tip Use FortectIntego to detect all infected places on your Windows computer. Afterward, continue with the automatical Nols ransomware removal process that is explained at the end of this article

Nols ransomware can carry a complex module in order to succeed in its tasks at the highest level possible. The malware supposedly damages the Windows hosts file to prevent victims from accessing security-related networks where they might discover handy tips of the malware elimination process or even data recovery. Note that once you have completed the Nols ransomware removal, ensure that you delete the hosts file too or the access will remain blocked.

Continuously, Nols ransomware possibly alters the Windows Registry and Task Manager and fills these locations with bogus files, keys, and processes. Some of them allow the malware to boot itself automatically within each computer startup process, other entries execute the encryption module, and some might allow the ransomware virus to run suspicious processes in the background, e.g. inject other malicious threats.

Nols malwareNols malware - ransomware that can corrupt the Windows hosts file to prevent users from accessing security-related networks

It is known that STOP/Djvu ransomware viruses carry the AZORult trojan virus. The same thing is valid for Nols ransomware. Be extremely careful while dealing with this threat and do not postpone its removal process as you might end up with additional malware on your computer system. Trojan horses are capable of stealing credentials, private data, corrupting software, and damaging the entire machine and its components.

Remove Nols ransomware as soon as possible once this malware has been spotted operating on your Windows computer system. FortectIntego software should help you to detect all malware-laden strings on your machine. If you want to search for infection signs on your own, they are very accurate. All of your filenames will be slightly modified and the components will remain properly inaccessible. Additionally, you will definitely see this ransom note on your computer screen and also placed in every folder that holds encrypted data:

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-514KtsAKtH
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:
gorentos2@firemail.cc

Our Telegram account:
@datarestore

Your personal ID:

Nols ransomware is a very dangerous malware to deal with and needs to be removed instantly. Afterward, you can start thinking about possible data recovery options. Even though no official decryption key has been yet released, you can try purchasing DrWeb's Rescue Pack that offers a decryptor and two years of computer protection. Try out the free decryption tool offered by DrWeb experts and if it works for you, you can buy the whole package for $150.

Do not pay the Nols ransomware developers as you take a big risk of getting scammed. These people urge for huge prices even up to $1000 for the decryption software that you might lose for absolutely nothing. Nevertheless, the malware might delete Shadow Volume Copies of encrypted files by executing Power Shell commands and hardening the data recovery process for victims themselves.

Besides, if you want to prevent possible future attacks from malware such as Nols ransomware, you should take a look at the below-provided paragraphs on malware distribution and prevention. Besides, thinking of ways to secure valuable files also is a necessity here. You can purchase a portable drive such as USB and store copies of important data there. You can also use services that are provided by iCloud or Dropbox.

Nols ransomwareNols ransomware - a file-locking threat that is the 173d version of Djvu malware

Ransomware payload can be spread via multiple sources

Malicious payload mostly comes camouflaged, however, in different types of ways regarding the situation and technique promoted to infect potential victims. According to research, cybercriminals usually use these types of methods to infect random people with malware:

  1. Hacked RDPs. Ransomware developers are known for their ability to hack vulnerable RDP and forcibly enter the administrative password into the computer system. Also, TCP Port 3389 is known as one of the most vulnerable ports.
  2. Phishing emails. Hackers often pretend to be from reliable shipping companies such as FedEx or DHL and send users messages that include “order confirmation” in the form of a link or attachment but truly is the malicious payload.
  3. Infected files. Criminals usually use executables, word documents, or similar files to hide the malware in. These components can end up placed on p2p networks,[3] gambling websites, online dating, porn sources, etc. For example, The Pirate Bay that includes proxies worldwide often has the chance of being hacked and filled with malware.
  4. Other ransomware distribution sources include exploit kits, outdated software, or just fake program updates. The name of Adobe Flash Player is often used for creating fake software updates and tends to trick a big number of users.

Protection possibilities from ransomware viruses

Due to the increasing number of ransomware infections worldwide, it is very important to know how to protect yourself, your computer system and valuable documents from these dangerous malware attacks. So, let's get started.

First of all, ensure that you always have a reliable antimalware product installed on your computer system. Purchase only a reliable tool that includes multiple protective features and will ensure your safety 24/7. Additionally, do not forget to update this program when new upgrades are released or the AV tool might not operate properly without proper updating.

Second, manage all of your emails carefully. Delete everything that falls in the spam section and even erase messages from the inbox place if you were not respecting to receive anything similar recently. Besides, do not open any attached files/documents without scanning them with reputable antimalware software.

Furthermore, avoid visiting unprotected sources that might contain malicious data. If you are ever ready to proceed to some type of third-party page but it gives you a concerning feeling, better close the window and never try it again. The same goes for clicking on ads and links – if they look questionable to you, do not enter them.

Last but not least, you should always keep your software and services updated. Hackers aim to release fake product updates and trick users by pushing upgrades through various third-party sources. If you are ever provided with a program update that you were expecting to receive, look it up on the Web and find some user reviews.

Removal instructions for Nols ransomware + file decryption possibilities

Nols ransomware removal can be performed only by employing automatical software. In addition, you can use the help of FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, or Malwarebytes for completing a thorough system scan and identifying all malicious strains and activities. After you receive the malware checkup results, you will get a view on what type of locations need ultimate cleaning.

Do not try to remove Nols ransomware on your own as you might miss some crucial objects. According to experts from NoVirus.uk,[4] if you skip any malicious file or process, the ransomware virus might easily renew itself within the next computer boot process. Complete the elimination before you try to restore data, otherwise, files might get repeatedly encrypted.

Even though .nols files virus is currently undecryptable with official software, there are other alternatives that you can try. For example, the DrWeb Rescue Pack that includes file decryption software and two years of antimalware protection. Continuously, below you will also find a few methods that might appear handy to you.

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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 Nols virus. Follow these steps

Manual removal using Safe Mode

Turn on Safe Mode with Networking and disable all malicious modifications that have been brought by the file-encrypting malware to your Windows computer system.

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 Nols using System Restore

Activate System Restore to reverse suspicious changes that have been done by the ransomware virus. Learn how to achieve such a task by completing the following steps.

  • 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 Nols. 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 Nols removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

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

Employ Data Recovery Pro for file restoring purposes.

If you have spotted encrypted, damaged, or just inaccessible files, you can try to recover them by launching this tool.

  • 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 Nols ransomware;
  • Restore them.

Using Windows Previous Versions feature might allow you to bring back some individual files.

Make sure that you have enabled System Restore in the past, otherwise, this feature might not be helpful.

  • 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”.

Try Shadow Explorer for data recovery.

Employ this software if you want to restore some of your individual data. Note that this method might not work if the virus has eliminated Shadow Volume Copies of your 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.

Currently, no official decryption key has been released for files locked by Nora ransomware. As an alternative, you can try DrWeb's rescue pack that might be capable of decrypting some Djvu ransomware versions.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Nols 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
Linas Kiguolis
Linas Kiguolis - Expert in social media

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