Nood virus: what it is and how to remove it
Nood ransomware is a type of malicious software engineered to infiltrate computers and encrypt various personal files, such as photos, videos, and documents. These files become inaccessible once encrypted, marked by the ".nood" extension, and lose their original icons.
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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Nood virus: summary
| Name | Nood virus |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware, file-locking malware |
| File extension | .nood extension appended to all personal files, rendering them useless |
| Family | Djvu |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt dropped at every location where encrypted files are located |
| Contact | datarestorehelpyou@airmail.cc and support@freshingmail.top |
| 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 13 more facts
| File Recovery | There is no guaranteed way to recover locked files without backups. Other options include paying cybercriminals (not recommended, might also lose the paid money), using Emisoft's decryptor (works for a limited number of victims), or using third-party recovery software |
|---|---|
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Encrypted file extension | .nood |
| 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 |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | One write-up by a security site; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .nood |
| Attacker contacts | datarestorehelpyou@airmail.cc |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 12 March 2024 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.nood - Note file:
_readme.txt - Contact:
datarestorehelpyou@airmail.cc
From our report of Mar 2024 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Nood virus
- After disconnecting the computer from the network and the internet, do a complete system scan using the security program
- Upon installation, malware can cause severe damage to system files, resulting in instability issues such as crashes and errors.
- However, PC repair can automatically fix any such damage
How Nood virus behaves
From our report of Mar 2024 · not reviewed since
How hackers try to convince victims to pay
A ransom note is one of the main components for cybercriminals when it comes to money extortion.
Not only does it explain what happened to users' files, but it also attempts to manipulate into paying the ransom, also providing means for communication, as without them the payments would not be possible. If you have been infected with the Nood virus, you can expect the following text note to show up on your desktop:
This note is designed to instill fear and urgency in victims, urging them to comply with the ransom demand. It underscores the encryption's supposed impenetrability, citing the "strongest encryption and unique key" as barriers to file recovery without their assistance. A semblance of a guarantee is extended by offering to decrypt one file for free, demonstrating their control over the situation.
Additionally, a video link is purportedly provided to display the decryption tool in use, reinforcing their ability to unlock the encrypted files. The ransom is set at $999, with a 50% discount for those who initiate contact within the first 72 hours, pressuring victims to act quickly.
The note finishes with contact instructions and a caution to check the email's Spam or Junk folder if a reply isn't received promptly, hinting at a desire to keep the communication lines open to facilitate payment. The provision of a backup email suggests the perpetrators' foresight in maintaining contact despite potential disruptions, emphasizing the meticulous planning and high-pressure tactics characteristic of the Nood ransomware operation.
From our report of Mar 2024 · not reviewed since
How Djvu variants spread
The entry of Nood ransomware into computer systems usually takes place through deceptive tactics.
Commonly, it's an executable file, labeled as '.exe', that serves as the Trojan horse. This file may be hidden inside a ZIP folder, embedded within a macro in Microsoft Office documents, or disguised as an innocuous attachment. Such strategies are deliberately employed by cybercriminals to facilitate the ransomware's spread across a wide array of platforms and targets.
Pirated software also stands as a significant entry point for this ransomware. Torrent websites and peer-to-peer file-sharing networks, known for their lax oversight, serve as fertile grounds for the dissemination of malicious software. These unmonitored and unregulated channels allow cybercriminals to distribute malware with ease. This approach is notably favored by the architects behind the Djvu ransomware family, which includes Nood ransomware.
Furthermore, the virus can infiltrate systems through more secretive avenues, such as trojans or worms, which can enter unnoticed. These stealthy incursions often elude detection, highlighting the need for vigilant security measures. Deploying comprehensive anti-malware solutions and security programs can provide a critical defense layer, carefully examining email attachments and software downloads for any signs of danger.
It's essential to acknowledge that a significant portion of online downloads are laced with malicious intent, skillfully hidden to bypass detection, even by experts. Malicious elements are not always apparent through basic checks, such as verifying file sizes. Therefore, maintaining a high degree of caution and conducting thorough examinations is crucial to avoid falling prey to threats like Nood ransomware.
From our report of Mar 2024 · not reviewed since
Nood ransomware - a dangerous virus that can leave you without your files
Nood ransomware is a type of malicious software engineered to infiltrate computers and encrypt various personal files, such as photos, videos, and documents.
These files become inaccessible once encrypted, marked by the ".nood" extension, and lose their original icons. Trying to open these files will lead to an error message, indicating the files are no longer recognizable.
This ransomware employs the sophisticated RSA encryption method to secure the files, with the decryption keys stored away on the hackers' servers. Victims are then confronted with ransom demands, typically asking for payments between $499 and $999 in Bitcoin. The attackers offer contact through specific email addresses for payment or negotiation purposes: datarestorehelpyou@airmail.cc and support@freshingmail.top.
The Nood ransomware is part of the expansive Djvu ransomware family, known for its creation of over 600 unique variants, including others like Cdtt and Ndhy. This document will explore methods to combat the malware infection and consider alternatives for recovering the encrypted files, aiming to avoid giving in to the cybercriminals' monetary demands.
The Nood virus ransom note
ATTENTION!
Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like pictures, 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.
Do not ask assistants from youtube and recovery data sites for help in recovering your data.
They can use your free decryption quota and scam you.
Our contact is emails in this text document only.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://wetransfer.com/downloads/a832401adcd58098c699f768ffea4f1720240305114308/7e601a
Price of private key and decrypt software is $999.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $499.
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:
support@freshingmail.top
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
datarestorehelpyou@airmail.cc
Your personal ID:
How to remove Nood virus
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 Nood virus 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
Unplug the network cable or turn off Wi-Fi, and disconnect USB drives, external disks and network shares, so Nood virus cannot reach more files. Pause OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox sync, because synced folders upload the encrypted copies over the good ones.
Leave the PC on but offline while you read the next steps, since a restart can let the ransomware run again. This applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10 alike.
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
Your files now end in
.noodand the instructions are in_readme.txt. Save both to a USB stick, a copy of the note and two small encrypted files, before anything else.On another device, check them with ID Ransomware or Crypto Sheriff: the family name decides which decryptor, if any, can help. Keep the note's ID and contact line for your report.
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
Our last check found that for Nood virus, no free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026). Look again yourself in the No More Ransom list and the free decryptor pages of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, which add new families every year.
A decryptor needs the ransomware gone first, or it encrypts the files again. Keep at least one copy of the encrypted files on an external drive, even if no tool works yet.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Removing Nood virus does not bring the files back, but it has to come first. Start with Defender's Full scan, then the offline scan from the same Scan options page, which checks the disk before Windows loads.
If the scan cannot start, use Safe Mode with Networking. Delete the ransom notes only after you have saved a copy, because removal tools sometimes leave them behind on Windows 11 and 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
Windows keeps shadow copies for restore points and backups, and some ransomware fails to delete them.
vssadmin list shadowsin an administrator Command Prompt tells you at once whether any exist.If they do, right-click the folder that held your files, open Properties > Previous Versions, select a version from before the attack, and click Open to check it before you Restore or copy the files out. Windows 11 and Windows 10 both have the tab.
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
A backup made before the attack is the surest way back. Connect it only once the PC is clean, then restore from File History, Windows Backup, OneDrive's Restore your OneDrive or your own external copies.
Without a backup, try file recovery: the originals that Nood virus deleted may still be on the disk until something overwrites them. Install nothing new on the drive you want to recover from on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
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.
Restore Windows "hosts" file to its original state
Some ransomware might modify Windows hosts file in order to prevent users from accessing certain websites online. For example, Djvu ransomware variants add dozens of entries containing URLs of security-related websites, such as 2-spyware.com. Each of the entries means that users will not be able to access the listed web addresses and will receive an error instead.
Here's an example of "hosts" file entries that were injected by ransomware:
In order to restore your ability to access all websites without restrictions, you should either delete the file (Windows will automatically recreate it) or remove all the malware-created entries. If you have never touched the "hosts" file before, you should simply delete it by marking it and pressing Shift + Del on your keyboard. For that, navigate to the following location:
C:\\Windows\\System32\\drivers\\etc\\
Create data backups to avoid file loss in the future
Report the incident to your local authorities
Ransomware is a lucrative, highly illegal business, and authorities are actively targeting ransomware operators. The level of investigation and follow-up depends on the country, the scale of the incident, and whether the attack is linked to known ransomware groups. To increase the likelihood of identifying the culprits, the agencies need information. In many cases, reports are used primarily for intelligence gathering, trend analysis, and victim support rather than immediate identification of attackers.
Therefore, by reporting the crime, you could help stop the cybercriminal activities and catch the threat actors. Reporting does not guarantee investigation or recovery of data, but it contributes to broader efforts to track ransomware campaigns. Make sure you include all the possible details, including how did you notice the attack, when it happened, etc. Relevant details may also include affected systems, ransom demands, cryptocurrency wallet addresses, and any communication with the attackers. Additionally, providing documents such as ransom notes, encrypted files, or malware executables would be beneficial.
Law enforcement agencies typically deal with online fraud and cybercrime, although it depends on where you live. Here is the list of local authority groups that handle incidents like ransomware attacks, sorted by country:
- USA - Internet Crime Complaint Center IC3
- United Kingdom - ActionFraud
- Canada - Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
- Australia - ScamWatch
- New Zealand - ConsumerProtection
- Germany - Polizei
- France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
If your country is not listed above, you should contact the local police department or communications center.
From our report of Mar 2024 · not reviewed since
How to remove the virus from your system
Discovering that your personal files have been encrypted by Nood ransomware is distressing.
This ransomware specifically targets a wide range of personal data, including irreplaceable photos and crucial documents, leveraging the significant emotional and practical value these files hold. However, succumbing to the demands of these cybercriminals should not be your first course of action. Here are some steps to consider instead.
Firstly, remove the ransomware from your system. Although the ransomware may self-delete after encrypting your files, it could have spread additional harmful payloads that still pose a risk. Utilize comprehensive anti-malware software like or to thoroughly cleanse your system of the ransomware and any hidden malicious elements.
If the ransomware prevents the removal tools from functioning properly, try running the scan in Safe Mode. This environment is better suited for dealing with malware issues.
After clearing your system of the ransomware, you might encounter operational issues like crashes or errors, which are aftereffects of the ransomware's damage. Such tools can fix system problems efficiently, avoiding the complexity and time consumption of a full Windows reinstall.
From our report of Mar 2024 · not reviewed since
Data recovery possibilities
After successfully removing the Nood ransomware and any associated threats from your system, the next step is to focus on the recovery of your data.
It's essential to ensure that all traces of malware are eradicated to prevent further data loss or another encryption attack.
Misconceptions about ransomware are widespread, particularly regarding the nature of the encryption it employs and the operation of such malicious software. Many victims mistakenly believe that running security scans or engaging in manual fixes, such as renaming files, will reverse the encryption. However, the challenge is significantly more intricate.
The encryption technique utilized by ransomware like Nood is based on sophisticated algorithms that generate nearly unbreakable encryption keys. Merely eliminating the ransomware does not revert the encryption; the affected files stay locked and unreachable without the specific decryption key, which the attackers closely guard.
Ransomware operates by assigning a unique identifier and encryption key to each encrypted file, details that are then sent back to the attackers. This process ensures that the cybercriminals have all they require to produce a decryption key, effectively holding the victim's data hostage. The primary aim is to exploit the victim's dire situation for monetary gain, making ransomware a profitable business for cybercriminal organizations.
Although paying the ransom might appear to be a straightforward way out, we advocate for considering alternative recovery options. Before you try any recovery strategies, it's wise to back up the encrypted files to mitigate the risk of additional loss.
One such recovery solution is the use of a decryption utility from Emsisoft, though its success heavily depends on the specific ransomware variant and several other factors.
From here, there are three available outcomes:
If your data was encrypted with an online ID, Emsisoft's tool won't work.
- After pressing Download button, a small pop-up at the bottom, titled decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe should show up - click it.
- If User Account Control (UAC) message shows up, press Yes.
- Agree to License Terms by pressing Yes.
- After Disclaimer shows up, press OK.
- The tool should automatically populate the affected folders, although you can also do it by pressing Add folder at the bottom.
- Press Decrypt.
- "Decrypted!" will be shown under files that were decrypted successfully - they are now usable again.
- "Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID:" means that the keys for this version of the virus have not yet been retrieved, so you should try later.
- "This ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible" - you are unable to decrypt files with this tool.
- Download .
- Double-click the installer to launch it.
- Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
- As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
- Select Everything or pick individual folders which you want the files to be recovered from.
- Press Next.
- At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
- Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
- You can now pick which folders/files to recover - don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
- Press Recover to retrieve your files.
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.
Make the next attack harmless
Nood virus could only hurt the files that had no second copy, and the signs (files that end in .nood and no longer open) showed exactly which ones those were.
The 3-2-1 rule fixes that:
- three copies
- two media
- one disconnected
A practical version for a home PC: OneDrive or another cloud backup with version history, plus an external disk that you plug in once a week for File History and then unplug. Test a restore now and then by opening a few files from the backup on another device.
Details, schedules and what not to back up are in our 3-2-1 backup guide for Windows.
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 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 for the data restoration process.
Questions about Nood virus
How do I open .nood files?
You cannot open them by renaming or with another program, because the content of files ending in .nood 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.
Is there a free Nood virus decryptor?
We last checked on 6 October 2026, and for Nood virus 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 "Nood virus 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.
Are ransomware recovery services legitimate?
Some are, but read the offer carefully. Genuine data-recovery firms recover deleted originals from disks or rebuild damaged files, and they say so. Others promise to "decrypt any ransomware" for a fixed price, which is impossible without the key; they quietly pay the attackers and keep a margin, sometimes without telling the victim.
Be especially careful with services that contact you after you post about the attack online. Ask for references, a written method and a no-result-no-fee clause, and check the free tools on No More Ransom first.
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.
How did Nood virus get on my computer?
The way Nood virus 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 .nood 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.
Did Nood virus steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Nood virus, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .nood 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 Nood virus 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.
Can I delete _readme.txt?
Yes, the note itself is harmless text and deleting it does not affect your files. Keep at least one copy first, outside the infected PC. _readme.txt contains your personal ID and the attackers' contact details, which identification services use to tell which family encrypted your files, and which a decryptor may need later.
Police reports also ask for it. Once you have saved a copy, you can remove the notes from every folder after the ransomware program has been removed and your files are restored or backed up.
Will .nood spread to my other drives?
It can. Ransomware encrypts every drive and network share it can reach while it runs, so external disks, USB sticks and shared folders connected during the attack may also have files ending in .nood. Disconnect everything now, then check each device from a clean computer.
Do not plug a backup drive into the infected PC until the ransomware has been removed with an offline scan. Cloud folders such as OneDrive sync the encrypted versions, but they keep earlier versions you can usually restore.
Will Fortect remove Nood virus?
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 Nood virus, 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
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 6, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 6, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 6, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline (read October 6, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: How Microsoft names malware (read October 6, 2026)