Norvas ransomware (Removal Guide) - Decryption Steps Included

Norvas virus Removal Guide

What is Norvas ransomware?

Norvas is the ransomware that encourages victims to pay the ransom by lowering the price as other recent STOP virus versions

Norvas ransomwareNorvas ransomware is the virus that tricks victims into paying the ransom with a 50% off discount. Norvas virus – ransomware that marks data with .norvas appendix when the original code of the file gets changed. This process is called encryption, and it is the primary purpose of such malware.[1] However, cryptovirus has more functions than the file-locking itself. Since this is a version of a well-known Djvu ransomware, it hails from the family of STOP ransomware.

Norvas files virus has been quite active since its release, so there is no surprise that cybersecurity experts are working on the decryption key which is highly awaited by the virus victims. Thanks to Michael Gillespie, you can try using STOPDecryptor to recover encrypted files. However, some users claim that the tool is working only with Offline ID keys.

The one significant similarity between other versions from the same virus family is the ransom note – _readme.txt. It gets delivered together with the same message offering to 50% off discount for the ransom. Filename and the content haven't changed since March. However, the thing that keeps changing is contact information. Norvas virus developers can be contacted via vengisto@india.com, vengisto@firemail.cc emails. However, we are not recommending to reach these people since it may lead to data loss or infiltration of more significant malware.[2]

Name Norvas ransomware
Type Cryptovirus
File marker .norvas
Family Djvu ransomware
Contact emails vengisto@india.com, vengisto@firemail.cc
Ransom note _readme.txt
Ransom amount $980
Decryption STOP virus decryptor is often updated with new offline IDs, so check the possibility to reverse affected files
Distribution Spam email attachments with infected documents
Removal Remove Norvas ransomware with reputable anti-malware, clean the machine and virus damage with FortectIntego

Norvas ransomware virus is the cyber threat that focuses on encrypting pictures, documents, databases, video, audio files or even data stored on a cloud service. When the encoding process goes as planned .norvas extension marks every file that got affected. It indicates which data became useless and unreachable.

The file encryption is the first but not the only process that Norvas ransomware performs on the affected machine. When data gets locked, ransom note gets delivered in every folder containing encrypted files and the _readme.txt file shows the following message:

ATTENTION!
Do not worry my friend, you can return all your files!
All your files are encrypted with the unique key.
Decrypt tool for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send 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 a video of the decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-pPLXOv9XTI
Price is $ 980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $ 490.
Please note that you never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don't get it answer more than 6 hours.
To get this software you need to write on our e-mail:
vengisto@firemail.cc
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
vengisto@india.com
Support Telegram account:
@datarestore
Your personal ID:

However, after that Norvas ransomware focuses on system alterations. To ensure the prominent infiltration, this threat alters existing registry keys or even adds new, so every time the machine is reloaded the malware runs uninterrupted. Also, adding or removing those meanings can affect processes like security programs and AV tools.

Norvas ransomware virusNorvas ransomware is the cryptovirus that gives 72 hours for victims or the ransom goes from $490 to $980. However, paying the ransom doesn't guarantee the data recovery.

All of these changes make Norvas ransomware removal difficult and makes victims believe that paying is the only solution. Unfortunately, paying the demanded amount may not help with your files because often cybercriminals as such disappear after the payment and data remain locked and useless. Experts[3] note that paying shouldn't be considered as a first option.

Although Norvas ransomware is not much changed from the other versions in the family, developers have unique features added to every new variant. This time, in the ransom note cybercriminals note their Telegram account handle @datarestore and this way offers victims to contact malware creators.

Avoid any contact between you and virus developers because these criminals can send you a file with malicious script and infect the system with other malware or demand more money. You better remove Norvas ransomware with anti-malware tools and then focus on data recovery.

For data recovery, you either need file backups on an external device or cloud service or file restoring software. Make sure to remove all Norvas ransomware virus damage, fix possible issues and clean the system thoroughly with FortectIntego. Then your files cannot get affected by the ransomware again.

Norvas virus decryption?

Data recovery after Norvas ransomware removal can be achieved with data backups, file recovery software or similar tools and features. Also, STOP virus decryptor can be helpful for virus decryption because researchers keep an eye on these virus developers and their activity. Malware victims submit samples and ID keys, so more victims can get help. This tool works for Offline ID: 1OcNMvbG9a2vBz0BdsXRX88kjuVX9ku4EmR64St1 with .norvas file appendix.

When the version of a virus that affected your machine is newer than the researcher submissions the tool may not work at first. Especially when Spring 2019 is a busy time for developers behind this malware because they release a new version every week or so. In the meantime, while you wait for the needed update, you should focus on learning about the particular threat and trying to remove Norvas ransomware from the machine.

Norvas virus decryption toolNorvas ransomware gets a decryption tool when STOP virus decryptor gets an update.

Spam emails containing infected attachments distribute malware

Exploiting system vulnerabilities, using exploit kits or installing harmful software can also be considered ways to spread cryptovirus. However, the primary technique still is considered to be spam emails and macro-filled documents as attachments.[4]

Malicious actors send emails with forged information tricking users into believing that the email is from a company like DHL, FedEx, or eBay and contains important financial information. However, the minute received email gets opened and attachment downloaded on the computer, the malicious script gets loaded on the system.

Notification may claim that the package is not coming to you and you can see all the details if you pres enable the content on the PDF file or a link. When you do so malicious macros get triggered, and the computer gets infected with direct ransomware or malware designed to spread crypto malware further.

If you want to avoid such infiltrations, you should pay more attention to emails you receive and open. Clean the email box more often and delete emails you weren't expecting to get or that seem suspicious and contains questionable attachments.

Stop Norvas ransomware virus and clean the system fully

Make sure to remove Norvas ransomware as soon as possible, so it affects less significant parts of your machine. When relevant registries or programs get altered or deleted your system starts working sluggishly or even crashes when critical processes cannot be launched.

Norvas ransomware virus can install other programs on the affected computer, so automatic system cleaning processes are recommended instead of manual virus termination. You need to find all associated files, so get FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes and clean the machine entirely.

This automatic Norvas ransomware removal method with anti-malware tools and professional tools helps to check the system entirely and to terminate all threats at once. Scan the system twice or use a few different tools to make sure the machine is cleaned completely.

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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 Norvas virus. Follow these steps

Manual removal using Safe Mode

Use anti-virus program to remove Norvas ransomware, but first reboot the machine in Safe Mode with Networking

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 Norvas using System Restore

System Restore can also give the advantage while removing Norvas ransomware. This feature can recover a machine to the previous point

  • 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 Norvas. 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 Norvas removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

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

Employ Data Recovery Pro for file restoring purposes

When Norvas ransomware encrypts files, it makes them useless and locked. Data Recovery Pro can restore them or recover any accidentally deleted files

  • 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 Norvas ransomware;
  • Restore them.

Restore data using Windows Previous Versions feature

You should enable System Restore first if you want Windows Previous Versions feature to work for Norvas ransomware affected files

  • 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”.

ShadowExplorer method for file restoring

Get rid of Norvas ransomware and recover data using ShadowExplorer. This works when ransomware leaves Shadow Volume Copies untouched

  • 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.

Try the decryption tool for Norvas ransomware

Thanks to security researcher Michael Gillespie, victims of this ransomware virus version can now try recovering their files with the help of STOPDecrypter (direct download link). However, note that the virus does not work with every version as its developers keep changing the code of the malware.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Norvas 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
Alice Woods
Alice Woods - Likes to teach users about virus prevention

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References
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