Nppp ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
Nppp ransomware is a dangerous malware form that employs the AES-256 key for blocking files. Discovered by Michael Gillespie, this ransomware variant appears to be the 210th from the Djvu family.
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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Nppp ransomware: summary
| Name | Nppp ransomware |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware virus/malware |
| Family | Djvu/STOP ransomware |
| Discoverer | Michael Gillespie has announced his findings on Twitter |
| Cipher | The ransomware virus employs the AES-256 encryption cipher and locks up all files, folders, and documents that are found on the infected Windows computer system |
| Appendix | Once all of the data components are blocked by using the Advanced Encryption Standard, the filenames get the .nppp appendix added |
| 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 18 more facts
| Ransom note | The ransomware infection drops the _readme.txt ransom note that comes every time the same for each Djvu ransomware variant |
|---|---|
| Demanded price | Cybercriminals are greedy people and urge for $490 as the starter price if the demands are met within 3 days. However, if the victims are late to pay, they have to transfer a double amount |
| Crooks' contacts | Hackers provide two email addresses – gorentos@bitmessage.ch and gorentos@firemail.cc and one Telegram account name – @datarestore for making communication with the victims |
| Spreading | File-encrypting malware that comes from the Djvu ransomware family is mostly spread through cracked software such as key generators. This particular ransomware string is known to infect Windows computers through TunePat Spotify Converter crack |
| Danger | This cyber threat holds the danger level of high as it locks up all files and keeps them away from proper access. Nevertheless, such ransomware can open backdoors for other infections such as AZORult Trojan virus |
| File recovery | There should be no rush to pay the cyber crooks as you have other options than just getting scammed. Our experts have provided some data recovery solutions that are added at the end of this article |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Encrypted file extension | .nppp |
| 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 | 7 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .nppp |
| Attacker contacts | gorentos@bitmessage.ch |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 26 June 2020 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.nppp - Note file:
_readme.txt - Contact:
gorentos@bitmessage.ch
From our report of Jun 2020 · not reviewed since
Nppp ransomware - a file-encrypting virus that can invade the system through TunePat Spotify Converter crack
Nppp ransomware is a dangerous malware form that employs the AES-256 key for blocking files.
Discovered by Michael Gillespie, this ransomware variant appears to be the 210th from the Djvu family. When all of the data is locked with the unique cipher, the files cannot be accessed properly anymore or recovered without a fitting decryption tool. Nppp ransomware appends the .nppp extension to each filename and if you primarily had a file named documents.doc, now it is going to be documents.doc.nppp.
Right after this, the ransom note comes and provides the victim with ransom demands. The message is named _readme.txt and is the same note that is displayed by each Djvu ransomware family member. Nppp ransomware spreaders want to make sure that the victims fall for their requests and start believing that the files cannot be recovered by using any other technique just their decryption software.
The payment requirement is $490 if the ransom price is transferred within 3 days, otherwise, it doubles up to $980. Furthermore, Nppp virus encourages users to contact the developers if they want to receive the tool. For this purpose, crooks have provided three ways of contacting them - gorentos@bitmessage.ch, gorentos@firemail.cc email addresses, and the @datarestore Telegram account.
Emsisoft has already released a decryption tool for some STOP/Djvu viruses, however, it works only for those versions that are based on offline keys or were created before August 2019 and Nppp ransomware does not seem to fall in any of these categories.
However, you still should not rush to believe in the crooks and give them what they want. They are not interested in your problems and might not even provide you with a tool, give you a fake one, or raise the ransom demands after you pay the required price.
Nppp ransomware has already become a discussion topic on Reddit. A user has complained to have made a mistake by downloading the TunePat Spotify Converter crack that brought the ransomware infection to his device.
Being one of the most popular malware families, Djvu ransomware viruses such as Nppp ransomware are mostly spread via torrenting networks. According to Emsisoft report, these cyber threats are often delivered through cracked software, especially, key generators that are very wanted by many users as they allow accessing certain products freely.
Nppp ransomware aims to alter the Windows Registry and Task Manager sections by filling these locations with malicious keys and entries. Some of the products are responsible for activating the malware every time when the Windows computer is turned on, others take care of repeated system scans for encryptable content to make sure that no file or folder is left untouched by the encryption cipher.
After locking all files, Nppp ransomware keeps both encryption and decryption keys stored on remote servers that are accessible only for the developers and cannot be reached by other people. This type of activity makes the decryption process of files for users a very hard task to complete. Afterward comes the ransom note:
We have already told you that Nppp ransomware developers are here for their needs only. They will try to convince you to transfer the money by claiming to be the only ones that can help to recover data. However, avoiding payments and thinking of other possible data recovery solutions is a better option to take.
Nppp ransomware might also execute the "vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet" command via PowerShell to eliminate the Shadow Volume Copies of your encrypted files. This way the cybercriminals expect to prevent you from employing data restoring software that works only under the condition that the Shadow Copies are kept safe.
Another malicious thing that Nppp ransomware might do is compromising Windows hosts files to keep users away from cybersecurity websites and forums where they can receive valuable information on the malware removal and file recovery.
When you are completing Nppp ransomware removal, you need to make sure that you delete the hosts files too, otherwise, the access can remain blocked and you will not be able to enter your liked pages. If the malware has brought any damage to your computer system too, you can try repairing it with software such as .
There are plenty of reasons why you should remove Nppp ransomware from your Windows computer and we are going to provide you with one more. STOP ransomware viruses are known for the ability to bring AZORult Trojan virus to the machine and this particular malware strain might also not be an exception.
If Nppp ransomware brings you other parasites, you are likely to experience a wide range of unwanted and even damaging, risky activities. Trojan viruses are known for their ability to steal personal information and credentials. These cyber threats can also overuse your PC's CPU power, harm some system components, and force the machine to crash.
So, you should speed up the Nppp ransomware removal process and get rid of the virus without hesitation. However, if you are having some difficulties to terminate the infection, this might be because it is blocking your antivirus software. To diminish all malicious processes and activities on your computer, you should bring it back to its previous state with System Restore or boot the machine in Safe Mode with Networking.
From our report of Jun 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Nppp ransomware
- You should get rid of the ransomware virus as soon as you see it on your device.
- This type of task can be accomplished with the help of reliable antimalware tools.
- However, you should not try to eliminate the malware by yourself as you might easily fail and make dangerous mistakes
- After performing a full system scan with Malwarebytes, the results showed 77 viruses existing throughout the entire computer.
How Nppp ransomware behaves
From our report of Jun 2020 · not reviewed since
Software cracks carry different variants of Djvu ransomware viruses
Virusai.lt specialists have discovered that one of the most popular ways that cybercriminals employ to spread ransomware viruses are software cracks.
Crooks often inject the malicious payload into third-party products such as key generators that are put up for download on torrenting networks, including The Pirate Bay, and similar ones.
A piece of advice would be to stop using these unsecured downloading sources for getting your products and services. All of the software should be purchased from official developers as then you can be sure that no type of malware secretly slips into your computer system.
However, even though cracked software is one of the most popular technique to distribute ransomware, these parasites are also spread through other sources such as:
- Phishing email messages. Criminals are likely to drop emails that pretend to come from reliable companies and bring various attachments as the malicious payload. Do not open any clipped file without scanning it with antimalware first.
- Malvertising. Malicious ads are also a great source of loading ransomware as they can be provided on any type of third-party source and reach a wide range of people. Install AdBlock or Adblock Plus to avoid incoming ads.
- By manipulating OS flaws. If you are keeping some type of software, e.g. antivirus, or even your operating system outdated, you need to upgrade the components right away, otherwise, they might be misused by malware developers.
The Nppp 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:
https://we.tl/t-7YSRbcuaMa
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:
datarestorehelp@firemail.cc
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
datahelp@iran.ir
Your personal ID:
How to remove Nppp 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 Nppp ransomware 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 Nppp ransomware 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
.npppand 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 Nppp ransomware, 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 Nppp ransomware 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 Nppp ransomware 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.
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
Advanced removal instructions for Nppp ransomware
When it comes to ransomware, you need to be serious and act fast.
There is no reason to postpone the elimination process as delaying it could bring only more damage. Remove Nppp ransomware by employing reliable security tools. If you are having some trouble to get rid of the parasite, you might need to diminish some malicious processes first. This can be done with the help of Safe Mode with Networking or System Restore that are explained below.
Nppp ransomware removal includes cleaning the entire system and all the infected directories if you want to make sure that the malware will not return. Furthermore, you should check for possible damage on your machine with software such as or .
[GI=method-1]To deactivate malicious settings and programs on your Windows computer system, you should try opting for Safe Mode with Networking as shown in the below-provided instructions
[GI=method-2]If you want to bring your operating system back to its previous state and get rid of various malware-induced changes, you should apply System Restore as explained in these guidelines
If you have been searching for a product that might be helpful in data recovery, you can absolutely try this one
Windows Previous Versions feature can be helpful in data restore
This method can be a great option for data restoring if you have opted for the System Restore feature before
Shadow Explorer can do a good job in file recovery
This software can also help you to recover at least some individual documents. However, it might not work if the ransomware virus has permanently damaged or deleted the Shadow Volume Copies of your files
Experts are still developing the official decryption key
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 .nppp 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 Nppp ransomware
How do I open .nppp files?
You cannot open them by renaming or by choosing another program. The .nppp ending shows that Nppp ransomware encrypted the content, and only the matching key can reverse it. Renaming a file back to .docx or .jpg changes nothing except the icon, and it can confuse a future decryptor, so leave the names as they are.
To get the content back, use a backup, an unencrypted copy elsewhere, or a decryptor listed on No More Ransom if one exists for Nppp ransomware. Store the encrypted files on an external disk until then.
Did Nppp ransomware steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Nppp ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .nppp 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.
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 Nppp ransomware get on my computer?
The way Nppp ransomware 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 .nppp 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 there a free Nppp ransomware decryptor?
We last checked on 6 October 2026, and for Nppp ransomware 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 "Nppp ransomware 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.
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.
Is Nppp ransomware 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 just remove .nppp from the file names?
You can try it on a copy, but for real ransomware it will not help. The .nppp extension is only a label; the file content has been scrambled with a key the attackers hold.
If a renamed copy opens normally, the malware only renamed files, which happens with some fake ransomware, and you can rename the rest back. If it does not open, leave the files as they are. Renaming encrypted files can confuse a decryptor later, so always work on copies.
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 Fortect remove Nppp ransomware?
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 Nppp ransomware, 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: Nppp ransomware (read October 6, 2026)
- Reddit: Help. i got NPPP ransomware. im about to lose all my files (read October 6, 2026)
- Get File Key: TunePat Spotify Converter Crack Download (read October 6, 2026)
- Emsisoft Blog: Ransomware statistics for 2019: Q2 to Q3 report (read October 6, 2026)
- Wikipedia: Shadow Copy (read October 6, 2026)
- Virusai: SAUGUMO IR VIRUSŲ NAUJIENOS (read October 6, 2026)