The article will help you to remove Noob ransomware completely. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of this article.
The Noob ransomware is a new cryptovirus with a lockscreen function. This virus has been discovered by the malware researcher Jaromir Horejsi. The ransomware has a mechanism for breaking files and making them 0 bytes, if you type an incorrect unlock code, according to the same researcher. If the infection occurs, the Noob cryptovirus will display a window with a ransom note message.
Threat Summary
| Name | Noob |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware virus can encrypt files and has the function to lock your PC screen. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will display a window containing instructions about payment and will encrypt files while locking your screen. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Noob. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
Noob Ransomware – Delivery
Noob ransomware could spread its infection via different methods. The payload file that initiates the malicious script for this ransomware, which in turn infects your computer machine, is circling the Internet and a malware sample has been found by malware researchers. You can see the VirusTotal detections for different security programs of that sample by checking the screenshot below:
As seen in the above screenshot, many security vendors detect the ransomware to be from the HiddenTear project family.
Noob ransomware could also distribute its payload file along social media websites and file-sharing networks. Freeware applications which are found on the Web could be presented as useful but at the same time could be hiding the malicious script for the cryptovirus. Refrain from opening files right when you have downloaded them, especially if they come from dubious sources such as links or e-mails. Instead, you should scan them beforehand with a security tool, while also checking the sizes and signatures of these files for anything that seems suspicious. You should read the ransomware prevention tips thread on the forum.
Noob Ransomware – Detailed Overview
Noob is the name of this ransomware cryptovirus. It has been dubbed that way, because of the payload dropper file, named Noob.exe and because of the ransom message, where at the end, every victim is referred to as “n00b”.
Noob ransomware might make entries in the Windows Registry aiming to achieve a higher level of persistence. Those registry entries are typically designed in a way that will start the virus automatically with each launch of the Windows Operating System.
The ransom note will appear after the encryption process is complete. The note provides the demands for payment and similar instructions. The note of Noob opens in a window, which also activates the lockscreen feature. You can see that note from the screenshot given below:
That ransom message reads the following:
YOUR IMPORTANT DATA HAS BEEN ENCRYPTED
Your Documents, Photos, Videos, and other important files
has been encrypted.
The only way to restore your data is you must pay 3 BTC to my wallet address.
To complete your payment please contact me at geekhaxid[at]gmail.com,
and get your private key to decrypt your filesYour data will be safe until 24 hours I’m not receive the payment
Your data will be encrypted forever.Big Thanks,
n00b
XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX DECRYPT
As clearly seen from the ransom message above, the developer of the Noob cryptovirus has laid out detailed instructions about payment. The e-mail address that is used is geekhaxid@gmail.com and the ransom sum that is demanded is 3 Bitcoin, which currently is nearly 3.200 US dollars. If you get your computer infected with the malware, you should NOT under any circumstances pay the cybercriminal who is behind it. Nobody could guarantee that you will get your files restored.
Noob Ransomware – Encryption Process
Noob ransomware has a high probability to seek and encrypt files, which have the following extensions:
→.doc, .docx, .pdf, .db, .jpg, .png, .ppt, .pptx, .txt, .xls, .xlsx
This is due to the fact that files with the extensions mentioned above, are still the most commonly used ones among Windows users. And as we know, Windows is the predominant operating system.
To remove the lock on your screen and get the ransom note window down, all you have to do is type the following unlock code:
Be careful though, as the malware researcher Jaromir Horejsi warns that if you input the wrong unlock code, all decrypted files will be 0 bytes. That means that they will hold no information inside and still be unable to get opened.
The Noob cryptovirus could be set to delete the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system with the aid of the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
In case that command is executed, the encryption process becomes more efficient as it eliminates one of the viable ways to restore your file data.
Remove Noob Ransomware and Restore Your Data
If your computer got infected with the Noob ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Noob with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Noob and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Noob on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Noob there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Noob
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Noob.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and Noob aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Noob-FAQ
What is Noob Ransomware?
Noob is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does Noob Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does Noob Infect?
Via several ways.Noob Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of Noob is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .Noob files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Noob files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Noob files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Noob" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Noob files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of Noob Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate Noob ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Noob files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can Noob Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the Noob Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Noob how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Noob ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.