Infected by the Nooa ransomware in 2024? Read this guide! It will help you understand more about this threat and help you recover .nooa files.
What Is Nooa Virus
Nooa is the name of a STOP Ransomware variant. The main purpose of this malware is to enter your computer and encode your documents, videos, pictures, and other files that are important for you. The main idea of this virus is to perform heavy encryption on each of the files, generating a decryption key for which you are asked to pay ransom in the form of BitCoin. The instructions to pay the ransom are posted on a _readme.txt file that has been left on your desktop after the virus encrypts your files and adds the .nooa file extension to them.
Nooa virus can be removed if your read the instructions posted beneath this article.
Read this article to understand how you can remove Nooa virus from your computer completely.
Nooa virus Virus Summary
Name | Nooa Virus, also known as UDS:Trojan.Win32.Chapak.gen, Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.KM!MTB, Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], A Variant Of Win32/GenKryptik.FHJB |
File Extension | .nooa |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
Symptoms | The Nooa Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .nooa extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Nooa virus. |
How Did I Get It?
Nooa virus is very similar to other STOP Ransomware variants, like .zzla, .wwka and .nwji ones, that recently appeared. The main idea of these viruses is to get victims to pay ransom for their files. To achieve this, they may use different infection tactics, for example:
- Downloaded as an executable file from a suspicious website.
- If it is sent as an e-mail attachment.
If the case is the first, then you could have downloaded some type of executable file that you though was legitimate, for example:
- Cracks or activators.
- Portable software.
- Patches for apps or games.
- Fake setups.
- Keygen (key generator activator).
Another scenario is getting your computer infected via e-mail. If this is the case, then there is a chance that this virus could cause an infection as a result of some fake attachment sent to victims and appearing as a document of some sort, like:
- Invoice of some sort.
- Work-related documents.
- Tickets for flights.
- Purchase e-receipt.
What Does It Do?
Nooa virus may drop its files on your computer that are often randomly named and could be left in the following directories:
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %SystemDrive%
- %local%
- %AppData%
Among the dropped files is also the ransom note of this virus that has the following name:
But the Nooa ransomware does not stop there. It may also begin to modify the following Windows registry sub-keys:
- Run.
- RunOnce.
.nooa Files
The Nooa ransomware may scan for the following file types to encrypt them, while carefully avoiding to encrypt any system files and drivers:
- Image files (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Video files (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Document file types (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Audio (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Archives (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Other.
After the files are encrypted, their core data is changed and they appear, like the following:
Picture.jpg.nooa
Remove Nooa Virus and Try to Restore Files
Nooa virus is the name of the malware that is created only to attack your files. It can be removed effectively if you follow the removal instructions that have been posted in this article guide below. They are made with the idea to best assist you in removing Nooa from your computer either manually or automatically.
The best removal method against the Nooa ransomware is to use advanced anti-malware software. Such a program is dedicated to scanning and removing any specific malware type that may be plaguing your computer in a safe manner.
For the file recovery, good advice we would give is to follow the alternative file recovery steps that have been posted underneath this article. They have been created with the primary idea to best assist you in recovering as many files as possible when detected on your machine.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Nooa virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Nooa virus 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Nooa virus 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 Nooa virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 Nooa virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Nooa virus.
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 Nooa virus 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.
Nooa virus-FAQ
What is Nooa virus Ransomware?
Nooa virus 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 Nooa virus 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 Nooa virus Infect?
Via several ways.Nooa virus 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 Nooa virus 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 .Nooa virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Nooa virus 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 .Nooa virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Nooa virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Nooa virus 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 Nooa virus 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 Nooa virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Nooa virus 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 Nooa virus 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 Nooa virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Nooa virus 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 Nooa virus 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.
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