What is .cxk_nmsl files virus .cxk_nmsl files virus is also known as .cxk_nmsl ransomware and encrypts users’ files while asking for a ransom.
.Cxk_nmsl files virus also known as CXK-NMSL ransomware is a ransomware from an unknown hacking collective aiming to infect as many users as possible. Due to the fact that there is currently no information available about the distribution methods we anticipate that the most popular ones are to be used. The virus may start different malicious components and in the end will encrypt target user data with a strong cipher, resulting in them being inaccessible and renamed with the .cxk_nmsl extension. The victims will be blackmailed into paying the hackers a “decryption fee”.
Threat Summary
Name | .cxk_nmsl Files Virus |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer machine and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly restore them. |
Symptoms | The ransomware will blackmail the victims to pay them a decryption fee. Sensitive user data may be encrypted by the ransomware code. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .cxk_nmsl Files Virus. |
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. |
cxk_nmsl Files Virus — Version 3.3 Released in February 2020
Security researchers have discovered a new version of the cxk_nmsl Files Virus ransomware which is titled as version 3.3 — so far this is the latest iteration. It includes a new ransom note which gives us reasons to believe that it may be possible that a different group is behind the attacks.
The virus analysis shows the threat contains a lot of advanced functionality, the active components are the following:
- Data Modification — The main virus engine can rename, delete and modify existing files which are found on the victim’s hard drive.
- Security Bypass — The virus engine has been found search for any installed security applications and actively bypass them. This can work against most of the popular types of software — firewalls, anti-virus programs, sandbox environments and virtual machine hosts.
- Network Activity — The cxk_nmsl virus can check if there is an active network Internet connection. We anticipate that in future releases the developers can integrate a Trojan module which will allow the hackers to take over control of the victim machines.
- Additional Malware Delivery — Other viruses can be installed by an active cxk_nmsl virus infection: Trojans, ransomware, hijackers and cryptocurrency miners.
A dangerous feature of this ransomware is that it includes valid signed security certificates which makes discovery very dangerous.
cxk_nmsl Files Virus — Update September 2019
The cxk_nmsl Files Virus is a generic malware which is known to researchers under several names including Chinese BAT or Trojan Bat Ransom. It is being spread by an unknown hacking group, presumably from China or a Chinese-speaking country. What’s particularly dangerous abut it is that the behavior will change depending on the actual local conditions or the instructions of the hackers. This malware sequence is run by creating a special BAT file that will include the commands that are to be run.
.cxk_nmsl Files Virus – Detailed Description
As a new ransomware the .cxk_nmsl Files Virus will use the traditional tactics of spreading to the intended users. A large part of the viruses that are sent by criminals make use of email phishing campaigns and can create malicious sites that appear as being operated by a well-known service and company. They are usually hosted on domain names that sound familiar and the pages may even include security certificates.
The other common way of spreading the .cxk_nmsl files virus is by crafting special file carriers that will institute the threat as soon as the users open them up. This includes any macro-infected documents which have malicious commands built into them, this can include all popular formats: presentations, text documents, spreadsheets and databases. The other type is the creation of malicious application installers which are often of software that is frequently downloaded by end users. These programs can also be spread over file-sharing networks, specifically BitTorrent where both pirate and legitimate content is found.
As soon as the infection is made the .cxk_nmsl Files Virus will start to launch its built-in modules. By following the example of most modern virus threats this will begin the infection with a boot options change which will automatically start the main engine as soon as the computer is powered on. This is done in order to make sure that the virus will always start and be able to meddle with the system. A very important component which is run by the main .cxk_nsml files virus engine is the data harvesting one which is designed to collected information that can be used to identify the victims and be used for crimes like identity theft. If any machine information is gathered then it can be used to create unique signature which will be assigned to each compromised machine.
The collected information about the infected systems can be used to scan the system for any security software that can block the proper execution of the threat. The list includes any anti-virus programs, firewalls, sandbox environments and virtual machine hosts. They will be bypassed or entirely removed.
What’s more dangerous is the fact that the virus may lead to various Windows Registry changes — this will result in serious performance issues, data loss and unexpected errors.
The ransomware engine will be started following the completion of the modules. By using a built-in list of target file type extensions: archives, databases, multimedia files, documents, backups and etc. All affected files will receive the .cxk_nsml extension and an associated ransomware note will be made in order to blackmail the victims into paying the operators a decryption fee.
.cxk_nmsl Files Virus – What Does It Do?
The .cxk_nmsl Files Virus is a crypto virus programmed to encrypt user data. As soon as all modules have finished running in their prescribed order the lockscreen will launch an application frame which will prevent the users from interacting with their computers. It will display the ransomware note to the victims.
You should NOT under any circumstances pay any ransom sum. Your files may not get recovered, and nobody could give you a guarantee for that.
The .cxk_nmsl Files Virus cryptovirus could be set to erase all the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system with the help of the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
If your computer device was infected with this ransomware and your files are locked, read on through to find out how you could potentially restore your files back to normal.
Remove .cxk_nmsl Files Virus
If your computer system got infected with the .cxk_nmsl Files 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 .cxk_nmsl Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .cxk_nmsl Files 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 .cxk_nmsl Files 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 .cxk_nmsl Files 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 .cxk_nmsl Files Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .cxk_nmsl Files 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 .cxk_nmsl Files 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.
.cxk_nmsl Files Virus-FAQ
What is .cxk_nmsl Files Virus Ransomware?
.cxk_nmsl Files 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 .cxk_nmsl Files 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 .cxk_nmsl Files Virus Infect?
Via several ways..cxk_nmsl Files 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 .cxk_nmsl Files 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 ..cxk_nmsl Files Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..cxk_nmsl Files 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 ..cxk_nmsl Files Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..cxk_nmsl Files Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..cxk_nmsl Files 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 .cxk_nmsl Files 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 .cxk_nmsl Files Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..cxk_nmsl Files 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 .cxk_nmsl Files 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 .cxk_nmsl Files Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .cxk_nmsl Files 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 .cxk_nmsl Files 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.
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