A ransomware virus going by the name N1N1N1 has been reported to use a very stron encryption algorithm to encode the files of unsuspecting users. The virus leaves behind the .n1n1n1 file extension to every file it has encrypted along with ransom instructions, name “how return files” in .txt and .html document. In those instructions the victim is notified that the files can no longer be opened by this ransomware and is asked to make a ransom payoff of 1.5 BTC to get the files back. Everyone who has become victims of the N1N1N1 crypto-virus is strongly advised to follow the instructions in this article to remove this malware and use alternative methods to try and restore encrypted files instead of paying the ransom.
Threat Summary
| Name |
N1N1N1 |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The malware encrypts users files using a strong RSA encryption algorithm, making direct decryption possible only via a unique decryption key available to the cyber-criminals. |
| Symptoms | The user may witness ransom notes and “instructions” and a sound message all linking to a web page and a decryptor. Changed file names and the file-extension .n1n1n1 has been used. |
| Distribution Method | Via an Exploit kit, Dll file attack, malicious JavaScript or a drive-by download of the malware itself in an obfuscated manner. |
| 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 N1N1N1 Ransomware. |
| 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. |
N1N1N1 Ransomware – Spread
In order to be widespread and infect the maximum amount of victims, N1N1N1 may spread via Exploit kits, JavaScript and even other malware that may currently be residing on the victims computers. The N1N1N1 virus also may use malicious spam campaigns that distribute it’s payload as an e-mail attachment or via a malicious URL that may be placed along a convincing message, motivating the user to click on it. Not only this, but the N1N1N1 ransomware might also infect via malicious web links that may be sent out on various Social Media websites, like Facebook, Twitter and others. Those web links may cause a browser redirect and an infection via a drive by download. To cause a successful infection and slip by any antivirus software and firewalls the N1N1N1 virus may also use malware obfuscators that make it appear as if it is a legitimate application. If it attacks via an exploit kit, this virus takes advantage of an Exploit in Windows, which means that the cyber-criminals behind the N1N1N1 threat may have invested a lot of funds in such software.
N1N1N1 Ransomware – What Does It Do
As soon as it has infected your computer, the N1N1N1 virus may drop several types of malicious files on your computer:
The malicious files may be programmed to perform various activities such as changing he wallpaper of the infected computer, changing settings in the registry, connect to the cyber-crooks server and most importantly encrypt the files in it. They may be located in the following folders under different, usually random names:
%Roaming%
%Local%
%SystemDrive%
%Windows%
After having created the malicious files, the N1N1N1 virus may run it’s primary executable which encrypts the files on the compromised computer. The virus may also heavily modify the Windows Registry Editor to make the encryptor run again and again every time you start Windows.
The file types that N1N1N1 is looking for to encrypt are many, but they are primarily associated with often used files, such as:
- Documents.
- Audio files.
- Image files.
- Database Files.
- Files associated with programs, like Photoshop, etc.
The N1N1N1 virus also cleverly skips the encryption of files that may pose a direct threat to the operating system and cause it to disfunction.
After having encrypted your files, the N1N1N1 ransomware leaves them with it’s distinctive .n1n1n1 file extension, for example:
The files can no longer be opened since their code structure is no longer the same.
After encrypting the files on a compromised machine, the N1N1N1 malware drops two files in each folder with encrypted files:
The ransom notes have the following ransom message:
Your files encrypted.
To decrypt and return control to all your encrypted files you need :
1) Go to https://www.torproject.org/download/download-easy.html.en . Download Tor browser for windows.
If you can’t open this page then go to https://www.torproject.org and click on button Download.
It will redirect you to page where you can find “Tor Browser for Windows”. Download it.
If you still can’t download or run tor browser then download, unpack and run the most stable tor browser version here:
https://docs.google.com/uc?id=0B7IelRsUOVDAMjF3M3VySjFFbFE&export=download
2) Install it and run it.
3) Type in the address bar www.hs5br44fuvaazn72.onion/start.php and open our secret website.
4) Secret website will ask you to input your public key.
5) Enter your public key and follow the instructions.
Your public key:
If you have any problems while downloading or installing tor browser or opening secret tor site then
if you have antivirus then remove or disable it (antivirus can prohibit open tor browser) or try use other computer.
Don’t forget that you can browse www.youtube.com and search videos with tor browser installation process.
If you still can’t open this secret page then
1) Go to https://mail.google.com (use your usual browser: (firefox, google chrome, …)
2) If you don’t have …@gmail account then sign up. You will get google (gmail) account.
3) Compose letter and send it to strongonion@sigaint.org
In letter you need type us your public key (see public key above).
4) Soon (in 1 or 2 days), we will send you instructions what you need to do to decrypt your files.
Small remark:
You can compose and send letter using other mail provider (…@aol.com …@yahoo.com or other)
but we DON’T RECOMMEND you to do it because we are not sure that we will receive your letter!”
The HTML document leads to the primary web page where the user can enter the decryption key after paying the ransom amount. After paying the user is provided with a decrypter and a master key to decode his files.
Remove N1N1N1 Ransomware and Decrypt .n1n1n1 Files
Before trying to restore the encrypted files, it is strongly advisable to get rid of this virus from your computer. You can follow the instructions below to remove N1N1N1 ransomware effectively, but it is also possible to remove it via an advanced anti-malware program automatically, swiftly and effectively.
The encryption algorithm used by the N1N1N1 ransomware is believed to be RSA cipher which generates a unique private and public keys after every infection. Direct decryption may be a time costly process and this is why researchers recommend not to pay any type of ransom money to cyber-criminals and to seek alternative solutions to decode the files, while a free decrypter is released out to the public. This is why we strongly advise using the alternative file restoration methods below in step “3. Restore files encrypted by N1N1N1” to help recover at least some of your files while a free decryptor is released which can happen in the near future. Make sure to often check this article as we will update it as soon as a free decryption method is discovered.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Step 1: Scan for N1N1N1 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall N1N1N1 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 N1N1N1 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 N1N1N1 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 N1N1N1
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by N1N1N1.
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 N1N1N1 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.
N1N1N1-FAQ
What is N1N1N1 Ransomware?
N1N1N1 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 N1N1N1 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 N1N1N1 Infect?
Via several ways.N1N1N1 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 N1N1N1 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 .N1N1N1 files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .N1N1N1 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 .N1N1N1 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".N1N1N1" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .N1N1N1 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 N1N1N1 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 N1N1N1 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .N1N1N1 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 N1N1N1 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 N1N1N1 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this N1N1N1 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 N1N1N1 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.