The .ncov files virus is a ransomware from the Crysis/Dharma family. It is extremely dangerous ransomware due to the fact that it encrypts personal files located on the local drives as well as shared network directories. The primary goal of Dharma .ncov ransomware is to extort a hefty ransom fee from infected users. The extortion happens via a ransom note file and a lockscreen instance.
Security experts strongly advise all victims against paying the demanded ransom to hackers. Otherwise, cyber criminals will be encouraged to continue developing vicious ransomware infections like .ncov files virus and harassing online users. Keep up with this ransomware removal guide and find out how to clean malicious files from infected PC as well as how to potentially recover .ncov files.
Threat Summary
| Name | .ncov virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | A ransomware dsigned to corrupt valuable files and extort a ransom free for their decryption. |
| Symptoms | Important files cannot be opened due to changes of their code. They are all renamed with .ncov extension. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .ncov 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. |
The .ncov virus is a new release of the Dharma ransomware which has been spotted in an ongoing campaign targeting users globally. It is very possible that a new hacking group is behind this new version. Dharma ransomware strains are easily created as the source code can be found on several underground marketplaces and also offered from custom shops. In general Dharma ransomware infections are done by creating samples for one particular campaign. This makes it easier for the hackers to track down the damage they have been able to inflict.
There are several popular distribution tactics which have been used to spread Dharma ransomware, common ones include the following:
- Phishing Email Messages — The criminals can send out SPAM messages in bulk in order to impersonate well-known notifications and web services. They can include dangerous links or scripts that will lead to the virus delivery. In other cases attachments will be directed against the users.
- Hacker-controlled Web Sites — These are dangerous sites which will impersonate web companies and services. They are hosted on domain names that sound very similar to the faked companies and may also integrate stolen content, as well as security certificates.
- Malware-Infected Files — The .ncov virus can infect users via malware files that include the relevant installation code. They can be office documents (including the most popular file types) or setup files of popular software. The virus-infected files can also easily be uploaded onto file-sharing networks such as BitTorrent — they are often used by users to spread both pirate and legitimate data.
- Indirect Attacks — The .ncov virus can be delivered via other malware such as Trojans and Browser hijackers.
An analysis of one of the captured samples shows that this particular is not so different than the previous versions. It includes a built-in obfuscation module which will attempt to hide the virus installation from the host computer.
In this version of Dharma this component can also detect if there any running security applications, including virtual machine hosts. They can be disabled or removed, this will depend on the configuration of the virus.
The ransomware engine will be installed as a persistent threat by re configuring the system to launch it as soon as the computer is powered on. This step may also disable access to the recovery boot options which will make recovery more difficult. The .ncov virus engine can interact with running programs by changing their actions. This can result in process hookups which can result in harvesting of sensitive data. All collected information about the system can then be processed by a built-in algorithm which will output an unique ID for each infected computer.
The virus can delete backups and important files thus aiming to make it much more difficult to effectively restore the computer using manual methods. This strategy is used in many Dharma ransomware variants.
When everything has finished running the actual encryption process will start. This is done by using a list of target data which will be processed by the virus. Usually this will include files such as the following: multimedia files, archives, backups, databases, documents and etc. All affected data will be renamed with the .ncov extension, like previous infections a ransom note and/or a ransom lockscreen will be shown to the users. They will blackmail the victims into paying a ransom fee in cryptocurrency.
Remove .ncov Virus Files and Restore Data
The ransomware associated with .ncov extension is a threat with highly complex code that plagues not only your files but your whole system. So you should clean and secure your infected system before you could use it regularly again. Below you could find a step-by-step removal guide that may be helpful in attempting to remove this ransomware.
Choose the manual removal approach if you have previous experience with malware files. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps select the automatic section from the guide. Steps there enable you to check the infected system for ransomware files and remove them with a few mouse clicks.
In order to keep your system safe from ransomware and other types of malware in future, you should consider the installation of a reliable anti-malware program.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for .ncov virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .ncov 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .ncov 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 .ncov virus 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 .ncov virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .ncov 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 .ncov 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.
.ncov virus-FAQ
What is .ncov virus Ransomware?
.ncov 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 .ncov 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 .ncov virus Infect?
Via several ways..ncov 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 .ncov 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 ..ncov virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..ncov 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 ..ncov virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..ncov virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..ncov 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 .ncov 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 .ncov virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..ncov 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 .ncov 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 .ncov virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .ncov 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 .ncov 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.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
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hi admin
this could’nt worked for me and .ncov malware has been crypted all of my files!
please share a way to back up my files !