This article is created to provide removal assistance and data recovery approaches to online users who are victims of the .needdecrypt file virus.
The .needecrypt file virus is malware of ransomware type that penetrates the system in order to encode particular files via strong cipher algorithm and demand a ransom payment for their decryption. This one appears to be a new version of the GlobeImposter ransomware. It is named after the malicious file extension .needdecrypt it appends to the names of all corrupted files. In general, crypto viruses like .needdecrypt drop a specially crafted ransom message to extort ransom payment from infected users. No matter the amount of the demanded payment it is always better to avoid its transfer before trying to deal with the threat removal and .needdecrypt files recovery by yourself.
Threat Summary
Name | .Needdecrypt File Virus |
Type | Ransomware |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and it shows a ransom note afterward. |
Symptoms | This ransomware virus will encrypt your files and place the .needdecrypt extension on each one of them. |
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 .Needdecrypt File 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. |
Ways of .Needdecrypt File Virus Delivery
Only a single executable file can infect the PC with the new .needdecrypt GlobeImposter ransomware variant. In the common case, ransomware authors use spam email campaigns for the distribution of this malicious file. It may be inserted in an attached file – document, archive, PDF, video, or injected into web page that is presented as a link in the text body. The email text is likely to urge users to download and open the attachment or follow the link. Hackers implement various social engineering tactics that aim to convince users that the email senders and the provided content are safe and legit. So the individuals are prone to interactions that support the ransomware attack. It is also possible social media channels to be used as a way of .needdecrypt file virus delivery. Options for hackers are to share a post that lands users on the corrupted website or send the link as a personal message.
Infection Flow of .Needdecrypt File Virus Attack
Once the malicious file lands on the computer it may start the infection automatically or ask you to do additional action like enable macros or open a document with another program because part the code is not supported by the default one. When the file is started, it may work as a standalone program that runs various malicious activities until it completes all stages of infection.
The code of .needdecrypt file virus may be designed to create or drop additional malicious situated in some essential Windows folders:
- %Temp%
- %Roaming%
- %UserProfile%
- %AppData%
The .needdecrypt iteration of GlobeImposter ransomware can be designed to add new registry entries in particular Windows registry keys as a way to achieve a higher level of persistence. Changes usually set an automatic execution of the malicious ransomware payload each time the Windows OS is launched. By modifying values in the key below, .needdecrypt file virus is also able to open its ransom note once the encryption is done:
→“HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run”
The ransom message is likely to be contained in an HTML file dropped in all folders that contain encrypted files. It aims to inform infected users about the presence of the threat on the system and its devastating impact over all important files. According to cyber criminals, victims should contact them at a given email and negotiate for the ransom payment that is believed to be an efficient solution. The ransom amount may vary from 0.01 BTC to 2.00 BTC but no matter how much it is, remember that it is not reasonable to believe in criminals’ promises. There is no guarantee that the code is working properly and a working decryption key is available at all.
Keep reading and find rational solutions for .needdecrypt file virus removal and file recovery.
Data Encryption Process
Once the .needdecrypt file virus establishes its malicious components on the system, it performs a scan of all drives to locate and encrypt each file that is set as a target in its predefined data encryption list. For the data encryption process, the ransomware is believed to use strong cipher algorithms like AES and RSA that modify the original code of target files making them completely unusable until the unique decryption key is applied to the decryption tool.
Like previous versions of GlobeImposter – .p1crypt and .astra, .needdecrypt crypto virus could corrupt files which are from the following file types:
- Audio
- Video
- Database
- Document
- Picture
After a file is encrypted, it is also renamed with the file extension .needdecrypt and is no longer able to be opened by any app installed on the PC.
Remove .Needdecrypt File Virus and Restore Files
As you see, .needdecrypt file virus is a devastating threat that can cause extensive damage to the whole PC and corrupt valuable data stored on it. Thus it should be removed as soon as possible to prevent further malware intrusions and additional data encryption. After its removal, we suggest trying .needdecrypt data recovery via some of the alternative approaches recommended in the instructions below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for .Needdecrypt File Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .Needdecrypt File 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 .Needdecrypt File 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 .Needdecrypt File 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 .Needdecrypt File Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .Needdecrypt File 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 .Needdecrypt File 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.
.Needdecrypt File Virus-FAQ
What is .Needdecrypt File Virus Ransomware?
.Needdecrypt File 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 .Needdecrypt File 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 .Needdecrypt File Virus Infect?
Via several ways..Needdecrypt File 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 .Needdecrypt File 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 ..Needdecrypt File Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..Needdecrypt File 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 ..Needdecrypt File Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..Needdecrypt File Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..Needdecrypt File 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 .Needdecrypt File 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 .Needdecrypt File Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..Needdecrypt File 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 .Needdecrypt File 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 .Needdecrypt File Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .Needdecrypt File 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 .Needdecrypt File 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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- Always check "About Us" web page.
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