The .NEWS 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 .NEWS 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 .NEWS 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 .NEWS files.
Threat Summary
| Name | .NEWS 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 .NEWS extension. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .NEWS 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. |
A new release of the Dharma ransomware family has been detected encrypting data files with the .NEWS extension. This new ransomware, alternatively known as the .NEWS virus, is probably spread by using the same well-known distribution strategies. They can include various phishing strategies that rely on the sending of email messages and hosting web sites that imitate well-known companies, people or services. Their aim will be to convince the recipients into interacting with the included scripts or files. The sites and emails might come from a domain name that sounds very similar to the legitimate ones.
The malicious files can be either documents (across all popular file types) or dangerous setup bundles of popular applications which are often downloaded by web users. Alternatively they will be uploaded to file-sharing networks where popular legitimate and pirate is frequently distributed. The virus code can also be integrated in browser hijackers which are dangerous extensions made for the most popular web browsers. Once made they are spread to the respective repositories using fake user reviews and developer credentials. To make these plugins appear as more lucrative an elaborate description and promises of multiple feature additions will be posted.
As soon as the .NEWS virus is deployed on a given system a sequence of dangerous activities will be run depending on the built-in code or the hacker instructions. In almost all cases this will include some kind of a data harvesting process — it is programmed to search for information that is related to the victims (personal data) and the machines that they are using. It can be used to construct an unique identifier and to look for any running security applications — any found anti-virus engines, firewalls and related processes will be stopped or deleted.
The .NEWS virus can also be used to modify system settings and configuration files. This can lead to dangerous consequences for the users which can include data loss, unexpected errors and issues that are related to the use of common services and applications. There are two main types of changes which are most frequently quoted by the security analysts:
- Persistent Infection — The .NEWS ransomware engine can be installed in a way which will automatically start it as soon as the computer is booted.
- Windows Registry Changes — The virus engine can edit out existing strings which are found within the Registry. This can cause data loss, errors when accessing operations and user installed applications.
When everything has finished running the .NEWS virus will proceed with the actual encryption phase. Following the well-known procedures of previous samples the engine will encrypt files based on a built-in list of target file type extensions — usually this will include commonly used user data such as documents, multimedia files, backups, archives and system restore points. To mask the affected files the ransomware will add the .NEWS extension to them. As well as a ransom note the virus will institute a lockscreen instance which will blackmail the victims into paying the hackers a decryption fee.
Remove .NEWS Virus Files and Restore Data
The ransomware associated with .NEWS 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 .NEWS Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .NEWS 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 .NEWS 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 .NEWS 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 .NEWS Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .NEWS 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 .NEWS 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.
.NEWS Virus-FAQ
What is .NEWS Virus Ransomware?
.NEWS 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 .NEWS 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 .NEWS Virus Infect?
Via several ways..NEWS 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 .NEWS 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 ..NEWS Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..NEWS 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 ..NEWS Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..NEWS Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..NEWS 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 .NEWS 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 .NEWS Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..NEWS 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 .NEWS 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 .NEWS Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .NEWS 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 .NEWS 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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