What Is Niwm Virus?
The Niwm virus is associated with the STOP/DJVU organization and it mainly attacks Windows machines. This malware uses a complicated encryption method to encrypt the files, appending the .niwm file extension, and then displays a ransom message requesting a certain sum of money to be paid for the decryption key to regain access to the data. Unless the ransom is paid on time, the files may be gone forever.
What Is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malicious software that will block access to a computer or its data until a ransom is paid. It commonly spreads through emails containing phishing links or weak spots in existing programs. Encryption of the files can be done, making them inaccessible until the ransom is paid.
Niwm Virus – How Did I Get Infected?
Propagation of this malware is often done through obfuscated files, emails and websites that contain malicious content, as well as by downloading malicious software. Additionally, security gaps in the operating system or other software can be taken advantage of to get the virus. Primary methods of transmission for this ransomware comprise:
- If it is sent to you as an e-mail attachment or a URL.
- By being downloaded from a shady site.
Niwm Virus – Details
Name | Niwm virus, also known as UDS:Trojan.Win32.Chapak.gen, Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.KM!MTB, Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], A Variant Of Win32/GenKryptik.FHJB – more detections of this virus on VirusTotal |
File Extension | .niwm |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
Symptoms | The Niwm Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .niwm extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
See If Your Mac Has Been Affected by Niwm
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Malware Removal Tool
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Niwm Virus – What Does It Do?
After infiltration, the malicious payload files of this ransomware will be placed and can be found in the listed directories.
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %Windows%
- %SystemDrive%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %System%
- %system32%
The Niwm virus spreads its _readme.txt ransom message, the text of which is:
The Niwm virus is capable of producing multiple registry value entries
that may be found in the Windows Run and RunOnce Registries .
What Are .niwm Files
The ransomware has compromised the .niwm files, making them unavailable until the encryption is cracked. To restore the files, either the ransom must be paid or a reliable data recovery tool should be utilized. This virus targets certain file types and applies the AES encryption algorithm for encryption.
- Videos (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Audio (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Picture file kinds (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Archive file formats (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Documents of different types (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Others.
The files encrypted by this virus look like the following screenshot shows:
How to Open .niwm Files
Upon finding .niwm virus ransomware on your machine, the first step is to delete the malicious virus and retrieve the files from a backup, since it is impossible to unlock the encrypted files without paying the ransom demanded by the cybercriminals. Regarding DJVU ransomware, the same procedure should be followed as the topmost concern.
What To Do If My Files Are .niwm?
With Niwm virus ransomware, the only feasible way to recover the encrypted files is to restore them from a backup or by reversing the cipher . If there is no backup available, one could turn to data recovery software to try and retrieve the files as explained in the guide below. Sadly, there is no assurance that these tactics will be successful.
How To Protect Windows from Niwm In The Future?
Safeguard your Windows system from the Niwm virus ransomware by consistently installing the latest safety patches and updates, safely storing your files, being prudent when surfing the web, and being mindful of the files you obtain.
How to Remove Niwm Virus?
To impede extra encryption of records by the Niwm virus ransomware, detach your computer from the World Wide Web. Afterward, make use of a dependable anti-malware application to scan and remove any malicious software. If you possess a copy, apply it to regain the documents. Alternatively, you can use data recovery tools to attempt to retrieve the encrypted files.
How to Decrypt / Fix .niwm Files?
To unlock the files that were blocked by this virus, our advice is to use a tool to help locate the decryption key. This tool is found in the STOP Ransomware decryption steps .
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Niwm with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Niwm 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 Niwm 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 Niwm 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 Niwm
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Niwm.
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 Niwm 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.
Niwm-FAQ
What is Niwm Ransomware?
Niwm 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 Niwm 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 Niwm Infect?
Via several ways.Niwm 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 Niwm 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 .Niwm files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Niwm 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 .Niwm files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Niwm" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Niwm 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 Niwm 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 Niwm ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Niwm 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 Niwm 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 Niwm Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Niwm 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 Niwm 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.