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.NM4 File Virus – Remove It and Restore Your Files

This article will aid you in removing .NM4 File Virus fully. Follow the ransomware removal instructions at the end of the article.

.NM4 file virus is ransomware, which is the latest variant of the R cryptovirus which is believed to stem from NMoreira ransomware. The .NM4 extension is appended to every file which gets encrypted. After the encryption process, the virus will leave a ransom note with instructions to visit a Web page hosted on the TOR network for payment. Keep on reading below to see how you could try to potentially restore some of your files.

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Threat Summary

Threat Summary

Name NM4
Type Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description The ransomware virus encrypts files on your computer machine and leaves a note demanding you visit a TOR page regarding the ransom payment.
Symptoms The ransomware will encrypt your files and then append the extension .NM4 on all of the encrypted files.
Distribution Method Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Detection Tool See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware

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Malware Removal Tool

User Experience Join Our Forum to Discuss NM4.
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.

.NM4 File Virus – Infection

The .NM4 file virus could distribute its infection through many diverse methods. One method that is observed to be very commonly utilized is with the help of a payload file. That file launches the malicious script of the ransomware, which in turn infects your computer device. Such payloads are currently spread around the Internet and you should be cautious when browsing the Web.

.NM4 file virus could also distribute its payload file on social media websites and file-sharing networks. Freeware applications which are found on the Web could be presented as useful but at the same time could hide the malicious script for the cryptovirus. Avoid opening files straight away after you have downloaded them. That stands especially for ones that came from sources like suspicious e-mails or links. What you should rather do is to scan files before opening them with a security tool, while also checking their size and signatures for anything dubious. You should read the ransomware prevention tips in our forums.

.NM4 File Virus – Analysis

The .NM4 file virus is a ransomware type, which will encrypt your files. This virus will append the .NM4 extension to all files that it encrypts. Malware researchers have discovered that the ransomware is a variant of the R Ransomware Virus which is very probable to stem from NMoreira / AiraCrop ransomware. The NMoreira 4 variant (dubbed NM4) has a new extension, name and payment pages.

The .NM4 file virus could make entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence, launch and repress processes in Windows. Some entries are designed in a way that will start the virus automatically with each launch of the Windows Operating System, and one such entry is outlined right here:

→HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

The ransom note will show up in your computer after the encryption process is set and done. The note is written in English, but that doesn’t mean only English-speaking users are being targeted, as everybody could get their PC infected. Inside the file, you will see instructions for how to allegedly get your files restored. The ransom note is inside a file named “Recovers your files.html”.

The Recovers your files.html file will load the following message, upon opening:

The ransom note states the following:

Your Key: [redacted] Encrypted files!
All your files are encrypted.Using AES256-bit encryption and RSA-2048-bit encryption.
Making it impossible to recover files without the correct private key.
If you are interested in getting is the key and recover your files
You should proceed with the following steps.

The only way to decrypt your files safely is to buy the Descrypt and Private Key software.
Any attempts to restore your files with the third-party software will be fatal for your files!
To proceed with the purchase you must access one of the link below

https://3fprihycwetwk2m7.onion.to/
https://3fprihycwetwk2m7.onion.link/

If neither of the links is online for a long period of time, there is another way to open it, you should install the Tor Browser

If your personal page is not available for a long period there is another way to open your personal page – installation and use of Tor Browser:

1. run your Internet browser (if you do not know what it is run the Internet Explorer);
2. enter or copy the address https://www.torproject.org/download/download-easy.html.en into the address bar of your browser and press ENTER;
3. wait for the site loading;
4. on the site you will be offered to download Tor Browser; download and run it, follow the installation instructions, wait until the installation is completed;
5. run Tor Browser;
6. connect with the button ‘Connect’ (if you use the English version);
7. a normal Internet browser window will be opened after the initialization;
8. type or copy the address https://3fprihycwetwk2m7.onion in this browser address bar;
9. press ENTER;
10. the site should be loaded; if for some reason the site is not loading wait for a moment and try again.
If you have any problems during installation or use of Tor Browser, please, visit https://www.youtube.com and type request in the search bar ‘Install Tor Browser Windows’ and you will find a lot of training videos about Tor Browser installation and use.

Your Key: [redacted]

The makers of the NM4 ransomware are using the TOR network for their ransom payment pages. The following three addresses are currently being used:

  • https://3fprihycwetwk2m7.onion
  • https://3fprihycwetwk2m7.onion.link
  • https://3fprihycwetwk2m7.onion.to

Upon loading any of the three URLs provided above, the following “Login” page will load:

From there, you will be asked to enter your ID and the following message about ransom payment will show:

From the above picture, you can clearly see that the cybercriminals who own the .NM4 file virus demand a ransom price of 3 Bitcoin, which equates to nearly 3.858 US dollars. You should NOT under any circumstances contact the cybercriminals, nor pay up. Nobody could give you a guarantee that your files will get recovered if you pay the ransom. Besides, financially supporting cybercriminals is a genuinely bad idea. That will probably inspire the crooks to continue making ransomware viruses or get involved in more criminal activities.

.NM4 File Virus – Encryption

The .NM4 file virus ransomware will encrypt files on your PC, which are from these file type categories:

  • Audio
  • Video
  • Database
  • Document
  • Picture

Currently, a list with file extensions which could be targeted is non-existent. The article will get duly updated if such a list is discovered.Every file that gets encrypted will receive the .NM4 extension appended to it. In the encryption process, a mixture of both the AES and RSA algorithms is being used. More precisely, AES 256-bit and RSA 2048-bit algorithms are used, or at least that is according to the ransom note.

The .NM4 file virus cryptovirus erases the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system. That makes the encryption process more viable since it eliminates one of the ways for file decryption. The following command with one or more subcommands is initiated:

→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet

Continue reading an see what ways you can try out to potentially recover some of your data.

Remove .NM4 File Virus and Restore Your Files

In case your computer got infected with the .NM4 file virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as fast as possible before it can have the chance to spread deeper and infect more computer systems. You should remove this ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided down below.

Berta Bilbao

Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.

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  • Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3
  • Step 4
  • Step 5

Step 1: Scan for NM4 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.


It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.


2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 2


3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 3


4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 4

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide

Step 2: Uninstall NM4 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:


1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
delete ransomware from windows step 1


2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
delete ransomware from windows step 2


3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
delete ransomware from windows step 3Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.


Step 3: Clean any registries, created by NM4 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 NM4 there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
delete ransomware virus registries step 1


2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
delete ransomware virus registries step 2


3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
delete ransomware virus registries step 3 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.

IMPORTANT!
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 NM4

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows Key + R.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 1


2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 2


3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
remove ransomware in safe mode step 3
Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.


4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 4


5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 5


Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by NM4.

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:

stop ransomware decryptor step 1

2. Agree with the license terms:

stop ransomware decryptor step 2

3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:

stop ransomware decryptor step 3

4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.

stop ransomware decryptor step 4

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 NM4 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.

1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

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.


NM4-FAQ

What is NM4 Ransomware?

NM4 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 NM4 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 NM4 Infect?

Via several ways.NM4 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 NM4 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 .NM4 files?

You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .NM4 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 .NM4 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.

Can I Restore ".NM4" Files?

Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .NM4 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 NM4 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 NM4 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .NM4 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 NM4 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 NM4 Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this NM4 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 NM4 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.

4 Comments
  1. Mark Neary

    Having just dealt with this in a comercial envoirnment can I comment on this article? This is one of the smartest pieces of kit I have seen in a while and bucks the trend. This is not a standard cryptlocker routine. It can not be dealt with traditionally. While easy to isolate in home situation, its a nightmare in the corporate realm. The rate of infection is nuts, and it is NOT a blanket crypto toolkit. Its a focoused clusterfuck.It allows users a false sense of work-aroundness while it criple systems. In my experience its payloud seems to effect the windows driver payload.
    In networks, the sympton is printing issues. Followed by windows services and apps just not working as it targets very specific windows systems.
    This is not a simple , run the malware app and walk away. When infected its a burn everything and start over remedy.
    Its flaw is its own speed.
    Dont be fooled. This is devilish criminality.

    Reply
    1. Corey

      Hey Mark, Did you have any luck decrypting any files?

      Reply
      1. Mark Neary

        Hello Corey. Our variant mainly affected system files and databases. Actuall data files were left untouched. Attempting decrypt was pointless.
        We had no choice other than to rebuild from the ground up, while taking the opportunity to remove and replace insecure XP machines and bad security practices along the way.

        Reply
  2. Jeff

    Hello, any updates on how to restore files affected by the nm4 ransomware? I’m dealing with this now on my office server.

    Reply

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