This article aims to help you by showing how to remove the new NOOBCRYPT ransomware infection from your computer and how to restore .su encrypted files.
A new version of the well known NOOBCRYPT ransomware which was previously unlocked has reappeared. The ransomware virus, this time claims to use the RSA-2048 and AES-128 encryption algorithms in order to encrypt the files on the computers which have become it’s unfortunate victims. The virus also changes the wallpaper of the victimized computer to a ransom note wallpaper which threatens victims to pay in 24 hours or else their important documents, photos, audio and other files are likely to be deleted.
Threat Summary
| Name | NOOBCRYPT |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Encrypts the files on your computer and gives you 24 hours to pay $100 or else it claims to destroy your files. |
| Symptoms | Adds a lockscreen with a ransom note and the files may no longer be openable. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss NOOBCRYPT. |
| 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. |
NOOBCRYPT Ransomware – How Does It Infect
The infection process of this ransomware virus is conducted in a very similar way to most ransomware viruses. The primary method which it uses is called malspam. It is essentially when the cyber-criminals mask a malicious executable or a web link as a legitimate one that poses as a document or another legitimate file. This process tricks the victim that the attachment is an invoice, a receipt or any other type of file that only seems legitimate. The messages are accompanied by big company names, to increase their legitimacy, like:
- PayPal.
- FedEx.
- DHL.
- UPS.
Most e-mail attachments may be executable files or JavaScript files, but the cases with Microsoft Word documents with malicious macros are increasing. This method of infection is particularly interesting because the legitimate document only becomes malicious when you click on the “Enable Content” button which enables macros, similar to what the graphic below displays:
Other methods of infection may also include the usage of fake setups of free programs you may search for download online. In addition to this, other types of patches, game cracks or others may be used as a pretext to infect a computer with NOOBCRYPT.
NOOBCRYPT Ransomware – More Information
The NOOBCRYPT ransomware is believed to be coded in .NET and it may have multiple different errors, just like the previous version.
Once infected your computer, NOOBCRYPT ransomware may begin to create the a completely random named sub-key in the Windows Registry Editor. The key it targets is the HKEY_CURRENT_USER key. In the random sub-key within it, there are values that are created with random names.
Another action this virus performs is to change the wallpaper of the infected computer with a threatening one that has the following message to victims:
NOOBCRYPT
YOU HAVE BEEN CRYPTED!
Your files has been crypted!
All of your files are encrypted with RSA-2048 and AES- 128 ciphers-
More information about the RSA and AES can be found here:
Decrypting of your files is only possible with the private key and decrypt program which is on our secret server.
Time left to pay (if you don’t pay, all your files will be PERMANENTLY deleted!)
23 Hours | 59 Minutes | 50 Seconds
REFRESH TO SEE YOUR TIMER!
In order to receive your files back, you have to pay a RANSOM and get a LICENSE which you will use in our DECRYPTOR to get your files back!
Please Transfer 0.03615 BTC (100$) to:
{cyber-criminals address}
Waiting for payment, current status: Not Paid
Your License will appear here once paid: (hidden)
This ransom note is reported not only to change the wallpaper, but the new wallpaper to be a direct lockscreen as well, denying any access to the computer.
The virus is not reported to tamper with any Run and RunOnce registry sub-keys or mess with the shadow volume copies of the infected computer, so it is possible that files could be recovered if you have enabled shadow volume copies and manage to bypass the lockscreen.
NOOBCRYPT Ransomware – Encryption Process
For the encryption process, this ransomware virus may use AES-128 bit encryption algorithm in order to render the files no longer openable. After the files are encrypted, the virus generates symmetric decryption key which may be further encrypted via the RSA-2048 encryption algorithm. After this process has finished, the virus may leave the files unopenable, possibly with the .su file extension.
NOOBCRYPT is very specific when it encrypts user files. It is very careful to skip important Windows files and aims to encrypt files which are often opened, such as:
- Videos.
- Documents.
- Music.
- Audio Files.
- Archives.
- Virtual Drives.
After the encryption process, the malware threatens to delete files in 24 hours if a ransom of around $100 is not paid.
Remove NOOBCRYPT Ransomware from Your PC and Restore Encrypted Files
For the removal process of NOOBCRYPT ransomware, we advise you to follow the removal instructions below. They are specifically designed to help you delete the malware either manually or automatically. Since manual removal may present some difficulties as well as risks, the NOOBCRYPT ransomware virus should be removed automatically for maximum safety. The best method according to security experts is to use an advanced anti-malware program which will take care of the removal process for you.
If you want to restore files that have been encrypted by this ransomware virus, we recommend you to check the alternative methods in step “3. Restore files encrypted by NOOBCRYPT”.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
About the NOOBCRYPT Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this NOOBCRYPT 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 NOOBCRYPT 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.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
How to Remove NOOBCRYPT from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove NOOBCRYPT
1. Hold Windows Key + R.
2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Uninstall NOOBCRYPT and related software 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.
2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
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"
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by NOOBCRYPT 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 NOOBCRYPT there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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: Scan for NOOBCRYPT with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
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.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by NOOBCRYPT.
Ransomware infections and NOOBCRYPT 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.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of NOOBCRYPT from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall NOOBCRYPT and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to NOOBCRYPT:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to NOOBCRYPT. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash
”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to NOOBCRYPT. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove NOOBCRYPT via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as NOOBCRYPT. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by NOOBCRYPT.
Ransomware infections and NOOBCRYPT 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
NOOBCRYPT FAQ
What is NOOBCRYPT ransomware and how does it work?
NOOBCRYPT 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 algorithm how 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.
How does NOOBCRYPT ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.NOOBCRYPT Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of NOOBCRYPT 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 .NOOBCRYPT files?
You can't. At this point the .NOOBCRYPT files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .NOOBCRYPT files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by NOOBCRYPT ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".NOOBCRYPT" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .NOOBCRYPT files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of NOOBCRYPT ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate NOOBCRYPT ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .NOOBCRYPT files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like NOOBCRYPT ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.
