What Is NRCL Virus?
The name NRCL belongs to a cryptovirus that has been released in the wild to infect computer systems and encode personal files. The activation of the payload file of this ransomware on an operating system sets the beginning of a complex attack consisting of a few stages.
The ransomware is associated with a malicious extension of the same name. The same extension appears at the end of the original names of all corrupted files. Two ransom messages are part of the NRCL virus infection as well. Both messages try to convince victims to contact hackers in order to obtain a decryption tool.
NRCL virus could apply system settings changes that make it a persistent threat. Hence, its complete removal may demand some specific computer skills. Note that the removal of the NRCL virus won’t restore encrypted files. Still, it is mandatory to get rid of all malicious files in order to use the infected computer in a secure manner again.
NRCL Summary
| Name | NRCL also known as Gen:Heur.Ransom.MSIL.!diop!.1 (BitDefender), Ransom_CryptoLocker.R002C0DL521 (TrendMicro) |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| File Extensions | .NRCL |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware designed to plague system settings, utilize strong cihper algorithm and encrypt valuable files. |
| Symptoms | Important files are locked and a ransom message insists on a ransom payment for a decryption tool. |
| Ransom Demanding Notes | Note.txt, and a pop-up window triggered by the file NRCL_Decryptor.exe |
| Demanded Ransom | $300 (probably in any cryptocurrency) |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Hacked Websites |
| Detection Tool |
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NRCL Virus – How Did I Get Infected?
NRCL ransomware threat may have landed on your machine without any unusual processes that can reveal it and make you stop on time.
Data locker ransomware are usually propagated via methods that allow hackers to hide the malicious code in commonly used files. The main method used by hackers is direct email messages.
This method is also called malspam or malicious spam email messages. By releasing mass email campaigns with malicious software inside the spam emails, hackers could sometimes spread the malware around the globe.
Other methods that may deliver NRCL ransomware on PCs are the well-known malvertising, modified installers of various freeware, corrupted websites, compromised software setups, fake software updates, malicious files shared on forums, and others.
NRCL Ransomware – What Does It Do?
NRCL ransomware is a malicious program developed to modify essential system settings that lower security, diminish performance and help it to reach a data encryption phase. Each computer system infected with the NRCL virus remains extremely vulnerable to further malware attacks for as long as the ransomware is running on it.
The moment the virus ends the encryption of personal files, a process which is conducted with the help of a strong algorithm, it shows a pop-up ransom note by loading the file NRCL_Decryptor.exe. A second ransom message may be found in the file Note.txt. Apparently, hackers try to force victims to contact them via the email address shown below and then pay a ransom fee of $300. Beware that the decryptor they have for .NRCL files may be broken or missing.
Here is what the pop-up ransom note says:
NRCL_Decryptor
Q: Can I Recover My PC?
A: Sure. But you must pay $300.Q: How Do I Pay?
A: Please send e-mail: test.test@gmail.com.//**Rules**\\
DO NOT RESTART OR SHUTDOWN YOUR COMPUTER.
DO NOT DELETE MALWARE FILES.
YOU MUST DISABLE YOUR ANTIVIRUS.
DO NOT CLOSE THIS WINDOW.
IF YOU BREAK THESE RULES, YOU CANNOT DECRYPTING YOUR FILES!Your Personal Key: –
Please Type Your Decrypt Key
The message presented by the second ransom note states:
Q: What happened to My Computer?
A: Your Computer was locked by NRSC.exe.Q: Can I Recover My PC?
A: Sure. But you must pay $300.Q: How Do I Pay?
A: Please send e-mail: test.test@gmail.com.
Most of the ransomware infections including the recently detected STOP ransomware strains Utjg Virus and Futm Virus rename all files they corrupt. NRCL ransomware is not an exception.
It uses an extension of the same name to rename compromised files. When the ransomware encodes certain personal files it limits access to the information they store.
Unfortunately, the virus is likely to delete all Shadow Volume Copies created by the Windows system as well. This operation will prevent you from using this option to recover .NRCL files. A recent backup on an external drive or cloud platform could recover the files for free.
.NRCL Files – What Are They?
Below are all of the types of files that may be locked by this nasty ransomware. They all may store valuable data.
- Image files.
- Audio files.
- Document files.
- Video files.
- Backup files.
- Banking credentials, etc.
Here is how files encrypted by NRCL ransomware are renamed:
For the sake of your personal and PC security, refrain from acting as hackers expect you to do. All the money they receive from ransom fees will stimulate them to create new malicious programs and launch even more aggressive malware campaigns.
Please act wisely and try to solve the problem with the help of the available security measures.
Remove NRCL Ransomware and Try to Restore Files
What should you do when your PC and data have been hit by NRCL ransomware? Here we will present the secure way to deal with NRCL ransomware and similar infections. First, you have to ensure that no malicious files are still running on the infected operating system. For this purpose, you need to locate these malicious files and entries and remove them. This will prevent them from causing an impact on regular system performance.
Once you secure the system against nasty ransomware operations, you should back up encoded files to an external drive. Finally, you can proceed with the data recovery process. In the guide below we included alternative data recovery methods that may be efficient for some of your locked files. Bear in mind that these methods may be helpful to some degree. They do not guarantee the full recovery of all encoded files.
In the event that we spot a release of a free decryption tool for NRCL ransomware, we will include all needed details in this ransomware removal guide. Keep in touch.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Step 1: Scan for NRCL with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall NRCL 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 NRCL 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 NRCL 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 NRCL
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by NRCL.
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 NRCL 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.
NRCL-FAQ
What is NRCL Ransomware?
NRCL 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 NRCL 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 NRCL Infect?
Via several ways.NRCL 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 NRCL 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 .NRCL files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .NRCL 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 .NRCL files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".NRCL" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .NRCL 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 NRCL 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 NRCL ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .NRCL 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 NRCL 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 NRCL Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this NRCL 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 NRCL 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.