Read this article to learn how to remove Nyan ransomware and how to possibly recover files.
Read this article to learn how to get rid of malicious files installed by Nyan ransomware and how to potentially restore files without paying the ransom.
Nyan Virus Summary
Name | Nyan |
File Extension | .nyan |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Ransom Notes | !INFO.HTA |
What is It? | A ransomware that encodes your important files and asks you to pay a ransom to recover them. |
Symptoms | All .nyan files cannot be opened due to changes applied to their code. You are asked to contact hackers and pay a ransom for a data decryption tool. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable Files, Hacked Websites |
Removal | To effectively remove active Nyan Virus virus infections, we recommend that you use an advanced anti-malware tool. Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Nyan 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. |
More Information About the Nyan Ransomware Virus
The Nyan virus is a file-encrypting threat that is created and distributed by an unknown hacking group. Several samples associated with it have been identified in an ongoing attack campaign. This means that the criminals behind it will likely use one or several of the most popular strategies to infect the targets, no particular region appears to be specifically targeted. The malware is usually made part of payload carriers which will automatically install it once they are run. Common forms under which the threat can be distributed are macro-infected documents of popular office formats: presentations, text documents, databases, and spreadsheets. When they are opened by the victims a prompt will ask for the scripts to be run, when this is done the malware will be installed in the background. The same strategy can be applied with application installers — they are by taking the legitimate setup files of popular software and modifying them with the appropriate code. Common examples of such copies can be creativity suites, productivity tools, and system utilities.
The actual virus-related files can be sent to the victims by uploading them to file-sharing networks which are primarily used to spread legitimate and pirate data. The best-known example is the BitTorrent network. Alternatively, the criminals can make use of phishing strategies that will manipulate the computer users into thinking that they are accessing legitimate and safe content. The forms that are most often for such scams are bulk-sent email messages or the construction of hacker-controlled sites. In both cases, the criminals will impersonate well-known services and companies and their commonly viewed assets. They are usually hosted on similar-sounding domains and may include security certificates, logo images, and other related data.
The Nyan virus will start its built-in execution sequence, it may change according to the individual attack campaign. We assume that popular actions will be started, as this ransomware appears to copy the design of other ransomware. Popular modules that are started at the beginning of infections are related to information retrieval: personal user’s information, machine components, and application data. The data will be made available to hackers who can use it for other crimes.
Ransomware viruses like Nyan can lead to dangerous system changes which may change depending on the programming. Usually, they are concerned with boot options which will make the virus load when the computer is powered on. If configured Windows Registry values can be changed as well, this will lead to dangerous effects like performance issues, the inability to start certain services, and data loss. Manipulation of files is also possible, usually, viruses will delete backups and shadow volume copies, thereby making it very hard to recover the computers. Modifications to configuration files may also block access to the recovery boot options.
In the end, when all built-in components have finished running the actual files encryption will take place. It will use a strong cipher and target data according to the built-in instructions. Example data can be the following: multimedia, backups, archives, documents and etc. All of them will follow the given extension formula .[email][
A special lockscreen instance or relevant text file will be generated to blackmail the victims into paying the criminals a decryption fee.
Remove Nyan Virus – Try Restoring Files
In order to Remove Nyan ransomware, we strongly recommend that you read the instructions in this article. Experts suggest that the best way towards fully erasing Nyan Virus is to follow the removal steps that are underneath in combination with downloading an advanced malware removal tool. Such software will scan your computer for any malware and make sure that it’s fully gone from it.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Nyan Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Nyan 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Nyan 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 Nyan Virus 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 Nyan Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Nyan 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 Nyan 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.
Nyan Virus-FAQ
What is Nyan Virus Ransomware?
Nyan 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 Nyan 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 Nyan Virus Infect?
Via several ways.Nyan 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 Nyan 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 .Nyan Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Nyan 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 .Nyan Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Nyan Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Nyan 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 Nyan 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 Nyan Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Nyan 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 Nyan 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 Nyan Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Nyan 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 Nyan 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.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.