In case that your PC has been infected with N3TW0RM virus, you can follow a step-by-step removal guide and attempt to get rid of all malicious files created by this nasty ransomware. You could find information on how to potentially recover files encrypted by this ransomware as well.
N3TW0RM Ransomware Infection
N3TW0RM ransomware is malicious software that uses an extension of the same name to mark files it corrupts. The ransomware has been reported to be currently lurking across the web in active attack campaigns. The activation of this malicious on a computer system leads to serious changes that damage essential settings and leave the system extremely vulnerable to future malware attacks.
N3TW0RM virus is created to extort a ransom fee from its victims which are primarily businesses. The threat scans drives for certain types of files and encodes them by using a sophisticated cipher algorithm. At last, the ransomware drops the file N3TW0RM_MESSAGE.TXT. It contains a ransom message that demands a ransom payment.
N3TW0RM Virus Summary
| Name | N3TW0RM also known as Trojan.Encoder.33897, TR/Ransom.nwhkv, HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Agent.gen, Ransom.Win32.NETWORM.A |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Malicious Extensions | .n3tw0rm |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware that utilizes strong cihper algorithm to encrypt personal files stored on the infected computer. It demands a ransom for a decryption tool. |
| Symptoms | Important files are locked and renamed with the extension .n3tw0rm. Corrupted files remain unusable until their code is reverted back to the original state. |
| Ransom Message | N3TW0RM_MESSAGE.TXT |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Corrupted Websites, Software Installers |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss N3TW0RM Virus. |
N3TW0RM Ransomware (.n3tw0rm Files) – Overview
How does the N3TW0RM ransomware virus enter a PC? Creators of N3TW0RM ransomware infection may use mass spam email campaigns for its spread. Emails that try to deliver nasty computer programs often present misleading email addresses, feature file attachments, or present links to hacked websites.
The infection process with this virus begins the moment you open its payload file on the computer. Its payload file triggers lots of malicious operations that support several attack stages. As a result, the system security is totally disrupted by the threat. Essential system settings are corrupted and misused by the ransomware.
Analyses of its behavior indicate that its malicious files could be found in the following folders:
- \Desktop\
- \User_folders\
- \%TEMP%\
Unfortunately, the N3TW0RM virus encodes target data with two strong cipher algorithms. This process leaves files completely inaccessible. They are very hard to decode. All files corrupted by N3TW0RM virus receive the following extension – .n3tw0rm.
To force victims to transfer the insane ransom fee of 3 – 5 Bitcoin to hackers, the cryptovirus drops a ransom message file on the infected system. This file is named N3TW0RM_MESSAGE.TXT and its text message states the following:
–== Dear users! ==–
N3tw0rm is talking to you…
N3tw0rm provides enterprise-level of ransomware attacks!
Don’t worry about your network because you’re not the first and of course not the last!
[+] What is Ransomware?[+] Ransomware is a type of malware from cryptovirology that threatens to publish the victim’s data or perpetually block access to it unless a ransom is paid.
It encrypts the victim’s files, making them inaccessible, and demands a ransom payment to decrypt them.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ransomware)
[+] What’s Happened? [+] Your entire company network has been encrypted! yes, your whole network!
By the way, everything is possible to recover (restore), but you need to follow the instructions. Otherwise, you can’t return your data (NEVER).
N3tw0rm extracted some of your important information as a deal guarantee, everything is moving better when you have a guarantee in your hands absolutely!
[+] Trial decryption [+] You can send 5 random files from any computers and receive decrypted data to make sure that N3tw0rm decryptor works.
[+] How to restore your files back? [+] Simple and easy!
You should pay 4 BTC to receive your network decryptor.
Wallet: ***
E-Mail: n3tw0rm@tuta.io
Your Computer Unique ID: ***
Your Network Identifier ID: ***
[!] NOTICE [!] You should make your payment before 05/04/2021, otherwise your price will be doubled and your data going to leak on N3tw0rm onion directory!
Check the N3tw0rm onion site:
http://***hra4wthvlgyeyd.onion/
[!] Don’t try to change files by yourself, Don’t use any third party software for restoring your data or antivirus solutions.
[!] Don’t modify encrypted files or you can damage them and decryption will be impossible!
If you want to prevent being tricked once again by cybercriminals, you should avoid paying them the ransom. There is no guarantee that they can send you back a working decryption solution for .n3tw0rm files. Instead, consider the completion of the removal steps below as they will help you to clean your system from malicious files. In addition, you will be presented with several alternative data recovery solutions.
Remove N3TW0RM Ransomware Virus and Attempt to Restore Files
The so-called N3TW0RM Virus is a threat with a highly complex code that disrupts system security in order to encrypt personal files. Hence the infected system could be used in a secure manner again only after the complete removal of all malicious files and objects created by the ransomware. That’s why it is recommendable that all steps presented in the ransomware removal guide below should be completed. Beware that a manual ransomware removal is suitable for more experienced computer users. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps navigate to the automatic part of the guide.
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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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.
How to Remove N3TW0RM Virus from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove N3TW0RM Virus
Step 2: Uninstall N3TW0RM Virus 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by N3TW0RM 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 N3TW0RM Virus 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: Scan for N3TW0RM Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by N3TW0RM Virus.
Ransomware infections and N3TW0RM 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of N3TW0RM Virus from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall N3TW0RM Virus 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:
- 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 N3TW0RM Virus 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:
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 N3TW0RM Virus.
Ransomware infections and N3TW0RM 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
N3TW0RM Virus FAQ
What is N3TW0RM Virus ransomware and how does it work?
N3TW0RM 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 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 N3TW0RM Virus ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.N3TW0RM Virus 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 N3TW0RM 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 .N3TW0RM Virus files?
You can't. At this point the .N3TW0RM Virus 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 .N3TW0RM Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by N3TW0RM Virus 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 ".N3TW0RM Virus" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .N3TW0RM Virus 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 N3TW0RM Virus 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 N3TW0RM Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .N3TW0RM Virus files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like N3TW0RM Virus 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.
