What Is Neer Virus?
Neer virus is the name of a ransomware infection which is a part of a large family of threats, known in this field as STOP/DJVU. These are hundreds of threats that appear with a new extension very often, suggesting they are part of a RaaS (ransomware-as-a-service).
The main objective of the Neer virus is to encrypt your files and then set the .neer file extension. The files are AES encoded, which means their core data structure is changed and the main problem with this is they cannot be opened even if you remove the .neer extension. The creators of this virus’s main objective are to convince you to pay ransom to them in the anonymous cryptocurrency BitCoin.
Read this article if you want to learn how you can remove this ransomware virus safely and try to get your data back.
Neer Virus Summary
Name | Neer also known as Trojan.GenericKD.35978248, Trojan.Win32.Stop.j!c, Trojan.Ransom.Stop, Trojan.Ransom.Stop, A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HIMQ, Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.qq – VirusTotal |
File Extension | .neer |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
Symptoms | This variant of STOP ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .neer virus extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Torrent Files |
Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by Neer Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
Neer Ransomware – How Does It Work?
Neer virus is the latest variant of STOP Ransomware at the time of writing this post. The virus is a successor to the previously detected .piiq, .sspq and .iqll variants. All of these versions of the STOP Ransomware family may use two main methods to infect computers – if they are downloaded online from different websites or if they are manually sent to you in a fake e-mail pretending to be something vital, like:
- Documents that are important for you.
- Receipts for orders.
- Flight or train tickets invoices.
- Invoices for purchases you do not remember making.
If the files are downloaded from the web, most victims of this virus complain about the following kinds of files getting their computers infected with STOP Ransomware:
- Key generators or keygens.
- Cracks for software.
- Software activation files.
- Patches for games or software.
Once the Neer has performed an infection, it may immediately connect to a C&C (command and control) server. From there,this virus gets the malware files downloaded and they may be often randomly named and located in the following directories of Windows:
- %Roaming%
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
The Neer ransomware may also drop what appears to be the _readme.txt file. Its job is to lay out the extortionist messages that invite victims to negotiate their BitCoin payment with the cyber-criminals. The crooks may ask for a higher payment for more important files and even give a deadline for decryption expiry.
.neer Files
The Neer virus is mainly a problem because it uses AES encryption. This is an advanced encryption language that replaces key parts of the encrypted files with the code from the cipher. The process ends with unique decryption keys being automatically generated after the encryption is complete.
The main files that are targeted to be encrypted are from the following kinds:
- Image file types (.jpg, .bmp, .png).
- Video file types.
- Database files
- Audio file kinds.
- Document files.
- Backups of Windows.
- Archive types of files.
After the files are encrypted, a unique decryption key is generated. The files are also appended the .neer extension after their names, looking like the following:
Document.doc.neer
Keep reading this article to learn what are your options to remove the Neer virus and try to get your files to work.
Delete Neer Virus and Try to Restore Data
To be able to remove the Neer from your computer effectively, we have created the removal manual below. It has been created to best assist you in getting rid of any malware files, belonging to this ransomware from your computer. The main idea behind this strategy is to help you detect and remove any registries and files this virus has left on your system drive. For the best removal, be advised that security professionals strongly advise that you get rid of Neer using advanced anti-malware software. Such a program is created to thoroughly scan your machine and delete any malware that is detected in it.
Furthermore, be advised that if you want to try and restore as many .neer from your computer and you do not seem to find the STOP Decryptor to work for your variant of the virus, then you are welcome to try the alternative file recovery steps posted below. They contain methods that may help you restore as many files as possible although they do not come with a full guarantee to work.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Neer Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Neer 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 Neer 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 Neer 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 Neer Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Neer 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 Neer 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.
Neer Virus-FAQ
What is Neer Virus Ransomware?
Neer 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 Neer 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 Neer Virus Infect?
Via several ways.Neer 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 Neer 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 .Neer Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Neer 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 .Neer Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Neer Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Neer 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 Neer 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 Neer Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Neer 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 Neer 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 Neer Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Neer 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 Neer 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.
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