It appears that Ninja ransomware may be back and this time it uses ninja.gaiver@aol.com, kaligula.caesar@aol.com and seven_legion@india.com cyber-criminal addresses. The ransomware does not even use a ransom note, instead leaving the Ninja.Gaiver e-mail address on the files it encrypts. The encrypted files are with a .777 file extension, and the encryption algorithm is believed by researchers to be a XOR mask. Users who have been affected by this nasty ransomware virus are warned to immediately remove it and try restoring their files using alternative methods such as the ones at the end of this article.
UPDATE! A derypter for .777 has been developed by researchers at EmsiSoft. You may download and use it by clicking the following web link:
Emsisoft Decrypter for 777 Files.
Threat Summary
| Name | Ninja.Gaiver |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files with a XOR mask and asks a ransom for decryption. |
| Symptoms | Files are encrypted with the .777 file extension added to them along with the email address and become inaccessible. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows is added as a file. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss Ninja.Gaiver@aol.com Ransomware. |
| 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. |
Ninja.Gaiver@aol.com Ransomware – Distribution
Similar to the older variant of Ninja Ransomware, this variant may slip past the antivirus by using an obfuscated malicious executable. Such may be spread via several methods:
Via an infected flash drive – most users may become victims of a malicious flash drive inserted on their computer that may take advantage of the Windows AutoPlay function.
By downloading content from unknown websites – such sites, for example, unknown torrent websites may contain ripped software that may have a key generator(keygen) or a crack(exe) file that is usually used to crack the application and let users use it for free. However these are also a perfect bait for the user and malware writers know that.
By becoming a victim to a drive-by download – such downloads may usually be caused by visiting malicious URL web links that may be displayed to the user as a consequence of having a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Application or Adware) such as DNS Unlocker, for example, installed on their computer.
Ninja.Gaiver@aol.com Ransomware – More About It
Once it has been executed on your computer, Ninja.Gaiver Ransomware may download a malicious executable on your computer. It could be located in different places, but the usually targeted locations are:
The malicious file may be of several different file types:
→ .dll; .tmp; .bat; .exe; .vbs; .reg;
It may contain different names, for example:
- Adobe-Updater.exe
- Setup.exe
- {298h128-d3b0bfn30}.exe
- Aaaa.tmp
- Pac-man.dll
Besides that, Ninja.Gaiver Ransomware may create a registry entry for the malicious executable, allowing it to run and encrypt files every time you start your Windows. The targeted key in the Windows Registry Editor is the following:
→ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Furthermore, the ransomware may execute the following command to delete your shadow volume copies:
→ vssadmin delete shadows /for={Your volume} /all /shadow={ID}] /quiet
Then, the Ninja.Gaiver Ransomware may begin to scan for and encrypt files with the following file extensions, for example:
→ .3ds .4db .4dd .7z .7zip .accdb .accdt .aep .aes .ai .alk .arj .axx .bak .bpw .cdr .cer .crp .crt .csv .db .dbf .dbx .der .doc .docm .docx .dot .dotm .dotx .drc .dwfx .dwg .dwk .dxf .eml .enz .fdb .flk .flka .flkb .flkw .flwa .gdb .gho .gpg .gxk .hid .hid2 .idx .ifx .iso .k2p .kdb .kdbx .key .ksd .max .mdb .mdf .mpd .mpp .myo .nba .nbf .nsf .nv2 .odb .odp .ods .odt .ofx .ost .p12 .pdb .pdf .pfx .pgp .ppj .pps .ppsx .ppt .pptx .prproj .psd .pst .psw .qba .qbb .qbo .qbw .qfx .qif .rar .raw .rfp .rpt .rsa .rtf .saj .sdc .sdf .sef .sko .sql .sqlite .sxc .tar .tax .tbl .tc .tib .txt .wdb .xbrl .xls .xlsm .xlsx .xml .zip Source: Symantec
After doing so, the Ninja.Gaiver ransomware adds the .777 file extension to the encrypted files along with its aol e-mail address. An encrypted file is reported by infected users to look like the following:
→ New Text Document.txt.{date-and-time-of-encryption}_$ninja.gaiver@aol.com(or one of the other e-mails)$.777
Ninja.Gaiver Ransomware – Conclusion and Removal
The bottom line for the Ninja.Gaiver ransomware is that it was created for one purpose – to contact the ninja.gaiver@aol.com e-mail address so that you can be provided with instructions, negotiate the price to decode your files and even ask the cyber-crooks to decrypt a file for free. We strongly advise against paying any ransom money and removing this threat, because first you fund the cyber-criminals to develop this malware and second you may not get your files 100% back.
To remove this ransomware, be advised that you are welcome to try our removal instructions since they are methodologically arranged to help your situation and delete it. In case you want to have maximum effectiveness while removing and remain protected in the future as well, you should download an advanced anti-malware software which will detect all associated files and registry entries and remove them.
To decrypt your files, fortunately there has been a decryptor released by Emsisoft researchers. You may find it if you click on the link above the table of information at the start of this article. Also, you may also find useful the alternative methods that “go around” direct decryption. All of the restoration methods can be found in the step “Restore files encrypted by Ninja.Gaiver” below just in case the decryptor does not work for you.
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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Step 1: Scan for Ninja.Gaiver with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Ninja.Gaiver 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 Ninja.Gaiver 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 Ninja.Gaiver 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 Ninja.Gaiver
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Ninja.Gaiver.
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 Ninja.Gaiver 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.
Ninja.Gaiver-FAQ
What is Ninja.Gaiver Ransomware?
Ninja.Gaiver 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 Ninja.Gaiver 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 Ninja.Gaiver Infect?
Via several ways.Ninja.Gaiver 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 Ninja.Gaiver 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 .Ninja.Gaiver files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Ninja.Gaiver 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 .Ninja.Gaiver files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Ninja.Gaiver" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Ninja.Gaiver 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 Ninja.Gaiver 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 Ninja.Gaiver ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Ninja.Gaiver 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 Ninja.Gaiver 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 Ninja.Gaiver Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Ninja.Gaiver 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 Ninja.Gaiver 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.
Hi,
Any update on how to decrypt those files?
Hello, Arvind
As written in the “Update” window in the first paragraph, there has been a decryptor released for victims of the .777 ransomware. You can download it from the EmsiSoft URL below(It’s free):
decrypter.emsisoft.com/777
Thanks for your reply. I tried that but it seems that we are unable to restore our data. BTW thanks for your blog and reply. :)
Don’t hesitate to open a topic on our forum if you have any tech-related questions. We will reply as soon as able : )
Hi Venci,
Ima li reshene za dekodiarane na Ninja.Gaiver@aol.com files?
Nick
Привет, Ник
За момента, на Емсисофт декриптора би трябвало да работи. Безплатен е. Можеш да си го изтеглиш от този уеб линк:
decrypter.emsisoft.com/777
The “encryption” is a simple xor mask. You should be able to restore your files rather easily.
our data has been encrypted with the extension xtbl (using the email address id-64A61CC1.batman_good@aol.com.xtbl.id-87573DFGHVkjF.okean-1955@india.com.xtbl I have a .777 decrypter which doesn’t work but is this the same variant do you know?? thanks in advance!
I’ve seen two variants of the 777 ransomware. One encrypts with a simple 0x37 XOR mask. This is the version that emisoft’s decryptor will undo. The other is slightly more sophisticated and uses a 0x2021222324252627 XOR mask. Other variants may use different masks. If you have an unencrypted version of a file, you can compare it to the encrypted one to find the actual mask used. Then, it’s a simple matter (for a programmer) to restore all your originals. Even if you don’t have any unencrpted versions of files to compare against, examining either an encrypted text file, or a file that might have a lot of zeros (in the original) should readily reveal the mask used.
Please don’t hesitate with any further questions…
Thanks so much for your reply. I do have an unencrypted copy of one of the files which I found yesterday. Who would you suggest I look to contact now that I have both before and after decrypted files? I presume this may possibly help to decrypt the files
If you can XOR the two files together, that will give you the mask, which you can use to decrypt the files. If you are familiar with pretty much any programming language, or know someone who is, this should be fairly simple.
Hi Dennis, i have just taken Ninja Gaiver ransom, have you got one mail where i can send you a file to see if you can help me? I have a copy of a clean file and a copy of a encripted. I will pay you the service or can make some try if you explain me better how. Hope in your help.
Francesco, you can e-mail me your files at d_wilk@cox.net. I can take a look at them, but can’t promise anything.
Hi Bashir,
Unfortunately, this is a new ransomware from the XTBL family for which there is no way to decrypt files. Read more about it here: sensorstechforum.com/remove-okean-1955-ransomware-restore-xtbl-encrypted-files
Kaspersky and Emsisoft decryptors didn’t work with your files. However, you can still try and recover your data via software recovery tools. Let us know if you have more questions!
STForum
Before accepting this answer, it may be worth your while to do a little more research. Note that this page also called the 777 encryption “one of the strongest used” when in fact it is trivial.
Hello Dennis,
Actually, Bashir sent us a couple of files and that’s how we knew he’s been infected with a new variant of XTBL ransomware. Because we’re always willing to help victims of ransomware, we tried the available EmsiSoft decrypter and it didn’t work. If you have any useful information, we’d be more than happy to continue this conversation.
Stay tuned,
STForum
Yes, but some versions of the 777 were also not decrypted by either the Kaspersky or Emsisoft decrypters. None the less, the decryption was simple: an 0x2021222324252627 XOR mask. It should be easy to detect if an XOR mask is being used, and, if so, what that mask is. First, check if your encrypted and unencrypted files are the same size. If so, XOR the files together and see if the XOR mask appears. Then, apply the XOR mask and voila, your files are decrypted.
I paid 3 bitcoins (about $1800) to the hackers, got the odd reply but DID NOT get the code to decrypt. Total waste of money on a big time a-hole, spend your time and cash elsewhere, not all hackers come through when you pay up. Mine was batman_good@aol.com
Hi Je Be,
Thank you for the warning! We suppose that your data was quite valuable and that’s why you decided to proceed with the payment.