Nile ransomware removal

Nile ransomware is yet another file-encrypting malware that comes from the Djvu/STOP ransomware family. The malware family now has hundreds of versions, all of which encrypt files.

 

Nile ransomware is file encrypting malware that adds the .nile extension to encrypted files. It comes from the notorious Djvu ransomware family. We have reported on multiple versions before, including Kook and Kuus ransomware. The ransomware from this family are more or less the same, but the code was updated last year, making the newest versions undecryptable with Emsisoft’s free decryption tool for Djvu ransomware.

Users will be unable to open the files once they’ve been encrypted, unless they use the decryption tool. The people behind this ransomware will try to sell victims the tool for $980 or $490, depending on how quickly the victims write them. However, paying the ransom is discouraged, as file decryption is not guaranteed. When it comes to ransomware, there are many users who pay but receive nothing in return, since there is nothing stopping cyber criminals from simply taking the money and not sending anything in return.

The surest way to recover files is from backup. But for that to be possible, users need to have backed up their files prior to infection. Unfortunately, not many users have this habit and only realize its importance when it’s already too late. For users who do have backup, it’s necessary to first remove Nile ransomware and only then connect to backup. Otherwise, those files may become encrypted as well.

Ransomware distribution methods

Most ransomware is distributed more or less the same way, via spam emails, torrents, software cracks, malicious advertisements, etc.

Spam emails are one of the most common ways ransomware is spread. Malware distributors buy thousands of email addresses which have been obtained from old data breaches, and send malicious spam to them. The spam emails are often made to resemble some kind of official correspondence, though it’s usually a rather poor attempt. By claiming to be from legitimate/known companies, organizations, etc., spammers put pressure on users to open the attachments. Spam emails are usually full of grammar mistakes, are sent from random email addresses, and try to force users to open the attachments by claiming they’re important documents. This usually makes spam emails quite obvious. Nevertheless, it’s a good idea to scan all unsolicited email attachments with anti-virus software or VirusTotal. Reliable ransomware will detect if anything malicious is hiding.

Malware is also often hidden on torrent sites. Those sites are largely unregulated, meaning malware can easily be concealed as a popular movie, TV series, game, software, etc. Users who pirate content via torrents are putting their computers in danger, in addition to essentially stealing content.

Clicking on or engaging with the wrong advertisements can also lead to an infection. Users may encounter ads claiming they need to install an update or some program to get rid of a supposed virus. For future reference, users should never download anything from advertisements, and avoid interaction with ads on high-risk websites.

Can users recover Nile ransomware encrypted files

Nile ransomware is nothing unusual, and is practically identical to most other Djvu ransomware versions. It targets files like photos, videos, documents, etc., mostly files that users would be most willing to pay for. Encrypted files will have the .nile file extension added, hence why this is known as Nile ransomware. A ransom note _readme.txt would be dropped on the computer, with an explanation that files have been encrypted and instructions on how to recover them. The note is identical to the ones dropped by other ransomware from this family. It offers the decryption tool for $490 if victims contact them within 72 hours, otherwise it would be $980. Victims are asked to contact them using helpmanager@mail.ch or restoremanager@airmail.cc.

The ransom note goes as follows:

ATTENTION!
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you. This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free. But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-WJa63R98Ku
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.
Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment. Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.
To get this software you need write on our e-mail: helpmanager@mail.ch
Reserve e-mail address to contact us: restoremanager@airmail.cc

While paying the ransom may seem like a tempting option for victims who have no backup, it’s important to mention that files won’t necessarily be decrypted if victims pay. Decryption tools don’t always work as they should, so even if victims are sent one, decryption won’t necessarily be successful. Though the ransom note does mention that victims can decrypt one file for free, if the file does not contain valuable information. This is supposed to act as proof that their decryption tool does actually work.

Ransomware is one of the reasons why it’s so important to regularly back up important files. There are many options for users choose from, from hard drives to the cloud.

Users who have no backup can try the above linked Emsisoft Djvu ransomware decryptor, though it will not necessarily work. And users should bear in mind that there are many fake Djvu decryptors pushed by malware operators. Decryptors should only be downloaded from reliable sources like NoMoreRansom.

Nile ransomware removal

Only anti-malware software will fully delete Nile ransomware. Users who try manual Nile ransomware removal may end up causing more damage, so we do not recommend it for users who have no experience in this. Once users remove Nile ransomware, they can start file recovery via backup.