NORD ransomware removal
NORD ransomware is file-encrypting malware. It’s a pretty regular ransomware, it encrypts users’ files, adds the .NORD file extension, and then demands that users pay a ransom to get a decryptor.
NORD ransomware is malware that encrypts files. It adds .NORD to encrypted files, hence why it’s called NORD ransomware. When it enters a computer, it will immediately start encrypting files, after which users will be unable to open any of them until they’re decrypted. The cyber crooks behind this ransomware will try to sell the decryptor to victims, buying which is not recommended. The ransomware will drop a ReadMe.txt ransom note, as well as show a pop-up on. The notes will explain how users can decrypt files if they decide to pay the ransom. However, users should be aware of the risks that come with buying decryptors. Because users are dealing with cyber criminals, there are no guarantees that a decryptor will actually be sent to users. Furthermore, paying also encourages cyber crooks to continue their malicious activities.
At this moment in time, only users who have backup can recover files for free. But users should be very careful to fully remove NORD ransomware from their computers before they access backup. Otherwise, files in backup will become encrypted as well.
Users should also be aware that malware researchers can sometimes develop free decryptors to help users recover files without paying the ransom. However, it’s not always possible to do that. Users should also know that there are many fake decryptors on various forums and websites that actually contain malware. So instead of trusting highly suspicious forums and sites, users should stick to sites like NoMoreRansom to get legitimate decryptors. But one is not currently available for NORD ransomware.
Ransomware distribution methods
In most cases, users end up infecting their computers with malware by downloading unsolicited email attachments and pirating content. Developing better browsing habits can often help avoid a lot of malware.
Users should be very careful with unsolicited emails that come with attachments. They can easily be malicious so users should always scan them with anti-virus software or VirusTotal before opening them. The emails carrying malware are generally very obvious because they contain loads of grammar and spelling mistakes, are sent from random email addresses, and pressure users into opening the attachments.
Users who use torrents to pirate content are also at increased risk of picking up some kind of infection. Torrent sites are notoriously unregulated, which allows cyber crooks to easily disguise malware as popular movies, video games, TV series, software, etc. The more popular something is, the more likely that a torrent for it will contain malware.
What does the ransomware do?
As soon as the ransomware enters the computer, it will start encrypting files. It mainly targets users’ personal files, including photos, videos, and documents. Once the files have been encrypted, users will not be able to open them. When ransomware encrypts files, it adds an extension to it. For example, image.jpg would become image.jpg.uniqueID[decryptfilekhoda@protonmail.com].NORD. All users will be assigned unique IDs and they will appear both in the pop-up ransom note and the file extension.
When files are done being encrypted, it will show a pop-up ransom note, as well as drop a ReadMe.txt one. The note will explain that users can recover 5 files for free, provided they do not contain any valuable information. If users want to get the decryptor for the rest of the files, they are asked to send an email to decryptfilekhoda@protonmail.com with the ID that’s been assigned to them. Supposedly, the price depends on how quickly users contact the cyber crooks, and it needs to be paid in Bitcoins. However, we do not recommend paying the ransom because it does not guarantee that files will be decrypted. It’s very likely that the cyber crooks behind this ransomware will just take the money and not sent anything in return.
The text from the NORD ransomware pop-up note is below:
All your files have been encrypted by Wanna Scream!
due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail decryptfilekhoda@protonmail.com
Write this ID in the title of your message:-
In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to this e-mail:decryptfilekhoda@protonmail.com
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the tool that will decrypt all your files.
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 5 files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 4Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click ‘Buy bitcoins’, and select the seller by payment method and price.
hxxps://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
NORD ransomware removal
Users should use anti-malware software to delete NORD ransomware because this is a complex malware infection. Once the ransomware is gone, users can access backup to start file recovery. Unfortunately, removing the ransomware does not decrypt files.
NORD ransomware is detected as:
- Win32:Trojan-gen by Avast/AVG
- Gen:Heur.Ransom.Imps.3 by BitDefender
- A Variant Of MSIL/Filecoder.LK by ESET
- Gen:Heur.Ransom.Imps.3 (B) by Emsisoft
- Artemis!FB2E21387C20 by McAfee
- Trojan:MSIL/Filecoder.DSK!MTB by Microsoft
- Ransom.FileCryptor by Malwarebytes
- Ransom.MSIL.WANNASCREAM.SMVJRA by TrendMicro