Remove NAKW ransomware virus (2023 Guide)

NAKW ransomware hits hundreds of victims, encrypts personal data

NAKW ransomware is a malicious file-encrypting computer virus that originates from STOP (DJVU) ransomware family. The virus is created with the intention to corrupt all files on the target system using the RSA encryption method, add .nakw extensions to filenames and leave a ransom-demanding note called _readme.txt. In this note, the attackers explain that the victim has to contact them via provided emails and pay a specified sum of money to decrypt files. In other words, the cybercriminals demand a ransom.

The ransom note suggests contacting salesrestoresoftware@firemail.cc or salesrestoresoftware@gmail.com to get instructions regarding .nakw file decryption software. To prove that such a tool exists, the ransomware developers suggest decrypting one file for free. However, to recover all files, the ransomware virus demands paying a hefty price. The attackers suggest a 50% discount if the ransom is paid within 72 hours – $490. Otherwise, the price is $980. 

No ways to decrypt files – at least for now

Speaking of data recovery, you must first acknowledge the encryption routine this virus uses. Once installed on the target machine, it attempts to establish a connection with its server to obtain an online key. Otherwise, if it can’t establish this connection, it encrypts files using an offline key. In addition, the virus might use both online and offline keys. A typical indicator that files were locked with the offline key is a personal ID ending in t1. 

NAKW ransomware virus is a new variant of DJVU (STOP). This ransomware family started producing new versions that use an upgraded encryption algorithm since August 2019. These versions include RECO, NOLS, COOT, DERP, and others.

Unfortunately, if you were attacked and your files were encrypted with online key, there are no chances to recover your files. If encrypted with an offline key, you might have a chance to recover some of them in the future. Security researchers need to extract the offline key first. Therefore, please be patient – such things do not happen quickly.

Please keep checking for updates in this tutorial on how to decrypt files locked by STOP ransomware. 

Another thing you should be aware of is that NAKW ransomware can install an information-stealing Trojan named Azorult. This malicious virus is designed to steal passwords saved in your browsers. Therefore, you need to take action to delete it along with the ransomware virus remains.

To remove NAKW ransomware virus successfully, consider using the guidelines given below this post. To automatically clean your computer system, use powerful antivirus software.

Ransomware Summary

Name	NAKW virus
Type	Ransomware
Malware Family	STOP ransomware (DJVU)
Encryption Method	RSA
File Extension	.nakw
Ransom Note	_readme.txt
Ransom Amount	$490-$980
Contact Emails (Cyber criminals)	salesrestoresoftware@firemail.cc; reserve email: salesrestoresoftware@gmail.com
Decryption available?	Impossible. If encrypted with offline key, might be decryptable in the future
Removal	Remove using antivirus of your choice in Safe Mode (see instructions below)

Distribution means and ways to protect yourself

Victims of STOP ransomware all are attacked due to insecure practices when it comes to software installation. It is a well-known fact that this ransomware is bundled with illegal software activation tools such as software cracks, keygens, KMSPico viruses and so on. Therefore, if your files are encrypted and have .nakw extensions now, it means that you have attempted to install paid software illegally, or, in other words, without paying for its license. 

Please remember that such illegal activators are used as bait by cybercriminals. They can modify programs to make them launch different files and run executives that bear a malicious payload (in other words, ransomware). What is more, software licenses cost way less than ransoms. Besides, we believe that your data was extremely important to you, so please do not take such decisions in the future. As you can see, the results are nerve-wracking, to say at least.

You can learn more about ransomware distribution tricks used by cyber attackers in this prevention guide. 

Ways to remove NAKW ransomware virus

A safe way to clean up your computer system and remove NAKW ransomware along with Azorult is to boot your computer in Safe mode and run an antivirus software then. Additionally, we recommend refreshing the antivirus database first and installing suggested updates for it. This ensures that your antivirus will have a definition of this specific ransomware variant and will be able to eliminate it safely.

You can find instructions regarding NAKW virus removal down below. Please note that you can also remove malware from your system by reinstalling Windows, which is not a recommended option as you can lose all of your data immediately.

Once you complete the given steps, change all your passwords to prevent hackers from stealing more sensitive data or potentially emptying your bank account. Finally, we recommend you to backup .nakw extension files in case there’s an update to the STOP decrypter tool in the future. 

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system:

GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

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System Mechanic Ultimate Defense

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