Geek's Advice

NBES ransomware encrypts files to extort the victim

NBES is a ransomware-type virus that comes from STOP/DJVU group. It is a malicious Windows program designed to encrypt files on victims PC with RSA cryptography. During the attack, the malware deletes system restore points, disables active firewalls, modifies files and adds .nbes file extension after the original one. Finally, the virus drops _readme.txt files to inform the victim about what happened and present the ransom demand. The hackers ask for $490 if paid within 3 days or $980 later.

NBES file virus is designed to compromise computer system silently. Most of the victims download this virus from malicious downloads. Once executed, the virus starts encrypting files folder after folder. The way it modifies files cannot be reversed without a special key, known as a private decryption key. This key is held by cybercriminals who created this virus.

Therefore, the ransomware creates _readme.txt files which explain the victim what happened. The ransomware suggests paying a ransom in Bitcoin cryptocurrency to recover files. The victim can test the decryption software by sending the attackers one encrypted .nbes file to datarestorehelp@firemail.cc or datahelp@iran.ir. The ransom note warns not to send any files that contain valuable information.

NBES file virus is known to silently install AZORULT Trojan on the system, which is a malicious private data stealing malware. It can grab your login details such as passwords and transmit them to cybercriminals. Therefore, if you have noticed that your files were encrypted by this STOP/DJVU variant, we suggest you take actions without any hesitation.

Remove NBES ransomware virus using the free tutorial provided below. You will need to boot your PC in Safe Mode to eliminate the threats safely.

Threat Summary

Data encryption routine and prospects on data decryption

NBES ransomware uses an extremely secure way to encrypt files. Think of it as the encryption used to secure military-grade secrets. The attackers are the only ones who know the decryption keys. However, the ransomware is designed to operate with or without the Internet connection, which it needs to connect to its Command & Control server. Therefore, the offline encryption is the “flaw” that can help to recover files for some victims.

The ransomware attempts to connect to its C&C server so it could obtain an online (an individual) key for each victim. If it fails to connect to it, it uses a static offline key which is the same for all variants of NBES ransomware. Therefore, after a while, security researchers might succeed to obtain this key and upload it to STOP Decrypter.

To figure out which key was used for your data encryption, go to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt and check if any of the keys end in t1. It is an indicator of an offline key, which means some of your files can be restored in the future.

If your keys don’t end in t1, there is no way to recover files without paying the criminals.

However, we do not encourage paying the attackers. By paying them, you simply encourage them to run their business. However, paying might be the last rescue if your organisation’s future depends on data that was destroyed.

STOP ransomware spreads via malicious tools

All variants of STOP/DJVU ransomware, including the latest versions NBES, MKOS, RIGH, MERL and others, are transmitted via malicious file packs available to download online. You should stay away from various file sharing sites, especially those that suggest illegal downloads such as pirated software packs, software cracks, license key generating tools (also known as keygens) or tools like KMSPico. This ransomware variant is known to be distributed in this one unique way.

In the meantime, you also need to be aware of other ransomware distribution tricks, including malicious spam (deceptive emails that supposedly come from authorities or well-known organizations and suggest opening links or attachments). You should also be aware that malware can be transmitted not only in a form of .exe file, but most frequently Word documents or Adobe Acrobat PDF files as well.

Therefore, you need to stay away from all suspicious emails you weren’t expecting. Resist the urge to open a message that you weren’t waiting for, and even if you did, scan the download with a robust antivirus before opening it.

Remove NBES ransomware virus from the system safely

The tutorial provided below explains how to remove NBES ransomware virus from the system safely. You need to eliminate all remains of the virus and Azorult Trojan with a trustworthy antivirus tool of your choice. You can choose free or paid options available today.

NBES ransomware removal will ensure a safe environment to start recovering your files from a backup. Please do not connect your data storage device to the compromised PC before deleting the malware first. This can cause data encryption on your backup, too!

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:

STEP 1. REMOVE AUTOMATICALLY WITH ROBUST ANTIVIRUS

REMOVE & PROTECT WITH INTEGO

Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7.. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs.

Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer.

Read full review here.

STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER

DOWNLOAD RESTORO

RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically.

RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them.

Read full review here.

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Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense

If you're looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek's Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Norbert Webb

Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.