Remove NEFILIM Ransomware Virus (2022 Guide)

NEFILM ransomware seeks to encrypt your files

NEFILIM ransomware is a virus which originates from NEMTY ransomware family. It typically operates by encoding victim’s files on unsecured systems for the purpose of blackmailing – decryption of the files usually requires particular software which is possessed by the intruder. The encryption leaves all corrupted files with the .NEFILIM extension and by the time the action is completed, NEFILIM-DECRYPT.txt file appears on the user’s desktop.

The message which is found in the (NEFILIM-DECRYPT.txt) is quite straightforward – the victim has a choice – either to meet demands of the criminals or to take no action which, according to the criminals, will result in publicization of personal information within 7 days.  The message (which is signed by jamesgonzaleswork1972@protonmail.com, pretty_hardjob2881@mail.com and dprworkjessiaeye1955@tutanota.com) also states that since the compromised files are encrypted using NEFILIM ransomware, it is not possible to regain access to original files using any third-party software.

The intruders promise to provide the key needed to regain access to the files once the demands are met, but this course of action is not recommended, since putting yourself at the criminal’s mercy might lead to pointless financial losses – victim cannot be sure that the tools needed for .nefilim file decryption will be given.

Threat Summary

Name	NEFILIM ransomware
Type	Ransomware; File-encrypting virus
Ransom note	NEFILIM-DECRYPT.txt
Encryption method	AES-128 + RSA-2048
Ransom demand	Typically asks for $1000-$1800 in Bitcoin
Contact emails	jamesgonzaleswork1972@protonmail.com, pretty_hardjob2881@mail.com and dprworkjessiaeye1955@tutanota.com
Extension	.nefilim file extension
Decryption methods	No decryption tools available; restore files using data backup
Distribution methods	Spreads via malicious spam, infected downloads, deceptive installers
Removal	Remove using robust antivirus or anti-malware while in Safe Mode

Unfortunately, it is true that in most of these kinds of cases the decryption without criminal’s intervention is impossible, unless the ransomware is still in development stages and has flaws which could be exploited in victim’s favor. NEFILIM virus uses AES 128 and RSA 2048 ciphers for data encryption and dynamically calls SystemFunction036 to generate new key per victim’s file.

Nevertheless, the only rational action you can take in this situation is to remove NEFILIM ransomware virus completely from your computer. Sadly, this action won’t help to restore your compromised files. However, you can always recover them from a backup. The only condition is that it needs to be created before the intrusion and held in a different location.

How ransomware infects your computer

Generally, all types of malware (including ransomware) can infect your computer in various ways – via trojans, illegitimate activation software (a.k.a. cracks), fabricated updaters, spam campaigns, unreliable download sources etc. Spam campaigns send deceitful emails, which might have infectious files or links attached to them.

Fake updaters can harm your system by exploiting outdated products and might install ransomware instead of the updates. Trojans are infamous for having many abhorrent capabilities, such as triggering additional malware installation. In fact, damaging files come in various formats, from Microsoft Office and PDF documents to executable files. Therefore, there is no single and effective method on how to identify these kinds of threats.

The easiest and most efficient way to infect victim’s computer is by exploiting people who use free file-hosting sites, various file sharing networks (Torrents, eMule, etc.) and in general – tend to download from the Internet inattentively. All of the before mentioned methods might be used to spread viruses, including NEFILIM ransomware.

Guide to remove NEFILIM ransomware virus                         

In order to keep your system safe from reoccurring intrusions and file encryptions, you need to remove the NEFILIM ransomware immediately. Certain preparation for the elimination is required beforehand, so follow closely. Follow the steps given below to boot your PC in Safe Mode, then proceed with the next steps to completely terminate the virus from your system.

It is important, that the NEFILIM Ransomware removal should be done using trustworthy antivirus or anti-malware software, to ensure that, we recommend reading our reviews on them. As soon as the removal is complete, do not forget to change passwords for all websites and accounts saved in your browsers imminently.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

Our team recommends removing malware using a professional antivirus software and then using the following tool to repair virus damage to Windows system files:

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER

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Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

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