Remove NILE Ransomware Virus (2021 Decryption Guide)
NILE file virus damages files by using encryption
Contents
NILE ransomware is the 244th STOP/DJVU virus variant that encrypts files on victim’s computer system and marks them with .nile extension. The affected files can no longer be opened or modified. Cybercriminals ask the victim to pay a ransom for file decryption tool and key, as explained in _readme.txt ransom notes that the virus creates on the system. The malware operators ask to write to helpmanager@mail.ch or restoremanager@airmail.cc addresses for data recovery instructions.
The ransom note _readme.txt is left by the criminals on purpose. They use it to explain to the victim that data recovery without the special NILE decryption tool is impossible and can’t be free. Therefore, they suggest purchasing it from them, the sooner, the cheaper. As the note suggests, the victim has three days to contact the criminals to be eligible for 50% discount and receive the decryption tool for $490. Otherwise, the price remains $980.
Unfortunately, most of the ransomware victims never receive the suggested decryption tool even if they agree with all demands. In fact, many cybercriminals disappear or try blackmailing for even more money. Keep in mind that cryptocurrency transactions are almost impossible to trace. Thus, the attackers never get punished and keep releasing new versions of dangerous file-encrypting viruses. Our security experts strongly suggest you remove NILE ransomware instead of paying the ransom.
Usually, it is exceptionally hard to spot this ransomware attack for regular computer users. The reason behind this is that the developers use disguise techniques to hide the infiltration of the file-encrypting virus. Just as other versions, including NORD, VARI, BOOP, OONN, KOOK, KUUS, ZIPE, PEZI, NLAH, KASP, this ransomware imitates a Windows update process while encrypting data. In other terms, users can be tricked to believe that the winupdate.exe process running on the system is a legitimate one. In fact, it is a well-developed disguise technique.
Ransomware installs password-stealing Trojan
Another notable feature of NILE ransomware is that this virus infiltrates a password-stealing Trojan, AZORULT into the infected computer host. It is designed to gather all private information from the affected computer to the remote server that is controlled by the crooks. Once they gain access to your accounts, they can either use it for their own benefits or sell on the black market. Note that this Trojan shows no signs of the attack. Thus, you might not even be aware that your privacy is at risk.
The safe way to clean your system from all potentially dangerous cyber threats is to get RESTORO for NILE ransomware removal or another reputable antivirus software. Malware removal tools are developed to get rid of all malicious files from the computer quickly and safely. You merely need to download it and run a full system scan. Instructions explaining how to boot your computer into Safe Mode and start the procedure are appended at the end of this article.
After you completely remove NILE file virus and related malware, then you have two options to restore your data. The easiest one is to get the latest backup copies from the Cloud. If you store them, it is the quickest possible way to get your data back to the primary state. In case you do not have backups, you can read about the alternative STOP/DJVU ransomware decryption methods.
Summary
| Name | NILE ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware, File-encrypting virus, Crypto-malware, File Locker |
| Executable | [4 random chars].tmp.exe, such as 2M07.tmp.exe, 2B01.tmp.exe, f01e.tmp.exe, BED5.tmp.exe, ry4j.tmp.exe, d7df.tmp.exe, 6AEC.tmp.exe, D4ED.tmp.exe, c7c6.tmp.exe or similar (source VirusTotal) |
| Detection names | Trojan.GenericKDZ.69048 (Bitdefender), Trojan:Win32/Glupteba.GD!MTB (Microsoft), Trojan.Downloader (Malwarebytes), Trojan.GenericKDZ.69048 (B) (Emsisoft) and similar |
| Family | STOP/DJVU |
| Version | As reported by security researcher M. Gillespie, it is the 244th version of the STOP/DJVU. |
| Other variants | ERIF, KUUS, ZIPE, REPL, OONN, NILE, VARI |
| Extension | .nile |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Contacts | helpmanager@mail.ch, restoremanager@airmail.cc |
| Amount of the ransom | $490 as a 50% discount within the first 72 hours and then $980 later |
| Symptoms | After the infection, victims can see a fake Windows Update screen; Once the encryption is finished, the majority of the files cannot be accessed |
| Damage | It does not only lock the data but also infiltrates AZORULT to steal the victim’s passwords |
| Possible sources of infection | Comes in illegal software cracks (e.x. Photoshop, Visual Studio, and similar), tools like KMSPico and malicious pop-ups |
| Decryption | You can quickly restore files from backups or follow for updates here |
| Removal | A safe way to get rid of the virus is to run a full system scan with anti-malware. To repair virus damage, we recommend a scan with RESTORO. |
Live demonstration of this ransomware encrypting data folder is provided below.
Threat Overview
Name: NILE ransomware
Description: NILE ransomware is a computer virus that encrypts all files on victim's computer, making it impossible to open them. Target data will be marked with .nile extension after the attack. The virus leaves _readme.txt ransom notes that contain ransom-payment instructions from the cyber criminals who created the virus.
Offer price: 980
Currency: USD
Operating System: Windows
Application Category: Ransomware
Author: STOP/DJVU authors
- DAMAGE (5)
- DISTRIBUTION (5)
- ENCRYPTION STRENGTH (5)
Overall
5User Review
( votes)Can you recover .nile files?
The absolute 100% of victims of this ransomware want to find out how to decrypt Nile virus files for free. The truth is that only the cybercriminals behind the whole STOP/DJVU malware project have the decryption keys required to restore encrypted files. However, in cases when their malware can’t connect to network during the cyberattack, the virus uses offline encryption, which can be identified by a personal ID string ending in t1.
You can find this value on your computer, as the ransomware creates it in C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt file. Please do not count on the value left in the _readme.txt note, because you might have received several personal IDs (in case part of data is encrypted with offline and part of data is encrypted with online key).
If your ID or at least one of them ends in t1, you have strong chances to decrypt NILE files using Emsisoft’s decryption tool for STOP/DJVU, as explained below this article or here. Offline keys are already known to previous ransomware versions such as USAM, TABE or VAWE.
Ransomware infection sources
The majority of cyber threats like NILE file virus are distributed via questionable networks and suspicious websites. For example, peer-to-peer (P2P) sites often contain well-known software cracks that are in fact ransomware executables. Therefore, if you download apps from illegal file-sharing sites, you significantly increase the risk of malware infections. We recommend never browsing on such websites and getting software only from authorized distributors.
Furthermore, many gaming or video streaming websites include a numerous amount of advertising content. If you visit those websites a lot, you can encounter pop-ups, banners, or redirects to other suspicious pages. It is very popular to create pop-ups that look like legitimate application updates, such as Adobe Flash Player or other popular programs. Unfortunately, those ads are merely designed to infiltrate ransomware or other cyber threats. Never click on them.
How to remove NILE ransomware virus
Ransomware viruses are highly advanced cyber threats that need skills to eliminate them. Unfortunately, regular computer users do not have the knowledge to safely remove NILE ransomware virus from their computers on their own. Thus, you either need to get in-person help from a specialist or use a professional malware removal software. Our top recommendation is RESTORO.
Additionally, some file-encrypting viruses are capable to modify the certain Windows hosts file to prevent you from accessing security tools. In this case, you need to boot your system into Safe Mode to start the NILE ransomware removal process. You can learn how to begin by reading the instructions at the end of this article. Be aware that you must follow each step very attentively.
Once you are finished with the elimination, you can start considering ways how you will restore your data. The easiest option is to simply use backup copies that you have stored on an external device. If you do not have those, feel free to read about alternative possible ways to decrypt STOP/DJVU ransomware files.
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
STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER
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NILE ransomware virus Removal Guidelines
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Step 1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove NILE ransomware virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube.
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
- First of all, turn off your PC. Then press the Power button to start it again and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. This launches the Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Use arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate down to Safe Mode with Networking option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users
- Open Windows Start menu, then press down the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then select Restart option.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Networking. In this case, it is the F5 key.
Step 2. Remove files associated with the virus
Now, you can search for and remove NILE ransomware virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus, which also includes data recovery software. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.
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Compatibility: Microsoft Windows
See Full Review
RESTORO is a unique PC Repair Tool which comes with an in-built Avira scan engine to detect and remove spyware/malware threats and uses a patented technology to repair virus damage. The software can repair damaged, missing or malfunctioning Windows OS files, corrupted DLLs, and more. The free version offers a scan that detects issues. To fix them, license key for the full software version must be purchased.
Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically.
Step 1. Boot Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
- Shut down your PC. Start it again by pressing the Power button and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. You will see Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Using arrow keys on the keyboard, navigate down to Safe Mode with Command Prompt option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users
- Launch Windows Start menu, then click the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then choose Restart option with the mouse cursor.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Command Prompt. In this case, press F6 key.
Step 2. Start System Restore process
- Wait until system loads and command prompt shows up.
- Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter. Or you can just type %systemroot%system32restorerstrui.exe in command prompt and hit Enter.
- This launches System Restore window. Click Next and then choose a System Restore point created in the past. Choose one that was created before ransomware infection.
- Click Yes to begin the system restoration process.
After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won't be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.
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
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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.
Decrypt NILE files
Fix and open large NILE files easily:
It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.
- Create a copy of encrypted file to a separate folder using Copy > Paste commands.
- Now, right-click the created copy and choose Rename. Select the NILE extension and delete it. Press Enter to save changes.
- In the prompt asking whether you want to make the changes as file might become unusable, click OK.
- Try opening the file.
STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide
STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. NILE ransomware virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like VYIA, QBAA, FOPA, VTYM, KQGS, XCBG, BPQD (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie.
Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible.
In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt NILE files, follow the given tutorial.
- Download the decryption tool from Emsisoft.
- Click the little arrow next to your download and choose Show in Folder.
- Now, right-click the file and choose Run as Administrator. If asked, enter administrator's password.
- In UAC window, click Yes.
- Click Yes to agree to software terms in both windows.
- The tool will automatically include C:// disk as a location to decrypt. The file recovery tool will prepopulate the locations to scan, including connected data storage drives or network drives. Click Add folder if you wish to add additional locations.
In Options tab, you can choose to keep encrypted file copies. We recommend leaving this option selected, especially if you do not know if the decryption tool will work. - Click Decrypt to start restoring NILE files. You will see the progress in the Results tab. Here, you can see messages from the tool, such as whether the decryption procedure is successful, or you need to wait for an update.
You might also be informed that online key was used to encrypt your files. In such case, the decryption tool won't work for you, and the only way to recover your files is to use a data backup.
Meanings of decryptor's messages
The NILE decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages:
Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID]
This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor's database.
No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible
This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible.
Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]
This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.
If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn't available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your NILE extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.
Report Internet crime to legal departments
Victims of NILE ransomware virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:
- In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.
- In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.
- In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.
- In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.
- In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.
- In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.
- In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
- In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
- In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.
If you can't find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up "[your country name] report cyber crime". This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities.
Another recommendation is to contact your country's or region’s federal police or communications authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can only open NILE files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.
To figure out whether you were affected by offline encryption, please go to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt and see if the string inside of it ends in t1. You can also try using Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/DJVU.
Please follow the guidances provided by the official NILE decryption tools and believe what they say. If they say it is impossible to decrypt, it really is so. There is no magic tool or human capable of decrypting your files hiding somewhere. Encryption is a technique created to be nearly impossible to decrypt without a special private key (held by the criminals).
We advise scanning with anti-virus, anti-malware, malware removal tools or software like RESTORO to eliminate virus damage on the system. If you do not trust using a single tool, try running one after another. However, we do not recommend keeping several security programs on a computer at once as they can interfere with each other's work.
Beware of fake NILE decryption tools circulating around the web. Cyber criminals are uploading them to various shady websites, also might be promoting them via suspicious Youtube videos. These programs can infect your computer even more heavily (Trojans, miners, etc.). We suggest being extremely cautious around the web. If there will be an official STOP/DJVU decryption tool available, it will be widely discussed in public media.
Frequently Asked Questions
In order to open .nile files, a STOP/DJVU decryption tool is required. It is advised to check for the recovery tool updates to find out if such tool is already available.
Users are advised to create data backups for extremely important files. Therefore, you should be able to recover these files from backups created previously. If you do not have data backups, you should check whether you were affected by offline encryption, as it is the only case when you can hope to restore your data for free.
You should check for updates in STOP/DJVU decryption article. It can take time for NILE decryption key to be uploaded to the decrypter. The article will be updated once the key become publicly available.
Currently, NILE file decryption tool isn’t available. It might take some time for offline decryption key to get uploaded to the Emsisoft decryptor. Please come back later for updates.
Scott Bolton is a senior content strategist in our Geek’s Advice team. He is exceptionally passionate about covering the latest information technology themes and inspire other team members to follow new innovations. Despite the fact that Scott is an old-timer among the Geeks, he still enjoys writing comprehensive articles about exciting cybersecurity news or quick tutorials.
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View Comments
Kindly help me to recover my files affected with .nile virus. I lost all my data.
Thanks
The only guide that was useful. Thanks so much, Scott
I have been wondering whether to pay the ransom to decrypt nile extension files or not... My files were extremely important! Has somebody recovered their files using other tools?
Very useful guide. I managed to restore part of my files - thanks for explaining how to remove the virus safely.