Geek's Advice

NOLS ransomware encrypts data to extort you

NOLS ransomware is a new copy of STOP DJVU file-encrypting virus that corrupts files to make them inaccessible. It was discovered by M. Gillespie on Semptember 22nd. The virus uses RSA cryptography to render data useless, then adds .nols extensions after the original ones. Finally, it creates a text file called _readme.txt with instructions to contact gorentos@bitmessage.ch or amundas@firemail.cc. The attackers demand paying $980 ransom in Bitcoins to get the data decryption tool.

This ransomware variant is typically distributed via software cracks and keygens. Once installed, it starts encrypting all files on the system with some exceptions. It typically skips all Windows operating system files to keep the computer running. In addition, it removes Volume Shadow Copies from the system and disables any firewalls available. Finally, it installs Azorult Trojan on the system, which is a malicious tool used to steal passwords saved in browsers.

The encryption can’t be reversed without a private key

The encryption algorithm used by ransomware includes usage of RSA-2048 encryption which is impossible to break. However, during the cyber attack, this STOP DJVU variant might use either online or offline key to encrypt data. It depends on whether the virus manages to connect to its Command & Control server during the attack or not.

For each victim, the virus generates a private key which is sent out and stored in a remote criminals’ server. It can’t be accessed from there, leaving no chances to decrypt .nols files.

To clarify, NOLS files cannot be decrypted using any third-party tools at the moment. Although there might be a chance to recover your files in the future in case your data was encrypted using offline key, do not put your hopes up high.

NOOLS virus leaves a _readme.txt note with the following instructions for the ransomware victim:

ATTENTION!
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free. But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
[removed link]
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.
Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.
To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
gorentos@bitmessage.ch
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
amundas@firemail.cc
Your personal ID:
[removed]

After seeing such note, you might start contemplating whether it is worth paying the ransom or not. We STRONGLY recommend you not to do so. One of the reasons why you shouldn’t is that you might never receive the decryption tool even after paying. Second, do not support cyber criminals. The only reason why ransomware is such a profitable business is because so many victims decide to pay up.

If you have been infected with this type of file locker, we strongly suggest you to remove NOLS ransomware virus using antivirus of your choice. Please use the removal instructions provided at the end of this article. The next two things you need to do is change all your passwords and start looking for a data backup.

The virus reaches victims via illegal downloads

All recent STOP DJVU ransomware versions like NOLS virus, WERD, LETO, BORA, RECO or BOOT are distributed in the same way. The majority of victims encounter this type of malware after opening a malicious download, or, to be precise, illegal software activators and keygens. These type of files are known to contain various types of malware including ransomware. Needless to say, you need to stay away from such files as far away as possible.

We understand that possibility to obtain paid products for free is tempting, but please do not fall for a bait that is used by cybercriminals so frequently. They know the popularity of these downloads and tend to stuff them with highly dangerous additions.

Finally, ransomware payloads can also reach you via malicious email spam. Therefore, try to distance yourself from suspicious emails containing attachments, even innocent-looking ones like documents. Remember that everything is possible from the programming side, and even a safe looking file can be used to execute malware on your system.

Remove NOLS ransomware virus instantly

One of the best ways to remove NOLS ransomware virus is to use a trustworthy antivirus software. There are free or paid options that can remove malware for you, because typically the real-time protection feature is what actually costs. That said, we strongly recommend investing in such product.

A detailed NOLS ransomware removal guide is provided below. Follow these instructions to eliminate the ransomware along with AZORULT Trojan from your PC.

Finally, do not forget to look into ransomware prevention tips that could have saved your files this time.

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

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Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer.

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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.

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

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.