Remove NOOA Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .nooa FILES)
NOOA ransomware demands a ransom using encrypted files
Contents
NOOA ransomware is a computer virus that encrypts all files using the RSA Salsa20 algorithm to extort the data owner by holding their files for ransom. This virus is a new variant of STOP/DJVU file-encrypting virus, on every file it leaves a _readme.txt, clarifying that those files are corrupt. To make the damaged files even more distinguishable, they are marked with an additional .nooa extension. For instance, a file originally called 1.jpg will appear as 1.jpg.nooa after being changed. The cybercriminals then demand payment of the ransom in return for data decryption. The developers want the owner to buy the NOOA decryption tool for their specified price. Depending on the speed of the victim response (within 3 days), the ransom price would be $490, any longer and it would be $980. The only way to contact the criminals is through the provided emails: helpmanager@airmail.cc or manager@mailtemp.ch.
The people behind these cybercrimes are causing vicious damage to people’s electronic data for profit. These crimes are menacing, done by people around the world because stealing someone else’s money is easier for them compared to working honestly for a living. People spend hours working hard on their documents when NOOA ransomware virus can turn them useless in seconds, locking them from their owner. Once all data is taken hostage, the virus presents ransom-demanding notes, suggesting to purchase a decryption tool for a specific amount of money.
The NOOA decryption tool price is decided depending on how soon the victim replies to the cybercriminals. If the victim contacts the attackers within 72 hours and pays the ransom. The criminals offer a 50% discount which means the tool and description key would cost $490. Otherwise, they would demand the price be paid in full at $980. The cybercriminals will only accept payment in cryptocurrency to avoid being traced. To do this, the victim needs to purchase Bitcoins worth the ransom amount and then transfer that money into the criminals’ account. To ensure trust, the attackers give the person a sample of their description software, using it to decrypt 1 small file as a test.
The FBI and our Geek’s Advice team agree you should NOT PAY THE RANSOM. We have listed a few reasons you should never pay them below:
- There is no guarantee that the cybercriminals will recover your files once you have paid them. It is likely that they will vanish with your money.
- Paying ransom may be illegal in your country.
- The people behind the ransomware attacks make millions of dollars every year. Bypaying them, you would add to their wealth and the growth of their illegal business. As long as they can make money by encrypting people’s data with viruses, they will continue to do it. Not to mention the amount they make while being virtually untraceable encourages others to join them.
- Viruses that belong to the STOP/DJVU ransomware family, like the NOOA virus, all run AZORULT Trojan on infected systems.
We will explain ransomware damage in further detail
The NOOA ransomware attack starts out by popping up as an update prompt then running a fake windows update called winupdate.exe, This trojan horse tactic is created to blend in with a usual software update that the owner would not suspect. Once the virus is downloaded, it quickly encrypts all the files on the computer. The virus runs a command-line interface that deletes Volume Shadow Copies from the device:
vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows/All/Quiet
By deleting the shadow copies the virus prevents any restoration of encrypted files. Once it has prevented file recovery, the NOOA virus adds a list of domains to the Windows HOSTS file to map domains to a local host IP in order to prevent the victim from reaching certain websites. The type of websites the virus tries to block is how-to articles and relevant cybersecurity information that would help the computer owner defend against virus attacks and what they should do next. If the affected person tries to visit one of these sites, the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error will appear in the website browser. Finally, once the victim is secluded, their files held hostage without being able to find help, the virus inserts bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt on the victim’s computer which contains the affected persons’ personal ID, allowing the virus developer access to all saved personal identification on the computer.
People who fall prey to the NOOA virus should remember that certain STOP/DJVU versions are able to access your computer remotely if the computer has a previously corrupt hardware system. The AZORULT Trojan is known as a Remote Access Trojan (abbreviated as RAT) enables control over the victims’ computer. This allows the malware to secretly surveillance the victims’ actions while giving the intruder control of the computer. The RAT is almost completely undetectable, not slowing down your computer or showing up on any program running lists, it can:
- Delete files on the victim’s computer;
- By downloading malware to the computer and running it, the victim could unknowingly spread the virus;
- Steal login information;
- Steal browser cookies, saved passwords, browsing history and more;
- Steal cryptocurrency;
- And gather data over a long period.
With all of this damage afflicted to your computer systems and personal data, we implore that you remove the NOOA ransomware as soon as possible. To remove this malicious virus, we suggest following our instructions along with getting a professional security program like INTEGO Antivirus. Scanning your computer with RESTORO to repair virus damage on Windows OS files will also be highly beneficial.
Ransomware Summary
| Name | NOOA Ransomware Virus |
| Type | Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus |
| Family | STOP/DJVU |
| Encryption type | RSA Salsa20 |
| Previous versions | VYIA, QBAA, FOPA, VTYM, KQGS, XCBG, BPQD (find full list here) |
| Version | 320th |
| Extension | .nooa |
| Dropper | SmokeLoader (see VirusTotal details) |
| Damage | The ransomware encrypts all of victim’s files and extends the file name with additional .nooa extension to make locked files distinguishable, then drops _readme.txt note in every folder and deletes Volume Shadow Copies from the system. The virus also adds a list of website names to block to Windows HOSTS file. |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom demand | $490-$980 in Bitcoin |
| Distribution | Hides in illegal torrent downloads, cracked software, key generators or tools like KMSPico. |
| Detection names | Trojan:Win32/Glupteba (Microsoft), HEUR:Exploit.Win32.Shellcode.gen (Kaspersky), Gen:Variant.Graftor.983589 (BitDefender), Generic.mg.79ae8f19fb207173 (FireEye , W32.Trojan.Gen (Webroot), Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj] (Avast) see all detection name variations on VirusTotal |
| Removal | Remove ransomware and related malware from your PC using professional software of your choice. We highly recommend using INTEGO Antivirus. To repair virus damage on Windows OS files, consider scanning with RESTORO. |
REMOVE MALWARE & REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE
1 Step. Get robust antivirus to remove existing threats and enable real-time protection
INTEGO Antivirus for Windows provides robust real-time protection, Web Shield against phishing and deceptive websites, blocks malicious downloads and blocks Zero-Day threats. Use it to remove ransomware and other viruses from your computer professionally.
2 Step. Repair Virus Damage on Windows Operating System Files
Download RESTORO to scan your system for FREE and detect security, hardware and stability issues. You can use the scan results and try to remove threats manually, or you can choose to get the full version of software to fix detected issues and repair virus damage to Windows OS system files automatically.
Ransomware distribution techniques
Most STOP/DJVU types of malware viruses, including NOOA ransomware, find victims through file sharing sites. Cybercriminals know people often ignore security alerts from their computers when attempting to illegally obtain paid software for free. To avoid mistakenly downloading a virus we urge you to only go to legitimate sources to get your programs from. Some common programs people try to get for free that contain viruses are:
- Word;
- Adobe Photoshop;
- Gravity Designer;
- Autodesk Sketchbook;
- Affinity designer;
- CorelDRAW;
- Adobe Premiere Pro;
- Filmora;
- Adobe Illustrator and many more.
By paying official Software developers or distributors for licenced programs it will be cheaper and worth it in the long run. Compared to being attacked by hackers, risking all of your personal files being destroyed and your data stolen. All kinds of ransomware viruses are not only spread through downloads but also frequently as email attachments. The cybercriminals attach dangerous files in the following formats: DOCX, PDF, and XLS naming them as invoice/ pending payment/ parcel delivery tracking details. Their goal is to make the file sound generic enough to suit enormous amounts of people at a time and important to tempt the receiver to click the attachment. These cybercriminals have vast networks to trade data including phone numbers and emails. We beseech you to try identifying potential virus emails:
- Random free offers or that you have won something;
- A message saying you owe money;
- The sender pretends to be part of a well-known company like a popular bank;
- Strange email address;
- Claims about an invoice or another important document that needs to be reviewed right away from an unknown person or company;
- An urgent message or suggestions to open the attached documents right away;
- Your email provider has marked it as spam.
Our professional advice is to avoid all remotely suspicious emails or any emails from someone you don’t know or are not expecting emails from. Trust your intuition, if you sense something is off, simply delete the email without opening it or its attachments, which can infect your computer with a treacherous virus.
Our team’s experts warn that if you have fallen prey to this ransomware, there are many false downloadable decryption tools out there meant to double encrypt a virus victim with other ransomware strains, for example, ZORAB. Once a real decryption tool is available, all trustworthy cybersecurity websites will announce it.
Remove NOOA ransomware and decrypt your files
Remove the NOOA ransomware virus now and prevent any similar virus attacks in the future, protecting yourself and the people you may accidentally infect with the malware. To safely remove malware, you need to reset your computer into Safe Mode with Networking. We will show you the step-by-step process in our removal guide below.
To eliminate a virus, we recommend using INTEGO Antivirus which provides powerful protection to your device while also destroying the malware. To scan your PC and repair virus damage on Windows OS files download RESTORO.
You should do the following once you have successfully completed NOOA virus removal:
- Report the cyber-crime incident to your local authorities;
- Follow the detailed instructions provided to decrypt or repair files affected by STOP/DJVU versions;
- Please change your passwords, especially for any websites that you saved login information for in your browser;
- Always avoid suspicious emails and text messages;
- Request a new bank card because your last one is likely compromised;
- Use reliable, updated antivirus software to protect your computer 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:
STEP 1. REMOVE AUTOMATICALLY WITH ROBUST ANTIVIRUS
STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER
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.
NOOA 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 NOOA 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 NOOA 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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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
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.
Decrypt NOOA files
Fix and open large NOOA 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 NOOA 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. NOOA 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 NOOA 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 NOOA 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 NOOA 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 NOOA 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 NOOA 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 NOOA 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 NOOA 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 NOOA 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.
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.
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View Comments
(YONG YEEU HONG says
Hi, sir my computer files is lock by the .nooa , could u please help me to unlock it back ? it is important and precious for me. appreciate so much for ur help
here is the link for view my screenshoot of file have been lock)
Paulous Satram
Dear YONG YEEU HONG Same problem with me۔ When you set up the computer, be sure to let me know so that my data can be recorded۔
Hi, sir my computer files is lock by the .nooa , could u please help me to unlock it back ? it is important and precious for me. appreciate so much for ur help
here is the link for view my screenshoot of file have been lock