Geek's Advice

NOOS ransomware is now decryptable

NOOS ransomware is a malicious computer virus that targets Windows systems to encrypt all files on them. It is the 169th version of STOP/DJVU ransomware. Once installed on a target PC, the virus encodes all files using AES/RSA ciphers (using private and public keys), marks files using .noos extensions. The encrypted files can no longer be accessed. The virus leaves a ransom note – _readme.txt, which demands $490-$980 ransom paid in Bitcoins. Luckily, this variant can now be decrypted, thanks to Michael Gillespie.

Once NOOS ransomware ensures that the victim’s files are encrypted and cannot be restored by any means, it creates a ransom note, which is saved on the computer as _readme.txt file. This file contains lengthy instructions from cybercriminals.

The attackers suggest paying the ransom quickly. If the victim contacts the attackers via provided email addresses (gerentoshelp@firemail.cc or gorentos@bitmessage.ch) within 72 hours, the Noos decryption software then costs $490 in Bitcoin. Otherwise, the price doubles to $980.

Full contents of the ransom note are shown down below.

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:
gerentoshelp@firemail.cc

Your personal ID:
f83mhflGeRsMrnVpw404tlm4RWx1y69zcacA5hSp3l60BnYwdt0

The Noos virus prevents any free data recovery options by executing a list of command-line tasks, including Volume Shadow Copies deletion, stopping Windows Defender, Background Intelligent Transfer Service and other important processes that could interfere with ransomware’s behavior.

What is more, this crypto-virus tends to install another malicious software, widely known as Azorult, on the victim’s computer. It is a password-stealing Trojan that can put all your financial or personal accounts at risk.

Needless to say, users infected with this STOP/DJVU variant, are advised to remove NOOS ransomware virus and related malware as soon as possible. We provide lengthy removal guidelines below the article.

Threat Summary

Ransom-demanding viruses spread silently

Various crypto-malware like NOOS, NESA, BOOT, Phobos or RECO all spread very similarly. The typical ransomware distribution methods are listed below.

• Malicious emails, including compromised attachments or dangerous links.
• Illegal downloads, such as software cracks or keygens.
• Vulnerabilities in Windows OS or software.
• Exploit kits.

Cyber attackers tend to leverage people’s curiosity, inattentiveness and other traits making them to click on malicious links or leave their computers vulnerable.

If you want to learn how to prevent ransomware attacks and keep your files safe, consider reading guidelines on how to prevent this type of malware.

Remove NOOS ransomware virus

If you want to successfully remove NOOS file extension virus, follow the guidelines given below. It is extremely important to remove the virus in Safe Mode, otherwise, you might encounter certain obstacles caused by the virus. Such type of malware tends to block any kind of security software, and that is why you need the Safe Mode.

Things to do after removing the virus

NOOS ransomware removal should go smoothly if you use our instructions. After removing the malware, you should:

1. Check what data backups you have. You can try to collect as many files as you can from your emails, online clouds, phone, and other locations in case you didn’t have a backup. Unfortunately, at the moment we cannot suggest any decryption tools because there simply aren’t any at the moment.
2. Use Emsisoft STOP/DJVU Decryptor. You can find a guide on how to recover .noos extension files using the decryption tool here.
3. Change your passwords. As mentioned previously, Azorult Trojan can steal sensitive data including your passwords and use them for malevolent purposes, so change as many as you can right after removing the infections from your PC.

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.

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.

This article was first published on October 2, 2019, and updated on October 4, 2019.

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.