Remove NPPH Ransomware (Virus Removal Steps)
NPPH ransomware attack turns personal files inaccessible
Contents
NPPH virus is a ransomware-type computer malware that applies RSA cryptography to encrypt personal files on victim’s computer, adding .npph extension to them. For example, file called photo.jpg will become photo.jpg.npph after the cyber attack. To inform the victim about the data taken hostage, this virus leaves a _Readme.txt file as a ransom note in every data folder and on desktop. The note suggests contacting the cyber criminals via helpmanager@mail.ch or restoremanager@airmail.cc emails as soon as possible. Then, users are urged to pay a ransom ranging from $490 to $980. This infamous virus is well-known to the security researchers as it is the 251st variant of STOP/DJVU ransomware, the most widespread crypto-virus of 2019 and 2020. Additional danger associated with this ransomware is that it tends to install Azorult password-stealer on the system.
Usually, computer users install NPPH virus while browsing through questionable Internet websites, such as domains promoting peer-to-peer downloads (torrents).
The majority of victims who have contacted Geek’s Advice cybersecurity experts reported downloading this ransomware via software crack.
Scott Bolton
Once the victim opens a deceitful download, the encryption process starts and hides from the user by showing a fake Windows update screen. This way, users fail to identify the attack and do not try to stop the encryption. After it is finished, victims cannot open or use the data in any way. Now that victim’s files are locked, the virus drops ransom notes that are meant to provide the target with criminals’ demands and conditions that need to be fulfilled if the victim wants to get access to his/hers data again.
What happened to your files
NPPH virus uses a sophisticated encryption scheme to make your personal or work files inaccessible until you pay a ransom. To give you a better understanding of what happened, you must figure out what cryptography is. RSA is a popular and secure public-key cryptosystem used to transmit private data securely.
The data is encrypted using an unique encryption key (public), and every victim gets assigned a private key, which works as a decryption key. That said, cybercriminals keep all victim’s private keys in their servers, and this is what they offer purchasing. Without these keys, decrypting .npph files can be a very lengthy and nearly impossible procedure.
Ransom note sends a threatening message
Following the file lockup, NPPH ransomware leaves a _Readme.txt file as a ransom note in every folder of the affected information. The message contains information about what happened to the data and explains — the only way to get it back is by paying up to the attackers. Cybercriminals insist on writing to them via provided emails to obtain further details on how to make the demanded transaction. They offer a 50% from the initial price of the decryption software if the victim agrees to pay within the first 72 hours of the infection.
Do not pay the ransom. Try free NPPH decryption tool or use data backups first.
Scott Bolton
Keep in mind that the crooks try to gain user’s trust by offering to decrypt an unimportant file for free as proof that they have the necessary tools. Although, our experience shows that many attackers are merely paying with their victims and either keep blackmailing for more money or simply disappear after receiving the payment. Thus, you should rather remove NPPH ransomware virus than deal with untrustworthy crooks.
The virus brings a password-stealing Trojan alongside
While file encryption might seem like the worst feature of this crypto-malware, it also installs an AZORULT password stealer just like its other versions (COPA, OGDO, GENO, KASP, BOOP, NORD). This dangerous Trojan acts as a hidden tool to gather credentials from every site user tries to log into. The collected passwords, emails, and other sensitive data are then transmitted to a remote server that is accessed by hackers only.
Furthermore, NPPH virus tries to modify Windows hosts file to prevent people from accessing security websites. Many regular computer users are unable to search for help online as the connection to the IT support sites is blocked. Likewise, victims become intimidated and agree to pay the ransom easier. Such techniques allow cybercriminals to successfully continue their illegal activity and keep creating malware.
However, you can circumvent the virus by booting your computer into Safe Mode with Networking. This way, the file-encrypting threat will not be able to interfere and you can safely download and install a professional antivirus to help you with NPPH ransomware removal. Our experts suggest using RESTORO. You can find a more detailed guide on how to start the elimination at the end of this article.
Threat Summary
| Name | NPPH virus |
| Type | Ransomware; File-encrypting virus, Crypto-malware, File Locker |
| Family | STOP/DJVU |
| Encryption type | RSA |
| Versions | VYIA, QBAA, FOPA, VTYM, KQGS, XCBG, BPQD (find full list here) |
| Extension | .npph |
| Symptoms | The encryption process is marked by a fraudulent Windows update window; Encoded files carry a specific extension and user can find a ransom note in every folder of the affected data |
| Ransom note | _Readme.txt |
| Contacts | helpmanager@mail.ch; restoremanager@airmail.cc |
| Amount of ransom demanded | $490 with a 50% discount and $980 for the full price |
| Distribution | Illegal peer-to-peer (P2P) sites and spam email campaigns |
| Decryption | Currently, you can read more about how to restore files encrypted by STOP/DJVU virus and released STOP/DJVU decryption tools or try using backups from the Cloud |
| Removal | For quick virus damage on Windows OS default files removal, consider using RESTORO or another robust PC Repair software |
Scan your system for FREE to 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. Includes Avira spyware/malware detection & removal engine.
Ransomware distribution vectors
File-encrypting NPPH virus continue to spread through the same distribution methods for quite some time. It is because users continue to make the same reckless actions and end up installing cyber threats themselves. Currently, the most effective way to distribute crypto-malware is to upload its executable on a peer-to-peer (P2P) network.
Cybercriminals employ disguise techniques to deliver their malicious programs. In simple terms, they upload the executable with an exchanged name of a famous and legitimate software, such as Adobe Flash Player. When people browse for cracks or keygens, they encounter such ransomware executables with fake names and download them by thinking they are not malicious. In reality, the majority of attempts to get software cracks lead to ransomware attacks.
Furthermore, the crooks embed links to malware distribution sources into email letters and send them to an uncountable amount of accounts. They design the emails to look like bank statements or urges to update account details via the appended URL link. While the messages might seem legitimate, they are also very successful ransomware spread methods. Thus, monitor your inboxes and do not open unexpected emails from anyone.
Best ways to remove NPPH ransomware virus safely
Before you head straight to the file decryption part, you must first remove NPPH ransomware virus from your computer safely. File-encrypting viruses are the most dangerous cyber threats for regular computer users. Most of people are not experienced enough to deal with them on their own. Fortunately, security firms have created reliable and easy-to-use antivirus tools.
You should download RESTORO to help you with NPPH ransomware removal. It is a professional malware elimination software that can also help you replace damaged Windows files to keep your computer’s performance at its peak afterward. Just install the security tool and run a full system scan to clean your device fully.
If you are unable to download, install or run the software, try booting your computer into Safe Mode with Networking. You can find helpful insights with step-by-step guidelines at the end of this article. Once you complete the elimination, feel free to start recovering your files from backups or try alternative methods.
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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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NPPH 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 NPPH 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 NPPH 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
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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 NPPH files
Fix and open large NPPH 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 NPPH 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. NPPH 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 NPPH 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 NPPH 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 NPPH 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 NPPH 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 NPPH 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 NPPH 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 NPPH 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 NPPH 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.
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
i am unable to decrypt .npph files using Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/DJVU.
can anyone plz help regarding this
Can you please elaborate. It would be very helpful. Thank you.
Oh my god I was infected. But am i lucky because the id ends in t1. In ransom note it’s different
This really helped. I removed the virus and now my computer seems clean.