Geek's Advice

NPSG virus demands ransom for data decryption

NPSG ransomware is a new (201th) variant of STOP/DJVU file-encrypting virus. The virus is capable of encrypting all of victim’s personal files with RSA encryption, making files inaccessible. The virus appends .npsg extension to encrypted files and saves _readme.txt note in affected file folders. The note demands paying $490 or $980 to cybercriminals in Bitcoin. The cryptocurrency wallet address isn’t provided – the victim must contact the attackers via helpmanager@firemail.cc or helpmanager@iran.ir, both provided in the note. The said ransomware is known to install AZORULT password-stealing Trojan on Windows systems, and both must be removed as soon as possible.

NPSG extension virus is coded in a way that allows it to bypass security software. What is more, the malicious program can delete system restore points from the computer, making it impossible to recover any data from the corrupted system. The aim of this virus is to rip victim’s access to important personal or work data in a blink of an eye – all so just so that the victim would start considering paying the ransom.

The ransom demand is provided in _readme.txt note, which briefly informs the victim about the cyber attack. The note suggests that all files including documents and databases have been encrypted, and that the only possible data recovery option is the NPSG decryption toolkit offered by the cybercriminals. The toolkit includes a decryption software and a unique key.

We, however, do not recommend paying the ransom to cybercriminals. By doing so, you simply encourage and support their filthy business model. What we recommend doing instead is taking care of the malware as soon as possible. You can remove NPSG ransomware virus and other malicious programs using instructions provided in this article.

Threat Summary

Data recovery prospects

NPSG virus encrypts files either using online or offline keys. To put it simply, if you have been affected by the online key, there are no possibilities to recover data without data backups. If, however, you have been affected by the so-called offline encryption, then your chances to restore some data are higher. Lets us explain the situation in detail.

To find out whether your files have been encrypted by online or offline keys, you must check your personal ID, but NOT THE ONE IN THE RANSOM NOTE. You must go to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt and check the IDs stored there.

IF any of your IDs end in t1, it is a sign that your files have been encrypted with the offline key.

Victims of offline encryption should wait until someone subject to the same encryption pays a ransom and shares the keys with the cyber security experts. Then STOP Decryptor will be updated (check for news here). However, if your ID or IDs end in any other character combination, then chances to recover files are extremely low.

Malware spreads in traditional ways

NPSG ransomware is essentially similar to its precursors TOPI, REHA, NOSU, and BTOS. It tends to hide in malicious downloads, especially ones that are designed to activate software licenses illegally. We’re talking about tools such as KMSPico, various software cracks and keygens. Therefore, if you’ve been looking for a PS or similar crack lately, there are no wonders why you’re dealing with a ransomware attack now.

Variants of STOP/DJVU, however, haven’t been noticed in malicious spam campaigns or injected in legitimate websites. It seems that the developers of this ransomware have opted out these infection vectors from their distribution scheme.

Remove NPSG ransom-demanding virus as soon as possible

Remove NPSG ransomware virus now to secure your computer system from further damage. As we have mentioned earlier, the virus carries password-stealing Trojans alongside it, so running a trustworthy antivirus tool will pick up such malicious programs as well. You must run your security software in Safe Mode to eliminate malware efficiently. The tutorial on that is provided down below.

Use these NPSG ransomware virus removal steps to cleanse your computer system. After that, concentrate on password replacement – such task is essential for your privacy. Finally, try to find these data backups you’ve created earlier. You can plug them in ONLY after you’re 100% sure the malware has been banished from your computer.

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.

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.