Remove NUIS Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .nuis FILES)

remove NUIS ransomware virus and learn how to decrypt or repair files with .nuis extension (free guide)

NUIS ransomware aims to lock all of your personal files for a ransom

Contents

NUIS ransomware aims to lock all of your personal files for a ransom
How ransomware viruses are distributed and how to avoid getting infected?
Remove NUIS ransomware virus and restore your files
Decrypt NUIS files
Frequently Asked Questions

NUIS ransomware is a malicious computer threat that is known to be part of the STOP/DJVU ransomware family. Once it gets into a target system, it starts encrypting file after file until all of them are locked for good. The malware also ensures that each encrypted file gets assigned an additional .nuis extension. For instance, files originally named as 1.jpg and 2.docx will appear as 1.jpg.nuis and 2.docx.nuis after getting infected. Encryption makes them inaccessible, no matter what program the user attempts to use. In addition, the ransomware drops notes called _readme.txt into each data folder.

These ransom notes explain that all of victim’s files were locked by a malicious computer program. According to the threat actors behind it, data can only be restored with decryption tool and key that are in possession of cybercriminals. The note instructs that the victim has to pay a ransom for data recovery service.

The criminals recommend contacting them as soon as possible

The ransom note also specifies that the victim has to write and email to the perpetrators in order to get more information on the attack and learn how to pay up. The ransom note includes two email addresses – support@fishmail.top or datarestorehelp@airmail.cc. Once the victim contacts the attackers using them, the crooks will specify the ransom amount and how to transfer the money to their virtual wallet. They will only accept cryptocurrency, which provides no chances for law enforcement agencies to track the transactions.

The ransom note also explains that the sooner the victim contacts the criminals, the better. According to them, victims who reach out within 72 hours can get a 50% discount on the decryption tool, which means they will settle for $490. Otherwise, the victim will have to pay $980. If the victim isn’t convinced yet, the crooks advise sending one encrypted file to them as well as Personal ID. They promise to send a decrypted file version back to prove to the victim that they will restore all data once the ransom is paid. However, this isn’t always true.

FBI, NCSC and other law enforcement agencies warn computer users that cybercriminals often seem helpful until the moment they convince the victim to pay up. Afterward, they might stop responding as they move to another target. Their sole aim is money, so they do not care about your welfare.

Additional malware dropped

Although the data encryption itself is horrifying, this ransomware doesn’t arrive alone. During analysis of malware samples, researchers notice information-stealing Trojans (VIDAR, AZORULT) travelling alongside this ransomware.

These are categorized as Remote Access Trojans (RATs) that the remote attacker can use to view, delete files on the computer, download more to it, and steal browser-saved passwords, cookies, browsing history, as well as offline-stored cryptocurrency wallets and more. With their hands on such sensitive data, cybercriminals can initiate many malicious activities, for example, start blackmailing the victim.

Therefore, if you have been affected by the described malware, we advise you to remove NUIS ransomware virus as soon as possible. For this task, follow the instructions provided below the article to boot your PC in Safe Mode with Networking. Afterward, download and run a trustworthy antivirus solution such as INTEGO Antivirus to automatically eradicate malicious files, settings and other components.

Ransomware Summary

Name	NUIS Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Encryption type	RSA 2048 + Salsa20
Previous versions	POWD, TOHJ, TUIS, TURY, POHJ, POWZ (find full list here)
Version	586th
Extension	.nuis
Cybercriminal emails	support@fishmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc
Additional malware dropped	Azorult or Vidar Trojan
Damage	The ransomware uses encryption to maliciously modify all files on the PC and marks their original names with .nuis extension. Ransom notes called as _readme.txt will be dropped in every computer folder. This piece of malware usually drags VIDAR Stealer alongside it and also eliminates VSS from the system. On top of that, it tends to modify Windows HOSTS file to restrict computer user’s access to cybersecurity-related websites online.
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Ransom demand	$490-$980 in Bitcoin
Distribution	Victims often download this ransomware along illegal torrent downloads, cracked software, activators, key generators or tools like KMSPico.
Known software cracks to contain this malware	Corel Draw, Tenorshare 4ukey, Adobe Photoshop, Cubase, Adobe Illustrator, Internet Download Manager, Tally, League of Legends.
Detection names	Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.MK!MTB (Microsoft), Gen:Heur.Mint.Zard.52 (B) (Emsisoft), HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Scarsi.gen (Kaspersky), Gen:Heur.Mint.Zard.52 (BitDefender), Trojan.MalPack.GS (Malwarebytes), ML.Attribute.HighConfidence (Symantec) see all detection name variations on VirusTotal
Removal	Remove ransomware and related malware from your PC using trustworthy software like INTEGO Antivirus.

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How ransomware viruses are distributed and how to avoid getting infected?

Ransomware-type threats from the STOP/DJVU gang are mostly found in rogue websites claiming to provide pirated software versions. NUIS virus is typically disguised as a setup file in a password-protected archive; therefore, users who are trying to bypass legitimate license key fees risk becoming a victim of a data-encrypting malware attack. Genuine software versions can only be accessed via official or confirmed websites.

Another method to spread ransomware is to insert a malicious code into popular document formats that support scripts (PDF, WORD, EXCEL). The criminals name these files as regular documents, for example, invoices/waybills/order summaries/parcel tracking details/etc. and attach them to email. Such deceptive email is then sent out to thousands of potential victims. Whoever falls for the bait and opens the attachment out of curiosity, gets their computer infected with a severe malware.

Our advice is to avoid opening emails from unknown senders or from someone you have no business with. Also, look out for other warning signs such as grammar mistakes, unfamiliar greeting line, or spam alert. If you can notice at least one of these, delete the email immediately.

Remove NUIS ransomware virus and restore your files

You can remove NUIS ransomware virus using a strong antivirus solution such as INTEGO Antivirus. Before you run it, boot your PC in Safe Mode with Networking first. This helps to neutralize malicious processes so that the malware could not interfere your security program’s activities.

Once Nuis virus removal is completed, change all of the passwords used on the infected computer or network, and report the cybercrime incident to authorities.

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NUIS 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 NUIS 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 NUIS 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. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

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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.

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Decrypt NUIS files

Fix and open large NUIS 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 NUIS 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. NUIS ransomware virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like POWD, TOHJ, TUIS, TURY, POHJ, POWZ (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 NUIS 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 NUIS 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 NUIS 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 NUIS 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 NUIS 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

✓ How can I open .NUIS files?

You can only open NUIS files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.

✓ How do I know if my files were encrypted with offline or online encryption?

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.

✓ My files contain very important information (family memories). Every tool I used says it is impossible to decrypt. What should I do?

Please follow the guidances provided by the official NUIS 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).

✓ I am afraid virus is still in my computer system. What should I do?

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.

✓ I saw several Youtube videos suggesting secret decryption tools. Can I trust them?

Beware of fake NUIS 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

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.