Guide to Remove Noos Ransomware

Noos Ransomware is the 169^th Variant of the infamous STOP/Djvu Ransomware. This brand-new DJVU strain is currently posing a great threat to the computer users around the world. Just like its variants, Noos Virus uses multiple channels to propagate its infection such as Spam E-mail Campaigns, malvertising & fake software updaters.

The novel Noos File Virus has been designed with strong financial motives.

The evident sign of .Noos Ransomware infection are –

• The encryption of files &
• Appearance of .Noos Extension at the end of the encrypted file names.

Once the targeted file extensions are encrypted, they are instantly made unusable. Users are prevented from accessing/opening the files.

Noos Ransomware uses highly-complex encryption algorithms such as AES & RSA Cryptography for encrypting the files & rendering them inaccessible.

It then drops a ransom-demanding note on the victims’ desktop, which suggests the victims to pay the ransom amount to decrypt the encrypted data. The hackers demand hefty ransom amount in exchange of the decryption software & unique key.

While the hackers promise to share the decryption tool after receiving ransom, cyber-security analysts suggest avoid contacting the hackers. Most of the victims who pay the ransom do not receive any response from the hackers.

You might wonder what the possible ways to decrypt .Noos files are & how to remove Noos virus Ransomware from the system.

Read on our detailed guide to know-

Threat Summary of Noos Ransomware

Threat Summary

Name	Noos
Type	Ransomware
Category	Malware
Targeted OS	Windows
Symptoms	It infects your system with the motive to encrypt system & user files. After successful encryption, it drops a ransom note that asks victims to pay hefty ransom amount in exchange of the decryption key.
Damage	Encrypted files are inaccessible. Additionally, Noos Ransomware may increase the malicious payload in your system.
Removal	Download Removal Tool

Threat Behavior of Noos Ransomware

Noos Ransomware is the brand-new member of the gigantic DJVU Ransomware family. This file encrypting virus is primarily targeting Windows based systems around the world. Spam E-mail campaigns, malware-laden fake software updaters & malvertising are some of the spread techniques used by this file-locker to propagate.

.Noos File Virus, surprisingly, is the 169^th member of the nasty DJVU Ransomware clan. No wonder cyber-security researchers have declared Djvu Ransomware as the most destructive & wide-spread data locker virus till date.

Some of the variants of STOP/Djvu Ransomware are Mbed, Moresa, Redmat,, ERIS, Gehad& Seto.

Just like its siblings, Noos Ransomware does not require any manual help to get installed on the system. Once installed, Noos searches for the targeted file extensions. When found, it encrypts the files using complex Cryptography Algorithms – AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) & RAS (Rivest–Shamir–Adleman). Encrypted files are instantly made inaccessible to the users and appended with .Noos extension.

Let us understand the encryption with the help of an example:

A file named myimage.png might be renamed as “myimage.png.noos” after successful encryption.

File Extensions targeted by Noos Ransomware

Noos Ransomware is capable of intruding Windows based systems & encrypting a myriad of user & system file extensions.

These include:

1). Document files (.docx, .doc, .odt, .rtf, .text, .pdf, .htm, .ppt)

2). Audio Files (.mp3, .aif, .iff, .m3u, .m4u, .mid, .mpa, .wma, .ra, .avi, .mov, .mp4)

3). Video Files (.3gp, .mpeg, .3g2, .asf, .asx, .flv, .mpg, .wmv, .vob)

4). Images (.jpg, .jpeg, .raw, .tif, .gif, .png)

5). Backup Files (.bck, .bckp, .tmp, .gho)

Details of the Noos Ransom Note

After encrypting the targeted file extensions, the nasty Noos Ransomware drops a ransom-demanding note on the victim’s desktop & in folders that contain .Noos files.

The ransom note is in a text format and named _readme.txt. It contains lengthy instructions from the cyber-crooks such as:

• Current situation of the system & files (About Encryption)
• Summary of Data Decryption Methods
• Amount Demanded by hackers & suggested time to pay it
• Hacker’s contact Information (e-mail addresses)

Ransom Amount Demanded by Hackers

The ransom note suggests the victims to contact the hackers & pay the ransom to get the files decrypted. It assures the decryption of encrypted files with the help of a private unique key that is stored on hacker’s server.

The victims require paying a ransom of $490-$980 (in Bitcoins) to purchase unique private key & decryption software.

In case the victims manages to contact the hackers within 72 hours of encryption, the hackers will grant 50% rebate of the ransom amount i.e., $490. Else, the hackers double the ransom amount i.e., $980 (in Bitcoins).

Claims of Decryption by Hackers – True or False

In order to guarantee the recovery of files, the hackers offer to decrypt one file for free. The victims are asked to send one encrypted file to the hackers on their e-mail. The decrypted file will be sent back to the victims.

To get the details of the payment & method, victims are asked to contact hacker’s on the given e-mail addresses such as gerentoshelp@firemail.cc or gorentos@bitmessage.ch.

Despite the claims of decryption, cyber-security analysts advise not making any payment to the hackers.  The analysis has shown that most of the victims do not receive the promised decryption tool after paying ransom.

By contacting hackers & paying the ransom, a victim not only loses hard-earned money, but also loses the data permanently. Also, it encourages the hackers to distribute the infection & swindle innocent users.

We suggest demolishing any encouragement to contact the hackers & paying the ransom. Instead, act smart & do not let hackers extort your hard-earned money.

You can remove Noos Ransomware from the system & restore the files from a backup, if any.

Distribution Techniques of Noos Ransomware-

The cybercriminals use various strategies for malware distribution which include –

1. Software Bundling: Software bundling is the process in which a malicious program is distributed with other free software, to get an unnoticed entry into your computer system. When a user installs a free application, the malicious programs gains a front door entry with the free application, the user has downloaded. Thus, it is a good idea to keep an eye on the installation screens while installing these free applications.
2. Infected Storage Devices: Your system can also get infected by using removable media such as USB hard drives and jump drives without scanning them with an anti-virus.
3. Spam Emails – Spamming is the most economic and common method used for the distribution of such malware. The targeted users get genuine looking emails which contain .doc, .txt, and other similar attachments. These attachments can be named as anything which can grab the user’s attention and triggers him/her to open the attachment. As soon as the user opens this attachment, the malware infects the user’s computer system.
4. Malicious Websites or Malevolent Advertisements: The malicious websites are the ones which are created just for promoting the malware infections. Such websites include but are not limited to porn sites, torrent sites and other free downloading platforms. By visiting such websites, the adware infects the user’s computer without permission. Fake advertisements and updates like Flash player and windows updates which ask the user to update to the latest version are a few examples. When the users click on such links, their computer system gets infected. That is why, it is highly recommended to resist clicking on such links. Also avoid clicking on advertisements offering free stuff such as Win an iPhones, cars or free overseas trips etc.

Noos Ransomware removal instruction

STEP A: Reboot your system using Safe Mode with Networking

To restart the system to Safe Mode with Networking,  if already switched ON then follow the below steps:

STEP B: Delete the suspicious file from Configuration Settings

1. Type “Msconfig” in search box / Run Box, select it and press Enter.
2. Click on “Services” Tab and click on “Hide all Microsoft services”.
3. Select Noos Ransomware from the list of remaining services and disable it by removing the tick mark from the checkbox and click on Apply button.

STEP C: Remove malicious file from Command Prompt

Once the system starts, ensure to use an account with administrative privilege to access Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

After the user enters admin credentials, Command prompt window is displayed wherein you are entitled to enter the below commands:

1. Type the command “sc delete Noos Ransomware” in the command prompt and press Enter.
2. Type “exit” to exit the command prompt and restart the system in safe mode with command prompt.

STEP D: Restore the system files & settings

How to prevent from infecting your system Noos Ransomware

1. Keeping the Operating System Updated- In order to remain protected and avoid such infections, it is recommended to keep your Operating System updated by enabling the automatic update on your system. The systems with outdated or older versions of Operating System become an easy target for the attackers.
2. Resist clicking on spam emails – One of the major techniques used for malware distribution is forwarding spam emails to the user. The system gets infected as soon as the user clicks on the attachment. These mails appear to be genuine, so be aware and resist falling for these tricks.
3. Keep an eye on third party installations- It is quite important that you take due care while installing any third party applications for they are major source of such infections. Such malware programs come bundled with the free applications thereby requiring the user to remain cautious.
4. Regular periodical backup- In order to keep your data and files safe, it is recommended to take regular back up of all your data and files either on an external drive or cloud.
5. Use Anti-Virus Protection- We strongly recommend the use of antivirus protection/internet security in your PC like Vipre and BULL GUARD so that it remains safe.
6. Enable the Ad Blocker/Popup Blocker in your browser- Enabling the popup blocker/ ad blocker in your chosen browser will help you to stay protected from annoying adware.

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