I wrote this article to help you remove Nhtnwcuf Ransomware. This Nhtnwcuf Ransomware removal guide works for all Windows versions.
Nhtnwcuf ransomware is a classic win-locker virus. It breaks into computers and encrypts the user’s personal files. The nefarious program targets 157 formats, including text documents, images, audios, videos, databases, archives, and others. Once it completes the encryption, Nhtnwcuf ransomware notifies the victim of its actions. Attackers have a standard strategy when it comes to explaining the situation. They claim that the only way to have your files decrypted is by paying the ransom. When under the pressure, the victim could be willing to cooperate. This is not advisable. Cyber criminals cannot be trusted. They may not make good on their end of the deal. Even if they restore your files, there is a chance for a second attack to be launched.
Nhtnwcuf ransomware utilizes a couple of propagation vectors. The predominant technique is spam email campaigns. The shady program travels merged with an attached file. The sender will list the attachment as an important document. He can write on behalf of a legitimate entity, like the national post, the local police department, a courier firm, a bank, a government institution, or an e-commerce platform. You should never rush to view an attachment. Opening the file may be enough to allow the covert program into your system. Check the contacts to confirm the reliability of the message. If the email is written on behalf of a genuine organization, you can visit its official website for reference.
The other distribution technique Nhtnwcuf ransomware makes use of is drive-by installations. The furtive program can get transferred to your machine when you open a corrupted website or follow a compromised link. This is an unusual propagation vector for win-lockers. Few programs use it. The worst thing about this method is that it can be seamless. The download and install of the insidious program can be executed through a background task. Drive-by installations are the hardest to avert from all distribution techniques. The best you can do is look for information on unfamiliar websites before visiting them. Of course, this goes for domains which seem suspicious to begin with.
Nhtnwcuf ransomware uses Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to infiltrate the targeted device. This is evidence to the technical prowess of the renegade developers. RDP is a component of the Windows operating system. The hackers have apparently found a way to exploit it. The ability to find and use vulnerabilities is a further step in cyber attacks. The creators of Nhtnwcuf ransomware seem to have advanced knowledge on the Windows OS.
Going back to the topic of encryption, it should be noted that there is no information regarding the algorithms in use. Nhtnwcuf ransomware appends a custom extension to the names of the infected objects. There are three options for the suffix: .mkf, .ije, .nwy. Upon completing the encryption, the clandestine program drops a couple of ransom notes to make its demands clear. The files are titled HELP_ME_PLEASE.txt and !_RECOVERY_HELP_!.txt. They explain the objective of Nhtnwcuf ransomware. The cyber criminals almost make it sound as if they would be providing a service by decrypting your files. The note states that after paying the ransom, you would be able to “continue habitual and comfortable work at your computer”.
The owners of Nhtnwcuf ransomware require victims to contact them upon transferring the ransom money. Users are required to send an email to the following address: helptodecrypt@list.ru. In the message, the sender has to provide his reference number and bitcoin wallet address. The reference number can be found in the ransom note. You would have to open a bitcoin wallet to be able to make the transaction. As we alluded to earlier, it is not advised to meet the demands of the cyber criminals. There is no guarantee that they will provide the decryptor and the unique decryption key required to unlock the infected objects.
You should try to resolve the issue on your own. At this point in time, there is no custom application which can perform a decryption. Furthermore, the developers of Nhtnwcuf ransomware have taken measures to prevent users from restoring their data on their own. The win-locker executes a process which deletes the shadow volume copies of the encrypted files. You can still try to recover your data with help from the tools listed below. If you are unsuccessful, you can wait for experts to crack the code of Nhtnwcuf ransomware and provide a solution. Leaving your files encrypted for a prolonged time period will not damage them in any way.
Nhtnwcuf Ransomware Removal
Method 1: Restore your encrypted files using ShadowExplorer
Usually, Nhtnwcuf Ransomware deletes all shadow copies, stored in your computer. Luckily, the ransomware is not always able to delete the shadow copies. So your first try should be restoring the original files from shadow copies.
- Download ShadowExplorer from this link: http://www.shadowexplorer.com/downloads.html.
- Install ShadowExplorer
- Open ShadowExplorer and select C: drive on the left panel
- Choose at least a month ago date from the date field
- Navigate to the folder with encrypted files
- Right-click on the encrypted file
- Select “Export” and choose a destination for the original file
Method 2: Restore your encrypted files by using System Restore
- Go to Start –> All programs –> Accessories –> System tools –> System restore
- Click “Next“
- Choose a restore point, at least a month ago
- Click “Next“
- Choose Disk C: (should be selected by default)
- Click “Next“. Wait for a few minutes and the restore should be done.
Method 3: Restore your files using File Recovery Software
If none of the above method works, you should try to recover encrypted files by using File Recovery Software. Since Nhtnwcuf Ransomware first makes a copy of the original file, then encrypts it and deletes the original one, you can successfully restore the original, using a File Recovery Software. Here are a few free File Recovery Software programs:
