I wrote this article to help you remove Ransom32/nw.js Ransomware. This Ransom32/nw.js Ransomware removal guide works for all Windows versions.
Ransom32/nw.js ransomware can be called a unique and innovative win-locker virus. This is the first infection of this kind to be developed using the JavaScript programming language. If there was ever a question on whether this language can be used to produce a win-locker, there is now an answer. Apart from using a different programming language, the hackers behind Ransom32/nw.js ransomware have stuck to basics. The nefarious program works in the same manner as other win-lockers and makes the same demands. When Ransom32/nw.js ransomware penetrates your system, it will lock your files and demand a ransom to provide the decryption key for unlocking them.
Ransom32/nw.js ransomware is highly effective in its penetration capability. It can infect Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. Once you contact the malicious file, containing the win-locker, there is nothing you can do. The dropper can extract its contents without being prompted. The only thing it needs is to be opened. To give you an idea about the file, its size is about 22 MB. It travels in spam emails. The person behind the misleading letter will include it as an attachment. He will try to make you believe that it is an important document on an urgent matter. The size of the file is a major red flag. A regular document would not be nearly as big. This is one of the clues which can help you recognize the malicious attachment. Another sign is the email address. It will not belong to a reliable entity. It may be sent on behalf of such, though. Checking the contacts would reveal the truth.
There are a few steps in the infection process of Ransom32/nw.js ransomware. The win-locker places its files in the Chrome Browser folder. Then, it creates a shortcut named ChromeService in the Start Menu. As you can see, the furtive program conceals its identity by producing files with misleading names. If the victim tries to locate and delete the win-locker’s malicious files, he could have trouble distinguishing them. The final step in the virus’ path is the file encryption. The encryption algorithm Ransom32/nw.js ransomware uses has not been identified as of yet. Security experts were able to tell which folders the win-locker scans for vulnerable files. The following paths are targeted: \windows, \winnt, \boot, \programdata, \tmp, \temp, \recycle.bin.
Ransom32/nw.js ransomware encrypts documents, databases, photos, archives, presentations, audios, videos, and other important files. The developers of the insidious program do not demand a high sum. At least, not at first. The victim has 4 days to pay a ransom of 0.1 bitcoins, or about $100 USD. If the payment is not completed within this period, the ransom rises to 1 bitcoin, or approximately $1,000 USD. Note that the win-locker has given different conversion rates. This is because Ransom32/nw.js ransomware was created a while ago. At this time, bitcoins were much cheaper. The reason why the cryptocurrency has increased in value is because it assures a convenient and secure payment.
The owners of Ransom32/nw.js ransomware need just that. Bitcoin platforms do not require users to enter any personal data. Furthermore, the transfer to a banking account cannot be traced. Not even by the owners of the bitcoin platform in question. The cyber criminals have taken another precaution to further increase their protection. The payment website is hosted by the Tor browser. Ransom32/nw.js ransomware is actually a RaaS program. The abbreviation stands for ransomware-as-a-service. The people who host the payment website receive 25% of the ransom money. In exchange, they hide the physical location of the cyber criminals. This is the purpose of the Tor browser.
You may feel pressed against the wall. Ransom32/nw.js ransomware gives four days to pay the initial ransom and a week to ultimately make the payment. If you do not pay within 7 days, you will lose the chance to obtain the decryption key. It is stored on a remote command and control (C&C) server. The RaaS providers have scheduled it to remain on the server for a period of seven days. After this point, the key gets deleted. The decryption key is unique for every instance of infection. There is no way to replace it, so any negotiations after the deadline would be in vain. Still, you should keep in mind that paying the cyber criminals does not guarantee anything. They may not complete their end of the deal. Even if they restore your files, they can relaunch Ransom32/nw.js ransomware at a future point and encrypt them all over again. It is best to uninstall the win-locker from your computer and attempt to recover your files on your own. There is a guide below to assist you.
Ransom32/nw.js Ransomware Removal
Method 1: Restore your encrypted files using ShadowExplorer
Usually, Ransom32/nw.js 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 Ransom32/nw.js 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:
