Nelocker Ransomware Virus (Removal Steps and Protection Updates)

The Nelocker ransomware is a new virus developed by the hacker responsible for the Kovter ransomware. Learn more about this new malware in our removal guide below.

Nelocker Ransomware Description

The Nelocker ransomware strain has been analyzed by the security experts from Forcepoint security. According to their research this virus is made by the same hacker who is responsible for the Kovter threat.

Upon infection it downloads two malicious executables files which are then run on the compromised machine. These two components contain additional payloads such as the Kovter ransomware or another type of virus. The operators of this ransomware can elect to choose what payload is delivered to the victims.

Depending on the infection strain different encryption engines may be started which target specific user files. The crafted ransom nessage contains the following text:

ATTENTION!

All your documents, photos, databases and other important personal files
were encrypted using strong RSA-1024 algorithm with a unique key.
To restore your files you have to pay 0.48307 BTC (bitcoins).
Please follow this manual:

1. Create Bitcoin wallet here:

https://blockchain.info/wallet/new

2. Buy 0.48307 BTC with cash, using search here:

https://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins

3. Send 0.48307 BTC to this Bitcoin address:

122cXSrG2QiMhJmXW36dJGAkBQ2YrwCjCC

4. Open one of the following links in your browser to download decryptor:

http://www.congress-hotel-hannover.de/counter/?a=122cXSrG2QiMhJmXW36dJGAkBQ2YrwCjCC
http://opasauto.com/counter/?a=122cXSrG2QiMhJmXW36dJGAkBQ2YrwCjCC
http://umusomyi.com/counter/?a=122cXSrG2QiMhJmXW36dJGAkBQ2YrwCjCC
http://universidadmahanaim.org/counter/?a=122cXSrG2QiMhJmXW36dJGAkBQ2YrwCjCC
http://topikriau.com/counter/?a=122cXSrG2QiMhJmXW36dJGAkBQ2YrwCjCC

5. Run decryptor to restore your files.

PLEASE REMEMBER:

– If you do not pay in 3 days YOU LOOSE ALL YOUR FILES.
– Nobody can help you except us.
– It`s useless to reinstall Windows, update antivirus software, etc.
– Your files can be decrypted only after you make payment.
– You can find this manual on your desktop (DECRYPT.txt).

One of the captured malware strains were found to use the 7zip utility which is used to encrypt the target user files on all local drives. The command also includes a string which shows which files are targeted:

%COMSPEC% /c for /r “:\” %i in (*.zip *.rar *.7z *.tar *.gz *.xls *.xlsx *.doc *.docx *.pdf *.rtf *.ppt *.pptx *.sxi *.odm *.odt *.mpp *.ssh *.pub *.gpg *.pgp *.kdb *.kdbx *.als *.aup *.cpr *.npr *.cpp *.bas *.asm *.cs *.php *.pas *.vb *.vcproj *.vbproj *.mdb *.accdb *.mdf *.odb *.wdb *.csv *.tsv *.psd *.eps *.cdr *.cpt *.indd *.dwg *.max *.skp *.scad *.cad *.3ds *.blend *.lwo *.lws *.mb *.slddrw *.sldasm *.sldprt *.u3d *.jpg *.tiff *.tif *.raw *.avi *.mpg *.mp4 *.m4v *.mpeg *.mpe *.wmf *.wmv *.veg *.vdi *.vmdk *.vhd *.dsk) do (if %~zi LSS 100000000 (call C:\DOCUME~1\user\LOCALS~1\Temp\a.exe a -sdel -mx0 -mhe -p “%i.crypted” “%i”))

The password which is for the encryption is randomly generated by the virus. It is also sent to the remote malicious C&C server.

Fortunately the virus can be decrypted using the Nemucod decryptor.

Nelocker Ransomware Distribution

The Nemucod payload dropper is used to download the Nelocker ransomware. The primary method of distribution is through spam email messages, usually containing counterfeit courier instructions. These messages include attached files or link to infected binaries.

Nelocker Ransomware Removal

For a faster solution, you can run a scan with an advanced malware removal tool and delete Nelocker completely with a few mouse clicks.

STEP I: Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network
This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently.

1) Hit WIN Key + R

2) A Run window will appear. In it, write “msconfig” and then press Enter
3) A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named “Boot”
4) Mark “Safe Boot” option and then go to “Network” under it to tick it too
5) Apply -> OK

Or check our video guide – “How to start PC in Safe Mode with Networking”

STEP II: Show Hidden Files

1) Open My Computer/This PC
2) Windows 7
– Click on “Organize” button
– Select “Folder and search options”
– Select the “View” tab
– Go under “Hidden files and folders” and mark “Show hidden files and folders” option

3) Windows 8/ 10

– Open “View” tab
– Mark “Hidden items” option



4) Click “Apply” and then “OK” button

STEP III: Enter Windows Task Manager and Stop Malicious Processes

1) Hit the following key combination: CTRL+SHIFT+ESC
2) Get over to “Processes”
3) When you find suspicious process right click on it and select “Open File Location”
4) Go back to Task Manager and end the malicious process. Right click on it again and choose “End Process”
5) Next you should go folder where the malicious file is located and delete it

STEP IV: Remove Completely Nelocker Ransomware Using SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter

STEP V: Repair Windows Registry

1) Again type simultaneously the Windows Button + R key combination
2) In the box, write “regedit”(without the inverted commas) and hit Enter
3) Type the CTRL+F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable
4) In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys

Further help for Windows Registry repair

STEP VI: Recover Encrypted Files

1) Use present backups
2) Restore your personal files using File History
– Hit WIN Key
– Type “restore your files” in the search box
– Select “Restore your files with File History”
– Choose a folder or type the name of the file in the search bar



– Hit the “Restore” button

3) Using System Restore Point

– Hit WIN Key
– Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps

STEP VII: Preventive Security Measures

1) Enable and properly configure your Firewall.
2) Install and maintain reliable anti-malware software.
3) Secure your web browser.
4) Check regularly for available software updates and apply them.
5) Disable macros in Office documents.
6) Use strong passwords.
7) Don’t open attachments or click on links unless you’re certain they’re safe.
8) Backup regularly your data.

SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter