How to Remove Nols Files Virus (Ransomware Removal Guide)

The Nols Virus Impact on an Infected PC

The name Nols files virus is given to a data locker ransomware which is based on the code of the popular STOP ransomware. Once the threat drops an executable file on the system it finds a way to start it so that the file can trigger a sophisticated infection process. Then the ransomware becomes able to pass through several attack stages. This type of malware is primarily designed to locate valuable personal files stored on the infected PCs and encrypt them with a strong cipher algorithm. It is known that the Nols virus uses the AES algorithm to encrypt target data. That’s why all target files remain inaccessible after corruption. In addition, their names appear with the suffix .nols in their names. As a result of data corruption, the Nols ransomware extorts a ransom fee for decryption. For this stage, it drops a ransom message and loads it on the screen.

Summary of Nols Ransomware Virus

 


Name
Nols Ransomware

File Extension
.nols

Ransom
The amount varies. It is usually demanded in cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, Dash, Monero, etc.

Easy Solution
You can skip all steps and remove Nols ransomware with the help of an anti-malware tool.

Manual Solution
Nols ransomware can be removed manually, though it can be very hard process. See the thorough ransomware removal guide below for more details.

Distribution
Spam emails, malicious URLs, malicious attachments, exploit kits, freeware.

Nols Virus Files Distribution Methods

The malicious samples that trigger Nols virus may be delivered via a Word document attached to an email or sent via a message on any social media channel. It is also possible for the document to be added to a ZIP archive file. Once the file is started on the PC, it may ask you to enable macros which will start the Nols infection. The document may also be designed to display a system notification that misleads victims to click the “OK” button in order to open the content of the file.

Another commonly used trick of ransomware and malware dissemination is a spoofed link that redirects to a crafted web page that can automatically download the payloads on the PC. The sender itself may impersonate well-known companies and services. However, malicious traits can be revealed almost always. Online scanning services like ZipeZip (free online archive extractor and malware scanner) and VirusTotal (a free service that analyzes suspicious files and URLs) can help the detection of potential malware infections.

Nols Ransomware Virus Impact on Infected Computers

The so-called Nols virus has been identified as a strain of the most spread ransomware these days dubbed STOP.

As soon as the payload file of Nols virus loads on a target system, it triggers a long sequence of malicious commands that corrupt main system settings. Plagued could be some registry keys, shadow volume copies, and essential system processes.

These are some common folder locations where Nols virus may be hiding malicious files and objects:

  • %SystemDrive%
  • %SystemRoot%
  • %UserProfile%\AppData\Roaming\
  • %AppData%
  • %LocalAppData%\
  • %ProgramData%
  • %Temp%\%AppData%\Local\Temp\

The main goal of Nols ransomware is to become able to activate a specific module that encrypts target files by utilizing sophisticated cipher algorithms like AES, RSA, and Salsa20. At the end of the encryption process, the ransomware appends an extension of the same name to files names – .nols

Unfortunately, since all of the following types of files are often used for the storage of important data, they are likely to be corrupted by Nols STOP ransomware:

  • Documents
  • Archives
  • Backups
  • Databases
  • Images
  • Videos
  • Music

At the end of the attack, Nols virus ransomware drops ransom note file named _readme.txt to extort a ransom fee for .nols files recovery. When opened that file may state the following:

ATTENTION!

Don’t worry my friend, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-vpovVceDWN
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.
Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.

To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
[email]

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
[email]

Your personal ID:

Be advised to avoid paying the ransom. Hackers could send you a broken decryption key or even skip answering you at all.

Remove Nols Virus and Restore .nols Files

The Nols ransomware is an offensive threat that endangers the overall PC performance. For the sake of your PC security and your privacy, the threat should be removed completely. The detailed removal guide below contains detailed steps of Nols ransomware removal. There are also several alternative data recovery approaches that may restore important Nols files.

WARNING! Manual removal of Nols ransomware virus requires being familiar with system files and registries. Removing important data accidentally can lead to permanent system damage. If you don’t feel comfortable with manual instructions, download a powerful anti-malware tool that will scan your system for malware and clean it safely for you.

DOWNLOAD SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

Nols Ransomware Virus – Manual Removal Steps

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. The steps below are applicable to all Windows versions.

1. Hit the 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

Show Hidden Files

Some ransomware threats are designed to hide their malicious files in the Windows so all files stored on the system should be visible.

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

how to make hidden files visible in Windows 8 10 bestsecuritysearch instructions

4. Click Apply and then OK button

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

Repair Windows Registry

1. Again type simultaneously the WIN Key + R key combination

2. In the box, write regedit 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

Click for more information about Windows Registry and further repair help

Recover Encrypted Files

WARNING! All files and objects associated with Nols ransomware virus should be removed from the infected PC before any data recovery attempts. Otherwise the virus may encrypt restored files. Furthermore, a backup of all encrypted files stored on external media is highly recommendable.

DOWNLOAD SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

 
SpyHunter is a Windows application designed to scan for, identify, remove and block malware, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) and other objects. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove detected malware instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter

1. Use present backups

2. Use professional data recovery software

Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery – a specialist tool that can restore partitions, data, documents, photos, and 300 more file types lost during various types of incidents and corruption.

3. Using System Restore Point

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

restore-files-using-windows-system-restore-point

4. 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

How to Prevent Malware Infections?

  • Enable and properly configure your Firewall.
  • Install and maintain reliable anti-malware software.
  • Secure your web browser.
  • Check regularly for available software updates and apply them.
  • Disable macros in Office documents.
  • Use strong passwords.
  • Don’t open attachments or click on links unless you’re certain they’re safe.
  • Backup regularly your data.
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    Author : Gergana Ivanova

    Gergana Ivanova is a computer security enthusiast who enjoys presenting the latest issues related to cyber security. By doing thorough researches and sharing them on BestSecuritySearch, she hopes that more victims of malware infections will be able to secure their corrupted computer systems properly and eventually recover lost files.


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