These ransom notes explain that all of victim’s files were locked by a malicious computer program. According to the threat actors behind it, data can only be restored with decryption tool and key that are in possession of cybercriminals. The note instructs that the victim has to pay a ransom for data recovery service.

The criminals recommend contacting them as soon as possible

The ransom note also specifies that the victim has to write and email to the perpetrators in order to get more information on the attack and learn how to pay up. The ransom note includes two email addresses – support@fishmail.top or datarestorehelp@airmail.cc. Once the victim contacts the attackers using them, the crooks will specify the ransom amount and how to transfer the money to their virtual wallet. They will only accept cryptocurrency, which provides no chances for law enforcement agencies to track the transactions. The ransom note also explains that the sooner the victim contacts the criminals, the better. According to them, victims who reach out within 72 hours can get a 50% discount on the decryption tool, which means they will settle for $490. Otherwise, the victim will have to pay $980. If the victim isn’t convinced yet, the crooks advise sending one encrypted file to them as well as Personal ID. They promise to send a decrypted file version back to prove to the victim that they will restore all data once the ransom is paid. However, this isn’t always true. FBI, NCSC and other law enforcement agencies warn computer users that cybercriminals often seem helpful until the moment they convince the victim to pay up. Afterward, they might stop responding as they move to another target. Their sole aim is money, so they do not care about your welfare.

Additional malware dropped

Although the data encryption itself is horrifying, this ransomware doesn’t arrive alone. During analysis of malware samples, researchers notice information-stealing Trojans (VIDAR, AZORULT) travelling alongside this ransomware. These are categorized as Remote Access Trojans (RATs) that the remote attacker can use to view, delete files on the computer, download more to it, and steal browser-saved passwords, cookies, browsing history, as well as offline-stored cryptocurrency wallets and more. With their hands on such sensitive data, cybercriminals can initiate many malicious activities, for example, start blackmailing the victim. Therefore, if you have been affected by the described malware, we advise you to remove NUIS ransomware virus as soon as possible. For this task, follow the instructions provided below the article to boot your PC in Safe Mode with Networking. Afterward, download and run a trustworthy antivirus solution such as INTEGO Antivirus to automatically eradicate malicious files, settings and other components.

Ransomware Summary

How ransomware viruses are distributed and how to avoid getting infected?

Ransomware-type threats from the STOP/DJVU gang are mostly found in rogue websites claiming to provide pirated software versions. NUIS virus is typically disguised as a setup file in a password-protected archive; therefore, users who are trying to bypass legitimate license key fees risk becoming a victim of a data-encrypting malware attack. Genuine software versions can only be accessed via official or confirmed websites. Award-winning antivirus solution for your PC. Robust security software that provides robust 24/7 real-time protection, Web Shield that stops online threats/malicious downloads, and Prevention engine that wards off Zero-Day threats. Keep your PC safe and protected against ransomware, Trojans, viruses, spyware and other forms of dangerous programs. Another method to spread ransomware is to insert a malicious code into popular document formats that support scripts (PDF, WORD, EXCEL). The criminals name these files as regular documents, for example, invoices/waybills/order summaries/parcel tracking details/etc. and attach them to email. Such deceptive email is then sent out to thousands of potential victims. Whoever falls for the bait and opens the attachment out of curiosity, gets their computer infected with a severe malware. Our advice is to avoid opening emails from unknown senders or from someone you have no business with. Also, look out for other warning signs such as grammar mistakes, unfamiliar greeting line, or spam alert. If you can notice at least one of these, delete the email immediately.

Remove NUIS ransomware virus and restore your files

You can remove NUIS ransomware virus using a strong antivirus solution such as INTEGO Antivirus. Before you run it, boot your PC in Safe Mode with Networking first. This helps to neutralize malicious processes so that the malware could not interfere your security program’s activities. Once Nuis virus removal is completed, change all of the passwords used on the infected computer or network, and report the cybercrime incident to authorities. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove NUIS ransomware virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users Now, you can search for and remove NUIS ransomware virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense If you’re looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek’s Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

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Decrypt NUIS files

Fix and open large NUIS files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. NUIS ransomware virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie. Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible. In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt NUIS files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The NUIS decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages: Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID] This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor’s database. No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible. Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future. If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn’t available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your NUIS extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Victims of NUIS ransomware virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can’t find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up “[your country name] report cyber crime”. This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities. Another recommendation is to contact your country’s or region’s federal police or communications authority.