How to delete Nnqp ransomware

Nnqp ransomware is a generic file-encrypting malware from the Djvu/STOP ransomware family. It’s a dangerous piece of malware that essentially takes files hostage until a ransom payment is made. Nnqp ransomware is mostly identical to most other ransomware from this family but you can differentiate it by the extension it adds to encrypted files. In this case, it’s .nnqp. These files will not be openable unless you first run them through a decryptor. However, the malware operators will not just give it to you. You will be asked to pay the ransom, doing which comes with its own risks.

 

 

Nnqp ransomware is from the same Djvu/STOP ransomware family as Hudf, Shgv, Yqjs, Mljx, and many other versions. They are mostly identical infections but can be differentiated by the extensions they add to encrypted files. This adds .nnqp, which is why it’s known as Nnqp ransomware. Unsurprisingly, it will target all your personal files, including photos, videos, images, documents, etc. All of these files will have .nnqp added to them. For example, image.jpg would become image.jpg.nnqp. Unfortunately, you will not be able to open any of these files unless you first run them through a decryptor.

As soon as the ransomware is initiated, there will be a fake Windows update window on your screen while your files are being encrypted. When the process is finished, a _readme.txt ransom note will be dropped in all folders that contain encrypted files. The note explains how you can get the decryptor that would decrypt the files. The people behind this ransomware will offer you the decryptor for $980. The note also mentions that there is a 50% discount to those who make contact within the first 72 hours. It’s difficult to say whether that is actually true or not. Either way, paying the ransom is very risky. While it’s your decision to make, you need to be aware of the risks. The most important thing to mention about paying the ransom is that it does not guarantee a decryptor. Bear in mind that you are dealing with cybercriminals, what is there to guarantee that they will send you the decryptor. Furthermore, as long as victims pay the ransom, ransomware will continue to be a problem.

For users who have copies of their encrypted files in their backup, file recovery will not be an issue. However, it’s essential to make sure that the ransomware is no longer present before connecting to backup. If users do not fully remove Nnqp ransomware from their computers, the ransomware would encrypt files in backup as well.

If users do not have a backup, recovering files will be more difficult. At the moment, the only option is to wait for a free decryptor to become available. Releasing a free decryptor will be difficult for malware researchers because Nnqp ransomware uses online encryption keys. That means that victims have unique keys. Essentially, your encryption key is different from other victims, and without that key, you will not be able to recover your files. However, it’s not impossible that the keys will be released eventually, either by the cybercriminals themselves or by law enforcement. So if you’re out of options, back up your encrypted files and wait for a free decryptor to be released. NoMoreRansom is a good source to check for decryptors.

Ransomware distribution methods

Malicious spam emails are one of the most common ways malware is distributed. Malicious actors purchase email addresses from various hacker forums and spam them with malicious emails that contain attachments. When users open those attachments, they allow the malware to initiate. Those emails are usually made to appear like important correspondence from a company whose services users use. Fortunately for users, those emails are very low-effort and are quite easy to recognize. The emails are usually full of grammar/spelling mistakes, which makes them very obvious. They also address users with generic words “User”, “Member”, “Customer”. When you receive a legitimate email from a company of which you are a customer, you will be addressed by your name, and the emails will not contain any mistakes. Otherwise, the emails would look unprofessional.

It should also be mentioned that some malicious emails are more sophisticated. This usually happens when cybercriminals have information about their targets. This makes it easier to make malicious spam more personalized, thus more convincing. Thus, it’s highly recommended to always scan email attachments with anti-virus software or VirusTotal before opening them.

It’s also very common for malicious actors to use torrents to distribute malware. Torrent websites are quite badly regulated, which allows easy malware upload. It’s especially common to find malware in torrents for popular movies, TV series, software, video games, etc. For example, when a new Marvel movie comes out, its torrents will be full of malware. So not only is using torrents to download copyrighted content essentially stealing, but it’s also dangerous for the computer.

Nnqp ransomware removal

Keep in mind that ransomware is a very dangerous malware infection. If you try to delete Nnqp ransomware manually, you could cause additional damage to your computer. Or you may not fully remove Nnqp ransomware. If the ransomware is still there when you connect to your backup, backed-up files would become encrypted as well. Thus, it’s highly recommended to use anti-malware software. Once the ransomware is gone, you can safely connect to your backup and start recovering files.

Unfortunately, if you do not have a backup, recovering files will be much more difficult. It is possible that a free decryptor will be released in the future, even if it’s not available at the moment. You can find a free Djvu/STOP decryptor by Emsisoft but it will not work on Nnqp ransomware because it uses online keys to encrypt files. As we said already, unless those keys are released, you will not find a free decryptor. And keep in mind that there are a lot of fake decryptors, especially on questionable forums. So you need to be very careful when looking for it. If you cannot find the decryptor on a site like NoMoreRansom, it’s unlikely that you will find one on a questionable forum.