The Nbwr virus, also known as a ransomware infection, belongs to the STOP/DJVU family. This malware is famous for malignant file encryption operations. Once the Nbwr virus infects a computer, it scans the system for files like documents, videos, photos, and more. It alters the file structure and adds the “.nbwr” extension to each encrypted file, making them unusable without the decryption key.
Nbwr Virus Overview
Nbwr
🤔 Nbwr malware belongs to ransomware that belongs to the DJVU/STOP family. Its primary purpose is to cipher your files. After that this ransomware asks for a ransom fee – ($490 – $980) in Bitcoin.
The Nbwr virus is a malware type that ciphers your files and makes you pay for their decryption. This ransomware encrypts different file types. ciphered files can be identified by a distinct “.nbwr” extension. The affected files become inaccessible and unusable.
Then, the ransomware asks for a file decryption payment in Bitcoin from the victims, that ranges from $490 to $980, depending on the time passed after the attack. Typically, a ransom text file is named as “_readme.txt“.
Nbwr Ransomware works with Salsa20 encryption algorithms to cipher the targeted files. Since Nbwr virus applies such a strong encryption method, it becomes really hard, if even possible, to pick the decryption key without cooperating with the attackers.
Once the files are encrypted, the Nbwr virus displays a ransom note to the victim, asking for a ransom payment for the decryption key. The ransom note provides instructions on how to make the payment and also often includes threats of permanent data loss or increased ransom amounts if the ransom is not paid within a specified timeframe.
I have created an all-encompassing list of potential solutions, advice, and methods to neutralize the Nbwr ransomware and recover your files. In some cases, it may be possible to restore your files, while sometimes, it may be impossible.
📌 Important Reminder!
It is important to note that paying off the ransom is not a guarantee of the successful files recovery. The individuals behind the Nbwr virus are known for their untrustworthiness. There were the cases where people have paid the ransom, only to be denied by the cybercriminals with the decryption key provision.
Nbwr uses a unique key for each victim, with one exception:
The Nbwr virus is highly similar to other DJVU ransomware samples like Nbzi, Jazi, Jawr, and Gyza. This virus encrypts a wide range of common file types and appends its distinct “.nbwr” extension to all files. For instance, a file named “1.jpg” would be altered to “1.jpg.nbwr” and “2.png” to “2.png.nbwr“.
After successful encryption, the virus creates a special text file named “_readme.txt” and places it in every folder containing the encrypted files. It also adds this file to the desktop, so the victim will not miss its appearance even without opening folders.
The image below provides a visual representation of files with the “nbwr” extension:
Encrypted Files by STOP/DJVU Ransomware
| Name | Nbwr Virus |
| Ransomware family1 | DJVU/STOP2 ransomware |
| Extension | .nbwr |
| Ransomware note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom | From $490 to $980 (in Bitcoins) |
| Contact | [email protected], [email protected] |
| Detection | Win32/Filecoder.Avaddon.H, TrojanDropper:Win32/BcryptInject.A!MTB, BScope.TrojanRansom.Reveton |
| Symptoms |
|
| Fix Tool |
To remove possible malware infections, scan your PC:
6-day free trial available. |
This message asking payment is for restore files via decryption key:
_readme.txt (STOP/DJVU Ransomware) – The frightening notification insisting users to pay the ransom to decrypt the encrypted data contains these annoying admonitions.
Nbwr ransomware arrives as a set of actions that are meant to execute certain tasks on a victim’s computer. One of the primary ones being launched is winupdate.exe, a deceptive process that displays a fake Windows update alert during the attack. That is needed to convince the victim that their PC has become slow because of a Windows update.
At the same time, the ransomware runs another process (which name commonly consists of 4 random characters) which commences scanning the system for target files and encrypting them. Then the ransomware deletes Volume Shadow Copies from the disk using the following CMD command:
vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
Once deleted, it becomes virtually impossible to recover the previous computer state using System Restore Points. The issue is, ransomware operators are getting rid of any built-in Windows approaches that could assist the victim to recover files for free. In addition, the rascals modify the Windows HOSTS file by appending a list of domains to it and redirecting them to the localhost IP. As a result, the victim will witness a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when trying to access one of the blacklisted websites.
It has come to our attention that ransomware tries to restrict websites that post various how-to guides for computer users. It is evident that by restricting specific domains, the crooks are trying to hinder the victim from reaching relevant and helpful ransomware-attack-related information online. This malware also saves two .txt files on the victim’s computer that provide particulars related to the attack – the victim’s public encryption key and personal ID. These two files are named bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.
After all these changes, the malware doesn’t halt. Variants of STOP/DJVU have a tendency to deploy Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat carries an huge list of capabilities, including:
- Infiltrating the victim’s computer with malware and executing it to gain unauthorized access.
- Obtaining unauthorized access to login credentials of Steam, Telegram, and Skype.
- Manipulating and viewing files on the victim’s computer without their knowledge.
- Stealing cryptocurrency wallets from the victim’s system.
- Granting the hackers remote control over the victim’s computer for various malicious activities.
- Extracting sensitive information such as browser cookies, saved passwords, and browsing history.
The encryption algorithm used by DJVU/STOP virus is AES-256. So, if your data got encrypted with an online decryption key, the possibility to get your files back are quite low. Thing is, this key is unique for each victim, and picking it will take exceptionally big amount of time.
Getting the online key in another way is also close to impossible. It is kept on a remote server controlled by the hackers who spread the Nbwr malware. For receiving decryption key the payment should be $980. To get the payment details, the victims should contact the hackers by email ([email protected]).
The message by the ransomware states the following information:
ATTENTION! Don't worry, 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-WJa63R98Ku 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" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours. To get this software you need write on our e-mail: [email protected] Reserve e-mail address to contact us: [email protected] Your personal ID: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
How To Remove STOP/Djvu Ransomware?
Video Guide
How To Decrypt .nbwr Files?
How to restore big files?
Try deleting .nbwr extension on a few big files and opening them. This malware has issues with large files encryption. Either the virus scanned and did not encrypt the file, or it bugged and did not add the filemarker. If you have files that are very large (2GB+), the latter is most likely. Please, text me in the comments whether this helped you or not.
The newest extensions released around the end of August 2019 after the criminals made changes. This includes Nbzi, Jazi, Jawr etc.
As a outcome of the modifications made by the criminals, STOPDecrypter is no longer assisted. It has been replaced with the Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu Ransomware developed by Emsisoft.
You can download free decryption tool here: Decryptor for STOP Djvu.
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Select folders for decryption.
Based on the default configurations, the decryptor will automatically choose the available directories in order to decrypt the currently reachable drives (the connected ones), including the network drives. You can select extra locations with the “Add” button.
Decryptors generally propose several options considering the specific malware family. The existing possible options are shown in the Options tab and can be turned on or turned off there. You may locate a detailed list of the currently active Options below.
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Click on the “Decrypt” button.
As soon as you add all the desired locations for decryption into the list, click on the “Decrypt” button in order to initiate the decryption procedure.
Note that the main screen may turn you to a status view, letting you know of the active process and the decryption statistics of your data:
The decryptor will notify you as soon as the decryption procedure is completed. If you need the report for your personal papers, you can save it by choosing the “Save log” button. Note that it is also possible to copy it directly to your clipboard and to paste it into emails or messages here if you need to do so.
The Emsisoft Decryptor might display different messages after a failed attempt to restore your files:
✓ Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [your ID]
Emsisoft failed to find a correspondnig decryption key in their database.
✓ No key for New Variant online ID: [your ID]
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible
Malware used an online key to cipher your files. There is no one to share the decryption key with you. File recovery without paying the ransom is impossible. 🙁
✓ Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]
This ID appears be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.
An offline key was used, but files could not be restored (the offline decryption key isn’t available yet). Nonetheless, receiving this message is good news for you, because it might be possible to restore your files in the future. 🙂
It can take a few weeks or months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. Please follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here.
✓ Remote name could not be resolved
It’s an indication of a DNS issue on your PC. Try resetting your HOSTS file to default.
How to Restore .nbwr Files?
In some case ransomware is not doom for your files…
The Nbwr ransomware encryption mechanism is next: it ciphers every file byte-by-byte, then saves a file copy, erasing (not overriding!) the initial file. Thus, the data of the file placement on the disk drive is lost, but the original file is not deleted from the drive. The cell, or the sector where this file was stored, can still keep this file, but it is not listed by the file system and can be overwritten by data that has been loaded to this disk after the removal. Hence, it is possible to recover your files using special software.
Anyway, after realizing it was an online algorithm, it is impossible to retrieve my encrypted files. I also had my backup drive plugged in at the time of the virus, and this was also infected, or so I thought. Every folder within my backup drive had been infected and was encrypted. However, despite losing some important files, I retrieved almost 80% of my 2TB storage.
When I started going through the folders, I noticed the readme.txt ransom note in every folder. I opened some of the folders and found that all files that were not in a subfolder within that folder had been encrypted. However, I found a flaw and glimmer of hope when I went into the subfolders in other folders and found that these files had not been encrypted. Every folder within my c and d drives, including subfolders, had been encrypted, but this was not the case with the backup drive. Having subfolders created within a folder has saved 80% of my data.
As I said, I believe this to be only a small loophole on a backup drive. I’ve since found a further 10 % of my data on another hard drive on a different pc. So my advice is if you use a backup drive, create subfolders. I was lucky, I guess. But I was also unlucky that the virus hit as I was transferring some files from my backup.
Hopefully, this can help some other people in my situation.
Jamie NewlandRecovering your files with PhotoRec
PhotoRec is an free program, which is initially created for data recovery from damaged disks, or for files recovery in case if they are unintentionally deleted. However, with time flow, this program adopted the ability to retrieve the files of 400 different formats. Hence, it can be used for file recovery after the Nbwr attack.
First, you need to download this app. It is 100% free, but the developer notifies that there is no guarantee that the files will be restored. PhotoRec is distributed together with another utility of the same developer – TestDisk. The downloaded archive will have TestDisk name, but don’t worry. PhotoRec files are right inside.
To open PhotoRec, find and open “qphotorec_win.exe” file. No setup is required – this program has all the files it need within the archive, hence, you can fit it on your USB drive, and try to help your friends/parents/anyone who has been attacked by Nbwr ransomware.
Upon the start, you will witness the screen showing you the entire list of your disk drives. However, this data is likely futile, because the required menu is placed a bit higher. Click this menu, then choose the disk which was attacked by ransomware.
After picking the disk, you need to pick the destination folder for the retrieved files. This menu is located at the lower part of the PhotoRec window. The best choice is to export them on USB drive or any other type of removable disk.
Then, you need to indicate the file formats. This setting is located at the bottom, too. As it was mentioned, PhotoRec can regain the files of about 400 different formats.
Finally, you can initiate files recovery by pressing the “Search” button. You will observe the screen where the outcomes of the scan and recovery are shown.
Nbwr files recovery Video Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
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