The Nerz virus belongs to the STOP/DJVU family of ransomware-type infections. This virus employs a robust encryption method to encrypt various file types (videos, photos, documents), which the “.nerz” extension can identify. The encryption used by this virus is so strong that it is practically impossible to calculate the decryption key.
I have compiled a comprehensive list of all the possible solutions, techniques, and strategies to counter the Nerz virus and recover encrypted files. Depending on the circumstances, restoring your files may be relatively easy or complicated.
📌 It is important!
The ransom payment does not assure you of getting your files back. The cybercriminals responsible for the Nerz virus are notoriously untrustworthy. There are instances when they have failed to supply the decryption key even after receiving the ransom.
When the Nerz virus infects a computer’s operating system and initiates the file encryption process, it appends the “.nerz” extension to the encrypted files. The virus demands a ransom payment in exchange for a decryption code to regain access to the encrypted files. Typically, the ransom instructions are provided through a text file named “_readme.txt”.
Each victim of the Nerz virus is assigned a unique decryption key, with one exception:
- If the Nerz virus fails to connect with its command and control servers (C&C Server) before initiating the encryption process, it utilizes an offline key. This offline key is the same for all victims, allowing for the decryption of files affected by the ransomware.
Is Nerz virus?
☝️ Nerz can be correctly identified as a STOP/DJVU ransomware infection.
Nerz
🤔 Nerz virus is ransomware that originates from the DJVU/STOP family. Its primary purpose is to encrypt files that are important to you. After that ransomware virus asks its victims for a ransom fee ($490 – $980) in BitCoin.
The Nerz ransomware belongs to the STOP/DJVU family of ransomware-type infections. It encrypts various file types, such as documents, photos, and videos, and appends the “.nerz” extension to them. The encryption method employed by the virus is robust, making it virtually impossible to decrypt the files without the decryption key.
Like other members of the DJVU ransomware family, such as Neon, Weqp, and Weon, Nerz encrypts files and adds its distinctive “.nerz” extension to each file. For example, a file named “1.jpg” will be renamed to “1.jpg.nerz“. Once the encryption process is complete, the ransomware creates a specific text file named “_readme.txt” and places it in all folders containing the encrypted files.
The image below gives a clear vision of how the files with “.nerz” extension look like:
Nerz File (STOP/DJVU Ransomware)
| Name | Nerz Virus |
| Ransomware family1 | DJVU/STOP2 ransomware |
| Extension | .nerz |
| Ransomware note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom | From $490 to $980 (in Bitcoins) |
| Contact | support@fishmail.top, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc |
| Detection | Trojan:Win32/Redline!ic, Trojan:Win32/Vindor!pz, Trojan:Win32/Vindor!pz |
| Symptoms |
|
| Fix Tool | To remove possible malware infections, scan your PC: 6-day free trial available. |
This _readme.txt file asking payment is for get files back via decryption key:
_readme.txt (STOP/DJVU Ransomware) – The scary alert demanding from users to pay the ransom to decrypt the encoded data contains these frustrating warnings
The Nerz ransomware employs several processes to carry out malicious activities on an infected computer. One of the initial processes launched is winupdate.exe, which displays a deceptive Windows update prompt during the attack. This is designed to mislead the victim into believing that a legitimate Windows update causes a sudden system slowdown. However, concurrently, the ransomware initiates another process, typically named with four random characters, which scans the system for targeted files and encrypts them.
Furthermore, the ransomware takes steps to hinder the victim’s ability to restore their computer to a previous state using System Restore Points. It accomplishes this by deleting Volume Shadow Copies from the system using the following CMD command:
vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
Once the Volume Shadow Copies are deleted, utilizing them for file restoration becomes impossible. Ransomware operators aim to eliminate Windows OS-based methods that could potentially aid victims in restoring their files free of charge.
The crooks also modify the Windows HOSTS file by adding a list of domains and mapping them to the localhost IP. This alteration results in the victim encountering a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when attempting to access any blocked websites.
It has been observed that ransomware attempts to block websites that provide various how-to guides for computer users. By restricting access to specific domains, the attackers aim to hinder victims from accessing relevant and helpful information regarding ransomware attacks online. The ransomware also saves two text files on the victim’s computer that contain crucial details related to the attack: the victim’s public encryption key and personal ID. These files are named bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.
After all these modifications, the malware doesn’t stop. Variants of STOP/DJVU tend to drop Vidar password-stealing Trojans on compromised systems. This threat has a lengthy list of capabilities, such as:
- Stealing Steam, Telegram, Skype login/password
- Stealing cryptocurrency wallets
- Downloading malware to the computer and running it
- Stealing browser cookies, saved passwords, browsing history, and more
- Viewing and manipulating files on the victim’s computer
- Allowing hackers to perform other tasks on the victim’s computer remotely
In the case of DJVU/STOP ransomware, including the Nerz variant, the encryption algorithm used is AES-256. Each victim’s files are encrypted with a unique online decryption key, making it impossible to decrypt them without that key.
If Nerz ransomware operated in online mode, you can’t obtain the AES-256 key as it is stored on a remote server controlled by the criminals behind the ransomware.
To receive the decryption key, the ransom amount requested is $980. The victims are instructed to contact the fraudsters via email at support@fishmail.top to obtain payment details.
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: support@fishmail.top Reserve e-mail address to contact us: datarestorehelp@airmail.cc Your personal ID: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Do not pay for Nerz!
Please, try to use the available backups, or Decrypter tool
The “_readme.txt” file also states that computer owners should contact the representatives of Nerz within 72 hours from the moment their files are encrypted. If they reach out within this timeframe, they will be granted a 50% rebate, reducing the ransom amount to $490. However, it is strongly recommended not to contact these criminals and refrain from paying the ransom.
I highly advise against contacting criminals and making payments. One of the most effective solutions to recover lost data is using available backups or a Decrypter tool specifically designed for this purpose.
It is worth noting that ransomware viruses, including Nerz, follow a similar pattern in generating unique decryption keys for data recovery. Unless the ransomware has severe flaws or is still in development, manually recovering the encrypted data is impossible. Regularly creating backups of your important files is the best preventive measure to avoid data loss.
When maintaining backups, storing them in a separate location that is not connected to your main workstation is essential. This can be a USB flash drive, an external hard drive, or an online (cloud) storage service. Storing the backup data on your main device is not advisable, as it can also be targeted and encrypted by ransomware.
How I was infected?
Ransomware has various methods to build into your system. But it doesn’t matter what concrete method was used in your case.
Nerz attack following a successful phishing attempt.
Nevertheless, these are common methods through which Nerz ransomware may be injected into your PC:
- Hidden installation and other apps, especially utilities offered as freeware or shareware.
- Clicking on dubious links in spam emails leads to the installation of the virus.
- Downloading files from online free hosting resources that may contain ransomware.
- Using illegal peer-to-peer (P2P) resources to download pirated software, which can be bundled with the ransomware.
It is crucial to exercise caution and maintain a strong security posture to prevent the infiltration of such malware.
There were cases when the Nerz virus was disguised as some legitimate tool, for example, in the messages demanding to initiate some unwanted software or browser updates. This is typically the way how some online frauds aim to force you into installing the Nerz ransomware manually by actually making you directly participate in this process.
Surely, the bogus update alert will not indicate that you will inject the virus. This installation will be concealed under some alert mentioning that you allegedly should update Adobe Flash Player or some other dubious program.
the use of cracked apps poses significant risks. Engaging in illegal activities such as P2P file sharing not only violates laws but also exposes your device to serious malware threats, including the Nerz ransomware.
here are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of Nerz ransomware infecting your device. While there is no foolproof method to guarantee absolute protection, these tips can help enhance your security:
- Exercise caution when installing free software and carefully review what additional offers or bundled programs are included.
- Avoid opening suspicious email attachments and refrain from opening files sent by unknown senders.
- Ensure that your security software is always up to date.
- Be aware that malware often disguises itself and may run in the background without appearing in the list of installed programs.
By following these practices, you can reduce the risk of malware infections, including the Nerz ransomware.
How To Remove Nerz Virus?
In addition to encode a victim’s files, the Nerz virus has also started to install the Vidar Stealer on PC to steal account credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, desktop files, and more.3
Reasons why I would recommend GridinSoft4
There is no better way to recognize, remove and prevent ransomware than to use an anti-malware software from GridinSoft5.
Download Removal Tool.
You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:
Run the setup file.
When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-fix.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your PC.
An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
Press “Install” button.
Once installed, Anti-Malware will automatically run.
Wait for complete.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Nerz infections and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so I suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
Click on “Clean Now”.
When the scan has finished, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.
Trojan Killer for special instances
In certain instances, Nerz ransomware can block the running of setup files of different anti-malware programs. You must utilize the removable drive with a pre-installed antivirus tool in this situation.
A tiny number of security tools can be set up on USB drives, and antiviruses that can do so in most cases require obtaining quite an expensive license. For this instance, I can recommend you to use another solution of GridinSoft – Trojan Killer Portable. It has a 14-day cost-free trial mode that offers the entire features of the paid version 6. This term will be 100% enough to wipe malware out.
How To Decrypt .nerz Files?
Restore solution for big “.nerz files“
Try removing .nerz extension on a few BIG files and opening them. Either the Nerz ransomware read and did not encrypt the file, or it bugged and did not add the filemarker. The latter is most likely if your files are huge (2GB+). Please, let me know in the comments if that will work for you.
The newest extensions were released around the end of August 2019 after the criminals made changes. This includes Werz, Vatq, Vapo, etc.
As a result of the changes made by the criminals, STOPDecrypter is no longer supported. It has been removed and replaced with the Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu Ransomware developed by Emsisoft.
You can download free decryption tool here: Decryptor for STOP Djvu.
Download and run the decryption tool.
Start downloading the decryption tool.
Launch the decryption utility as an administrator. You need to agree with the license terms that will come up. For this purpose, click on the “Yes” button:
As soon as you accept the license terms, the main decryptor user interface comes up:
Select folders for decryption.
Based on the default settings, the decryptor will automatically populate the available locations in order to decrypt the currently available drives (the connected ones), including the network drives. Extra (optional) locations can be selected with the help of the “Add” button.
Decryptors normally suggest several options considering the specific malware family. The current possible options are presented in the Options tab and can be activated or deactivated there. You may locate a detailed list of the currently active Options below.
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 nerz files:
✓ Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [your ID]
✓ No key for New Variant online ID: [your ID]
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption 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.
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
How to Restore .nerz Files?
In some case Nerz ransomware is not doom for your files…
Nerz ransomware encryption mechanism feature is next: it encrypts every file byte-by-byte, then saves a file copy, deleting (and not overriding!) the original file. Hence, the information of the file location on the physical disk is lost, but the original file is not deleted from the physical disk. The cell, or the sector where this file was stored, can still contain 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 deletion. 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 open-source program, which is originally created for files recovery from damaged disks, or for files recovery in case if they are deleted. However, as time has gone by, this program got the ability to recover the files of 400 different extensions. Hence, it can be used for data recovery after the ransomware attack
At first, you need to download this app. It is 100% free, but the developer states that there is no guarantee that your files will be recovered. PhotoRec is distributed in a pack with other 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, you need to find and open “qphotorec_win.exe” file. No installation is required – this program has all the files it need inside of the archive, hence, you can fit it on your USB drive, and try to help your friend/parents/anyone who was been attacked by DJVU/STOP ransomware.
After the launch, you will see the screen showing you the full list of your disk spaces. However, this information is likely useless, because the required menu is placed a bit higher. Click this bar, then choose the disk which was attacked by ransomware.
After choosing the disk, you need to choose the destination folder for the recovered files. This menu is located at the lower part of the PhotoRec window. The best desicion is to export them on USB drive or any other type of removable disk.
Then, you need to specify the file formats. This option is located at the bottom, too. As it was mentioned, PhotoRec can recover the files of about 400 different formats.
Finally, you can start files recovery by pressing the “Search” button. You will see the screen where the results of the scan and recovery are shown.
Nerz files recovery guide
Frequently Asked Questions
No way. These files are modified by ransomware. The contents of .nerz files are not available until they are decrypted.
If your data remained in the .nerz files are very valuable, then most likely you made a backup copy.
If not, then you can try to restore them through the system function – Restore Point.
All other methods will require patience.
Of course not. Your encrypted files do not pose a threat to the computer. What happened has already happened.
You need GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove active system infections. The virus that encrypted your files is most likely still active and periodically runs a test for the ability to encrypt even more files. Also, these viruses install keyloggers and backdoors for further malicious actions (for example, theft of passwords, credit cards) often.
In this situation, you need to prepare the memory stick with a pre-installed Trojan Killer.
Have patience. You are infected with the new version of STOP/DJVU ransomware, and decryption keys have not yet been released. Follow the news on our website.
We will keep you posted on when new Nerz keys or new decryption programs appear.
The Nerz ransomware encrypts only the first 150KB of files. So MP3 files are rather large, some media players (Winamp for example) may be able to play the files, but – the first 3-5 seconds (the encrypted portion) will be missing.
You can try to find a copy of an original file that was encrypted:
- Files you downloaded from the Internet that were encrypted and you can download again to get the original.
- Pictures that you shared with family and friends that they can just send back to you.
- Photos that you uploaded on social media or cloud services like Carbonite, OneDrive, iDrive, Google Drive, etc)
- Attachments in emails you sent or received and saved.
- Files on an older computer, flash drive, external drive, camera memory card, or iPhone where you transferred data to the infected computer.
To report the attack, you can contact local executive boards (A full list you can find here). For instance, if you live in USA, you can have a talk with FBI Local field office, IC3 or Secret Service.
Video Guide
How to use GridinSoft Anti-Malware for fix ransomware infections.
If the guide doesn’t help you to remove Nerz virus, please download the GridinSoft Anti-Malware that I recommended. Do not forget to share your experience in solving the problem. Please leave a comment here! This can help other victims to understand they are not alone. And together we will find ways to deal with this issue.
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Brendan SmithNERZ Ransomware — How To Restore & Decrypt Files?
Name: NERZ Virus
Description: NERZ Virus is a STOP/DJVU family of ransomware-type infections. This virus encrypts your files, video, photos, documents that can be tracked by a specific nerz extension. So, you can't use them at all after that NERZ ransomware asks victims for a ransom fee ($490 - $980) in Bitcoin.
Operating System: Windows
Application Category: Virus
User Review
( votes)References
- My files are encrypted by ransomware, what should I do now?
- About DJVU (STOP) Ransomware.
- Windows passwords vulnerability (Mimikatz HackTool): https://howtofix.guide/mimikatz-hacktool/
- GridinSoft Anti-Malware Review from HowToFix site: https://howtofix.guide/gridinsoft-anti-malware/
- More information about GridinSoft products: https://gridinsoft.com/comparison
- Trojan Killer Review: https://howtofix.guide/trojan-killer/
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it works when you remove neqp file extension