Nakw is a DJVU family of ransomware-type infections. The virus encrypts important personal files (video, photos, documents). The infected files can be tracked by specific “.nakw” extension. So, you can’t use them at all.
In this guide I will try to help you remove Nakw ransomware for free. Also I will assist you in decoding your crypted files.
What is “Nakw”?
Nakw can be correctly identify as a ransomware-type infection.
Ransomware is a kind of virus that crypted your documents and then forces you to pay to restore them. DJVU (aka STOP) ransomware family was first revealed and analyzed by virus analyst Michael Gillespie1.Nakw is basically similar to other representatives of ransomware like: Derp, Coot, Nols. It crypted all common file types. Hence, users cannot use the your documents . Nakw adds its particular “.nakw” extension into all files. For example, the file “video.avi”, will be changed into “video.avi.nakw”. As soon as the encryption is successfully accomplished, Nakw generates a special file “_readme.txt” and puts it into all folders that contain the modified files.
This text asking payment is for restore files via decryption key:
The scary alert demanding from users to pay the ransom to decrypt the compromised data contains these frustrating warnings
The cryptography algorithm used by Nakw is AES-556. So, if your files got encrypted with a specific decryption key, which is totally distinct and there are no other copies. The sad reality is that it is impossible to recover the information without the unique key available.
In case if Nakw worked in online mode, it is impossible for you to gain access to the AES-556 key. It is stored on a remote server owned by the frauds who distibute the Nakw ransomware.
For receiving decryption key the payment should be $980. To obtain the payment details the victims are encouraged by the message to contact the frauds by email (gorentos@bitmessage.ch), or via Telegram.
Do not pay for Nakw!
Please, try to use the available backups, or STOPDecrypter tool
_readme.txt file also indicates that the computer owners must get in touch with the Nakw representatives during 72 hours starting from the moment of files where crypted. On the condition of getting in touch within 72 hours users will be granted a 50% rebate, thus the ransom amount will be minimized down to $490). However, stay away from paying the ransom!
I definitely advise that you do not contact these crooks and do not pay. The one of the most real working solution to recover the lost data – just using the available backups, or use STOPDecrypter tool.
The peculiarity of all such viruses apply a similar set of actions for generating the unique decryption key to recover the ciphered data.
Thus, unless the ransomware is still under the stage of development or possesses with some hard-to-track flaws, manually recovering the ciphered data is a thing you can’t really perform. The only solution to prevent the loss of your valuable data is to regularly make backups of your crucial files.
Note that even if you do maintain such backups regularly, they ought to be put into a specific location without loitering, not being connected to your main workstation.
For instance, the backup may be kept on the USB flash drive or some alternative external hard drive storage. Optionally, you may refer to the help of online (cloud) information storage.
Needless to mention, when you maintain your backup data on your common device, it may be similarly ciphered as well as other data.
For this reason, locating the backup on your main computer is surely not a wise idea.
How I was infected?
Nakw has a various methods to built into your system. But it doesn’t really matter what method had place in your case.
Nakw attack following a successful phishing attempt.
- hidden installation along with other apps, especially the utilities that work as freeware or shareware;
- dubious link in spam emails leading to the Nakw installer
- online free hosting resources;
- using illegal peer-to-peer (P2P) resources for downloading pirated software.
There were cases when the Nakw 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 Nakw ransomware manually, by actually making you directly participate in this process.
Surely, the bogus update alert will not indicate that you are going to actually inject the Nakw ransomware. This installation will be concealed under some alert mentioning that allegedly you should update Adobe Flash Player or some other dubious program whatsoever.
Of course, the cracked apps represent the damage too. Using P2P is both illegal and may result in the injection of serious malware, including the Nakw ransomware.
To sum up, what can you do to avoid the injection of the Nakw ransomware into your device? Even though there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your PC from getting damaged, there are certain tips I want to give you to prevent the Nakw penetration. You must be cautious while installing free software today.
Make sure you always read what the installers offer in addition to the main free program. Stay away from opening dubious email attachments. Do not open files from the unknown addressees. Of course, your current security program must be always updated.
The malware does not speak openly about itself. It will not be mentioned in the list of your available programs. However, it will be masked under some malicious process running regularly in the background, starting from the moment when you launch your PC.
The message by the Nakw ransomware states the following frustrating 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-2P5WrE5b9f 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: gorentos@bitmessage.ch Reserve e-mail address to contact us: gorentos2@firemail.cc Our Telegram account: @datarestore Mark Data Restore Your personal ID: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The image below gives a clear vision of how the files with “.nakw” extension look like:
Example of crypted .nakw files
How to remove Nakw virus?
In addition to encode a victim’s files, the Nakw virus has also started to install the Azorult Spyware on PC to steal account credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, desktop files, and more.
Reasons why I would recommend GridinSoft2
The is an excellent way to deal with recognizing and removing threats – using Gridinsoft Anti-Malware. This program will scan your PC, find and neutralize all suspicious processes3.
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 install-antimalware-fix.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your system.
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 the Anti-Malware scan to complete.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your system for Nakw 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.
How to decrypt .nakw files?
Encryption specialist Michael Gillespie (USA) managed to create his decoder for some versions and variants of this family ransomware (Derp, Coot, Nols, and others).
It work when the Nakw virus used an offline key for encryption.
You can download free decryption tool here: STOPDecrypter. This tool includes a BruteForcer only for variants which use XOR encryption, a simple symmetric cipher that is relatively easy to break. The decrypter tool requires victims to provide an encrypted and original file pair greater than 150KB.
Download STOPDecrypter tool:
Extract STOPDecrypter tool to your Desktop folder:
Run STOPDecrypter tool:
Remember: STOPDecrypter should be run as an Administrator from the Desktop.
Select your folder and press “Decrypt” button:
What the next?
If the guide doesn’t help you to remove Nakw infection, please download the GridinSoft Anti-Malware that I recommended. Also, you can always ask me in the comments for getting help.
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( votes)References
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/demonslay335
- GridinSoft Anti-Malware Review from HowToFix site: https://howtofix.guide/gridinsoft-anti-malware/
- More information about GridinSoft products: https://gridinsoft.com/comparison
I am infected by online .nakw. I kept my files with the hope of a solution. Should I delete them ?
Thanks.