Once the ransomware renders all data useless, it immediately offers the victim a “solution.” The virus saves _readme.txt ransom notes in every data folder, and this note explains that the computer user can still recover all data, however, one needs a special decryption software and key. The criminals demand purchasing NNUZ file decryption tools for a large amount of money, and this is nothing else but a pure extortion.

What the ransom note tells the victim

The ransom note dubbed _readme.txt first asks for victim’s attention, then reassures that all encrypted data can still be recovered, if only the victim do as asked by the cybercriminals. They recommend writing an email to them using provided email addresses – admin@helpdata.top and supportsys@airmail.cc. In addition, they advise including victim’s Personal ID (provided at the very end of the ransom note) and attaching one sample of encrypted file to the email. They promise to include a decrypted file version in their response email to prove they can actually restore all files. However, the ransom note warns not to send files that contain valuable data, since the criminals can refuse to decrypt such files. The point of the test decryption is to reassure the victim that the criminals actually hold tools needed for data recovery, but not to restore files that are valuable to the victim. Finally, the _readme.txt note includes pricing of the decryption tool. It depends on how quickly the victim writes to the ransomware operators and pays the ransom. Now, if this is accomplished within 72 hours (3 days), the criminals promise to provide a 50% discount on the ransom price and set it to $490. Otherwise, the victim will be asked to pay the full amount which is $980. No matter the price, the victim will be demanded to pay it using Bitcoin or some other cryptocurrency since such Blockchain-based transactions are more or less untraceable. Naturally, the threat actors do not want to be tracked down by FBI or other law enforcement agencies. Let us remind you that paying a ransom is not a solution to the problem you’re experiencing. We strongly recommend reading these FBI guidelines to ransomware victims. Remember that paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee data recovery and simply helps the criminals to produce even more malware. On top of that, you might become a target again since the criminals tend to extort victims who are willing to pay up.

Other damages caused to your computer

Samples of recent STOP/DJVU versions including NNUZ virus appear to drop information-stealing Trojans on infected systems. Two specific threats were observed during analysis of these samples – VIDAR and AZORULT. These computer malware variants are well known for their extensive capabilities that include:

Stealing browser-saved passwords, cookies and browsing history, as well as app login credentials;Stealing cryptocurrency wallets;Stealing banking information;Viewing, deleting files on victim’s computer and downloading additional malware to it;Emails and message conversations.

Collecting such types of information can provide limitless possibilities to the criminals to extort and blackmail the computer user. Therefore, we advise you to remove NNUZ ransomware virus as soon as you notice its presence in your computer and scan the system for additional threats as well. The ideal way of detecting and removing all malware is running an antivirus tool while in Safe Mode with Networking (see the guide provided below). Additionally, we recommend you to download RESTORO (see full review here) to repair virus damage on Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE See a screenshot of a data folder containing encrypted files and the ransom note.

How ransomware-type viruses are distributed

Cybercriminals typically distribute ransomware using phishing email spam, drive-by downloads, fake ads, or torrents. Versions of STOP/DJVU such as NNUZ ransomware virus are usually spotted in rogue websites luring potential victims with pirated software versions. Sadly, instead of getting the real deal, the victim launches a ransomware after clicking on the setup file downloaded from such warez or torrent sites. Victims have reported downloading previous versions of this ransomware strain disguised as Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator, AutoCad, League of Legends, Cubase, Wondershare Filmora, Virtual DJ Pro or other popular software downloads. We strongly advise you to drop the bad habit of searching for pirated software versions and instead visit the official websites for genuine downloads. Remember that by paying for legitimate software license keys, you support software developers and avoid cybersecurity risks, whereas when trying to bypass these fees you risk exposing your computer to malware and also infringe copyrights of software producers. These email attachments are filled with malicious scripts that download and execute the ransomware on the computer. For this reason, we recommend computer users to stay away from suspicious emails at all costs. Moreover, you should look out for red flags in emails such as unfamiliar greeting lines, typo mistakes or unknown attached file formats. Finally, victims of STOP/DJVU should not fall for deceptive websites or scammers claiming they know solution for online key file encryption. If you fall for such scam, there are two possible outcomes – you might get scammed financially or you will end up downloading a non-functional decryption tool that contains malware. You should know that the only possible solutions to recover files locked by STOP/DJVU are created by Emsisoft and DiskTuna.

Remove NNUZ Ransomware Virus and Decrypt Your Files

To remove NNUZ Ransomware Virus and related threats from your computer, start by booting the system in Safe Mode with Networking (see the guide provided below). This will start the system with limited processes and functionalities, therefore suspending any active malware processes. Then, run your chosen antivirus solution to eliminate malware components automatically. Afterward, consider downloading RESTORO to repair virus damage on Windows OS files. Another tip from our team is to change all passwords used on the compromised host due to potential risk that such data was stolen by the VIDAR/AZORULT Trojans during the cyber attack. Finally, consider reporting the incident to local law enforcement agencies. 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 NNUZ 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 NNUZ 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.

Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Decrypt NNUZ files

Fix and open large NNUZ 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. NNUZ 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 NNUZ files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The NNUZ 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 NNUZ 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 NNUZ 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.