RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove NOKOYAWA Virus (.NOKOYAWA Files Ransomware)

NOKOYAWA – General Info

The NOKOYAWA stands for a ransomware-type infection. NOKOYAWA was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. NOKOYAWA adds the “.NOKOYAWA” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, as soon as encrypted by NOKOYAWA, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.NOKOYAWA“. As soon as the encryption is completed, NOKOYAWA places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by NOKOYAWA text file requesting for the ransom is absolutely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives. It literally mentions that the information is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a a special decryption key. Sadly, this is absolutely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism applied by NOKOYAWA is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is absolutely specific that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is totally unique. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.

Another trick of NOKOYAWA is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is stored on a particular server run by the frauds associated with NOKOYAWA ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people have to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, irrespective of the asked for amount, people need to keep away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to completely disregard what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom typically does not provide any positive outcome and people simply waste their money for nothing.

We highly recommend that you do not contact these crooks and definitely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack NOKOYAWA ransomware and to recover the data data for free. Hence, the only right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameNOKOYAWA Ransomware
File Extension.NOKOYAWA
TypeRansomware
Short DescriptionThe ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files.
SymptomsFile encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special NOKOYAWA extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to NOKOYAWA ransomware. Harmful programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt important data and to state the demand prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to create the special decryption key for information decryption.

Hence, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is simply not feasible. The only method to avoid the loss of your crucial files is to routinely create backups of your important information.

Keep in mind that even if you create such backups, they must be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the USB Flash Drive or external disk drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you store your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted in addition to other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

There are numerous ways used by online frauds to distribute NOKOYAWA virus. Despite the fact that it is uncertain how precisely NOKOYAWA injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

  • integration with third-party apps, especially freeware;
  • spam e-mails from unknown senders;
  • websites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Frequently NOKOYAWA virus might exist as some genuine software application, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to implement some important software updates. This is the common trick used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing NOKOYAWA infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals might describe various e-mail spam methods to inject harmful codes into PC. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some photos, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may severely harm the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update informs may result in NOKOYAWA virus injection. As for the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may also contain destructive codes causing NOKOYAWA secret installation. Lastly, injection of NOKOYAWA may occur by ways of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and install malicious utilities without the user’s consent.

Is there any method to avoid the injection of NOKOYAWA ransomware?

Although there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we wish to share with with you. To start with, be really cautious when you surf the web and especially while downloading complimentary apps. Keep away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Keep in mind that some freeware installers may include other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be malicious. Ensure that your current anti-virus and your entire operating system is always appropriately updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is illegal and may lead to necessary damage to be produced your PC. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also strongly advised to reconsider your existing security software and possibly switch to another security solution that can render better services of defending your computer.

Screenshot of files with “.NOKOYAWA” extension added by the ransomware:
NOKOYAWA Ransomware - encrypt files with .NOKOYAWA extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove NOKOYAWA ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

2. Double-click on the setup file.

When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware
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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Setup

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Install

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware  Start

4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan

5. Click on “Clean Now”.

When the scan has completed, 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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan Result

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Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann has been writing on security and malware subjects for many years and has been working in the security industry for over 10 years. Daniel was educated at the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany and currently lives in New York.

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