Do you know what Nakw Ransomware is?
Nakw Ransomware is one of those malicious applications that take your files as hostages. The malware does not literally take or transfer data anywhere but makes it unreadable instead. The threat uses a robust encryption algorithm, and, as a result, the only way to reaccess files becomes decrypting them with specific decryption tools. As you can probably imagine, the malicious applications developers are the ones who have such tools, and they offer them in exchange for a ransom. The same as other threats from the STOP Ransomware family, Nakw Ransomware displays a note mentioning two sums: $490 and $980. The first sum is offered to users who agree to pay within 72 hours. Naturally, to save up money, victims might feel forced to make up their minds fast. However, we advise not to rush and consider whether you are willing to lose your money in vain because there is a possibility that hackers could trick you. To learn more about the malware, you should continue reading our article.
It looks like Nakw Ransomware could be spread with files pretending to be update installers. It is likely because the sample tested by our computer security specialists displayed a fake Windows update window after its execution. To avoid receiving false updates or malicious software installers, it is best not to agree to install anything that comes from file-sharing websites, suspicious pop-up advertisements, and sources alike. The best way to receive needed updates is to allow your system to download and install them for you.
One other thing that we recommend for those who want to keep away from malware like Nakw Ransomware is to be careful with Spam emails and messages from unfamiliar people. A lot of malicious installers are sent to targeted victims via various messages. Some of them look like messages from reputable companies and contain disguised malicious installers that may look like text files, pictures, or other similar types of data. The best way to learn whether a file is harmful or not is to scan it with a reliable antimalware tool. If you receive lots of data daily, scanning it could take a bit of your time, but it would be a time well invested if it helps you avoid ransomware and other threats.
Nakw Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
Furthermore, while pretending to be installing Windows updates, Nakw Ransomware might disable Task Manager to prevent its process from being terminated. Aldo, the malware should start encrypting various files located on a victim’s computer. For example, it could encipher pictures, various documents, video or music files, archives, and so on. What should not be encrypted is program data and data belonging to a computer’s operating system. Everything else might get locked and receive a second extension called .nakw. The next malware’s step is displaying a ransom note which ought to be available on text documents called _readme.txt.
The message inside of ransom notes explains that files got encrypted and can only be restored with particular decryption tools. Such tools ought to be offered for the sums we mentioned at the beginning of this article. As a “guarantee,” hackers may offer to decrypt one unimportant file free of charge. It does not really guarantee that you will get a decryptor as it only confirms that the hackers have it. We do not say you would necessarily get tricked, but it is possible you could, and it is best not to trust hackers blindly. Whatever your decision might be, we advise deleting Nakw Ransomware for safety reasons.
To eliminate Nakw Ransomware manually, you could use the removal guide provided below. On the other hand, if such deletion looks tricky, you could employ a reputable antimalware tool, perform a full system scan, and erase the malicious application by pressing the tool’s displayed removal button.
Erase Nakw Ransomware
- Click Ctrl+Alt+Delete simultaneously.
- Pick Task Manager.
- Take a look at the Processes tab.
- Locate a process related to the malicious application.
- Select this process and press the End Task button.
- Click Windows Key+E.
- Navigate to the suggested paths:
%TEMP%
%USERPROFILE%Desktop
%USERPROFILE%Downloads - Find a file that was launched when the system got infected.
- Right-click the malicious file and select Delete.
- Look for a ransom note (e.g., _readme.txt).
- Right-click it and press Delete too.
- Find this directory: %LOCALAPPDATA%
- Look for a malicious folder with a long and random name, for example, 0115174b-bd55-4caf-a89a-d8ff8132151f.
- Right-click the malicious folder and press Delete.
- Navigate to: C:\SystemID
- Look for a file titled PersonalID.txt.
- Right-click it and choose Delete.
- Exit File Explorer.
- Empty Recycle bin.
- Restart the computer.
In non-techie terms:
Nakw Ransomware is a threat that was programmed for two purposes. One is to encrypt files that you would not want to lose, and the other goal is to display a message that would explain to you how to pay ransom to get your files decrypted. However, if you have backup copies, know that you can replace encrypted files with them. In such a case, you have no reason to think about whether it would be a good idea to pay a ransom. We always advise against it because there are no guarantees cybercriminals will bother sending promised decryption tools. Another thing we recommend is deleting Nakw Ransomware from your system. As you see, leaving it could endanger your future data or backup copies that you may transfer on the infected device. To eliminate the malware manually, you should check the removal guide available above this paragraph. Of course, it might be easier to employ a reputable antimalware tool and get it to erase the threat for you.