Do you know what NCOV Ransomware is?
NCOV Ransomware is a dangerous computer infection that will block you from accessing your files, no questions asked. This program can encrypt your personal files in a blink of an eye, and the next thing you know, you are left with a ransom note that says you have to pay a lot to get your files back. Please refrain from paying these criminals. You should remove NCOV Ransomware by following the removal guidelines at the bottom of this description. Also, you can leave a comment if you want to know more about this issue.
This infection belongs to a prominent ransomware family. It comes from the Crysis/Dharma group, and if you have seen similar infection before, you will definitely recognize that NCOV Ransomware shares its ransom note layout with Devos Ransomware, 2048 Ransomware, Devil Ransomware, and others. Does it mean that we can use the same methods to mitigate the damage caused by all programs from this group? Well, the removal methods are usually very similar, but each program requires a different and unique decryption key to unlock the affected files. Unfortunately, public decryption tools are often unavailable, and users have to rely on file backups.
Now, the problem is that not everyone has a file backup. A file backup can be an external hard drive where you regularly transfer copies of your files. You might also have a cloud drive where all the files are uploaded automatically the moment you create them. Although operating systems usually remind users that it is necessary to have a cloud backup, some users dismiss this necessity because they don’t want to bother.
Also, some smaller businesses might also not have a file backup because they simply cannot afford it. That’s also one of the reasons NCOV Ransomware and other ransomware infections often target smaller businesses. They don’t have copies of their data, and they need them no matter what, so they are more likely to pay the ransom fee.
NCOV Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
How can we get infected with NCOV Ransomware though? Well, this program spreads just like all of its predecessors. It employs spam emails with attachments to reach its victims. It is a very old malware distribution method, but it is still clearly working. Another frustrating thing about this type of malware distribution is that users allow this infection to enter their systems willingly. Of course, they do not understand that they install malware because the installer file looks like a genuine document.
How can you tell that a file is malicious? Well, just ask yourself: Did you really expect to receive that email? Is your shipping invoice genuine? If you think that the file is important, but you cannot be sure that it is real, it is always possible to scan it with a security tool of your choice. This way, you would save yourself the trouble of dealing with NCOV Ransomware.
On the other hand, once the infection hits, it works like your usual ransomware thing. Even the ransom note is pretty self-explanatory. Here’s an extract from it:
All your files have been encrypted!
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail coronavirus@qq.com
Write this ID in the title of your message: [0X0X000X]
<…>
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.
This is what all ransomware infections say, but it doesn’t mean that you have to trust them. It would be for the best to remove NCOV Ransomware automatically with a powerful antispyware tool. After that, if you have a file backup, you can delete the encrypted data and transfer the healthy copies back into your computer. If you do not have a file backup, please consider addressing a professional who would tell you more about various file recovery options.
Whatever you do, do NOT contact these criminals. Even if you were to pay the ransom fee, there is no guarantee that they would issue the file decryption tool. Protect yourself from further exploitation.
How to Delete NVOC Ransomware
- Delete the newest files from Desktop and the Downloads folder.
- Press Win+R and enter %TEMP%. Press OK.
- Delete the latest files from the directory.
- Remove the FILES ENCRYPTED.txt file dropped in the affected directories.
- Use the Win+R again to access these folders:
%ALLSUERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Program\Startup
%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
%APPDATA%
%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
%WINDIR%\System 32 - Remove the random EXE files and the Info.hta file from the directories above.
- Scan your computer with the SpyHunter free scanner.
In non-techie terms:
NVOC Ransomware is a program that can stop you from accessing your files. It can change the information sequencing inside a file, and the system can no longer read it. Needless to say, it is extremely frustrating and dangerous, if you work with tons of important information. You have to remove NVOC Ransomware right now, and then look for ways to recover all the encrypted files. In the future, you need to protect your computer from similar intruders, and the best way to do it is by learning more about cybersecurity and ransomware distribution patterns.