Do you know what Nog4yH4n Project Ransomware is?
Nog4yH4n Project Ransomware is likely to be an unfinished project because the sample of this infection tested in our internal lab failed to perform its main function, which is to encrypt personal files. Although it functions disorderly, it can spread and introduce victims to false information, and that is why we must analyze and report it. Hopefully, you do not need to worry about this threat at this point, and you can use the information and tips presented in this report to protect your operating system and files against it. Also, note that there are thousands of other file-encrypting threats that can corrupt your files and keep them hostage so that you could be pushed into paying huge ransom fees. Do not give in if you become a victim of a real encryptor because decryption tools are almost never exchanged for money. We are dealing with cyber criminals here, and they cannot be trusted! If you already need to remove Nog4yH4n Project Ransomware from your operating system, our removal guide will assist you.
It goes without saying that Nog4yH4n Project Ransomware does not pop up out of nowhere. It has to find its way in, and cyber attackers are well familiar with all security vulnerabilities and different cracks and backdoors that can be used to help the infection slip in without anyone’s notice. Our researchers note that Nog4yH4n Project Ransomware was created using the Hidden Tear open-source code, and most other infections that were created using it (e.g., Suri Ransomware or PooleZoor Ransomware) were found spreading with the assistance of spam emails. Without a doubt, if you do not want to face file-encrypting malware, we advise that you evade spam emails at all cost. Of course, you might find that you need to remove malware even if you are diligent about keeping your inbox clean because other security backdoors exist. Once installed, the ransomware immediately creates and places an .exe file in %USERPROFILE%\Rand123. The infection also drops HACKED_NOG4YH4N.txt and ransom.jpg files. After this, it deletes itself automatically.
Nog4yH4n Project Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
As we have discussed already, Nog4yH4n Project Ransomware does not encrypt files, but if it did, it should add the “locked.exe” extension to their names. After encryption, the Desktop wallpaper should be replaced with ransom.jpg to introduce victims to an image of a stack of $20 bills. Then, the ransom note file (HACKED_NOG4YH4N.txt) should be crated, and, most likely, copies would be placed everywhere. According to our research team, the message inside the file does not make a whole lot of sense. It reads: “Your personal files have been ecrypted. Send me BTC or food to get decryption passcode.” The message fails to explain how the victim is supposed to pay the ransom, which further proves that the infection is dysfunctional. That being said, we must not ignore it. The creator could easily upgrade it and fix existing issues to release it anew.
It is unlikely that anyone needs to delete Nog4yH4n Project Ransomware at this point, but we have created a guide that shows how to remove the leftover components of the infection. At this point, of course, it is most important that Windows users take measures to safeguard operating systems and files. It is easy to protect the system by implementing up-to-date and reliable anti-malware software. It also can automatically remove Nog4yH4n Project Ransomware or any other threat that might exist already. When it comes to files, it is best to back them up online or on an external drive. Do not use your system’s internal backup because there are many infections that can destroy it too. If you have questions about backing up files, do not hesitate to ask them via the comments section.
Remove Nog4yH4n Project Ransomware
N.B. The original launcher should automatically delete itself, but you want to make sure that it is gone, and so after you perform the steps below, install a legitimate malware scanner to perform a quick scan.
- Simultaneously tap Win+E keys to launch Windows Explorer.
- Enter %USERPROFILE%\Rand123 into the field at the top.
- Delete the file named local.exe (note that the name could be different).
- Delete the background image file named ransom.jpg.
- Delete all copies of the ransom note file named HACKED_NOG4YH4N.txt.
- Empty Recycle Bin and then quickly scan your operating system.
In non-techie terms:
Nog4yH4n Project Ransomware might not be attacking Windows operating systems now, but who can tell that the attacks will not begin soon? Although the sample obtained by our research team did not function well, the creator of the threat could update it and fix it up to work as a real file-encrypting, ransom-demanding nightmare. You can take steps to protect your files (e.g., back them up on an external drive) and your operating system (e.g., by employing a reliable anti-malware program). Of course, if the infection slithered in already, you must remove it, and you can do it manually, using the guide above, or you can utilize an anti-malware program. It will simultaneously secure your system and automatically delete Nog4yH4n Project Ransomware along with other threats that might exist.