Decrypt Ransom32: NW.js javascript ransomware removal

Avoid Ransom32, the first-ever crypto infection written in JavaScript, which makes it unique in terms of possible expansion to platforms other than Windows.

Ransomware deployment has turned into a profitable business, where some computer criminals write the code and others distribute the malady at their own risk. The money at stake is huge – the estimates for 2015 alone reach hundreds of millions of dollars. Such an amount of maliciously earned resources, obviously, allows the fraudsters to improve their infrastructure and come up with more advanced samples. Ransom32, for instance, is a trojan that may appear to be a replica of its numerous counterparts, but it turns out unique in several ways. First off, it features a robust tracking mechanism reflected in an intuitive administration panel. Effectively, this is affiliate marketing in its generally accepted form, where virtually anyone interested can sign up, start spreading the threat and get a share of each ransom payment sent by victims.

It’s quite trivial for a malefactor to apply for their custom build. What’s required is a Bitcoin address and some simple toggling work on the dashboard proper. In particular, it’s possible to configure the size of the BTC ransom, postpone the active phase of the attack after contamination, customize the type of the warning message to be displayed, and do a few more tweaks if so desired. Once this preliminary part has been completed, the service will generate the custom ransomware version based on the entered preferences. It is a 22MB WinRAR archive that self-extracts once opened. This is precisely the file that gets attached to phishing emails so that whoever opens them out of curiosity gets infected in a jiffy. Another out-and-outer characteristic of Ransom32 virus is that its executable blatantly named ‘chrome.exe’ is actually NW.js application other than a genuine browser process. NW.js denotes a framework for developing utilities with JavaScript. The most troubling part is about the cross-platform attributes of the code. In other words, it doesn’t have to be restricted to Windows only and may also affect Mac OS X and Linux.

As soon as the virus is executed and its files have been unpacked, it connects to the malign C&C server in order to retrieve the BTC address for ransom payment and obtain the encryption key. It encrypts all of the victim’s personal files while ignoring system data inside such directories as ‘windows’, ‘temp’, etc. Then the trojan triggers a warning message providing information on the ransom payment deadline and other recovery details. The cryptographic algorithm used for locking the user’s documents and media is AES, with a separate 128-bit key getting generated for each file. This key also undergoes encryption, but with RSA. Ultimately, the complex encoding routine is impossible to bypass. There’s no reason to lose heart, however, as there exist techniques to restore the information seized by Ransom32 that don’t presuppose paying.

Ransom32/NW.js ransomware automated removal and data recovery

Owing to an up-to-date database of malware signatures and intelligent behavioral detection, the recommended software can quickly locate the infection, eradicate it and remediate all harmful changes. So go ahead and do the following:

1. Download and install the antimalware tool. Open the solution and have it check your PC for PUPs and other types of malicious software by clicking the Start Computer Scan button

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2. Rest assured the scan report will list all items that may harm your operating system. Select the detected entries and click Fix Threats to get the troubleshooting completed.

Data recovery toolkit to the rescue

Some strains of ransomware are known to delete the original files after the encryption routine has been completed. As hostile as this activity appears, it can play into your hands. There are applications designed to revive the information that was obliterated because of malfunctioning hardware or due to accidental removal. The tool called Stellar Data Recovery features this type of a capability and therefore it can be applied in ransom attack scenarios to at least get the most important files back. So use the app to get an idea of what data can be restored and let it do the recovery job. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

2. Open the application, select the types of recoverable files to look for, and click Next.

3. Choose the areas you want the tool to recover from and click the Scan button.

4. Having scanned the specified locations, the program will display a notification about the total amount of recoverable data. Close the dialog and click the Recover button. This will hopefully help you get some of your valuable files back.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid Ransom32/NW.js ransomware and other file-encrypting infections in the future, follow several simple recommendations:

These techniques are certainly not a cure-all, but they will add an extra layer of ransomware protection to your security setup.

Revise your security status

Post-factum assessment of the accuracy component in malware removal scenarios is a great habit that prevents the comeback of harmful code or replication of its unattended fractions. Make sure you are good to go by running an additional safety checkup. Another benefit of using the antimalware tool is that it will keep ransomware threats from intruding on your computer further on.

Download Ransom32/NW.js ransomware removal tool