.Nppp file extension. Remove Nppp virus. Restore, Decrypt .nppp files.

Nppp file extension

.Nppp file extension is a file extension that is used by the 210th version of the STOP ransomware. Like other ransomware, Nppp virus is created to encrypt the victim’s files, and then demand a ransom for decrypting them. Fortunately, a group of security researchers created a free decryptor. This decryptor can help virus victims decrypt .nppp files. In addition to the decryptor, there are several more methods, each of which can help restore the contents of encrypted files. Read more about this, as well as how to remove Nppp virus and protect your computer from such ransomware below.

Nppp virus

Nppp virus is new version of STOP (Djvu) ransomware. According to security researchers, this version is not much different from previous versions of STOP ransomware, such as Mool and Ooss, which were discovered earlier. The ransomware virus is spread by websites offering to download freeware, key generators, activators, cracked games, torrents and so on.

Upon execution, Nppp creates a folder in the Windows system directory where it places a copy of itself and changes some Windows settings so that it starts up every time the computer is restarted or turned on. The virus collects information about the victim’s computer and then tries to establish a connection with its command server (C&C). If the connection has been established, then it sends information about the infected computer to the server, and in response receives the encryption key (the so-called ‘online key’) and additional commands and malware that must be executed on the victim’s computer. If the virus could not establish a connection with its command server, then it uses a fixed key (the so-called ‘offline key’).

Nppp virus encrypts files using a strong encryption algorithm and a key (‘offline key’ or ‘online key’, as described above). The virus tries to encrypt as many files as possible, for this it only encrypts the first 154kb of the contents of each file and thus significantly speeds up the encryption process. Nppp has the ability to encrypt files on all drives connected to the computer: internal hard drives, flash USB disks, network storage, and so on. It skips without encryption: files located in the Windows system directories, files with the extension .ini, .bat, .dll, .lnk, .sys and files with the name ‘_readme.txt’. The remaining files located on the victim’s computer can be encrypted. For example, the following file types may be the target of ransomware attack:

.fsh, .p12, .wmv, .zabw, .wbk, .py, .csv, .bik, wallet, .wps, .webp, .cr2, .xf, .xlk, .m4a, .big, .rtf, .xld, .z3d, .hkdb, .z, .1st, .raw, .xlsx, .css, .x, .wm, .sum, .mlx, .ztmp, .mp4, .itm, .wb2, .x3f, .wpa, .iwi, .crt, .mdb, .sidn, .mddata, .xy3, .docm, .wp7, .wpt, .doc, .wbd, .xyp, .wmf, .wma, .jpg, .srw, .eps, .2bp, .wps, .wma, .litemod, .forge, .m3u, .y, .1, .wp, .bar, .rofl, .ncf, .docx, .zdc, .dazip, .asset, .wotreplay, .menu, .desc, .wpl, .rwl, .apk, .3fr, .pkpass, .bkp, .avi, .esm, .txt, .zif, .accdb, .wgz, .xlsm, .rgss3a, .w3x, .pak, .das, .kf, .svg, .cer, .xbdoc, .xx, .zip, .slm, .syncdb, .wmd, .xml, .ntl, .x3d, .wpd, .cas, .sie, .xmind, .wbz, .xmmap, .zi, .raf, .jpe, .re4, .odb, .itl, .hplg, .arch00, .pem, .mef, .lbf, .jpeg, .blob, .wpg, .sql, .lvl, .vdf, .wmo, .wcf, .xlsx, .flv, .ptx, .dng, .pdd, .bkf, .srf, .wot, .xwp, .bsa, .odp, .zw, .xlsm, .wn, .wbc, .erf, .qic, .wp6, .wp4, .wmv, .upk, .3dm, .db0, .wpe, .xyw, .xdl, .wbmp, .iwd, .psk, .wsc, .pdf, .pfx, .wpw, .dbf, .pptx, .map, .xls, .tor, .mcmeta, .pptm, .gdb, .ws, .xlgc, .hkx, .yml, .sid, .lrf, .orf, .wsh, .t12, .png, .ai, .mov, .epk, .cfr, .js, .wbm, .wdp, .wdb, .fos, .ppt, .xll, .wpb, .wav, .gho, .vcf, .xpm, .xls, .wire, .layout, .hvpl, .odm, .p7c, .7z, .mpqge, .xxx, .der, .sis, .wsd, .nrw, .dwg, .tax, .icxs, .mrwref, .ysp, .crw, .vpk, .rw2, .ltx, .rar, .dcr, .pst, .x3f, .arw, .xdb, .qdf, .vpp_pc, .sr2, .zip, .wri, .yal, .zdb, .snx, .sb, .m2, .xbplate, .p7b, .psd, .cdr, .ybk, .dxg, .kdc, .ibank, .xar, .wpd, .t13, .sidd, .ods, .rim, .odt, .xlsb, .dba, .ff, .sav, .vfs0, .0, .bay, .mdf, .d3dbsp, .itdb, .fpk, .mdbackup, .dmp, .3ds, .wp5, .rb, .indd, .bc6, .bc7, .vtf, .kdb, .r3d, .webdoc, .odc

Nppp encrypts file-by-file. Each file that has been encrypted will be renamed, the .nppp extension will be added at the end of its name. Thus, it marks all encrypted files. In every directory where there is at least one encrypted file, the virus places a file named ‘_readme.txt’. The file contains a message from Nppp authors. An example of the contents of this file is given below.

This message says that all files on the computer are encrypted and the only way to decrypt them is to buy a key and a decryptor from the authors of Nppp virus. That is, criminals demand a ransom for unlocking the victim’s files. The size of the ransom is $980, but if the victim is ready to pay the ransom within 72 hours, then its size is halved to $490. Attackers offer victims to verify that encrypted files can be decrypted. To do this, the victim must send them a small file to one of the email addresses specified in the ‘_readme.txt’ file. Of course, it is obvious that a single decrypted file cannot guarantee that after paying the ransom, the criminals will provide the victim with a working key and decryptor.

Threat Summary

Name	Nppp
Type	Crypto malware, Ransomware, File locker, Crypto virus, Filecoder
Encrypted files extension	.nppp
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Contact	helpdatarestore@firemail.cc, helpmanager@mail.ch
Ransom amount	$980/$490 in Bitcoins
Detection Names	Trojan.Ransom.Stop, Trojan/Win32.Glupteba, FileRepMetagen [Malware], TR/Crypt.Agent.eieap, W32.AIDetectVM.malware, Trojan.GenericKD.33296297 (B), Win32/Kryptik.HBFZ, Trojan.TR/Crypt.Agent.eieap, Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.kn, Win32/Trojan.Ransom.752
Symptoms	When you try to open your file, Windows notifies that you do not have permission to open this file. All of your files have a odd file extension appended to the filenames. Files named like ‘_readme.txt’, ‘#_README_#’, ‘_DECRYPT_’ or ‘recover’ in each folder with at least one encrypted file.. Ransom note displayed on your desktop.
Distribution ways	Unsolicited emails that are used to deliver malicious software. Exploit kits (cybercriminals use ransomware virus packaged in an ‘exploit kit’ that can find a vulnerability in PDF reader, Adobe Flash Player, Internet browser, MS Windows operating system). Social media posts (they can be used to trick users to download malware with a built-in ransomware downloader or click a misleading link). USB keys containing malware.
Removal	Nppp virus removal guide
Decryption	STOP (Nppp) decryptor

 

How to remove Nppp virus, Recover, Decrypt .nppp files

Security researchers confirm the words of the authors of Nppp virus. All files with the extension ‘.Nppp’ are encrypted and thus cannot be read and used. The only way to decrypt them is to use the key and the decryptor. Fortunately, there is some good news. As we already reported above, Nppp virus belongs to STOP ransomware family, which means that you can use the free decryptor created by Emsisoft to decrypt the encrypted files. Even if the decryptor does not help, there are some alternative ways that can help restore the contents of the encrypted files. To learn more about decrypting files, simply scroll down to section ‘How to decrypt .nppp files’. Read the entire manual carefully. To make it easier for you to follow the instructions, we recommend that you print it or open it on your smartphone.

1. How to remove Nppp ransomware virus
2. How to decrypt .nppp files
3. How to restore .nppp files
4. How to protect your machine from Nppp ransomware

How to remove Nppp ransomware virus

Finding and removing ransomware components manually is very difficult, so we recommend using free malware removal tools. Moreover, it is desirable to use not one, but several utilities. Even if it seems to you that there is no ransomware on the computer, it does not mean anything. The virus may start encrypting the files again the next time you turn on or restart the computer. You must be completely sure that Nppp has been removed, and also that there is no other malware on the computer. Below we provide a list of recommended tools with brief instructions.

Remove Nppp ransomware virus with Zemana Anti-Malware (ZAM)

Zemana highly recommended, because it can locate security threats such Nppp ransomware, other malware and trojans that most ‘classic’ antivirus software fail to pick up on. Moreover, if you have any Nppp removal problems which cannot be fixed by this tool automatically, then Zemana Anti-Malware (ZAM) provides 24X7 online assistance from the highly experienced support staff.

Download Zemana Anti Malware (ZAM) from the following link.

After the downloading process is done, close all programs and windows on your system. Open a directory in which you saved it. Double-click on the icon that’s called Zemana.AntiMalware.Setup as displayed in the figure below.

When the installation begins, you will see the “Setup wizard” which will help you install Zemana Anti-Malware on your system.

Once installation is complete, you will see window as shown in the following example.

Now click the “Scan” button . Zemana AntiMalware (ZAM) program will scan through the whole system for the Nppp crypto virus and other security threats. Depending on your PC, the scan can take anywhere from a few minutes to close to an hour. During the scan Zemana will look for threats present on your system.

After Zemana has finished scanning your PC system, it will display the Scan Results. When you are ready, click “Next” button.

The Zemana Anti Malware will remove Nppp crypto virus, other kinds of potential threats such as malware and trojans.

Remove Nppp with MalwareBytes Anti-Malware

Get rid of Nppp crypto malware manually is difficult and often the crypto malware is not completely removed. Therefore, we suggest you to use the MalwareBytes Anti Malware (MBAM) which are completely clean your computer. Moreover, this free program will allow you to delete malicious software, potentially unwanted programs, toolbars and adware software that your computer can be infected too.

Installing the MalwareBytes Anti-Malware is simple. First you will need to download MalwareBytes Anti Malware by clicking on the link below. Save it to your Desktop so that you can access the file easily.

After the download is finished, close all software and windows on your system. Open a directory in which you saved it. Double-click on the icon that’s called mb3-setup as displayed on the image below.

When the setup begins, you will see the “Setup wizard” which will help you install Malwarebytes on your PC.

Once install is finished, you’ll see window as on the image below.

Now click the “Scan Now” button . MalwareBytes Free utility will start scanning the whole personal computer to find out Nppp crypto malware, other malicious software, worms and trojans. When a threat is detected, the number of the security threats will change accordingly.

After MalwareBytes AntiMalware (MBAM) completes the scan, MalwareBytes will display you the results. Review the scan results and then click “Quarantine Selected” button.

The Malwarebytes will now delete Nppp crypto malware, other malicious software, worms and trojans and move items to the program’s quarantine. Once disinfection is done, you may be prompted to restart your computer.

The following video explains steps on how to uninstall browser hijacker infection, adware and other malicious software with MalwareBytes Free.

Run KVRT to remove Nppp ransomware from the computer

Kaspersky virus removal tool (KVRT) is a free portable program that scans your PC system for spyware, ransomware viruses, adware software, PUPs, trojans, worms, malware and allows delete them easily. Moreover, it’ll also allow you delete any other security threats for free.

Download Kaspersky virus removal tool (KVRT) on your PC from the following link.

Once the downloading process is complete, double-click on the KVRT icon. Once initialization procedure is done, you’ll see the Kaspersky virus removal tool screen as shown on the image below.

Click Change Parameters and set a check near all your drives. Press OK to close the Parameters window. Next click Start scan button to perform a system scan for the Nppp ransomware virus . When a malware, adware or PUPs are found, the count of the security threats will change accordingly. Wait until the the checking is finished.

After Kaspersky virus removal tool has completed scanning your PC, KVRT will open you the results as on the image below.

All found threats will be marked. You can remove them all by simply click on Continue to begin a cleaning task.

How to decrypt .nppp files

As we already reported above, files with .nppp extension are files that have been encrypted by Nppp virus. Their contents will remain locked until decrypted using the decryptor and the key. Fortunately, there is a free decryptor that can decrypt .nppp files. Below we provide instructions on where to download and how to use this decryptor.

To decrypt .nppp files, use free STOP (nppp) decryptor

• Download STOP (nppp) decryptor from the following link.
  STOP Djvu decryptor
• Scroll down to ‘New Djvu ransomware’ section.
• Click the download link and save the decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe file to your desktop.
• Run decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe, read the license terms and instructions.
• On the ‘Decryptor’ tab, using the ‘Add a folder’ button, add the directory or disk where the encrypted files are located.
• Click the ‘Decrypt’ button.

Unfortunately, at the moment, this decryptor is able to decrypt only files encrypted with an offline key, as Emsisoft found a way to find this key. Files encrypted with an online key cannot yet be decrypted. The online key is unique to each infected computer, and at the moment there is no way to find this key. Of course, the authors of Nppp virus own this key, but we do not think that paying a ransom is the right way to decrypt .nppp files. In the case when the files are encrypted with an online key, there is a chance to restore the encrypted files using alternative methods, which are described below.

How to find out which key was used to encrypt files

Since STOP (Nppp) decryptor only decrypts files encrypted with the offline key, each Nppp’s victim needs to find out which key was used to encrypt the files. Determining the type of key used is not difficult. Below we give two ways. Use any of them.

Find out the type of key using ‘_readme.txt’ file

• Open the ransom demand message (‘_readme.txt’ file).
• Scroll down to the end of the file.
• There you will see a line with the text ‘Your personal ID’.
• Below is a line of characters that starts with ‘0210’ – this is your personal id.

Find out the type of key using ‘PersonalID.txt’ file

• Open disk C.
• Open directory ‘SystemID’.
• Open file named ‘PersonalID.txt’. This file lists ‘Personal ID’s that match the keys that the virus used to encrypt files.

The ‘Personal ID’ is not a key, it is an identifier related to a key that was used to encrypt files. If the ID ends with ‘t1’, then the files are encrypted with an offline key. If the ID does not end with ‘t1’, Nppp virus used an online key. If you could not figure out how to determine which key was used to encrypt files, then we can help. Just write a request here or in the comments below.

What to do if STOP (Nppp) decryptor says “No key for New Variant offline ID”

If during decryption of .nppp files the decryptor reports No key for New Variant offline ID, then this means the following: your files are encrypted with an ‘offline key’, but the key itself has not yet been found by security researchers, in this case, you need to be patient and wait a while, in addition, you can also use alternative ways for recovering encrypted data. It is impossible to say exactly when the ‘offline key’ will be determined. Sometimes it takes several days, sometimes more. We recommend that you try to decrypt .nppp files from time to time. You can also use alternative ways listed below for recovering encrypted data.

What to do if STOP (Nppp) decryptor says “No key for New Variant online ID”

If, when you try to decrypt .nppp files, the decryptor reports No key for New Variant online ID, then this means that your files are encrypted with an ‘online key’ and their decryption is impossible, since only the Nppp authors have the key necessary for decryption. In this case, you need to use alternative methods listed below to restore the contents of encrypted files.

How to restore .nppp files

As we mentioned above, in addition to using the free decryptor, there are several more methods for recovering encrypted files. These methods do not require the use of a decryptor and a key, and therefore are suitable for all cases when the virus used an online key, and for the case when the virus used an offline key. It is very important to check your computer for malware before you try to recover encrypted files. You must be 100% sure that Nppp virus is completely removed. To scan your computer for ransomware, use free malware removal tools.

Use ShadowExplorer to restore .nppp files

The Microsoft Windows has a feature called ‘Shadow Volume Copies’ that can help you to recover .nppp files encrypted by the ransomware. A small tool called ShadowExplorer will allow you to easily access the Shadow copies and restore the encrypted files to their original state. Unfortunately, the ransomware can delete these Shadow copies before it starts encrypting files. Therefore, if ShadowExplorer did not help you, then try another method, which is given below.

Download ShadowExplorer on your PC system by clicking on the following link.

When the downloading process is done, open a directory in which you saved it. Right click to ShadowExplorer-0.9-portable and select Extract all. Follow the prompts. Next please open the ShadowExplorerPortable folder such as the one below.

Double click ShadowExplorerPortable to start it. You will see the a window similar to the one below.

In top left corner, select a Drive where encrypted photos, documents and music are stored and a latest restore point as shown below (1 – drive, 2 – restore point).

On right panel look for a file that you wish to restore, right click to it and select Export like below.

Restore .nppp files with PhotoRec

The last chance to restore encrypted files to their original state is using data recovery tools. We recommend a program called PhotoRec. It has all the necessary functions to restore the contents of encrypted files. It helped many victims recover data when it seemed like there was no more hope.

Download PhotoRec on your PC system from the link below.

When the download is done, open a directory in which you saved it. Right click to testdisk-7.0.win and select Extract all. Follow the prompts. Next please open the testdisk-7.0 folder such as the one below.

Double click on qphotorec_win to run PhotoRec for Microsoft Windows. It will show a screen as displayed on the image below.

Choose a drive to recover as displayed below.

You will see a list of available partitions. Choose a partition that holds encrypted files as displayed below.

Click File Formats button and choose file types to recover. You can to enable or disable the restore of certain file types. When this is finished, click OK button.

Next, click Browse button to choose where restored photos, documents and music should be written, then click Search.

Count of restored files is updated in real time. All restored documents, photos and music are written in a folder that you have selected on the previous step. You can to access the files even if the recovery process is not finished.

When the recovery is done, click on Quit button. Next, open the directory where recovered personal files are stored. You will see a contents such as the one below.

All recovered photos, documents and music are written in recup_dir.1, recup_dir.2 … sub-directories. If you are searching for a specific file, then you can to sort your recovered files by extension and/or date/time.

How to protect your machine from Nppp ransomware?

Most antivirus programs already have built-in protection system against the crypto virus. Therefore, if your PC does not have an antivirus program, make sure you install it. As an extra protection, use the HitmanPro.Alert. All-in-all, HitmanPro.Alert is a fantastic tool to protect your machine from any ransomware. If ransomware is detected, then HitmanPro.Alert automatically neutralizes malware and restores the encrypted files. HitmanPro.Alert is compatible with all versions of Windows operating system from Windows XP to Windows 10.

Download HitmanPro Alert by clicking on the link below.

When the downloading process is finished, open the directory in which you saved it. You will see an icon like below.

Double click the HitmanPro Alert desktop icon. Once the tool is launched, you will be shown a window where you can select a level of protection, like the one below.

Now click the Install button to activate the protection.

Finish words

This guide was created to help all victims of Nppp ransomware virus. We tried to give answers to the following questions: how to remove ransomware; how to decrypt .nppp files; how to recover files, if STOP (nppp) decryptor does not help; what is an online key and what is an offline key. We hope that the information presented in this manual has helped you.

If you have questions, then write to us, leaving a comment below. If you need more help with Nppp related issues, go to here.