What is Npph file extension
.Npph file extension is an extension that a new malware belonging to the STOP (Djvu) ransomware family appends to each encrypted file. Therefore, a malware that changes the file extension to ‘.npph’ is called “Npph ransomware”. This malware encrypts files on a computer, changes the name of encrypted files and creates many files with the name “_readme.txt” and the same contents, each of these files contains a ransom request. The Npph ransomware authors demand a ransom in exchange for a key and a decryptor, which are necessary to decrypt the encrypted files. Some time ago, security researchers created a program to help decrypt files encrypted with the STOP (Djvu) ransomware, and since Npph is one of the variants of this ransomware, you can use this program as a Npph File Decrypt Tool.
Screenshot of files encrypted by Npph virus (‘.npph’ file extension)
Unfortunately, Npph File Decrypt Tool cannot help in all cases of ransomware infection, so our team has developed several more methods that can help restore the contents of encrypted files for free.
What is Npph ransomware
Npph ransomware is a malicious program designed to encrypt files on a victim’s computer. As we said above, this malware belongs to the STOP (Djvu) family and is already the 251th variant of the STOP (Djvu) ransomware. Almost always, this malware penetrates the computer undetected when the user runs files downloaded from unsafe websites. The most common source of infection are cracked games, Windows and Microsoft Office activators, and other similar software.
Upon execution, Npph copies itself to the Windows system directory, changes some OS settings and collects information about the infected computer. Then the malware tries to establish a connection with its control server. If the connection was established, the Npph ransomware sends information about the infected computer to the server. The server processes the received information, and then sends the key, which must be used to encrypt files. Such an encryption key is called an online key and this key is unique for every ransomware infection. If the malware was unable to establish a connection with its server, then it uses a fixed key, and this key is the same for all infected computers (so-called ‘offline key’).
The type of key is a very important point, since at the moment only files encrypted with an offline key can be decrypted, and only after the key is obtained by the security researchers. Security researchers have already obtained many offline keys for different variants of the STOP (Djvu) ransomware.
What is Npph file
A file with the extension “Npph” is a file encrypted by the Npph ransomware. This means that the file is locked, its contents cannot be accessed in any way. If you rename the file, delete its extension, it will not be able to unlock its contents, it will remain encrypted. This is because the malware uses an encryption algorithm with a long key, so it is impossible to find out this key or determine it using an encrypted and unencrypted file. This ransomware encrypts all files located on the computer, which means that files located on local disks and files on connected network storage will be encrypted. Each encrypted file gets a new name, which consists of its old and the “.npph” extension appended to the right. There is a small exception, the malware does not encrypt files with the name “_readme.txt”, files located in the Windows system directories, as well as files that have the “.dll, .lnk, .bat, ini, .sys” extension. Thus, the following types of files can be encrypted:
.wp4, .sid, .pef, .wotreplay, .ncf, .xlsx, .zdc, .dbf, .cer, .xdb, .pdd, .xxx, .zw, .cfr, .x3f, .lbf, .webdoc, .zi, .tax, .z3d, .cas, wallet, .mp4, .slm, .wsh, .wp7, .wpb, .vtf, .mdbackup, .ai, .forge, .pak, .wma, .r3d, .xar, .wp, .wbk, .t13, .xx, .xmind, .wcf, .d3dbsp, .7z, .srf, .wmd, .indd, .wps, .fpk, .wbd, .snx, .qdf, .wp6, .flv, .dcr, .ltx, .ppt, .map, .zip, .jpg, .xbdoc, .xld, .pem, .vpp_pc, .wn, .odc, .pst, .1st, .syncdb, .wsc, .dmp, .3ds, .xlsb, .mcmeta, .yml, .mdf, .vcf, .wmv, .raw, .wbc, .avi, .ntl, .rofl, .mrwref, .xls, .wmv, .css, .webp, .gdb, .hkx, .wot, .dba, .das, .wb2, .eps, .wdp, .wav, .wire, .mov, .re4, .fos, .pptm, .pptx, .kdc, .lrf, .mpqge, .rim, .accdb, .psk, .arw, .xlsm, .x3d, .zabw, .blob, .db0, .odm, .xml, .bik, .svg, .mddata, .itm, .ws, .ptx, .bkp, .sum, .x, .hplg, .doc, .pkpass, .wgz, .dwg, .cr2, .sidn, .desc, .vpk, .ods, .js, .py, .docx, .mlx, .gho, .odt, .sr2, .xpm, .xlgc, .wri, .wpd, .tor, .bc6, .esm, .ybk, .wmf, .litemod, .wbm, .itdb, .p7c, .wdb, .xlsm, .apk, .icxs, .xwp, .xyw, .vfs0, .sb, .bkf, .t12, .z, .ysp, .wpe, .sis, .nrw, .txt, .bar, .bay, .xlk, .rtf, .rar, .wpw, .menu, .wma, .xyp, .psd, .raf, .csv, .sidd, .fsh, .x3f, .crw, .wpl, .p12, .sav, .xmmap, .mdb, .itl, .wbmp, .erf, .jpeg, .xll, .upk, .orf, .wps, .png, .y, .m4a, .iwi, .crt, .sql, .kdb, .dxg, .lvl, .wpt, .xls, .rw2, .epk, .dng, .kf, .odp, .qic, .der, .wsd, .3dm, .p7b, .hkdb, .m2, .wpg, .3fr, .xdl, .hvpl, .ff, .ibank, .rgss3a, .sie, .pdf, .rwl, .pfx, .m3u, .1, .zif, .asset, .xf, .docm, .dazip
In directories where there are encrypted files, the Npph ransomware drops files called “_readme.txt”. These files contain a message from the Npph authors. The content of all files with this name is the same and does not depend on which directory the file is in.
Screenshot of the contents of ‘_readme.txt’ file (ransom demand message)
This file is a ransom demand message. Almost any ransomware leaves a similar message on the infected computer. In this message, the criminals report that the files on the computer are encrypted and demand a ransom in exchange for the key and the decryptor. The Npph authors demand $980 for a key and a decryptor pair, but at the same time they promise to reduce the ransom by half if the ransom is paid within 72 hours. To demonstrate to the owner of an infected computer that encrypted files can be decrypted, attackers offer the victim to send one encrypted file to the address specified in the ransom request. Attackers promise to decrypt this file for free.
The full text of the ransomnote is:
ATTENTION!
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like pictures, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-67ue5AWKVu
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.
Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
helpmanager@mail.chReserve e-mail address to contact us:
restoremanager@airmail.ccYour personal ID:
Threat Summary
| Name | Npph ransomware, Npph file virus |
| Type | Filecoder, Crypto malware, File locker, Ransomware, Crypto virus |
| Encrypted files extension | .npph |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Contact | helpmanager@mail.ch, restoremanager@airmail.cc |
| Ransom amount | $490, $980 in Bitcoins |
| Detection Names | Trojan:Win32/Kryptik.2a63c418, Trojan.Ransom.Stop, W32/Kryptik.BWP.gen!Eldorado, Win32.Trojan-Ransom.STOP.QS8JTJ, HEUR:Exploit.Win32.Shellcode.gen, Ransom:Win32/STOP.BS!MTB, Trojan.Kryptik!1.C9E5 (CLASSIC), TROJ_GEN.R002H0CIF20 |
| Symptoms | Unable to open documents, photos and music. Your documents, photos and music now have a different extension. Files called like ‘_readme.txt’, ‘#_README_#’, ‘_DECRYPT_’ or ‘recover’ in each folder with at least one encrypted file.. You have received instructions for paying the ransom. |
| Distribution ways | Phishing emails that look like they come from a reliable source. Malicious downloads that happen without a user’s knowledge when they visit a compromised web-site. Social media, such as web-based instant messaging applications. Remote desktop protocol (RDP) hacking. |
| Removal | Npph ransomware removal guide |
| Decryption | Npph File Decrypt Tool |
| Recovery | Npph File Recovery Tools |
According to the security researchers, the Npph ransomware uses a strong encryption algorithm and therefore it is impossible to decrypt .npph files without a key. Fortunately, there is a Npph File Decrypt Tool that can decrypt files, but only if the files are encrypted with an offline key and the key itself has already been found. Moreover, our team has developed several methods, each of which gives a chance to restore the contents of encrypted files. But in any case, before you try to decrypt .npph files or restore the contents of encrypted files, you need to remove the Npph ransomware or be 100% sure that the malware is completely deleted. In order not to miss any important part of this manual, we recommend that you open it in your smartphone or bookmark this page.
How to remove Npph ransomware, Decrypt/Recover .npph files
- How to remove Npph ransomware
- How to decrypt .npph files
- How to restore .npph files
- How to protect your PC system from Npph ransomware
How to remove Npph ransomware
Before you start decrypting or recovering .npph files, you need to remove Npph ransomware and its autostart entries. This must be done since otherwise the ransomware may re-encrypt the restored files. You can stop the ransomware from working, as it is not difficult to do. Another option is to perform a full system scan using free malware removal tools capable of detecting and removing ransomware infection.
It is very important to scan the computer for malware, as security researchers found that spyware could be installed on the infected computer along with the Npph ransomware. Spyware is a very dangerous security threat as it is designed to steal the user’s personal information such as passwords, logins, contact details, etc. If you have any difficulty removing the Npph virus, then let us know in the comments, we will try to help you.
To remove Npph ransomware, follow the steps below:
- Kill the Npph ransomware process
- Disable the Npph ransomware Start-Up
- Delete the Npph ransomware Task
- Delete the Npph ransomware File
- Scan computer for malware
Kill the Npph ransomware process
Press CTRL, ALT, DEL keys together.
Click Task Manager. Select the “Processes” tab, look for something suspicious that is the Npph ransomware then right-click it and select “End Task” or “End Process” option. If your Task Manager does not open or the Windows reports “Task manager has been disabled by your administrator”, then follow the guide: How to Fix Task manager has been disabled by your administrator.
It is not difficult to detect a process related to the Npph ransomware. When looking for a malicious process, pay attention to the process icon and its name. Most often, this ransomware has a process name in the following format: 4-characters.tmp.exe or 4-characters.exe. For example: 7533.tmp.exe, A4b1.exe, CD15.tmp.exe, 19b2.exe. If you do not find a process with a similar name in the list of processes, then most likely the Npph ransomware has finished working. But keep in mind, if you do not remove the ransomware autostart entries, as demonstrated below, and do not delete its file, then after a while it may start again, and if it finds unencrypted files, immediately encrypt them.
Disable the Npph ransomware Start-Up
Select the “Start-Up” tab, look for something similar to the one shown in the example below, right click to it and select Disable.
Close Task Manager.
Delete the Npph ransomware Task
Type “Task Scheduler” in the search bar. Click Task Scheduler app in the search results. Click “Task Scheduler Library” in the left panel. On the right panel, right-click to “Time Trigger Task” and select Delete.
Close Task Scheduler.
Delete the Npph ransomware File
Run Task Manager and select the “Start-Up” tab. Right click to the Npph ransomware Start-Up entry and select Open File Location as shown below.
A directory containing one file will open in front of you, this file is the Npph ransomware. It needs to be removed. If you try to delete it immediately, then you will not succeed, since this file is protected from deletion.
To delete this file, you need to do the following. Right-click on the file, select Properties. In the window that opens, select Security tab. Next, click the Advanced button below. A window will open as shown in the following example.
Click Disable inheritance. In the Block inheritance dialog box that opens, select the first item (Convert inherited permissions…) as shown below.
In the Permission entries list, select “Deny Everyone”, click Remove button and then OK. Close the file properties window. You should now be able to remove the Npph ransomware File. Right-click on the file and select Delete.
Scan computer for malware
Zemana Anti Malware (ZAM) is a complete package of antimalware utilities that can help you remove the Npph virus. Despite so many features, it does not reduce the performance of your personal computer. Zemana can be used to remove almost all the forms of malware including ransomware, trojans, worms, adware, browser hijackers, potentially unwanted apps and other security threats. Zemana AntiMalware has real-time protection that can defeat most malware and ransomware. You can run Zemana with any other antivirus software without any conflicts.
Please go to the following link to download the latest version of Zemana Free for Windows. Save it to your Desktop so that you can access the file easily.
164105 downloads
Author: Zemana Ltd
Category: Security tools
Update: July 16, 2019
When the downloading process is complete, close all software and windows on your PC system. Open a directory in which you saved it. Double-click on the icon that’s called Zemana.AntiMalware.Setup as shown on the screen below.
When the setup starts, you will see the “Setup wizard” which will allow you install Zemana on your PC system.
Once setup is complete, you will see window like below.
Now click the “Scan” button . Zemana Anti-Malware (ZAM) program will scan through the whole computer for the Npph crypto virus, other malicious software, worms and trojans. This process can take quite a while, so please be patient. While the utility is scanning, you can see number of objects and files has already scanned.
Once Zemana has completed scanning your personal computer, Zemana Free will display a scan report. In order to delete all items, simply click “Next” button.
The Zemana will start to delete Npph ransomware related folders,files and registry keys.
In order to be 100% sure that the computer no longer has the Ogdo malware, we recommend using the Kaspersky virus removal tool (KVRT). It is a free removal tool that may be downloaded and use to remove ransomware, adware, spyware, trojans, worms, PUPs, malicious software and other security threats from your computer. You can use this tool to search for threats even if you have an antivirus or any other security program.
Download Kaspersky virus removal tool (KVRT) by clicking on the following link.
129082 downloads
Author: Kaspersky® lab
Category: Security tools
Update: March 5, 2018
Once the download is finished, double-click on the KVRT icon. Once initialization procedure is done, you will see the KVRT screen as shown on the screen below.
Click Change Parameters and set a check near all your drives. Click OK to close the Parameters window. Next press Start scan button to perform a system scan with this utility for the Npph ransomware virus and other malicious software. This task may take some time, so please be patient.
After finished, the results are displayed in the scan report like below.
Review the scan results and then click on Continue to begin a cleaning procedure.
How to decrypt .npph files
All files with .npph extension are encrypted and the only way to access their contents is to decrypt them. To decrypt .npph files, you need to use a unique key and decryptor. As we said above, Emsisoft company was able to create a decryptor and found a way in some cases to determine the key that was used to encrypt the files. This helps ransomware victims to decrypt .npph files for free.
Npph File Decrypt Tool (STOP Djvu decryptor)
To decrypt .npph files, use Npph File Decrypt Tool
- Download Npph File Decrypt Tool 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.
Npph File Decrypt Tool is a free tool that can decrypt files that were encrypted with an offline key, as Emsisoft found a way to find this key. Unfortunately, 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, criminals have this key, but we do not think that paying a ransom is a way to decrypt .npph 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
Below we show two ways to help you determine what type of key was used to encrypt the files. This is very important, since the type of key determines whether it is possible to decrypt .npph files for free. We recommend using the second method, as it is more accurate.
Personal ID is highlighted here
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 ‘0251’ – 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’, Npph ransomware 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.
Npph File Decrypt Tool : “No key for New Variant online ID”
If, when you try to decrypt .npph files, Npph File Decrypt Tool reports:
No key for New Variant online ID: *
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible
It means that your files are encrypted with an ‘online key’ and their decryption is impossible, since only the npph 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.
Npph File Decrypt Tool : “No key for New Variant offline ID”
If, during decryption of .npph files, Npph File Decrypt Tool reports:
No key for New Variant offline ID: *t1
Notice: this ID appears be an offline ID, decryption MAY be possible in the future.
It means the following: your files are encrypted with an ‘offline key’, but the key itself has not yet been obtained 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.
If for some reason you were unable to decrypt the encrypted files, then We recommend to follow the news on our Facebook or YouTube channels. So you ‘ll know right away that it ‘s possible to decrypt .npph files.
This video step-by-step guide will demonstrate How to remove Npph ransomware, Decrypt/Recover .npph files.
How to restore .npph files
If your files are encrypted with .npph extension, then there is a chance that you can recover the files without decryption. We recommend using PhotoRec and ShadowExplorer that are designed to find and recover lost and deleted data. Mostly such programs are paid, but these tools can restore your files for free. Each of these tools has helped many times to recover files after ransomware infection in what would seem to be the most hopeless cases. We want to remind you that before you try to recover files, you need to scan your computer for ransomware using free malware removal tools. It is very important to find the Npph virus and completely remove it.
Use ShadowExplorer to recover .npph files
A free utility called ShadowExplorer is a simple way to use the ‘Previous Versions’ feature of Microsoft Windows 10 (8, 7 , Vista). You can restore photos, documents and music encrypted by the Npph ransomware from Shadow Copies for free.
Please go to the link below to download the latest version of ShadowExplorer for Windows. Save it to your Desktop so that you can access the file easily.
438805 downloads
Author: ShadowExplorer.com
Category: Security tools
Update: September 15, 2019
After downloading is finished, extract the saved file to a folder on your personal computer. This will create the necessary files like below.
Start the ShadowExplorerPortable program. Now select a drive (1) and a date (2) that you want to restore from such as the one below.
On right panel navigate to the file (folder) you want to recover. Right-click to the file or folder and click the Export button as shown on the screen below.
And finally, specify a directory (your Desktop) to save the shadow copy of encrypted file and click ‘OK’ button.
This video step-by-step guide will demonstrate How to recover encrypted files using Shadow Explorer.
Recover .npph files with PhotoRec
The last chance to restore encrypted files to their original state is using data recovery tools. We recommend a free tool 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 from the link below.
After the downloading process is done, open a directory in which you saved it. Right click to testdisk-7.0.win and choose Extract all. Follow the prompts. Next please open the testdisk-7.0 folder as shown on the screen below.
Double click on qphotorec_win to run PhotoRec for Microsoft Windows. It’ll open a screen as shown in the figure below.
Choose a drive to recover as displayed on the screen below.
You will see a list of available partitions. Select a partition that holds encrypted files as on the image below.
Click File Formats button and select file types to recover. You can to enable or disable the recovery of certain file types. When this is finished, press OK button.
Next, click Browse button to select where restored documents, photos and music should be written, then click Search. We strongly recommend that you save the recovered files to an external drive.
Count of recovered files is updated in real time. All recovered documents, photos and music are written in a folder that you have chosen on the previous step. You can to access the files even if the restore process is not finished.
When the recovery is complete, click on Quit button. Next, open the directory where recovered personal files are stored. You will see a contents as shown below.
All recovered personal files 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.
This video step-by-step guide will demonstrate How to recover encrypted files using PhotoRec.
How to protect your PC system from Npph ransomware
Most antivirus applications already have built-in protection system against the ransomware. Therefore, if your computer does not have an antivirus program, make sure you install it. As an extra protection, run the HitmanPro.Alert. All-in-all, HitmanPro.Alert is a fantastic tool to protect your PC 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 MS Windows operating system from MS Windows XP to Windows 10.
Please go to the following link to download HitmanPro Alert. Save it on your Desktop.
Once the downloading process is finished, open the folder in which you saved it. You will see an icon like below.
Double click the HitmanPro Alert desktop icon. After the utility is started, you will be displayed a window where you can choose a level of protection, as shown on the screen below.
Now press the Install button to activate the protection.
To sum up
This guide was created to help all victims of the Npph ransomware virus. We tried to give answers to the following questions: how to remove ransomware; how to decrypt .npph files; how to recover files, if the Npph File Decrypt Tool 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 Npph related issues, go to here.
hi, i cant seem to be able to get past the first step. Task Manager is disabled
Use the following guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IItmuPhY0WA
Is there no way of getting my data back if the encryption key was online?
if the files are encrypted with an online key, it is impossible to decrypt them, since only the authors of the virus have the decryption key. Try to restore the encrypted files using PhotoRec and ShadowExplorer.