How to Remove Nhtnwcuf Ransomware

How to Remove Nhtnwcuf Ransomware?

Readers recently started to report the following message being displayed when they boot their computer:

    […]
    After purchasing a software package with the unique decryption key you’ll be able to:
    * Decrypt all your files
    * Work with your documents
    * View your photos and other media content
    Continue habitual and comfortable work at your computer
    […]

The Nhtnwcuf Virus is a dangerous file-encrypting program. Also known as ransomware. Those of you who have already had to deal with ransomware are probably cringing already. Today’s article is focused on one of the newest ransomware infections. Nhtnwcuf was discovered just a couple of days ago. However, it’s no virus to be taken lightly. This program encrypts your personal files and demands a ransom. That is how ransomware works, unfortunately. You’ve managed to get stuck with a notoriously harmful, vicious parasite. Keep in mind that ransomware is also incredibly sneaky. Don’t be too harsh on yourself when you come across this program’s unwanted presence. You only need one single moment of haste to compromise your PC. What you have to do right now is delete the virus and make sure you never fall victim to ransomware again. Nhtnwcuf slithers itself on board behind your back. It then starts scanning the machine in order to find your files. All your files. That includes a huge variety of formats and, inevitably, leads to a mess. The parasite locates all your pictures, music files, videos, documents, etc. It targets every single bit of information stored on your machine. Most people keep some very important data there. That’s precisely what crooks hope for. You see, the more files Nhtnwcuf finds, the bigger damage it causes. Once your data is located, encryption begins. This program uses a complicated algorithm to lock your information. It successfully modifies all your precious files. Thanks to its strong encrypting cipher, your files become useless. Nhtnwcuf adds one of two file extensions – .mkf and .ije. The virus uses a .nwy extension for your .zip files. As you can see, no type of data remains free. If you see a random file appendix, the encryption process has ended. And your headache is yet to begin. Ransomware holds your information hostage. It denies you access to your very own files on your own computer. Nasty, isn’t it? Things are about to get even worse, though. Nhtnwcuf also drops a  !_RECOVERY_HELP_!.txt file giving you instructions. Yes, crooks want you to comply. The people who locked your files demand that you pay a certain sum of money as a ransom. Does that seem to be a fair deal? It isn’t. Furthermore, even paying the ransom wouldn’t guarantee you a decryptor. Hackers would just ignore your attempts to restore your data. The only effect you would get it sponsoring their malicious business. Keep your money and don’t be gullible.

How did I get infected with?

Despite being destructive, ransomware programs need to get properly installed first. That means you have given your permission to this pest. The thing is, you don’t have to be aware that you download a virus. It’s a very simple scheme, actually. Hackers attach malware to some seemingly harmless email. For example, a fake job application. You may also receive a bogus email from a shipping company. If you click it open, that is it. You loose a vicious infection without even knowing that you do. To prevent virus infiltration, be careful online. If you receive some random email/message, stay away from it. This is one of the oldest infiltration techniques out there. However, it is still impressively effective. Another method involves unverified freeware and shareware bundles. You may also infect your device by installing malicious torrents or program updates. Watch out for potential intruders every time you surf the Web. There is an endless pile of harmful parasites online. It is your job and yours only to protect your PC from all of them. Do not underestimate any infection and think in advance. If something doesn’t look trustworthy to you, stay away from it.

Why is Nhtnwcuf dangerous?

Your data gets renamed. It changes format which means the computer won’t be able to recognize it. We would recommend that you keep backups of your files. That way, a tricky piece of malware such as Nhtnwcuf can’t cause you harm. This program locks your important information in attempts to scam you. This is nothing but a cyber fraud which could cost you a hefty sum of money. Every cent crooks gain will be used for more infections to be developed. Instead of freeing your files, paying would just help hackers gain illegal profit at your expense. Forget about the decryption key they promise. Ransomware is a deceptive, harmful infection. It has to be uninstalled ASAP. To delete Nhtnwcuf manually, please follow our detailed removal guide down below.

Nhtnwcuf Removal Instructions

STEP 1: Kill the Malicious Process

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

STEP 3: Locate Startup Location

STEP 4: Recover Nhtnwcuf Encrypted Files

STEP 1: Stop the malicious process using Windows Task Manager

• Open your task Manager by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+ESC keys simultaneously
• Locate the process of the ransomware. Have in mind that this is usually a random generated file.
• Before you kill the process, type the name on a text document for later reference.

• Locate any suspicious processes associated with Nhtnwcuf encryption Virus.
• Right click on the process
• Open File Location
• End Process
• Delete the directories with the suspicious files.
• Have in mind that the process can be hiding and very difficult to detect

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

• Open any folder
• Click on “Organize” button
  
• Choose “Folder and Search Options”
• Select the “View” tab
• Select “Show hidden files and folders” option
• Uncheck “Hide protected operating system files”
• Click “Apply” and “OK” button

STEP 3: Locate Nhtnwcuf encryption Virus startup location

• Once the operating system loads press simultaneously the Windows Logo Button and the R key.

• A dialog box should open. Type “Regedit”
• WARNING! be very careful when editing the Microsoft Windows Registry as this may render the system broken.

Depending on your OS (x86 or x64) navigate to:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]

• and delete the display Name: [RANDOM]

• Then open your explorer and navigate to:

Navigate to your %appdata% folder and delete the executable.

You can alternatively use your msconfig windows program to double check the execution point of the virus. Please, have in mind that the names in your machine might be different as they might be generated randomly, that’s why you should run any professional scanner to identify malicious files.

STEP 4: How to recover encrypted files?

• Method 1: The first and best method is to restore your data from a recent backup, in case that you have one.

• Method 2: File Recovery Software – Usually when the ransomware encrypts a file it first makes a copy of it, encrypts the copy, and then deletes the original. Due to this you may try to use file recovery software to recover some of your original files.
• Method 3: Shadow Volume Copies – As a last resort, you can try to restore your files via Shadow Volume Copies. Open the Shadow Explorer part of the package and choose the Drive you want to recover. Right click on any file you want to restore and click Export on it.