How to remove NIGHT CROW Ransomware and decrypt .NIGHT_CROW files

What is NIGHT CROW Ransomware

NIGHT CROW Ransomware is a malicious software designed to encrypt data on a victim’s computer and demand payment for its decryption. It appends the .NIGHT_CROW extension to the encrypted files, making them inaccessible. For example, a file initially named sample.docx would become sample.docx.NIGHT_CROW. After encrypting the files, NIGHT CROW drops a ransom note titled NIGHT_CROW_RECOVERY.txt on the infected system. Although the specific encryption algorithm used by NIGHT CROW is not yet discovered, ransomware typically employs strong encryption algorithms, such as AES, to lock the victim’s files. The ransom note created by NIGHT CROW informs the victim that their files have been encrypted but reassures them that the data is recoverable. The note instructs the victim to pay a 0.000384 BTC (Bitcoin cryptocurrency) ransom, which is approximately 10 USD at the current exchange rate. This amount is relatively low compared to other ransomware demands.

There are no specific decryption tools for NIGHT CROW Ransomware. It is crucial to understand that paying the ransom does not guarantee that you will receive the decryption key or that your files will be successfully decrypted. In many cases, victims who pay the ransom are targeted again by the same or other ransomware operators. It is always recommended to maintain regular backups of your data and use reliable security software to protect your system from ransomware attacks. There are several alternative ways to recover files affected by NIGHT CROW Ransomware:

• Restore from backups: If you have a backup of your data, you can restore your files from it. It is highly recommended to keep backups in multiple locations to ensure data safety.
• Use data recovery software: Some data recovery tools, like Stellar Data Recovery Pro, may help you recover files encrypted by ransomware. However, the success rate of these tools may vary depending on the ransomware and the state of the affected files.
• Restore from previous versions: Windows has a feature called “Previous Versions” that automatically creates backup copies of files and folders at different points in time. You can try to restore your files from a previous version if this feature is enabled on your system.
• Wait for third-party decryption tools to appear: Although there are currently no specific decryption tools for NIGHT CROW Ransomware, you can keep an eye on websites like No More Ransom for updates on new decryption tools.
• Seek professional help: In some cases, you may want to consult with a data recovery specialist or a cybersecurity expert to explore other possible recovery options.

It is essential to maintain regular backups of your data and use reliable security software to protect your system from ransomware attacks. Additionally, avoid clicking on suspicious links or opening unknown email attachments to minimize the risk of infection.

How NIGHT CROW Ransomware infects computers

Ransomware like NIGHT CROW often spreads through phishing emails containing malicious attachments or drive-by downloading, which occurs when a user unknowingly visits an infected website, and malware is downloaded and installed without the user’s knowledge.

1. Download NIGHT CROW Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .NIGHT_CROW files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like NIGHT CROW Ransomware

NIGHT CROW Ransomware files:


NIGHT_CROW_RECOVERY.txt
{randomname}.exe


NIGHT CROW Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .NIGHT_CROW files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .NIGHT_CROW files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .NIGHT_CROW files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with NIGHT CROW Ransomware and removed from your computer you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .NIGHT_CROW files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there is no items in the list choose alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the DropBox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like NIGHT CROW Ransomware , in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. NIGHT CROW Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro