How to remove Nigra Ransomware and decrypt .nigra files

What is Nigra Ransomware

Nigra is the name of a recently reported file encryptor that is considered to be a variant of Sojusz Ransomware. Cybercriminals behind the successful attack encrypt access to data and then attempt to extort money from victims for the decryption. Files encrypted by this infection will likely be altered according to this pattern [victim's ID>].[cybercriminals' e-mail address] or [victim’s ID>].[filename] and the .nigra extension at the end. This means the affected file may appear like this .[9347652d51].[nigra@skiff.com].nigra or elsewise. Note that the process of adding new extension to original filenames is only a visual formality and does not change the fact of file encryption in any way. Following complete encryption, the virus will leave a text file with decryption guidelines on a victim’s desktop. The text note name by Nigra Ransomware has not been yet publicly disclosed, however, it is likely something same or similar to these examples —–README_WARNING—–.txt, #_README-WARNING_#.TXT, README_WARNING_.txt,!!!HOW_TO_DECRYPT!!!.txt, #HOW_TO_DECRYPT#.txt, #HOW_TO_DECRYPT#.txt.

However, the content of the ransom note is known and it states victims have to contact the threat actors through one of the given e-mail addresses and pay for decryption files. In addition, it is said that up to 3 small encrypted files can be sent along with the e-mail message to test decryption. This implies that cybercriminals will decrypt these test files for free in order to demonstrate and prove their decryption abilities. In part, such a marketing technique is used by many ransomware developers to indirectly urge victims into paying the ransom. However, in spite of provable decryption abilities, we have to warn you that cybercriminals sometimes fool their victims and not send any promised decryption tools even after meeting all of the demands. Unfortunately, there is no other known way to decrypt data other than collaborating with cybercriminals themselves. Despite all the risks we mentioned above, ransomware developers are usually the only figures able to unlock access to encrypted files. The only and always viable way to return the encrypted files for free is to recover them from an available backup. Backups are copies of files stored on external storage (e.g., cloud, USB pen drives, etc.) that were not affected at the time of infection. Using a backup is always a safer and completely free option. Unless you are planning to pay the ransom, deleting ransomware is crucial to not let it encrypt other files at the time of manual recovery. It is also important to remove it after decrypting files with cybercriminals if you decide to. Follow our guide below to do so and get protection against such threats in the future. You will also see some reputable third-party decryption/recovery software presented in our guide, however, this recommendation is general and does not guarantee the tools will successfully decrypt files encrypted by Nigra Ransomware.

How Nigra Ransomware infected your computer

Ransomware infections are known to penetrate via phishing e-mail letters, malvertising software installers (pirated or cracked), exploit kits, trojans, fake updates/license cracking tools, unprotected RDP configuration, unreliable ads, backdoors, keyloggers, and other dubious channels. As a rule, users become exposed to facing a potential infection after downloading or opening some malicious file or link. One example of this can be found in malicious e-mail spam letters that contain malicious files disguised as legitimate files like .DOCX, .XLSX, .PDF, .EXE, .ZIP, .RAR, or .JS. Potentially malicious e-mail letters can impersonate famous and legal companies/entities (e.g., delivery companies, tax authorities, banks, and so forth) to avoid raising suspicion among inexperienced or naive users. Please note that interacting with content from such e-mail messages is dangerous and can lead to the installation of malware. Links attached to malvertising e-mails can lead to fake websites proposing malicious software or asking for users’ credentials. Thus, you should always avoid interacting with dubious download sources, torrent-sharing pages, suspicious ads, potentially malicious attachments/links, and other kinds of risky content. Download software only from official resources to prevent drive-by (stealth) installations of malware. Our guide will also help you learn more about keeping your PC protected against threats like ransomware (and other malware) in the future.

1. Download Nigra Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .nigra 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 Nigra Ransomware

Nigra Ransomware files:


{ransomnotename}.txt
{randomname}.exe


Nigra Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .nigra files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .nigra 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 .nigra 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 Nigra 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 .nigra 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 Nigra 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. Nigra 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