How to remove NRCL Ransomware and decrypt .NRCL files

What is NRCL Ransomware

NRCL blocks access to data and asks its victims to pay the so-called ransom. Malware that runs data encryption and extorts money from the infected is usually categorized as ransomware. NRCL does it using strong cryptographic ciphers to prevent manual file decryption. Upon its successful encryption, files stored on a system will undergo two visual changes – the new .NRCL extension and icons reset to blank. A sample that went through these changes would look something like this 1.pdf.NRCL. In addition, NRCL creates a text file called Note.txt with instructions on how to return your data. The same information is also concealed inside of a small decryption utility that can be opened through NRCL_Decryptor.exe.

The content of both files says there is only one way to recover your data – pay 300$ for the decryption. Extortionists also guide victims to not shut their PC or run manipulations with files. To complete the payment and get a special decryption key, victims have to contact developers via e-mail communication. After that, victims should receive the key, insert it into the dedicated space of the pop-up window and click on Decrypt. However, at the moment of writing this article, malware experts found that e-mails provided by NRCL are non-existent meaning this ransomware can still be under development. This also means victims are unable to pay for the ransom and claim their decryption key. Note that such flaws may change any day in the future when cybercriminals finish working on their file-encryptor. Whatever the case, it is not recommended to trust cyber criminals as they can fool you and not send anything they promised to. Usually, when it comes to files encrypted by strong ransomware ciphers with private keys stored online, it is impossible to crack them open without cybercriminals responsible for their development. It is better to not rely on third-party decryption and restore your data using backup copies instead. Simply delete the virus and plug your external storage with backups to copy them back. As a PC user, you should always create planned backups of data on protected storage to be able to restore them, if necessary. To learn more about ransomware removal and file recovery, follow our tutorial below.

How NRCL infected your computer

As a rule, swindlers target unprotected systems via malicious attachments in spam letters, trojans, fake software cracking tools (keygens), forged pirated/cracked installers, backdoors, keyloggers, unprotected RDP configuration, and other high-risk channels. It is quite common these days to see various e-mail spam letters disguised as legitimate firms. Along with their forged content, such letters contain malicious attachments with virus infections. Files attached to such letters are usually Word, Excel, PDF, Archive, JS, and other popular formats. Many users recognize they look familiar and see no threats while opening them. In fact, after disabling Protect View modes and fully opening files, users will likely become victims of ransomware or other infections. There can also be links redirecting to allegedly legal pages of parcel tracking or similar software provided by fake delivery firms. Do not be naive and think twice before interacting with any content you did not expect. To protect yourself against such threats in the future, check our instructions in the tutorial below. There is plenty of stuff that will be useful for you.

1. Download NRCL Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .NRCL 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 NRCL Ransomware

NRCL Ransomware files:


Note.txt
{randomname}.exe


NRCL Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .NRCL files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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

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 .NRCL 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 NRCL 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 .NRCL 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.

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 NRCL Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Dashboard

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Alert

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Blocked

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.

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. NRCL 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.