About Niwm Ransomware:
| Name | Niwm Virus |
| Version | 0681 |
| File Extension | .niwm |
| Contact | [email protected], [email protected] |
| Family | STOP/Djvu Ransomware |
| Note | _readme.txt |
| Offline ID | FCP2fiITr4rryFhFBnA59GMgwES5CunmcbPc76t1 |
| Last seen | March 04, 2024 |
| Algorithm | Salsa20 encryption. If Niwm cannot establish a connection to crooks server before starting the encryption process, it uses the offline key. This key is the same for all victims(!), making it possible to decrypt .niwm files in the future. |
| Ransom | From $490 to $980 (in Bitcoins) |
| Damage |
|
| Distribution | Third-party downloaders, installers, peer-to-peer networks, RDP exploits, etc., |
| RSA Public Key | -----BEGIN PUBLIC KEY----- MIIBIjANBgkqhkiG9w0BAQEFAAOCAQ8AMIIBCgKCAQEAouSo2vp89MRAIFHTs4vC NnOWCd/rbTOdBNruiVo87uhAwEaZT39FK3QmMVxr72EO6VNhOQcxx7U/vPP/XFwT /V467/kThTbp8BqWM8988n0ElKxz4koHXQMPGvvq4cHfM37TSOzThmQ2ewFe73Sj oGTSYmB+ia3vmXbiiX2dCmrzxFwPgJCk9kH8mr9uLwQLKNtmC9W1Qvv0ZoGWUBKh 4E7G5u63VlkFDvZaiMNGqsuYSriRZzxHgZCgksz85Cyx8Cz5Q+e4SopPOj7oWjZz lWNrgzC2AkKSpjzu0+aSq+tSCezVqiwQ057WQAeswnHAcSrY0BHveXD9Ce2zAczR HwIDAQAB -----END PUBLIC KEY----- |
| Other variants | |
What is Niwm ransomware?
Discovering files with the .niwm extension and _readme.txt notes scattered across various folders is a telltale sign of infection with the Niwm ransomware. This malware is designed to encrypt files on the victim's computer before demanding a ransom. Decrypting these files without specific tools is generally considered impossible.
The Niwm virus, like others in the STOP/Djvu ransomware family, employs the Salsa20 encryption algorithm, which boasts an astronomical number of potential decryption keys, making brute-force attempts futile. The use of quantum computing wouldn't significantly reduce the decryption time, possibly outlasting the Earth's lifespan. However, there's a glimmer of hope as certain specialized decryption tools can potentially restore your files within hours.
Niwm ransomware is primarily distributed through third-party websites that tempt users with free access to paid programs or through the use of various dubious tools. Hackers who circumvent program licensing inject malicious code—or even the entire virus—into their "products," with malware developers compensating them for these actions.
Dubious tools, designed for illegal activities such as generating license keys for software or activating Windows unlawfully, are particularly susceptible to misuse for distributing malware. Since antivirus solutions typically flag such tools, perpetrators often advise disabling security software or whitelisting the hacking tool. Regrettably, the malicious intent becomes apparent only after the damage is done.
Encryption process
The Niwm ransomware uses the Salsa20 encryption algorithm. That is not the strongest method, but it still provides an overwhelming amount of possible decryption keys. To brute force the 78-digit number of keys, you need 3.5 unvigintillion years (1*10^65), even if you use the most powerful regular PC. Quantum computers can show a bit better results, but it is still too slow to get your files back while you are alive.
The exact algorithm of encryption is next: malware scans each folder for the files it is able to encrypt. Then, when it finds the target, it makes a copy of your file, removes the original one, encrypts the copy and leaves it instead of the removed original. Such a procedure is done to prevent the situation when you have already opened the file, so ransomware is not able to read it because of the Windows restrictions. To each encrypted copy, the virus adds the specific extension - ".niwm". Then, ransomware creates a _readme.txt file in the folder where the encrypted file is located, and goes to the next folder.
Such an encryption method can be exploited for file recovery. Since the original file is deleted, you may try to recover it using the file recovery tools. The less time is passed - the bigger the chance to get your files back, so hurry up!
Another specific moment that can help you to use the files even after the encryption is the fact that Niwm ransomware encrypts only the first 150KB of each file. Hence, you can try to run a big file, such as video or music, without the encryption. Similar feature also works with other ransomware families - Dharma, Conti and Makop encrypt the same 150KB.
Ransom note: _readme.txt
Ransom note is the same for the whole ransomware family. In fact, it is one of the main signs of to which family the certain ransomware belongs. Here is the typical note for STOP/Djvu family:
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-v8HcfXTy5x
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:
[email protected]
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
[email protected]
Your personal ID:
****************
External Links:
| 🔗 HowToFix.Guide: How To Decrypt .niwm Files? |
Indicators of Compromise(IOC)
| File Name | MD5 | File Size |
|---|---|---|
| 📜 SAMPLE.EXE | 457241f5b567a8cedfddbf7d1eb4026d | 735232 |
| 📜 SAMPLE.EXE | 4e9471c76b0e6a9cece6b1247a9d765b | 735232 |
| 📜 SAMPLE.EXE | 14d50e3341a88790794082750fcbcdfd | 734720 |
| 📜 SAMPLE.EXE | 266e7b6cc09bf7f9882ffe0d707ef991 | 734720 |
| 📜 SAMPLE.EXE | 217c403cfa46c121400e0fc60f0f4487 | 734720 |
| 📜 SAMPLE.EXE | 0e81d0b89d8f5b8f20fd254c243de0fd | 776192 |
| 📜 SAMPLE.EXE | cc173063f586dcaac2b43a5d80315a25 | 735232 |
| 📜 SAMPLE.EXE | 23ab4cbf1c71f83b3a2dc5a923159a74 | 735232 |
| 📜 SAMPLE.EXE | d69bd4071a5054332218ec1cf3d317a0 | 776704 |
| 📜 SAMPLE.EXE | 62250322fdb14275055cb12ad1a28755 | 776704 |