The Nnice Virus is a new and dangerous form of ransomware that silently infects systems, encrypts personal data, and demands a ransom for decryption. This malware adds the .nnice extension to affected files and drops a ransom notenamed ead_me.txt
that urges victims to contact the attacker via email. It typically spreads through phishing emails, infected attachments, and pirated software. Victims are warned not to trust the attackers, as paying the ransom does not guarantee recovery of their files.
Once it infects a system, Nnice ransomware renders your files inaccessible, encrypting a wide range of file formats using strong encryption algorithms. Its tactics are designed to coerce you into paying in cryptocurrency—usually Bitcoin—by threatening permanent data loss. Unfortunately, this malware also modifies Windows startup entries and may download other malicious payloads from a hacker-controlled server.
Nnice Ransomware Summary Table
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Threat Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Encrypted File Extension | .nnice |
Ransom Note File | ead_me.txt |
Ransom Note Message | hello,\nall your files have been encrypted and you cant decrypt this without the speacial file\ncontact: maxfromhim@gmail.com |
Associated Email | maxfromhim@gmail.com |
Symptoms | Files renamed with .nnice extension, ransom note appears, files become inaccessible |
Detected As | May be identified by antivirus as: Trojan.Ransom.Nnice , Ransom:Win32/Filecoder , Ransomware.GenericKD , HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32 |
Damage | Encrypts personal files, modifies Windows Registry, disables recovery options |
Distribution Methods | Spam emails, infected attachments, pirated software, shady download sites |
Danger Level | 🔴 High – Immediate file loss, no guaranteed recovery |
What Happens During an Nnice Infection?
Once the virus is inside your system, it executes quietly in the background. It targets commonly used file types—like documents, images, and videos—and encrypts them with the .nnice
extension. For example, a file called photo.jpg
becomes photo.jpg.nnice
.
The ransomware also ensures persistence by modifying Windows Registry keys to start on every reboot. It creates and hides files in sensitive Windows directories like:
shellCopyEdit%AppData%
%Local%
%LocalLow%
%Temp%
%System%
%System32%
%Windows%
%SystemDrive%
Simultaneously, it connects to a remote command-and-control server, potentially downloading more malware or giving hackers remote access to your system.
The Ransom Note
Victims will find a plain text file named ead_me.txt
placed in various folders. The message inside reads:
pgsqlCopyEdithello,
all your files have been encrypted and you cant decrypt this without the speacial file
contact: maxfromhim@gmail.com
The note implies that the attackers will decrypt a few small files (under 5MB) to prove their legitimacy. However, this is often a trap, and there’s no guarantee you’ll regain access even if you pay.
Manual Ransomware Removal Guide
Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).
Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet
- Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.
Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode
For Windows Users:
- For Windows 10, 11:
- Press Windows + R, type
msconfig
, and hit Enter. - Go to the Boot tab.
- Check Safe boot and select Network.
- Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.
- Press Windows + R, type
- For Windows 7, 8:
- Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.
For Mac Users:
- Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
- Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
- Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.
Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes
For Windows Users:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
- Right-click on the process and select End Task.
For Mac Users:
- Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
- Look for unusual processes.
- Select the process and click Force Quit.
Step 4: Delete Malicious Files
For Windows Users:
- Press Windows + R, type
%temp%
, and hit Enter. - Delete all files in the Temp folder.
- Navigate to:
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
C:\Windows\System32
- Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.
For Mac Users:
- Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
- Type
~/Library/Application Support
and delete suspicious folders. - Navigate to
~/Library/LaunchAgents
and remove unknown.plist
files.
Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings
For Windows Users:
Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.
- Press Windows + R, type
regedit
, and hit Enter. - Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
- Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
- Right-click and select Delete.
For Mac Users:
- Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
- Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
- Navigate to
~/Library/Preferences
and remove malicious.plist
files.
Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)
For Windows Users:
- Press Windows + R, type
rstrui
, and hit Enter. - Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.
For Mac Users:
- Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
- Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
- Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.
Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)
- Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.
Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup
- If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.
Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter
If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.
Step 1: Download SpyHunter
Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter
Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions
Step 2: Install SpyHunter
- Open the downloaded file (
SpyHunter-Installer.exe
). - Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
- Once installed, launch SpyHunter.
Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan
- Click on Start Scan Now.
- SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
- Wait for the scan to complete.
Step 4: Remove Detected Threats
- After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
- Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.
Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)
If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.
Step 6: Restore Your Files
If your files are encrypted:
- Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
- Restore from cloud storage or external backups.
Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks
- Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
- Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
- Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
- Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
- Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.
Should You Pay the Ransom?
Absolutely not. Cybersecurity experts strongly advise against paying ransoms. Not only does it fund criminal activity, but it also doesn’t ensure your files will be decrypted. Many victims never hear back after payment or are asked for even more money.