Noob Ransomware Removal Guide

Do you know what Noob Ransomware is?

Noob Ransomware might have a funny name, but, in reality, there is nothing funny about this infection. When it slithers into your operating system – most likely via misleading spam emails with corrupted links or attachments – it immediately encrypts your files. According to the ransom note created by the threat, the complicated RSA-1024 encryption algorithm is used for the encryption process, and that is bad news. At this time, a free and legitimate file decryptor that could decrypt files does not exist, which puts you in quite a predicament. Despite this, there is hope because Cryptoshield Ransomware and Mole Ransomware, both of which come from the same family, have decryptors. In the meantime, we have to talk about the removal of Noob Ransomware. This malicious ransomware is seriously dangerous, and you will be doing yourself a huge favor by deleting it.

If you have discovered Noob Ransomware, the chances are that you have already found the suspicious _HELP_INSTRUCTION.TXT file. Copies of this file could be scattered all over your operating system to make sure that you are aware of the demands made by the creator of the ransomware. Notably, two versions of this TXT file exist. One of them is short, and the other one is longer. The first one simply asks “Need back files?” and then instructs to email admin@zayka.pro. The same email address is also linked to the previously reported Zayka Ransomware. The second version of the file states that you have 72 hours to email cyber crooks; otherwise, the ransom will be doubled. That is the only mention of a payment, which we identify as a “ransom.” Unfortunately, some victims of this malicious infection might see no other option but to email the developer of Noob Ransomware and then follow the instructions of paying the ransom. First of all, you do not want to email cyber crooks because they could record your email address. Second, you do not want to give them your money because the chances are they have no intention of helping you, even if they offer to decrypt one file for free.Noob Ransomware Removal GuideNoob Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions

When Noob Ransomware encrypts files, it does more. It also renames them. To help you see which files were encrypted – as if that is not obvious due to the monstrous names – it also attaches a unique extension, “.NOOB”. Do not bother deleting this extension or renaming the files because that will do no good. Also, do NOT try to connect to your backups and replace the corrupted files until Noob Ransomware is removed because this infection is still active, and it could potentially encrypt new files as well. According to our research, the infection is reactivated when you restart the computer because of the registry keys that it adds. This is why we advise removing this threat as soon as possible.

More experienced users should have no problem deleting Noob Ransomware manually, but keep in mind that it is not the easiest of tasks, and those who have never modified the Windows Registry, need to be very careful. Also, we have to think about Windows security because, clearly, malware can enter at any point. If you take this into consideration, it might be best to utilize anti-malware software to remove Noob Ransomware and, at the same time, reinforce overall protection. If you are not ready for this, make sure that you employ security software as soon as you can.

Delete Noob Ransomware

  1. Delete all copies of the _HELP_INSTRUCTION.TXT file.
  2. Launch RUN (tap Win+R keys) and enter regedit.exe.
  3. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run.
  4. Identify and Delete the value set up by ransomware (the name is random, such as BC0EBCF2F2).
  5. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce.
  6. Identify and Delete the value set up by ransomware (the name is random, such as *BC0EBCF2F2).
  7. Launch Explorer (tap Win+E keys) and enter %APPDATA% into the bar at the top.
  8. Identify and Delete the launcher set up by ransomware (the name is random, such as BC0EBCF2F2.exe).
  9. To get rid of the infection completely, Empty Recycle Bin.
  10. Install a legitimate and up-to-date malware scanner to look for malicious leftovers.

In non-techie terms:

Noob Ransomware is a tremendously malicious threat that is targeted at the most sensitive data on your operating system, which are your personal files. Unfortunately, you might be unable to decrypt your files, but deleting Noob Ransomware is something anyone can achieve. More experienced users can move on with the guide represented above. Less experienced users can install anti-malware software. Of course, we recommend the latter option to everyone because of the full-time protection it produces as well. Once you get your operating system clean, do whatever it takes to keep it that way. Also, start backing up your files so that you would not be pushed into a corner like this again.