NoBit Ransomware: How to Remove & Prevent

NoBit Ransomware is a type of malicious software classified as ransomware. It is designed to encrypt data on a victim’s computer and demand payment in exchange for the decryption key.

NoBit Ransomware is considered to be a dangerous and sophisticated ransomware as a service (RAAS). It was first observed in August 2023, and by the time of this post, experts are still learning how the ransomware works and which encryption algorithm it uses.

In case of a ransomware attack, contact our ransomware recovery experts immediately.

What kind of malware is NoBit?

NoBit is a type of malware known as ransomware. This type of virus encrypts and locks the victims’ files and then requests a ransom in exchange for the decryption key. NoBit ransomware is a ransomware as a service (RAAS).

Everything we know about NoBit Ransomware

Confirmed Name

• NoBit virus

Threat Type

• Ransomware
• Crypto Virus
• Files locker
• Double extortion

Encrypted Files Extension

• .bit

Ransom Demanding Message

• Text presented in the pop-up window

Is There a Free Decryptor Available?

No, NoBit ransomware does not have a decryptor

Detection Names

• Avast Win32:RansomX-gen [Ransom]
• Emsisoft Gen:Heur.Ransom.Imps.3 (B)
• Malwarebytes Ransom.NoBit
• Kaspersky HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.MSIL.Encoder.gen
• Sophos Mal/Generic-S
• Microsoft Trojan:Win32/Sabsik.FL.B!ml

Distribution methods

• Phishing emails
• Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)
• Exploit kits
• Malicious downloads

Consequences

• Files are encrypted and locked until the ransom payment
• Data leak
• Double extortion

What is in the NoBit ransom note

NoBit ransom note is shown as a pop-up after the encryption is complete. In the note, the attackers state that trying to decrypt the files will cause permanent data loss. They also added their ransom demand, which is $400(via Bitcoin) or $350(via Monero).

Sample of NoBit ransom note:

If you realize you’re a ransomware victim, contacting SalvageData ransomware removal experts provides you with a secure data recovery service and ransomware removal after an attack.

How does NoBit ransomware infect a system?

NoBit is a sophisticated ransomware strain that uses malicious files sent in emails to victims.

Besides Phishing emails, NoBit ransomware also spreads through Exploit Kits and vulnerable RDP.

Phishing emails

NoBit Ransomware can be distributed through phishing emails that contain malicious attachments or links. When the victim clicks on the attachment or link, the ransomware is downloaded and installed on the computer.

Exploit kits

NoBit Ransomware can also be distributed through exploit kits that take advantage of vulnerabilities in software or operating systems. When the victim visits a compromised website, the exploit kit is downloaded and installed on the computer, which then downloads and installs the ransomware.

Malicious downloads

NoBit Ransomware can be downloaded and installed on a computer through malicious downloads from untrusted websites. These downloads can be disguised as legitimate software or updates, but they actually contain ransomware.

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

NoBit Ransomware can also be installed on a computer through RDP, which allows remote access to a computer. Cybercriminals can use weak or stolen RDP credentials to gain access to a computer and install the ransomware.

How does NoBit ransomware work

Disclaimer: NoBit is a recent ransomware strain and the details of how it works to encrypt data are still being analyzed by the time of this article’s publication.

1. Infection: NoBit ransomware infects a device, typically through methods like phishing emails, exploit kits, malicious downloads, or compromised Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).
2. Encryption: Once the device is infected, NoBit ransomware starts encrypting files on the device. It targets a wide range of file types, encrypting them to make them inaccessible.
3. Ransom Note: After encrypting the files, NoBit ransomware leaves a ransom note on the infected device. The ransom note contains instructions on how to pay and the amount of the ransom.

Do not pay the ransom! Contacting a ransomware removal service can not only restore your files but also remove any potential threat.

How to handle a NoBit ransomware attack

After a NoBit ransomware attack, isolate the infected computer by removing any connected device. Then, you must contact local authorities. In the case of US residents and businesses, it is the local FBI field office and the Internet Crime Complaint Centre (IC3).

To report a ransomware attack you must gather every information you can about it, including:

• Screenshots of the ransom note
• Communications with threat actors (if you have them)
• A sample of an encrypted file

However, if you prefer to contact professionals, then do nothing. Leave every infected machine the way it is and ask for an emergency ransomware removal service.

Restarting or shutting down the system may compromise the recovery service. Capturing the RAM of a live system may help get the encryption key, and catching a dropper file, i.e. file executing the malicious payload, might be reverse-engineered and lead to decryption of the data or understanding how it operates.

What not to do after a ransomware attack:

You must not delete the ransomware, and keep every evidence of the attack. That’s important for digital forensics so experts can trace back to the hacker group and identify them. It is by using the data on your infected system that authorities can investigate the attack and find the responsible. A cyber attack investigation is not different from any other criminal investigation: it needs evidence to find the attackers.

1. Contact your Incident Response provider

A Cyber Incident Response is the process of responding to and managing a cybersecurity incident. An Incident Response Retainer is a service agreement with a cybersecurity provider that allows organizations to get external help with cybersecurity incidents. It provides organizations with a structured form of expertise and support through a security partner, enabling them to respond quickly and effectively during a cyber incident.

An incident response retainer offers peace of mind to organizations, offering expert support before and in the aftermath of a cybersecurity incident. An incident response retainer’s specific nature and structure will vary according to the provider and the organization’s requirements. A good incident response retainer should be robust but flexible, providing proven services to enhance an organization’s long-term security posture.

If you contact your IR service provider, they can take over immediately and guide you through every step in the ransomware recovery. However, if you decide to remove the ransomware yourself and recover the files with your IT team, then you can follow the next steps.

2. Identify the ransomware infection

You can identify which ransomware infected your machine by the file extension (some ransomware uses the file extension as their name), using a ransomware ID tool, or it will be on the ransom note. With this information, you can look for a public decryption key.

You can also check the ransomware type by its IOCs. Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) are digital clues that cybersecurity professionals use to identify system compromises and malicious activities within a network or IT environment. They are essentially digital versions of evidence left at a crime scene, and potential IOCs include unusual network traffic, privileged user logins from foreign countries, strange DNS requests, system file changes, and more. When an IOC is detected, security teams evaluate possible threats or validate its authenticity. IOCs also provide evidence of what an attacker had access to if they did infiltrate the network.

3. Remove the ransomware and eliminate exploit kits

Before recovering your data, you must guarantee that your device is ransomware-free and that the attackers can’t make a new attack through exploit kits or other vulnerabilities. A ransomware removal service can delete the ransomware, create a forensics document for investigation, eliminate vulnerabilities, and recover your data.

4. Contact a ransomware recovery service

If you don’t have a backup or need help removing the ransomware and eliminating vulnerabilities, contact a data recovery service. Paying the ransom does not guarantee your data will be returned to you. The only guaranteed way you can restore every file is if you have a backup of it. If you don’t, ransomware data recovery services can help you decrypt and recover the files.

SalvageData experts can safely restore your files and prevent NoBit ransomware from attacking your network again. Contact our experts 24/7 for ransomware recovery services.

Prevent the NoBit ransomware attack

Preventing ransomware is the best solution for data security. And it is also easier and cheaper than recovering from them.

Be cautious of suspicious emails

NoBit ransomware can be distributed through phishing emails that contain malicious attachments or links. Be cautious when opening email attachments or clicking on links, especially if they are from unknown or suspicious sources.

Keep software and operating systems up to date

NoBit ransomware can be distributed through exploit kits that take advantage of vulnerabilities in software or operating systems. Keeping software and operating systems up to date with the latest security patches can help prevent ransomware infections.

Use reputable antivirus software

Install and regularly update reputable antivirus software to detect and remove ransomware infections.

Regularly backup your data

Regularly backup critical data to an external hard drive or cloud storage to ensure that you have a copy of your data in case of a ransomware attack.

Use strong passwords

Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access to your devices and accounts.

Disable RDP if not needed

NoBit ransomware can also be installed on a computer through RDP, which allows remote access to a computer. Disable RDP if it is not needed or use strong passwords and two-factor authentication to secure RDP access.