Node.js Ransomware

Node.js Ransomware is a malicious computer infection that can prevent users from accessing their files. Encrypting ransomware infections hold the affected files hostage until their victims pay the ransom fee. Unfortunately, there is little guarantee that the people behind this infection would issue the decryption key. Hence, security experts strongly discourage users from paying the ransom. Instead, victims should focus on removing Node.js Ransomware from their systems and looking for ways to prevent similar threats from entering their computers.

Please note that Node.js Ransomware does not have anything in common with the official JavaScript runtime environment that is called Node.js. The people who wrote Node.js didn’t create Node.js Ransomware. However, it is very likely that the runtime environment was used to create the infection. It would not be the first time: Nodera Ransomware and Nodersok Ransomware are both known to employ Node.js for their execution. And judging from the similar demands in its ransom note, it is highly likely that Node.js Ransomware is closely related to these infections. They could easily share similar search keywords, too.

How Does Node.js Ransomware Spread?

There is no clear way how Node.js Ransomware enters the target system. Most of its detections by antimalware programs point out to Trojans. This would mean that Node.js Ransomware most probably gets downloaded as the main payload on the target system by a Trojan. A Trojan can enter a victim’s computer in various ways. Ransomware Trojans usually travel with spam emails and messages that users open accidentally without any second thought. That is why users are always encouraged to double-check the contents of the emails from unknown parties. Especially if those emails come with file attachments. Opening a corrupted attachment could eventually install Node.js Ransomware on the system.

What Does Node.js Ransomware Do?

Once Node.js Ransomware is up and running, it behaves like other ransomware programs. It scans the system and locates all the files it can encrypt. Then it uses the RSA-2048 encryption to lock those files up. All the encrypted files get the ".encrypted" extension to their names, which allows you to see which files were affected by the encryption. Needless to say, Node.js Ransomware also displays a ransom note in the .html format (it means that it automatically opens on your browser). The ransom note says that you have to pay 0.4 BTC (which is now almost 14,000 USD) to retrieve the affected files.

How to Deal With a Ransomware Infection?

As mentioned in the first paragraph, paying the ransom should not be one of the options here. It is important to remove Node.js Ransomware at once and then protect the files in other means. Usually, ransomware removal is a rather swift deal. And if you have a file backup in an external hard disk or a cloud drive, you can restore your files without too much trouble. However, do not hesitate to address a professional technician if you need additional help with file recovery.

Also, consider investing in a licensed antimalware tool that will help you detect and remove other threats. Be sure to exercise caution when you encounter links and files delivered by unknown parties. A dangerous infection like Node.js Ransomware is always just a click away.