How to remove NetForceZ Ransomware and decrypt .NetForceZ files

What is NetForceZ Ransomware

NetForceZ Ransomware is a severe type of malware that targets computer systems with the intent to encrypt files, rendering them inaccessible without a specific decryption key. It commonly infiltrates systems through security vulnerabilities, or via social engineering tactics like phishing emails which trick users into unwittingly downloading and executing the ransomware. Upon successful infection, NetForceZ Ransomware scans the system for files to encrypt, changing their extensions to .NetForceZ, something easily identifiable, often unique to the malware. Its encryption algorithm is typically robust and military-grade, making file recovery exceedingly difficult without the correct decryption key. The rationale behind this approach is to force victims into paying a ransom, usually in cryptocurrency, in exchange for the decryption key necessary to restore those files. As part of its malicious activities, the malware leaves a ransom note in the form of a text file named ReadMe.txt in various affected directories, detailing instructions on how victims can presumably recover their compromised files by paying the demanded ransom.

Unfortunately, there are no universal decryption tools available that can break the encryption used by NetForceZ Ransomware without the involvement of the attackers. However, victims are advised never to pay the ransom as it only fuels cybercriminal activities and there’s no guarantee of recovering their files. To decrypt .NetForceZ files, the recommended course of action is to first create a backup of the encrypted files. This can usually be done by copying the affected files into a secure location, such as the OneDrive folder. By pasting and creating a backup, users ensure they have a preserved copy of the encrypted data. Keeping a backup is essential as it serves as a fallback against potential failures during the decryption process.

How NetForceZ Ransomware infects computers

NetForceZ Ransomware infiltrates computers primarily through security vulnerabilities and social engineering tactics. Cybercriminals often deploy this ransomware via phishing emails that contain malicious attachments or links, which, when opened, download and execute the malware. Exploitation of outdated software and unpatched system flaws is another common method, allowing the ransomware to gain unauthorized access. Once inside the system, NetForceZ swiftly encrypts files, appending a specific extension to denote they are locked. The malware then drops a ransom note demanding payment for the decryption key, leaving victims with limited options to recover their data. To mitigate the risk of infection, users should maintain updated software, exercise caution with email attachments, and employ robust security practices.

1. Download NetForceZ Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .NetForceZ files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like NetForceZ Ransomware

NetForceZ Ransomware files:


ReadMe.txt
{randomname}.exe


NetForceZ Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .NetForceZ files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .NetForceZ files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .NetForceZ files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with NetForceZ Ransomware and removed from your computer, you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually, you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .NetForceZ files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like NetForceZ Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. NetForceZ Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro