CXK-NMSL Ransomware

CXK-NMSL Ransomware is a Chinese file-encryptor that was created for the sole purpose of making money. Once this threat corrupts files, a ransom note is delivered instantly, and the only thing that the attackers want is money. The good news is that the creator of this malicious threat has not chosen a highly complex encryption algorithm to corrupt the files. The process is not that easy, and some advanced knowledge is required, but we are hopeful that victims can decrypt all files, if not by themselves than with the help of more experienced friends or serious professionals. Perhaps you have your files decrypted already? In that case, the only thing you need to worry about is the removal of CXK-NMSL Ransomware. Can you delete this threat manually? That depends on whether or not you can identify the file that launched the infection. Please continue reading if you want to learn more.

Most file-encrypting ransomware infections do not have specific targets. In fact, most introduce ransom notes in English, and since it is the second most frequently spoken language in the world, it is hard to predict who the victims could be. While Chinese is the most frequently spoken language in the world, most people who speak it live in China, and so it is clear who CXK-NMSL Ransomware targets. It is not yet known how this malware spreads, but spam emails (written in Chinese) and Chinese file-sharing sites are most likely to be used for the distribution of this dangerous infection. Fun fact: ChineseRarypt Ransomware, ExpBoot Ransomware, FilesLocker Ransomware, and many other malicious infections appear to have been created to target those living in China. After execution, CXK-NMSL Ransomware is supposed to encrypt files right away. Unfortunately, it can encrypt everything in your home drive as it is capable of encrypting 173 different types of files. This is why it is crucial for you to delete the infection before it is executed. Of course, since this malware is silent, you are unlikely to notice it until it reveals itself.

Once personal files are encrypted and the “.cxk_nmsl” extension is added to their names, CXK-NMSL Ransomware drops a file named “CXK-NMSL-README.txt.” You can delete it right away if you want to, but opening it is not dangerous. The message inside the file informs that the attacker is the only one who can restore your files. To get your files back, you are instructed to pay a ransom of 100 B, which is a crypto-currency. The message also contains a link that you can use to learn more about this crypto-currency. So, should you pay the ransom? You absolutely should not. Cybercriminals usually give fake promises, and once the victims are tricked into paying the ransoms – they disappear into thin air. Furthermore, as we have mentioned already, decrypting files for free should be possible. Our team informs that files are encrypted with base64 using the “certutil –encode” command. If you can write your own script, you might be able to restore files yourself. If you cannot do that, seek professional assistance. Alternatively, delete CXK-NMSL Ransomware and replace the corrupted files with backup copies if you have them.

We suggest postponing the removal of CXK-NMSL Ransomware until you decrypt your personal files. Once that is taken care of, you should destroy this malicious threat immediately. You might be able to do it manually if you can locate the file that launched the infection. Otherwise, it might be best to employ legitimate anti-malware software. This software will not only delete CXK-NMSL Ransomware but will also reinstate Windows protection. Whether you did not use security software at all in the past, or you did not keep the installed software up-to-date, remember that you need to protect your system because you never know when the next dangerous threat could try to slither in. You also need to backup files. If you have not taken care of this yet, do it as soon as possible because if you have backups, you will never need to fear losing personal files ever again. If you want to be extra cautious, you can always create backups in two different locations, such as an external hard drive and a reliable virtual cloud.

CXK-NMSL Ransomware Removal

1. Delete the ransom note file named CXK-NMSL-README.txt.
2. Delete the launcher file with a random name. Check these directories first:
   • %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
   • %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
   • %TEMP%
3. Empty Recycle Bin.
4. Install a legitimate malware scanner and run a system scan.
5. If threats are detected, remove them immediately.