Solved NexTeCoup and FBI ransomware

[evilindy]

I have attempted to follow the directions in the prep guide and give a comprehensive view of the issues I am experiencing. Please let me know if you need any more info.

I am incredibly thankful that a place like this exists and only wish I had found it sooner! Thank you in advance.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Hello,



They call me TwinHeadedEagle around here, and I'll be working with you.



Before we start please read and note the following:

• At the top of your post, please click on the "Watch thread" button and make sure to check Watch this thread...and receive email notifications. This will send an email to you as soon as I reply to your topic, allowing me to solve your problem faster.
• Please do not install any new software during the cleaning process other than the tools I provide for you. This can hinder the cleaning process. Please do not perform System Restore or any other restore.
• Instructions I give to you are very simple and made for complete beginner to follow. That's why you need to read through my instructions carefully and completely before executing them.
• Please do not run any tools other than the ones I ask you to, when I ask you to. Some of these tools can be very dangerous if used improperly. Also, if you use a tool that I have not requested you use, it can cause false positives, thereby delaying the complete cleaning of your machine.
  
• All tools we use here are completely clean and do not contain any malware. If your antivirus detects them as malicious, please disable your antivirus and then continue.
• If during the process you run across anything that is not in my instructions, please stop and ask. If any tool is running too much time (few hours), please stop and inform me.
• I visit forum several times at day, making sure to respond to everyone's topic as fast as possible. But bear in mind that I have private life like everyone and I cannot be here 24/7. So please be patient with me. Also, some infections require less, and some more time to be removed completely, so bear this in mind and be patient.
• Please stay with me until the end of all steps and procedures and I declare your system clean. Just because there is a lack of symptoms does not indicate a clean machine. If you solved your problem yourself, set aside two minutes to let me know.
  
• Please attach all report using
  
  button below. Doing this, you make it easier for me to analyze and fix your problem.
  
• Do not ask for help for your business PC. Companies are making revenue via computers, so it is good thing to pay someone to repair it.
• If I don't hear from you within 3 days from this initial or any subsequent post, then this thread will be closed.

Fix with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool

This fix was created for this user for use on that particular machine.

Running it on another one may cause damage and render the system unstable.

​

Download attached fixlist.txt file and save it to the Desktop:

Both files, FRST and fixlist.txt have to be in the same location or the fix will not work!

• Right-click on
  
  icon and select
  
  Run as Administrator to start the tool.
  (XP users click run after receipt of Windows Security Warning - Open File).
• Press the Fix button just once and wait.
• If for some reason the tool needs a restart, please make sure you let the system restart normally. After that let the tool complete its run.
• When finished FRST will generate a log on the Desktop, called Fixlog.txt.

Please attach it to your reply.

 

[evilindy]

Thank you very much for the reply TwinHeadedEagle!

I am following the thread and receiving emails.

Before I go forward with the steps you've outlined, I need to tell you that my insomniac housemate has installed a game called "the forest" on my computer in the wee hours of the morning, despite my warnings not to use the computer...

I don't know if this will adversely affect the instructions you gave. Please advise as to my next step.

Thank you again!

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

That game is ok, just follow my instructions and keep me updated about current situation.

 

[evilindy]

Great, thanks!

 

[evilindy]

Ran FRST as instructed. Finished fairly quickly, Fixlog.txt generated (see attached), FRST then restarted computer.

Opened chrome, got a message that my preferences were missing or corrupt. Tabs are gone, all extensions are gone, bookmarks are still good to go though.

Let me know if you need more info.

EDIT: Also, and importantly, the ads have not inserted themselves into any webpages.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Okay, let's run one more fix. Tell me is everything ok now?

Fix with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool

This fix was created for this user for use on that particular machine.

Running it on another one may cause damage and render the system unstable.

​

Download attached fixlist.txt file and save it to the Desktop:

Both files, FRST and fixlist.txt have to be in the same location or the fix will not work!

• Right-click on
  
  icon and select
  
  Run as Administrator to start the tool.
  (XP users click run after receipt of Windows Security Warning - Open File).
• Press the Fix button just once and wait.
• If for some reason the tool needs a restart, please make sure you let the system restart normally. After that let the tool complete its run.
• When finished FRST will generate a log on the Desktop, called Fixlog.txt.

Please attach it to your reply.

 

[evilindy]

So far so good. I will run the second fix and get back to you.

 

[evilindy]

As above, ran FRST as instructed. Finished even more quickly, Fixlog.txt generated (see attached), FRST then restarted computer.

Extensions on chrome include Docs, google sheets and google slides. No sign of the NexTeCoup extension or any ads inserting themselves into webpages.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Glad I could help. We will delete all used tools and I'll give you some tips to harden your security and learn how to protect yourself

Recommended reading:
​

MUST READ - security tips:

• Computer Security - a short guide to staying safer online.
• Simple and easy ways to keep your computer safe and secure on the Internet

MUST READ - general maintenance:

• What to do if your Computer is running slowly?

The Importance of Software Updating:
​

In order to stay protected it is very important that you regularly update all of your software. Cybercriminals depend on the apathy of users around software updates to keep their malicious endeavor running.​

Operating systems, such as Windows, and applications, such as Adobe Reader or JAVA, are used by tens of millions of computers and devices around the world, making them a huge target for cybercriminals. Downloading updates and installing them can sometimes be tedious, but the advantages you get from the updates are certainly worth it.

• How to configure and use Automatic Updates in Windows
• How to update Java
• How to update Adobe Reader

Recommended additional software:
​

TFC - to clean unneeded temporary files.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware - to scan your system from time to time in search for malware.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Exploit - to prevent plenty of mostly exploited vulnerabilities.

McShield - to prevent infections spread by removable media.

CryptoPrevent - to secure yourself from very severe CryptoLocker infection.

Unchecky - to prevent from installing additional foistware, implemented in legitimate installations.

FiheHippo.com Update Checker - to keep your programs up-to-date.

Adblock - to surf the web without annoying ads!

Post-cleanup procedures:​

Download DelFix by Xplode and save it to your desktop.

• Run the tool by right click on the
  
  icon and Run as administrator option.
• Make sure that these ones are checked:
  • Remove disinfection tools
  • Purge system restore
  • Reset system settings
• Push Run and wait until the tool completes his work.
• All tools we used should be gone. Tool will create an report for you (C:\DelFix.txt)

The tool will also record healthy state of registry and make a backup using ERUNT program in %windir%\ERUNT\DelFix
Tool deletes old system restore points and create a fresh system restore point after cleaning.

My help is free for everybody.
If you're happy with the help provided and/or wish to buy me a beer for the assistance you received, then you can consider a donation:
Thank you!​

Stay safe,
TwinHeadedEagle

 

[evilindy]

Excellent! I was planning to turn to the "security configuration wizard" section next, but I will start with your post instead.

Thank you very much!

 

[evilindy]

Hi there again TwinHeadedEagle,

I have been slowly reading through the material you directed me towards, and as I ran Malwarebytes again it identified at file called PUP.Optional.EasyLife.A within the directory C:\Users\(username)\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Preferences.

I noticed that 'Preferences' is actually a file, which was unexpected. Alarmingly, the directory above [C:\Users\(username)\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\] is full of files that are listed as having the 'Type' NexTeCoup (see attached). I assumed that these would be removed. Are they dangerous?

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Yes, Preferences is file that stores your Google Chrome settings. I don't think this is dangerous, but you can delete Preferences file in order to reset your settings. It will be recreated with default settings.