How To Remove Nobody Ransomware?

  Category:  RANSOMWARE | 3rd November 2025 | Author:  CSI'S TEAM

Introduction

In The Ever-evolving Landscape Of Cyber-threats, Ransomware Remains One Of The Most Formidable Risks To Organisations And Individuals Alike. Among The Latest Entrants In This Arena Is The Ransomware Variant Known As Nobody Ransomware (also Stylised As NOBODY ransomware). First Identified In Late 2025, This Malicious Software Has Quickly Drawn Attention For Its Aggressive Behaviour, Broad File-targeting, And The High Pressure It Places On Victims To Pay.

ComputerSecurityInfo's Blog Post Provides A Comprehensive Exploration Of Nobody Ransomware: Its Characteristics, Infection Vectors, Encryption Process, Demands, And — Crucially — Guidance On Prevention, Detection, And Remediation. For Organisations And Users Wanting To Harden Their Defences Or Recover From An Attack, Understanding This Threat Is Essential.

What Is Nobody Ransomware?

Nobody Ransomware Is A Strain Of The Broader “Dharma/Chaos” Ransomware Family. Security Researchers Analysing Samples On Services Such As VirusTotal Found That It Acts As A Crypto-locker: Once Executed On A System It Encrypts Files, Appends A Unique Victim ID And A Random Four?character Extension (for Example, “.ckoz”, “.jylq”, Etc.) To Each Encrypted File, And Then Drops Ransom Notes Demanding Payment In Cryptocurrency.

The Ransom Note Typically Includes Language Such As:

“NOBODY RANSOMWARE – Don’t Worry, You Can Return All Your Files! All Your Files Like Documents, Photos, Databases And Other Important Are Encrypted.”

It Then Offers To Decrypt Three Files For Free As A “guarantee”, Before Demanding Payment (commonly In Bitcoin) And Instructing Victims To Contact Via A Specified Telegram Handle.

While Many Ransomware Campaigns Target Specific Large Organisations, Nobody Appears To Focus On Infecting A Broad Range Of File Types, Including Not Just Personal Documents And Media But Also Backups, Databases, And Network Shares.

By Appending Random Extensions And Generating Unique Victim Identifiers, And By Seeking To Disable Recovery Mechanisms Like Volume Shadow Copies, The Attackers Behind Nobody Aim To Maximise Pressure.

Infection Vectors & Attack Craft

Understanding How Nobody Enters Systems Is Key To Prevention. According To Cybersecurity Analysts, Typical Vectors Include:

• Phishing Emails With Malicious Attachments Or Links That, When Clicked, Download The Ransomware.
• Compromised Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) access: Attackers Brute-force Or Purchase Credentials, Then Install The Payload.
• Exploiting Unpatched Software Vulnerabilities: Devices With Outdated OS Or Applications Provide Easy Entry.
• Malicious Downloads, Such As Cracked Software, Pirated Apps, Or Repackaged Installers — Especially Relevant In The Case Of Personal Users Or Smaller Organisations.
• Drive-by Downloads / Malvertising: Where Victims Are Redirected To Compromised Sites That Silently Drop Malware.

Once The Malware Gains A Foothold, It Often Executes The Following Sequence: Terminate Key Processes, Enumerate Drives And Network Shares, Append Victim Identifiers And Random Extensions To Filenames, Encrypt Data, Delete Or Disable Backups (e.g., VSS Shadow Copies), Drop Ransom Notes In Folders, And Change Desktop Wallpaper To Reinforce The Demand.

An Interesting Tactic Flagged By Researchers: Nobody May Perform Geo-IP Checks To Avoid Encrypting Systems In Regions Where Ransom Payments Are Unlikely, Thereby Optimising Its “business Model”.

Encryption Process And Ransom Demand

The Core Mechanism Of Nobody Ransomware Follows Established Ransomware-as-a-service Strategies, But With Some Notable Features:

• It Extensively Scans Both local Drives And network Shares, Including Mapped Drives And Connected Storage, Broadening Its Impact.
• For Each File, It Appends The Victim’s Unique ID, The Attacker’s Email Or Telegram Handle, And A Random Four-character Extension, Then Encrypts The File Using Strong Encryption Algorithms. This Renders The File Unusable Without The Decryption Key.
• The Ransomware Attempts To delete Or Disable Volume Shadow Copy Backups and System Restore Points Via Commands Like `vssadmin Delete Shadows /all /quiet`. In Cases Where It Succeeds, Recovery Without Paying Becomes Extremely Difficult.
• The Ransom Note States That Three Encrypted Files Can Be Sent For Free Decryption (a “proof”) But Emphasises That Payment Must Be Made In Cryptocurrency (typically Bitcoin) To Obtain The Full Decryption Tool.

Victims Are Urged To Contact A Telegram Account (or An Email) And Instructed To Pay To Regain Access. The Same Note Leverages Psychological Pressure — Implying That Failure To Pay May Result In Permanent Data Loss. The Random Extension Makes It Difficult To Ignore Or Bypass The Encryption Without A Decryption Key.

Impact & Risks For Organisations And Individuals

The Implications Of A Nobody Ransomware Infection Are Severe, Especially In Business Environments. Key Impacts Include:

• Operational Disruption: With Files And Data Encrypted, Workflows Can Grind To A Halt. If Backups Are Unavailable Or Compromised, Recovery Can Take Days Or Weeks.
• Financial Loss: Beyond The Ransom Itself, Organisations Incur Costs For Incident Response, Forensic Investigations, System Rebuilds, Reputational Damage, And Regulatory Fines (if Data Breaches Are Involved).
• Data Theft And Exposure: While Currently Documented Variants Of Nobody Focus On Encryption, The Broader Trend In Ransomware Includes Exfiltration For Double Extortion (encrypt + Publish). Victims Face The Risk Of Data Leaks Or Exposure Even If They Regain Files.
• Backup Compromise: By Design, Nobody Seeks To Delete Shadow Copies Or Restore Points, Making Recovery From Backups More Difficult. If Backup Systems Are Online And Accessible, They Too May Be Encrypted.
• Small And Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are Particularly At Risk Because They Often Lack Sophisticated Defences Or Tested Incident Response Plans. Ransomware Is No Longer Just A Big-business Problem — It Affects Entities Of All Sizes.

In Short, The Arrival Of Nobody Ransomware Underscores How Even Less Well-known Ransomware Variants Can Deliver High Damage. Ignoring “smaller” Strains Is A Dangerous Gamble.

Detection & Signs Of An Active Attack

Early Detection Is Critical To Limiting Damage. Here Are Telltale Signs That Nobody Ransomware May Be Operating In Your Environment:

• Sudden high Disk I/O And Encryption-type Behaviour, Especially Across Multiple Drives Or Network Shares Simultaneously.
• File Names With Newly Appended random Four-character Extensions (e.g., `.ckoz`, `.jylq`, Etc.).
• Ransom Note Files appearing In Many Directories (e.g., “README-NOBODY.txt” Or Similar).
• Computer Or Server Desktop Backgrounds Changed To The Ransom Demand Wallpaper.
• Evidence Of volume Shadow Copy Deletion or Restore Point Removal (logs Show `vssadmin Delete Shadows /all /quiet` Or Similar).
• Unexplained Disablement Of Antivirus Software Or Firewall Policies.
• Network-wide Propagation Of Encryption, Especially Via Shared Drives Or Exposed RDP Sessions.

If You Observe These Signs, Immediate Incident Response Is Required: Isolate Affected Systems, Disconnect From Networks, Engage Forensic/security Specialists, And Assess Backup Integrity.

Prevention: Best Practices To Protect Against Nobody Ransomware

The Most Effective Strategy Against Nobody Ransomware — And Ransomware Generally — Is Prevention. Some Key Safeguards Include:

• Regular Backups, Kept Offline Or Air-gapped From Production Systems. Ensure These Backups Are Tested For Integrity And Restoration Capability.
• Patch Management: Keep Operating Systems, Applications, And Firmware Fully Up To Date With Security Patches. Unpatched Vulnerabilities Remain A Favourite Entry Vector.
• Secure RDP And Remote Access: Disable Or Tightly Secure RDP Services, Use Strong Authentication, Limit Access Via VPNs, And Monitor For Brute-force Attempts.
• User Awareness Training: Educate Users About Phishing, Malicious Attachments, Suspicious Downloads, And Drive-by Download Risks. Social Engineering Remains A Major Infection Path.
• Endpoint Detection And Response (EDR): Deploy Behavioural-based Security Tools That Can Detect Unusual Encryption Behaviours, Process Terminations, And Mass File Changes.
• Segment Networks And Restrict Privileges: Apply The Principle Of Least Privilege — Limit Account Rights, Restrict Lateral Movement, And Isolate Backup Systems From Main Networks.
• Enable File Versioning And Immutable Storage: Leverage Technologies Like Write-once Storage Or Versioning That Ransomware Cannot Easily Tamper With.
• Incident Response Planning: Pre-define How Your Organisation Will Respond To Ransomware: Roles, Communications, Backups, Forensic Investigations, And Decision Processes (playbooks).

Taking These Measures Gives The Best Chance Of Either Preventing An Infection Entirely Or Significantly Limiting Its Impact.

What To Do If You Are Infected By Nobody Ransomware

Despite Best Efforts, Infections May Still Occur. If You Believe You Are Impacted By Nobody Ransomware, Follow These Steps:

1. Isolate The Infected System(s) Immediately By Disconnecting From Networks And Disabling Shared Drives Or Cloud Sync For Those Devices.

2. Preserve Forensic Evidence: Do Not Reboot Or Shut Down Systems Unless Absolutely Necessary; Capture Memory And Disk Images If Possible, And Log Relevant Events.

3. Assess Backup Integrity: Are Backups Available? Are They Intact And Ransomware-free? If Yes, You May Be Able To Restore Without Paying.

4. Do Not pay The Ransom As A First Resort: Paying Does Not Guarantee Decryption, And May Encourage Further Attacks. Security Guidance Strongly Advises Caution.

5. Consult With Cybersecurity Professionals Or Law-enforcement: They Can Help With Decryption Research, Negotiating, And Containment.

6. Remove The Malware: Use Reputable Anti-malware Tools Or Engage A Specialist To Eradicate The Ransomware And Its Components (so It Doesn’t Reinfect After Recovery).

7. Restore From Backups: If Viable, Format Affected Systems And Restore From Clean Backups. Verify Integrity And Safety Of Restored Files.

8. Post-mortem & Hardening: Investigate Root Cause (how The Infection Occurred), Strengthen Defences, Patch Gaps, Update Policies And Conduct Training To Prevent Recurrence.

Even With Thorough Response, Recovery Can Be Costly And Disruptive — A Powerful Reminder Of Why Prevention Is Preferable.

Why Nobody Ransomware Matters To You

You Might Wonder: “Why Focus On This Particular Strain?” There Are Several Reasons:

• Emerging Threat: Unlike Some Older, Well-understood Ransomware Variants, Nobody Is Recent And Demonstrates Novel Behaviours (random Extension Appending, Geo-targeting Skip Logic, Broad File Scope).
• Wide Target Scope: It Doesn’t Just Go After “big-enterprise” Targets. Personal Users, Small Businesses And Network-attached Storage All Fall In Its Crosshairs.
• High Impact Potential: By Targeting Backups, Databases And Network Shares, It Maximises Damage And The Likelihood Of Ransom Payment.
• Awareness Gap: Many Organisations Believe They Are “too Small” Or “not Of Interest” — But Ransomware Actors Increasingly Treat All Systems As Viable.
• Preparation Opportunity: Learning From This Threat Gives You An Opportunity To Test And Strengthen Your Defences now, Before A Real Compromise.

In Essence, If You Treat Ransomware As A “someone Else’s Problem”, You May Be Caught Off-guard. Nobody Ransomware Is One More Reason To Take Ransomware Risk Seriously.

Conclusion

The Arrival Of The Nobody Ransomware Variant Underscores The Harsh Reality That No Device, System Or Organisation Is Immune. Whether You Manage A Corporate IT Infrastructure Or Run A Small Business (or Even Just Use A Personal Computer), The Threat Is Real, Present And Evolving. Because Nobody Uses Strong Encryption, Broad File Targeting, And Aggressive Tactics (like Deleting Backups), Your Best Bet Lies In prevention, detection, And recovery Preparedness.

A Focused Strategy Combining User Education, Robust Backups, Patching, Segmentation, Endpoint Monitoring And An Incident Response Plan Offers The Best Defence. If You Do Encounter An Infection, Fast Isolation, Forensic Triage, And Disciplined Recovery Are Essential. Most Importantly: Do not rely On Paying The Ransom As A Fallback.

By Staying Informed About Emerging Strains Like Nobody Ransomware, And Taking Proactive Steps Today, You Can Reduce Your Risk Of Becoming The Next Victim. The Cost Of Preparation Is Far Less Than The Cost Of Remediation — And Remembering That “nobody” Should Be Replacing your files Is The Last Thing You Want.

Malware Removal Guide For PC

Malware Removal Guide For Web Browsers

Prevent Future Malware

Summary - Malware Removal Guide

Guide For VPN Uses

Malware Removal Guide – PC And Web Browser

PART 1: Remove Malware From Your PC (Windows)

Step 1: Boot Into Safe Mode

• Restart Your PC And Press F8 (or Shift + F8 For Some Systems) Before Windows Loads.

• Choose Safe Mode With Networking.

Safe Mode Prevents Most Malware From Loading.

Step 2: Uninstall Suspicious Programs

1. Press Win + R, Type appwiz.cpl, And Press Enter.

2. Sort By Install Date And Uninstall Unknown Or Recently Added Programs.

Step 3: Run A Malware Scan

Use A Trusted Anti-malware Tool:

Malwarebytes – https://www.malwarebytes.com

Screenshot Of Malwarebytes - Visit Links

Microsoft Defender – Built Into Windows 10/11

HitmanPro, ESET Online Scanner, Or Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool

ZoneAlarm Pro Antivirus + Firewall NextGen

VIPRE Antivirus - US And Others Countries, | India

VIPRE Antivirus - Mac

F-Secure Total - Global

Run A Full Scan And Delete/quarantine Detected Threats.

Step 4: Delete Temporary Files

1. Press Win + R, Type temp → Delete All Files.

2. Press Win + R, Type %temp% → Delete All Files.

3. Use Disk Cleanup: cleanmgr In The Run Dialog.

Step 5: Reset Hosts File

1. Go To: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc

2. Open hosts File With Notepad.

3. Replace With Default Content:

Step 6: Check Startup Programs

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Open Task Manager

2. Go To Startup Tab

3. Disable Any Suspicious Entries.

Step 7: Reset Network Settings

1. Open Command Prompt As Administrator.

2. Run These Commands:

netsh Winsock Reset

netsh Int Ip Reset

ipconfig /flushdns

PART 2: Remove Malware From Web Browsers

? Common Signs Of Malware In Browser:

• Unwanted Homepage Or Search Engine

• Pop-ups Or Redirects

• Unknown Extensions Installed

Step 1: Remove Suspicious Extensions

For Chrome:

• Go To: chrome://extensions/

• Remove Anything Unfamiliar

For Firefox:

• Go To: about:addons → Extensions

• Remove Suspicious Add-ons

For Edge:

• Go To: edge://extensions/

• Uninstall Unknown Add-ons

Step 2: Reset Browser Settings

Chrome:

• Go To chrome://settings/reset → "Restore Settings To Their Original Defaults"

Firefox:

• Go To about:support → "Refresh Firefox"

Edge:

• Go To edge://settings/resetProfileSettings → "Reset Settings"

Step 3: Clear Cache And Cookies

All Browsers:

• Use Ctrl + Shift + Del → Select All Time

• Clear Cookies, Cached Files, And Site Data

Step 4: Check Search Engine & Homepage Settings

Make Sure They Are Not Hijacked.

• Chrome: chrome://settings/search

• Firefox: about:preferences#search

• Edge: edge://settings/search

Step 5: Use Browser Cleanup Tools (Optional)

• Chrome: chrome://settings/cleanup

• Use Malwarebytes Browser Guard For Real-time Browser Protection.

FINAL TIPS: Prevent Future Malware

• Always Download Software From Trusted Sources.

• Keep Windows, Browsers, And Antivirus Updated.

• Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links Or Ads.

• Use ad Blockers And reputable Antivirus Software.

• Backup Your Files Regularly.

Short Summary: Malware Removal Guide (PC & Web Browser)

To Remove Malware From Your Windows PC, Start By Booting Into Safe Mode, Uninstalling Suspicious Programs, And Scanning With Trusted Anti-malware Tools Like Malwarebytes. Clear Temporary Files, Reset Your Network Settings, And Check Startup Apps For Anything Unusual.

For web Browsers, Remove Unwanted Extensions, Reset Browser Settings, Clear Cache And Cookies, And Ensure Your Homepage And Search Engine Haven’t Been Hijacked. Use Cleanup Tools Like Chrome Cleanup Or Browser Guard For Added Protection.

?? Prevention Tips: Keep Software Updated, Avoid Suspicious Downloads, And Use Antivirus Protection Plus Browser Ad Blockers. Regular Backups Are Essential.

VPN - How To Use IT

1. Choose A Trusted VPN Provider

• Why It Matters: Not All VPNs Offer Malware Protection.

• What To Look For: Providers With built-in Malware/ad/tracker Blockers (e.g., NordVPN’s Threat Protection, ProtonVPN’s NetShield).

• Nord VPN
• Hide.me VPN

2. Enable Kill Switch

• Purpose: Prevents Data Leaks If Your VPN Connection Drops.

• Benefit: Ensures Your Real IP And Browsing Activity Aren’t Exposed To Malware-distributing Websites.

3. Use VPN With DNS Leak Protection

• Why It Matters: DNS Leaks Can Expose Your Online Activity To Attackers.

• Solution: Enable DNS Leak Protection In Your VPN Settings Or Use A Secure DNS Like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).

4. Avoid Free VPNs

• Risk: Free VPNs Often Contain Malware, Sell User Data, Or Lack Security Features.

• Better Option: Use Reputable Paid VPNs That Offer security Audits And Transparent Privacy Policies.

5. Use VPN With Anti-Phishing Tools

• Some VPNs Block Known Phishing And Malicious Sites.

• Example: Surfshark’s CleanWeb, CyberGhost’s Content Blocker.

6. Keep Your VPN App Updated

• Reason: Security Patches Fix Known Vulnerabilities.

• Tip: Enable Auto-updates Or Check For Updates Weekly.

. Use VPN On All Devices

• Scope: Malware Can Enter Through Phones, Tablets, Or IoT Devices.

• Solution: Install VPN Apps On Every Internet-connected Device.

8. Don’t Rely On VPN Alone

• Fact: VPNs Do Not Remove Or Detect Malware On Your System.

• Complement It With:

  • Antivirus Software

  • Firewall

  • Browser Extensions For Script Blocking

9. Avoid Clicking Unknown Links While VPN Is On

• VPN Encrypts Traffic But Can’t Stop Malware From Executing If You Download Infected Files.

10. Use VPN With Split Tunneling Cautiously

• Split Tunneling Allows Certain Apps/sites To Bypass VPN.

• Tip: Never Exclude Browsers, Email Clients, Or Download Managers From VPN Tunneling.

Short Note - VPN Uses

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) Enhances Your Online Privacy By Encrypting Your Internet Traffic And Masking Your IP Address. It Protects Your Data On Public Wi-Fi, Hides Browsing Activity From Hackers And ISPs, And Helps Bypass Geo-restrictions. VPNs Also Add A Layer Of Defense Against Malware By Blocking Malicious Websites And Trackers When Using Advanced Features. However, A VPN Does Not Remove Existing Malware Or Act As Antivirus Software. For Full Protection, Combine VPN Use With Antivirus Tools, Regular Software Updates, And Cautious Browsing Habits. Always Choose A Reputable VPN Provider With Strong Security And Privacy Policies.