National Security Agency Virus
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is National Security Agency?
The 'National Security Agency virus' is a term used to describe a ransomware infection, which exploits the name of the National Security Agency (NSA). This virus locks computer screens and demands payment of a $300 fine (using GreenDot MoneyPak) for alleged law violations, such as watching and distributing child pornography.
In fact, this message is not related to the NSA, it is a scam created by cyber criminals. This screen-locking message is the result of a security infection and should not be trusted. PC users should understand that paying the fine is equivalent to sending their money to cyber criminals.
Commonly, this fake message is proliferated using 'exploit kits', which infiltrate users' operating systems via security vulnerabilities detected within outdated software such as Java, Flash, etc.
After successful infiltration, the National Security Agency ransomware virus blocks the user's desktop with the message, "Your computer has been locked" and then demands payment of $300 within 72 hours.
The fake message also displays ISP, IP address, and operating system information, and furthermore, displays several photos of child pornography supposedly detected on the user's computer. Note that all information displayed by this message is created by cyber criminals with the intention of tricking unsuspecting PC users into paying the bogus fine.
If you observe such a message on your computer screen, your PC is infected with a ransomware virus. Do not trust this message or pay any fines, it is a scam.
Note that the name of the National Security Agency is exploited in a previous variant of this ransomware virus and you can read more about it here. Computer users should be aware that neither the National Security Agency nor any other authorities or organizations, internationally, use screen-blocking messages to collect fines for any law infringements.
The best way to protect your computer from these ransomware viruses is to keep all installed programs up-to-date and use legitimate antivirus and anti-spyware programs. If your computer is infected with the National Security Agency virus, use the removal guide provided to eliminate this ransomware from your operating system.
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Quick menu:
- What is National Security Agency?
- STEP 1. "National Security Agency" virus removal using safe mode with networking.
- STEP 2. "National Security Agency" ransomware removal using System Restore.
National Security Agency virus removal:
Step 1
Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer starting process press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 8 users: Go to the Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click on Advanced Startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window select Advanced Startup. Click on the "Restart now" button. Your computer will now restart into "Advanced Startup options menu".
Click on the "Troubleshoot" button, then click on "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen click on "Startup settings". Click on the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press "5" to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Step 2
Log in to the account infected with the National Security Agency virus. Start your Internet browser and download a legitimate anti-spyware program. Update the anti-spyware software and start a full system scan. Remove all entries detected.
If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking, try performing a System Restore.
Video showing how to remove ransomware virus using "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" and "System Restore":
1. During your computer starting process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears, and then select Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list and press ENTER.
2. When Command Prompt Mode loads, enter the following line: cd restore and press ENTER.
3. Next, type this line: rstrui.exe and press ENTER.
4. In the opened window click "Next".
5. Select one of the available Restore Points and click "Next" (this will restore your computer system to an earlier time and date, prior to the National Security Agency virus infiltrated your PC).
6. In the opened window click "Yes".
7. After restoring your computer to a previous date, download and scan your PC with recommended malware removal software to eliminate any remnants of the National Security Agency virus.
Other tools known to remove the National Security Agency virus:
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