FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

National Security Agency Virus

Also Known As: National Security Agency Ransomware
Damage level: Severe

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.

National Security Agency virus

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.

Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

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.

Safe Mode with Networking

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.

Windows 8 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.

Boot your computer in Safe Mode with Command Prompt

2. When Command Prompt Mode loads, enter the following line: cd restore and press ENTER.

system restore using command prompt type cd restore

3. Next, type this line: rstrui.exe and press ENTER.

system restore using command prompt rstrui.exe

4. In the opened window click "Next".

restore system files and settings

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).

select a restore point

6. In the opened window click "Yes".

run system restore

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:

▼ Show Discussion

About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

Our malware removal guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
National Security Agency Ransomware QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of National Security Agency Ransomware on your mobile device.
We Recommend:

Get rid of Windows malware infections today:

▼ REMOVE IT NOW
Download Combo Cleaner

Platform: Windows

Editors' Rating for Combo Cleaner:
Editors ratingOutstanding!

[Back to Top]

To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.