What is a NULL File Type?
Null is a type of malware used by cybercriminals that takes a user hostage and forces him to pay the author to unlock the files. It is most often introduced into the computer of a victim via spam accompanied by malicious attachments that are downloaded and used by unsuspecting users. These attachments may be Javascript .JS files or .DOCX files with macros that appear to be normal attachments but actually contain the Null virus.
When the ransom executes on the computer, a user encrypts the files on the pad; computer and adds the pad; extension .null to the filenames. The target files are documents, images, videos and backup files, such as .DOCX, .JPG, .MP4 and .DB files. For example, a spreadsheet.xlsx becomes spreadsheet.xlsx.null.
The virus generates a pop window @-@up with several tabs explaining the hostile takeover of the apos user files. The tabs contain information about what happened to the files; computer, encryption used on the files, list of encrypted files, how the user can recover his files, and how the user can make payment for the Bitcoin ransom.
There are several options to remove the Null virus, such as the Malwarebytes Premium software, but there are no programs to effectively restore infected files. If the user has a recent backup of his files, he can restore the system to remove the virus, but any changes made to the files after the backup will be lost.