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Remove Brolo Fake BSOD Ransomware from Your PC

Another locker type of ransomware called Brolo has been reported to affect users on a massive scale. The ransomware uses malicious JavaScript to infect the browser of the user and connect to a remote host that displays a fake Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) message along with a scareware pop-up. Its aim is to extort users for money to fix a problem that does not exist. All users affected are advised not to fall into this trap and clean up their system methodologically from this malware, instructions for which are presented after this article.

Name Brolo.C
Type Ransomware
Short Description The virus uses malicious JavaScript code to restrict access to the buttons of the web browser of the user.
Symptoms The user may witness a Fake BSOD scareware message imitating the official Microsoft one and claiming his computer has malware along with a phone number attached.
Distribution Method Via PUPs, installed by visiting a suspicious third-party site or malicious attachments.
Detection Tool Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
User Experience Join our forum to follow the discussion about Brolo.C.
Data Recovery Tool Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive.

malware-sensorstechforumSource: Microsoft Malware Protection Center

Brolo Fake BSOD Ransomware – How Did I Get It

This virus has been reported by Microsoft security researchers to affect users by utilizing JavaScript codes. It may arrive onto the user’s web browser by several different methods:

  • Injected automatically via an adware program on the user PC.
  • Inserted using spam mails containing malicious links and attachments
  • Via messages featuring malicious links on online chat platforms.

After it has been executed, it might make an exploit or take advantage of a dead code and connect to a remote host after which deploy the payload.

Brolo Fake BSOD Ransomware – How Does It Work?

After it has been executed, the malicious payload may tamper with various registry entries, one of which may belong to the web browser you are using, for example:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome

It may set custom values to block every button, the address bar and other settings that may allow users to access their browser use it. This may be done by the malicious JavaScript, which monitors any commands that are input.

Besides a fake blue screen of death, Microsoft reports the malware to deploy a pop-up which may contain a message of the following character:

“There is a .net frame work file missing due to some harmfull virus
Debug malware error 895-system 32.exe failure.
Please contact Microsoft technicians to rectify the issue.Please do not open internet browser for your security issue to avoid data corruption on your registry of your operating system. Please contact Microsoft technicians at: {cyber-criminals’ phone number}”

The message may also have additional scareware texts written in capital fonts:

“PLEASE DO NOT SHUT DOWN OR RESTART YOUR COMPUTER, DOING THAT MAY LEAD TO DATA LOSS AND FAILURE OF OPERATING SYSTEM, HENCE NON BOOTABLE SITUATION RESULTING COMPLETE DATA LOSS. CONTACT ADMINISTRATOR DEPARTMENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE ON TOLL-FREE {cyber-criminals’ phone number}”
Furthermore, the languages of the message may vary, depending on the location of the user. All users who come across this message should immediately disconnect from the internet and remove this malware.

Remove Brolo Fake BSOD Ransomware Completely

To remove Brolo a conventional restart or directly deleting the browser from %Program Files% will may not be successful, since the malware may cause real system freezes and interruptions. Furthermore, it may reappear when another web browser is installed since it may have files concealed in several key Windows locations:

  • %AppData%
  • %Roaming%
  • %System%
  • %Temp%
  • %Users%

To get rid of it successfully it is strongly recommended to follow the removal steps below since they are methodically arranged for maximum effectiveness. We also advise using an advanced anti-malware tool that is updated to the latest definitions in order to catch any obfuscators of the malware and also protect you in the future.

Manually delete Brolo.C from Windows and your browser.

Note! Substantial notification about the Brolo.C threat: Manual removal of Brolo.C requires interference with system files and registries. Thus, it can cause damage to your PC. Even if your computer skills are not at a professional level, don’t worry. You can do the removal yourself just in 5 minutes, using a malware removal tool.

1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Brolo.C

Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode

1. For Windows 7,XP and Vista. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.

For Windows XP, Vista, 7 systems:

1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu.
2. Select one of the two options provided below:

For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.

donload_now_140

For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.

donload_now_140

3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.

4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account

donload_now_140

While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.

Step 1: Open the Start Menu

donload_now_140

Step 2: Whilst holding down Shift button, click on Power and then click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, the aftermentioned menu will appear. From there you should choose Troubleshoot.

donload_now_140

Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu you can choose Advanced Options.

donload_now_140

Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.

donload_now_140

Step 6: Click on Restart.
donload_now_140

Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You should choose Safe Mode by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.

2. Reinstall your web browser to get it rid of Brolo.C from it.

Remove or Uninstall Your Web Browser in Windows.

Step 1: Remove/Uninstall Your Browser using Windows Programs and Features.

Here is a method in few easy steps to uninstall your web browser. No matter if you are using Windows 8, 7, Vista or XP or 10, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program get left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, mistakes with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities caused by the virus. The proper way to get the browser off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:

  • Hold the Windows Logo Button and “R” on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear (fig.1).
  • uninstall-virus-fig1

  • In the field type in “appwiz.cpl” and press ENTER (fig.2).
  • uninstall-virus-fig2

  • This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC.
    Select the web browser that you want to remove, and press “Uninstall” (fig.3).
  • affected-web-browser-sensorstechforum

    After you uninstall your web browser, you should clean up your registries before downloading it again. For more information on how to clean up your registries, proceed to the following article:
    Fix Windows Registry Errors Caused by Malware

    Finally you may want to install your browser against if you are certain the threat is gone.

    Automatically remove Brolo.C by downloading an advanced anti-malware program.

    1. Remove Brolo.C with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

    Remove Brolo.C with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

    1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove Brolo.C.2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove Brolo.C.
    Step 1:Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.

    It is highly recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter.

    Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
    Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to automatically update.

    pets-by-myway-ads-virus

    Step1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Scan Computer Now’ button.
    pets-by-myway-ads-virus
    Step2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any Brolo.C files, click on the ‘Fix Threats’ button to remove them automatically and permanently.
    pets-by-myway-ads-virus
    Step3: Once the intrusions on your PC have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart it.

    Optional: Using Alternative Anti-Malware Tools

    Remove Brolo.C Using Other Alternative Tools

    Malwarebytes Anti-MalwareSTOPZilla Anti Malware
    1. Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to scan for and remove Brolo.C.
    Step 1: Download Malwarebytes by clicking here.
    Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards.
    pets-by-myway-ads-virus
    pets-by-myway-ads-virus
    Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it.
    Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button.
    pets-by-myway-ads-virus
    Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again.
    pets-by-myway-ads-virus
    Step 6: Review and click on ‘Next’ on the following 4 steps that will appear afterwards and after that click on the ‘Install’ button.
    pets-by-myway-ads-virus
    Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button and check the ‘Launch MalwareBytes AntiMalware’ check box.

    2. Scan your PC with MalwareBytes to remove all Brolo.C associated files automatically.

    Step 1: Launch MalwareBytes if you havent launched it after install.
    Step 2: Wait for the software to update and then click on the blue ‘Scan Now’ button. If it doesnt start updating automatically, click on the blue ‘Update Now’ highlighted text.
    pets-by-myway-ads-virus
    Step 3: At this point, after clicking the ‘Scan Now’ button, the system should start scanning your PC. It may take a while but be patient – it is worth it.
    pets-by-myway-ads-virus
    Step 4: After the scan has been complete and all of the threats have been identified, click on the ‘Remove Selected’ button to delete them permanently.
    pets-by-myway-ads-virus
    Step 5: Once the scan has completed, MalwareBytes will prompt you to restart your computer. It is recommended to save all your data you are working on before restarting.

    1. Download and Install STOPZilla Anti-malware to Scan for And Remove Brolo.C.
    Step 1: Download STOPZilla by clicking here.
    Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards.
    pets-by-myway-ads-virus
    Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it.
    Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button.
    pets-by-myway-ads-virus
    Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again.
    pets-by-myway-ads-virus
    Step 6: Review and click on the ‘Install’ button.
    pets-by-myway-ads-virus
    Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button.

    2. Scan your PC with STOPZilla Anti Malware to remove all Brolo.C associated files completely.
    Step 1: Launch STOPZilla if you haven’t launched it after install.
    Step 2: Wait for the software to automatically scan and then click on the ‘Repair Now’ button. If it does not scan automatically, click on the ‘Scan Now’ button.
    pets-by-myway-ads-virus
    Step 3: After the removal of all threats and associated objects, you should Restart your PC.

    Ventsislav Krastev

    Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.

    More Posts - Website

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    • Step 1
    • Step 2
    • Step 3
    • Step 4
    • Step 5

    Step 1: Scan for Brolo.C with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

    1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.


    It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.


    2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

    scan for and delete ransomware virus step 2


    3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

    scan for and delete ransomware virus step 3


    4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

    scan for and delete ransomware virus step 4

    If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

    Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide

    Step 2: Uninstall Brolo.C and related malware from Windows

    Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:


    1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
    delete ransomware from windows step 1


    2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
    delete ransomware from windows step 2


    3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
    delete ransomware from windows step 3Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.


    Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Brolo.C on your computer.

    The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:

    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
    • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce

    You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Brolo.C there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

    1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
    delete ransomware virus registries step 1


    2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
    delete ransomware virus registries step 2


    3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
    delete ransomware virus registries step 3 Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.

    IMPORTANT!
    Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
    This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.

    Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Brolo.C

    OFFER

    Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
    We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

    Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

    1. Hold Windows Key + R.
    remove ransomware in safe mode step 1


    2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
    remove ransomware in safe mode step 2


    3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
    remove ransomware in safe mode step 3
    Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.


    4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
    remove ransomware in safe mode step 4


    5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
    remove ransomware in safe mode step 5


    Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Brolo.C.

    Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.

    Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.

    Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:

    1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:

    stop ransomware decryptor step 1

    2. Agree with the license terms:

    stop ransomware decryptor step 2

    3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:

    stop ransomware decryptor step 3

    4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.

    stop ransomware decryptor step 4

    Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.

    Method 2: Use data recovery software

    Ransomware infections and Brolo.C aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.

    1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

    Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.


    Brolo.C-FAQ

    What is Brolo.C Ransomware?

    Brolo.C is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files. 

    Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.

    What Does Brolo.C Ransomware Do?

    Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.

    Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.

    How Does Brolo.C Infect?

    Via several ways.Brolo.C Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.

    Another way you may become a victim of Brolo.C is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.

    How to Open .Brolo.C files?

    You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Brolo.C files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.

    What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?

    Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Brolo.C files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.

    Can I Restore ".Brolo.C" Files?

    Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Brolo.C files. 

    These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.

    How To Get Rid of Brolo.C Virus?

    The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.

    It will scan for and locate Brolo.C ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Brolo.C files.

    Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?

    In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.

    Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:

    Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:

    Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei

    United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre

    United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police

    France - Ministère de l'Intérieur

    Italy - Polizia Di Stato

    Spain - Policía Nacional

    Netherlands - Politie

    Poland - Policja

    Portugal - Polícia Judiciária

    Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)

    India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell

    Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center

    Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.

    Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?

    Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.

    Can Brolo.C Ransomware Steal Your Data?

    Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.

    In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.

    Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?

    Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.

    Should I Pay Ransomware?

    No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.

    What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?

    If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.

    Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?

    Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.

    It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.

    Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?

    Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.

    About the Brolo.C Research

    The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Brolo.C how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.


    How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?

    Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.

    Furthermore, the research behind the Brolo.C ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.

    To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.


    As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.

    How to recognize trustworthy sources:

    • Always check "About Us" web page.
    • Profile of the content creator.
    • Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
    • Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.

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