Ransomware variant was reported to affect an increasing number of users, called BuyUnlockCode has been identified to infect PCs on a global scale. The ransomware uses a strong RSA – 1024 cipher to encrypt the files and an AES cipher to encrypt the decryption keys. This makes the encrypted files unable to be opened unless the affected users pay the ransom money. Instructions on payment are left behind as a wallpaper and a text file, as usual with most ransomware viruses. Infected users are strongly advised not to pay any ransom to cyber-criminals, because it is no guarantee they will get the files back. Instead, it is advisable to remove the ransomware and try other methods to restore the files, such as the ones provided in this article.
Threat Summary
| Name | BuyUnlockCode |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files with the RSA-1024 cipher and the decryption key with AES algorithm and asks a ransom payment for decryption of the files. |
| Symptoms | Files are encrypted and become inaccessible. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows as a BUYUNLOCKCODE.txt file. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss BuyUnlockCode Ransomware. |
| 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. |
BuyUnlockCode Ransomware – How Is It Spread
To infect users, the malicious files of BuyUnlockCode may be distributed via:
- Obfuscated files.
- Malicious JavaScript.
- Exploit Kits.
- Drive-by Downloads.
- Via fake Java Updates.
Users have reported encountering spam e-mails such as this one:
It is strongly recommended to avoid such e-mails or to at least check their content for malware. One method to do this and prevent further attacks is via VirusTotal services.
BuyUnlockCode Ransomware – Description
Once executed on the malicious computer, BuyUnlockCode ransomware has been identified by cyber-threat researchers to create the following malicious files in the following Windows folders:
→ In %AppData%\SunDevPackUpdate\:
BUYUNLOCKCODE.txt
pbinfoset.sww
SunDevPackUpdate\wallpp.bmp
After creating the malicious files, BuyUnlockCode ransomware, creates values in the Windows Registry Editor which run the encryption process on Windows start up and change the wallpaper with its own:
→ HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce\bcdel cmd.exe /c del “%AppData%\SunDevPackUpdate\
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce\oldex cmd.exe /c del “path-to-installer\installer.exe”
HKCU\Control Panel\Desktop\Wallpaper “%AppData%\SunDevPackUpdate\wallpp.bmp” Source: Bleeping Computer
After doing so, the ransomware begins to encrypt user files. It looks for files that have the following extensions:
→ .crt, .xls, .docx, .doc, .cer, .key, .pem, .pgp, .der, .rtf, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xlsb, .txt, .xlc, .docm, .ptb, .qbb, .qbw, .qba, .qbm, .xlk,.dbf, .mdb, .mdf, .mde, .accdb, .text, .jpg, .jpeg, .ppt, .pdf, .cdx, .cdr, .bpg, .vbp, .php, .css, .dbx, .dbt, .arw, .dwg, .dxf, .dxg, .eps, .indd, .odb, .odm, .nrw, .ods, .odp, .odt, .orf, .pdd, .pfx, .kdc, .nef, .mef, .mrw, .crw, .dng, .raf, .psd, .rwl, .srf, .srw,.wpd, .odc, .sql, .pab, .vsd, .xsf, .pps, .wps, .pptm, .pptx, .pst, .zip, .tar, .rar Source: Bleeping Computer
The encrypted files have the .encoded extension added to them, for example:
→ New Text Document.txt.encoded.{Alpha-numerical ID Here}
After encryption the wallpaper of the infected user PC is changed to the following:
It also automatically opens the “BUYUNLOCKCODE.txt” file to notify the user with the following message:
→ “Hi, your ID = {Random Alpha-numerical ID}
All important files were encoded with RSA-1024 encryption algorithm.
There is the only way to restore them – purchase the unique unlock code.
Warning! Any attempt to recovering files without our “Special program” will cause data damage or complete data loss.
As we receive your payment, we will send special program and your unique code to unlock your system.
Guarantee: You can send one of the encrypted file by email and we decode it for free as proof of our abilities.
No sense to contact the police. Your payment must be made to the e-wallet. It’s impossible to trace.
Don`t waste your and our time.
So, if you are ready to pay for recovering your files, please reply this email ChiuKhan@tom.com
Then we will send payment instructions.” Source: Affected Users
Remove BuyUnlockCode Ransomware and Restore the Encrypted Files
To remove BuyUnlockCode from your computer, you should follow the removal instructions below. Since infections with this malware can be different and make different changes to your PC, experts advise using an advanced anti-malware software for maximum effectiveness.
If you want to directly decrypt your files, unfortunately, it is impossible, because there is no decrypter released just yet. However, you may want to try the alternative methods to get your files back listed in the instructions below. They may not be 100% effective, but they may work for at least a portion of your data.
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.
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Step 1: Scan for BuyUnlockCode with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall BuyUnlockCode 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by BuyUnlockCode 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 BuyUnlockCode there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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.
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 BuyUnlockCode
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by BuyUnlockCode.
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:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
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 BuyUnlockCode 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.
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.
BuyUnlockCode-FAQ
What is BuyUnlockCode Ransomware?
BuyUnlockCode 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 BuyUnlockCode 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 BuyUnlockCode Infect?
Via several ways.BuyUnlockCode 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 BuyUnlockCode 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 .BuyUnlockCode files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .BuyUnlockCode 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 .BuyUnlockCode files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".BuyUnlockCode" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .BuyUnlockCode 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 BuyUnlockCode 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 BuyUnlockCode ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .BuyUnlockCode 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 BuyUnlockCode 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 BuyUnlockCode Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this BuyUnlockCode 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 BuyUnlockCode 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.