In this article, you will find more information about a ransomware infection called .BDDY virus files as well as a step-by-step removal guide on how to get rid of all malicious files created by this threat. You will also find information on how to potentially recover files encrypted by this ransomware.
.BDDY Virus Files – Ransomware Infection
The .BDDY virus files is another cryptovirus that belongs to the Matrix ransomware family. Once activated on a computer it interferes with essential system settings in an attempt to localize valuable personal files and encodes them with a sophisticated cipher algorithm. Following encryption, the BDDY ransomware marks corrupted files with a long sequence of malicious extensions that ends with the extension .BDDY. The fact that victims cannot access their valuable files is misused by hackers who attempt to blackmail them into transferring a hefty ransom fee in exchange for a decryption tool.
Threat Summary
| Name | .BDDY Virus Files |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware that utilizes strong cihper algorithm to encrypt personal files stored on the infected computer. It demands a ransom for a decryption solution. |
| Symptoms | Important files are locked and renamed with a long sequence of extensions which ends with the .BDDY extension. Corrupted files remain unusable until their code is reverted back to original state. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Corrupted Websites, Software Installers |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .BDDY Virus Files. |
| 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. |
.BDDY Files Virus (Matrix Ransomware) – Detailed Overview
Security researchers define .BDDY virus files as a strain of Matrix ransomware. The infection process with this threat begins the moment its payload file loads on a target computer system.
The spread of BDDY’s payload file is most likely to be realized via spam email messages. Emails that attempt to deliver malicious code on computer systems are defined as malspam. Their senders often pose as representatives of well-known businesses, websites, and even governmental institutions in order to make online users more prone to start the malware on their computers by clicking on a link or opening an attached file. In addition, their text messages usually attempt to provoke a sense of urgency so that users can act without considering the hidden risk.
Once started on the system, the payload file triggers lots of malicious operations that support the several phases of the ransomware attack. First, BDDY virus ransomware creates additional malicious files on the system. Then it starts executing them one by one in a predefined order so that it can disrupt system security, corrupt essential system settings, and activate its in-built cipher module without being interrupted.
Like previous Matrix ransomware variants, the .BDDY virus is set to scan system drives for commonly used types and encrypt them by utilizing the strong cipher algorithm RSА-2048. Since the following files are likely to store valuable personal data, they may be all corrupted by the ransomware:
- Audio files
- Video files
- Document files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials, etc
As a result, corrupted files remain inaccessible and renamed with a long sequence of extension that starts with hackers’ contact email and ends with the extension .BDDY. For example the image file photo.jpg will be renamed to photo.jpg.[Buddy@criptext.com].2CgiLnbo-4lqTRLgi.BDDY where the random alphanumeric combinations represent a specific victim’s ID. As long as .BDDY files are encrypted victims cannot use them.
As a way to force its victims into paying a ransom fee to hackers, .BDDY virus drops a ransom message file on infected systems. This file is called #BDDY_README#.rtf and its contents state the following:
Аttеntiоn! Аll yоur filеs wеrе еnсryрtеd with RSА-2048 аlgоrithm.
Withоut уоur pеrsоnаl dесrуptiоn kеy dаtа rеcоvеrу is impоssiblе!
Tо gеt yоur uniquе kеy аnd dесrурt thе filеs, Yоu hаvе to sеnd thе fоllоwing cоdе:
[victim_id] tо оur е-mаil аddrеss: Buddy@criptext.com
Thеn Yоu will rеciеvе аll nеcеssаry instruсtiоns.
Yоu hаvе оnlу 96 hоurs tо rеcоvеr yоur dаtа! Аftеr this timе yоur uniquе dесrурtiоn kеy will bе аutоmаticаllу dеlеtеd аnd filе dесrурtiоn will bеcоmе imроssiblе!
Hurrу uр! Еасh 12 hоurs thе pауmеnt sizе will bе аutоmаticаllу inсrеаsеd bу 100$!
Аll thе аttеmpts оf dесryptiоn by yоursеlf will rеsult оnly in irrеvосаble lоss оf yоur dаtа.
If yоu still wаnt tо try tо dеcrypt thеm by yоursеlf plеаsе mаkе а bаckup аt first bеcаusе thе dесryptiоn will bеcоmе impоssiblе in cаsе оf аny chаngеs insidе thе filеs.
If yоu did nоt rеcеivе thе аnswеr frоm thе аfоrеcitеd еmаil fоr mоrе then 24 hours (аnd оnly in this cаsе!), usе thе rеsеrvе е-mаil аddrеss:
decodedecode@tutanota.com
If you want to prevent being tricked once again by cybercriminals, you should avoid paying them the ransom. There is no guarantee that they can send you back a working decryption solution for .BDDY files. Instead, consider the completion of the removal steps below as they will help you to clean your system from malicious files and present you some alternative data recovery solutions.
Remove .BDDY Virus Files and Attempt to Restore Data
The so-called .BDDY Virus Files is a threat with a highly complex code that disrupts system security in order to encrypt personal files. Hence the infected system could be used in a secure manner again only after the complete removal of all malicious files and objects created by the ransomware. That’s why it is recommendable that all steps presented in the ransomware removal guide below should be completed. Beware that the manual ransomware removal is suitable for more experienced computer users. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps navigate to the automatic part of the guide.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Step 1: Scan for .BDDY Virus Files with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .BDDY Virus Files 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 .BDDY Virus Files 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 .BDDY Virus Files 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 .BDDY Virus Files
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .BDDY Virus Files.
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 .BDDY Virus Files 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.
.BDDY Virus Files-FAQ
What is .BDDY Virus Files Ransomware?
.BDDY Virus Files 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 .BDDY Virus Files 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 .BDDY Virus Files Infect?
Via several ways..BDDY Virus Files 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 .BDDY Virus Files 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 ..BDDY Virus Files files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..BDDY Virus Files 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 ..BDDY Virus Files files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..BDDY Virus Files" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..BDDY Virus Files 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 .BDDY Virus Files 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 .BDDY Virus Files ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..BDDY Virus Files 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 .BDDY Virus Files 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 .BDDY Virus Files Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .BDDY Virus Files 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 .BDDY Virus Files 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.
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