.bH4T virus file – what is it? The virus is known as Dharma ransomware which encrypts files and demands a ransom. .bH4T virus file uses blackhat@iname.com as mail for contacting the cybercriminals.
.bH4T Virus Files – Dharma Ransomware Variant
The .bH4T virus is a new iteration of the Dharma ransomware family. . The current version of the Dharma family ransomware encrypts files by appending the .bH4T extension to them, making them inaccessible. It also may add a unique identification number as previous versions do. All encrypted files will receive the new extension as a secondary one. The ransomware drops a ransom note, which gives instructions to victims on how they can allegedly recover their files.
.bH4T virus Summary
| Name | .bH4T virus |
| File Extension | .bH4T |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .bH4T extension to them, along with a unique identification number placing the new .bH4T extension as a secondary. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .bH4T virus. |
.bH4T File Virus (Dharma Ransomware) – What Is It and How Did I Get It?
A new Dharma release known as the .bH4T virus is being spread by computer hackers against computer victims. Like other similar versions of the ransomware, this one is created in a similar way to the previous ones — by modifying the base engine code. Dharma customization services are available on the hacker underground communities and with the rich diversity of samples, it is not so difficult to create a new iteration. For this particular sample, we have no information about the responsible hacking group.
Such viruses are usually distributed using similar tactics, most of them relying on delivery methods by infected files. The criminals often choose documents of widely used office formats, as they can contain macro scripts. When these documents are opened by the victim users a prompt will ask them to enable them, the most quoted reason is that this is required to properly view the contents. Actually, this will start the infection. A similar mechanism is the creation of bundle application installers of popular software that is often downloaded from the Internet. The hackers make them by taking the original installers and adding the virus code. The virus files can also be standalone small executables, patches, add-ons and etc.
All virus-related data may be easily spread to hackers using phishing tactics that manipulate computer users into thinking that they are viewing legitimate and safe contents. The mediums through which the malware data is sent to the targets often includes the creation of hacker-controlled sites or the coordination of email messages. They are designed to fake services and companies by using similar designs, domains that sound almost the same, and even security certificates. Alternatively, the files can also be distributed by use of hacker identities on file-sharing networks and online chat rooms, and social networks.
When the .bH4T virus is started on a given computer it will start its built-in sequence of commands and built-in modules. They can vary from campaign to campaign, however, given the fact that this is merely a customized version of previous Dharma samples, we assume that the typical sequence will be started. At the start this will initiate a data harvesting procedure, it will search the local hard drive for personal users information, system data, or certain operating system variables. The hijacked information will be used to identify the running machine and to conduct crimes such as identity theft. Personal users’ information allows criminals to collect valuable blackmail information.
Many Dharma threats like the .bH4T virus choose to institute various system changes such as modification of the boot options which will make the ransomware start every the computer is powered on. In some cases, it can also block access to the recovery options which makes most manual user recovery guides non-working. If
When every module has finished running the actual file encryption will begin. It will use a strong cipher to process user files according to built-in instructions. As a result, popular data will become inaccessible: backups, archives, documents, multimedia files, and others. All of them will also receive the relevant strong>.bH4T extension. A relevant text ransom note or lockscreen instance will be
Remove .bH4T File Virus (Dharma)
If your computer got infected with the .bH4T File Virus, you should be experienced in removing malware manually. You should get rid of this ransomware as fast as possible before it can have the opportunity to spread further and infect more machines. You should remove the ransomware and follow the instructions guide provided with easy-to-follow steps below.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
Follow Me:
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for .bH4T virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .bH4T virus 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 .bH4T virus 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 .bH4T virus 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 .bH4T virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .bH4T virus.
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 .bH4T virus 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.
.bH4T virus-FAQ
What is .bH4T virus Ransomware?
.bH4T virus 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 .bH4T virus 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 .bH4T virus Infect?
Via several ways..bH4T virus 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 .bH4T virus 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 ..bH4T virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..bH4T virus 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 ..bH4T virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..bH4T virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..bH4T virus 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 .bH4T virus 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 .bH4T virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..bH4T virus 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 .bH4T virus 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 .bH4T virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .bH4T virus 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 .bH4T virus 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.