This article has been created with the purpose to explain to you what is the .b29 files virus and how to remove it from your computer and try restoring files, encrypted by it.
A new version of the previously detected Paradise ransomware has been released. The virus now uses the .b29 file extension and It also appends base64 in XML to the end of the encrypted files with a number in it. In addition to this, the ransomware virus also drops a #DECRYPT MY FILES#.html ransom note which asks victims to contact the crooks via their e-mail yourencypter@protonmail.com and likely pay hefty ransom in order to ge the encrypted files recovered back to their normal, working state. If your computer has been infected by this version of Paradise Ransomware, we advise that you read this article thorughly as it aims to help you remove it and try restoring .b29 encrypted files.
Threat Summary
| Name | Paradise .b29 Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Aimed at encrypting the files on the computers infected by it. |
| Symptoms | The .b29 file extension is added to the victim’s computer. A ransom note, called |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Paradise .b29 Virus. |
| 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. |
Paradise .b29 Ransomware – How Does It Infect
The primary method of infection that is used In association with Paradise ransomware is believed to be conducted via spammed e-mail messages, whose primary purpose is to get victims to download and run the malicious files of Paradise ransomware. These e-mails may pose as legitimate type of messages, like the following:
The e-mails often carry e-mail attachments that only seem like they are important documents. In reality however, these types of files are either malicious .exe files or may infect your computer with the aid of malicious macros by pretending to be legitimate Microsoft Word or PDF files.
Besides via e-mail, the Paradise ransomware virus may also infect your computer as a result of pretending to be a legitimate file that you may have downloaded as a result of looking for it for free online. In this category of files, very often the following types of programs are imitated by hackers:
- Setups of programs.
- Online game patches.
- Online cracks.
- Software license activators.
Paradise Ransomware – More Information
Once installed on the victim’s computer, the Paradise ransomware virus may begin to perform various types of unwanted activities. These activities may begin with the ransomware virus dropping it’s malicious payload on the victim’s computer. The payload of the malware may consist of more than one file and the malicious files could reside in the following Windows directories:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
- %Roaming%
Among the files dropped is a #DECRYPT MY FILES#.html ransom note which may have a ransom message that is very similar to the previous variant of Paradise ransomware below:
[WHAT HAPPENED] Your important files produced on this computer have been encrypted due a security problem
If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail: info@decrypt.ws
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us.
After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files. [FREE DECRYPTION AS GUARANTEE] Before paying you can send to us up to 3 files for free decryption.
Please note that files must NOT contain valuable information and their total size must be less than 1Mb
[HOW TO OBTAIN BITCOINS] The easiest way to buy bitcoin is LocalBitcoins site.
You have to register, click Buy bitcoins and select the seller by payment method and price
https://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins [ATTENTION] Do not rename encrypted files
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss
If you not write on e-mail in 36 hours – your key has been deleted and you cant decrypt your files
Besides the ransom note, the .b29 version of Paradise ransomware may also set custom registry entries in the Windows Registry Editor of the affected computer. These types of registry entries may be set in the Run and RunOnce registry sub-keys so that the virus file of Paradise ransomware runs automatically on Windows boot:
→ 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
Furthermore, the .b29 variant of Paradise ransomware is also created to perform other activities on the victim’s computer, such as delete the backed up files. These are basically Windows’s shadow volume copies which may be deleted if the ransomware executes the following command as an administrator on the victim PC:
→ vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
.b29 Paradise Ransomware – Encryption Process
In order to encrypt the files on the computer infected by it, the .b29 variant of Paradise ransomware may first scan for the files it wants to encrypt. The ransomware virus looks for the files that are used often and it may exclude scanning for files in the system directories of Windows. The files that may be encrypted by Paradise ransomware are likely of the following types:
- Images.
- Videos.
- Audio files.
- Archives.
- Virtual Drives.
- Documents.
As soon as the files are detected, Paradise ransomware encrypts them and modifies their core structure on copies of these files, while the virus may delete the original files. The encrypted copies may appear like the image below shows:
Remove Paradise Ransomware and Restore .b29 Encrypted Files
In case your computer has been infected by the .b29 variant of Paradise ransomware, we recommend that you read the removal instructions below. They have been divided in manual and automatic removal instructions so that they can help you to remove this ransomware virus either manually or automatically from your computer. If manual removal is not something you feel comfortable in doing, we recommend that you remove .b29 Paradise ransomware automatically, prefferably by downloading and installing an advanced anti-malware software, as security experts suggest is the best way of removing this threat.
If your files have been encrypted by this version of Paradise ransomware, we recommend that you check out the alternative methods for file recover in step “2. Restore files, encrypted by Paradise .b29 Virus” below. They are not a 100% guarantee that you will be able to restore all of your encrypted files, but with their aid you might be able to recover most of the files.
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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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
- Guide 1: How to Remove Paradise .b29 Virus from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Paradise .b29 Virus from Mac OS X.
How to Remove Paradise .b29 Virus from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Paradise .b29 Virus
Step 2: Uninstall Paradise .b29 Virus and related software 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 uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Paradise .b29 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 Paradise .b29 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: Scan for Paradise .b29 Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Paradise .b29 Virus.
Ransomware infections and Paradise .b29 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of Paradise .b29 Virus from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Paradise .b29 Virus and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Paradise .b29 Virus via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Paradise .b29 Virus.
Ransomware infections and Paradise .b29 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Paradise .b29 Virus FAQ
What is Paradise .b29 Virus ransomware and how does it work?
Paradise .b29 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 algorithm how 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.
How does Paradise .b29 Virus ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Paradise .b29 Virus Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of Paradise .b29 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 .Paradise .b29 Virus files?
You can't. At this point the .Paradise .b29 Virus files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Paradise .b29 Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Paradise .b29 Virus ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".Paradise .b29 Virus" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Paradise .b29 Virus files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of Paradise .b29 Virus ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate Paradise .b29 Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Paradise .b29 Virus files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Paradise .b29 Virus ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.
