The B2dr virus is a newly discovered ransomware that appears to be an original invention and not based on any of the known malware families. It targets sensitive user data, encrypts it with the .b2dr extension and extorts the victims for a ransom restore fee.
Threat Summary
| Name | B2DR |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | B2DR virus is a typical ransomware that follows the classic infection behavior pattern by encrypting target files with the .b2dr extension. |
| Symptoms | Computer users will be unable to access their data which is encrypted with the .b2dr extension. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, File Sharing Networks, Exploit Kits |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss B2DR. |
B2DR Virus – Infection Spread
The B2DR virus is a newly devised that at the moment is being delivered using different mechasnisms. The attack campaigns are still ongoing and at the moment the researchers are unable to judge which is the primary method. It is likely that the most popular strategies are employed.
Email spam messages are among the most preferred payload delivery mechanisms. Almost all of them utilize some sort of social engineering tricks that attempt to coerce the users into infecting themselves with virus. A common tactic is to insert a malware hyperlink into the body contents posing as a legitimate site. The hackers behind the B2DR virus distribution tytpically take contents from famous sites (text and graphics) which is placed in the messages. The other option is to attempt to infect the victims by attaching the samples directly to the messages. Two other ways are the following:
- Malware Documents — The criminals can embed the virus files into documents of various types: spreadsheets, rich text documents and presentations. Once they are opened a notification prompt appears which asks the victims to execute the built-in scripts. If this is done the infection is downloaded from a hacker-controlled site.
- Software Installers — The B2DR virus can be bundled into setup files taken from their official vendors. Usually the criminals target popular apps and games which are then distributed using different methods.
The criminals can also opt to use browser hijackers. They represent malware plugins that are made for the most popular web browsers: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari, Microsoft Edge and Opera. They are frequently distributed on the relevant browser repositories and use fake developer credentials and user reviews to manipulate the victims into installing them. Once placed on the computers they often redirect the victims to a hacker-controlled page by modifying default settings (new tabs page, home page and search engine).
Using various web scripts the B2DR virus can also be loaded via all manners of pop-ups, banners and etc.
B2DR Virus – Technical Data
The security analysis of the B2DR virus shows that it is not a descendant or a customized version of any of the famous malware families. This means that it is very likely that it has been made by its creator(s) — an individual hacker or a criminal collective.
The malware engine seems to follow a basic behavior pattern. Future versions of it can implement various changes to enhance the threat’s severity. An example component would to be add a stealth protection module. It would launch itself right after the virus has compromised the system and scan it for any applications that can interfere with its correct execution (anti-virus programs, sandbox/debug environments and virtual machine hosts). Their real-time engines can be entirely removed or bypassed.
A next step would be to deploy a data harvesting component. The relevant tool is programmed to search for strings that can directly expose the users identity. The personal data usually consists of information about the victims name, address, interests, geolocation and passwords. In addition supplementary anonymous metrics are also collected. They are mostly related to the operating system, installed applications, certain configuration settings and the available hardware components. The collected information can be used to generate an unique victim ID that is associated with every infected machine.
The criminals can also opt to allow for the creation of a network connection to a server they own. In these cases they can cause further damage to the victims by using the B2DR virus as a secondary payload mechanism and deliver additional malware. A permanent connection with the hacker-controlled servers can be similar to Trojan viruses. The controllers can оvertake control of the machines at any given time and spy on the victims.
Various system changes can make it harder or even impossible for the users to restore their computers using manual methods. This is caused by the modification of essential operating system components such as the Windows Registry and the boot options. As a consequence the victims will be unable to boot up the recovery startup menu and may face serious application startup or overall performance issues.
B2DR Virus – Encryption Process
Once all malware components have completed execution the ransomware engine is started. Like the majority of other ransomware it uses a built-list of target file type extensions that are processed with a strong cipher. Examples include the following:
- Archives
- Documents
- Backups
- Images
- Videos
- Music
Once processed all files receive an extension that ends with .b2dr. It appears that the malware follows a template-based engine that assigns file names based on the following template: [hacker contact email address].[malware extension]. The samples collected so far are known to assign the following extension: @protonmail.com.b2dr.
A ransom note (in a file called readme.txt) is created in order to extort the victims. The document contains the following message:
All your files are encrypted.
Ask how to restore your files by email bronmerkberpa1976@protonmail.com
Use only gmail.com, yahoo.com, protonmail.com.
Messages written from other mail services we can not get.
!!!With any changes to the encrypted files, do not forget to backup files!!!
Your ID: ***
Remove B2DR Virus and Restore Your Files
If your computer got compromised and is infected with the B2DR ransomware virus, you should have some experience with removing viruses before tampering with it. You should get rid of the ransomware fast before it can spread further on the network and encrypt more files. The recommended action for you is to remove the ransomware completely by following the step-by-step instructions written 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.
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Step 1: Scan for B2DR with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall B2DR 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 B2DR 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 B2DR 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 B2DR
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by B2DR.
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 B2DR 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.
B2DR-FAQ
What is B2DR Ransomware?
B2DR 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 B2DR 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 B2DR Infect?
Via several ways.B2DR 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 B2DR 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 .B2DR files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .B2DR 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 .B2DR files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".B2DR" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .B2DR 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 B2DR 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 B2DR ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .B2DR 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 B2DR 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 B2DR Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this B2DR 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 B2DR 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.
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