This article explains what issues occur in case of infection with .back files virus and provides a complete guide on how to remove malicious files and how to potentially recover files encrypted by this ransomware.
An infection with the so-called .back files virus results in corruption of sensitive data for which hackers demand a ransom fee. It belongs to the infamous Dharma ransomware family. For the extortion cyber criminals use the ransom message file FILES ENCRYPTED.txt. At the end of the attack the same file is started on your infected device to inform you about the presence of this nasty ransomware and present you further instructions.
Threat Summary
| Name | .back Files Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware that encrypts valuable data and demands ransom payment for a decryption solution. |
| Symptoms | Important files are locked and renamed with .back extension. They remain unusable for unspecified period of time. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .back Files 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. |
.back Files Virus – Distribution
The distribution of this .back files virus is likely to happen with the help of shady methods such as malspam, malvertising, third-party instellers and compromised web pages. All mentioned methods aim to deliver the malicious payload on your device and trick you to execute it.
As a primary infection channel is believed to be used malspam (emails that deliver malicious software). There are several common components that are typical of these emails:
- A link that lands on compromised web page. Once loaded in the browser such page could trigger download process of the malicious software and execute it directly on the PC. The link may be presented as in-text link, banner, image, button or direct URL address.
- A file attachment that according to email text message is a legitimate document but in reality is an infected file that runs the ransomware code the moment you open it on the device. The format of this file may be of common type such as .rar, .zip, .7z, .docx, etc. Such a file could be set to evade active security measures and complete the attack without any notification.
In addition, infected software installers, fake update notifications, malicious files shared on forums, social media and P2P networks may be spreading the payload of .back ransomware.
Variants of the so-called [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/skype-virus-remove/”]Skype virus may be utilized for the distribution of .back files virus.
.back Files Virus – Overview
An infection with .black files virus begins when its payload is started on the system. The code of the payload is designed to access various system settings and plague some that will support its attack to its very end.
In the beginning of the infection process it could drop or create additional malicious files that may be located in the following system folders:
- %Roaming%
- %Windows%
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %Temp%
The analyses of .back files virus samples reveal that it implements modifications that affect registry keys. They enable it to load its malicious files on each system start. The keys that could be affected are Run and RunOnce. To check whether they contain malicious values or not, you should open the Registry Editor and open the following locations:
→ HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
At the end of the attack, .back files virus drops the file FILES ENCRYPTED.txt and loads it on the screen. The purpose of this file is to present you ransom message left by hackers. With this message they attempt to blackmail you into paying for file decrypter. However, we recommend you to avoid their demands as they could trick you once again and steal your money without sending you back a working solution.
.back Files Virus – Encryption Process
Like some previous Dharma ransomware variants ([wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/combo-files-virus-dharma-ransomware-remove-restore-files/”].combo, [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/arrow-files-virus-dharma-ransomware-remove-restore-files/”].arrow, [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/bkp-files-virus-dharma-ransomware-remove-restore-data/”].bkp, etc.) Dharma .back utilizes a built-in encryption module when it completes all initial infection stages.
This variant of the threat is believed to utilize a strong cipher algorithm called AES to corrupt target files. When the encryption process is completed, valuable files remain inaccessible for unspecified period of time. This is due to the fact that their code is transformed by the ransomware. Unfortunately, it could be set to affect all your valuable files including all your:
- Audio files.
- Videos.
- Image files.
- Databases.
- Archives.
You could recognize your corrupted files by the distinctive extension .back appended to their original names. You cannot access the information stored by .black files for which hackers blackmail you into paying them a ransom for a decrypter. However, there is no guarantee that they could provide you a working solution as the code of their threat could be broken.
Remove .back Files Virus and Restore Data
The so-called .back files virus is a threat with highly complex code that plagues not only your files but your whole system. So infected system should be cleaned and secured properly before you could use it regularly again. Below you could find a step-by-step removal guide that may be helpful in attempting to remove .back ransomware. Choose the manual removal approach if you have previous experience with malware files. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps select the automatic section from the guide. Steps there enable you to check the infected system for ransomware files and remove them with a few mouse clicks.
In order to keep your system safe from ransomware and other types of malware in future, you should install and maintain a reliable anti-malware program. Additional security layer that could prevent the occurrence of ransomware attacks is [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/the-most-popular-free-anti-ransomware-tools/”]anti-ransomware tool.
Make sure to read carefully all the details mentioned in the step “Restore files” if you want to understand how to fix encrypted files without paying the ransom. Beware that before data recovery process you should back up all encrypted files to an external drive as this will prevent their irreversible loss.
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 .back Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .back Files 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 .back Files 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 .back Files 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 .back Files Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .back Files 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 .back Files 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.
.back Files Virus-FAQ
What is .back Files Virus Ransomware?
.back Files 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 .back Files 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 .back Files Virus Infect?
Via several ways..back Files 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 .back Files 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 ..back Files Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..back Files 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 ..back Files Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..back Files Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..back Files 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 .back Files 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 .back Files Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..back Files 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 .back Files 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 .back Files Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .back Files 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 .back Files 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.
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