This article has been created in order to help you by explaining how to remove Baliluware Virus virus from your computer system and how to restore .YOU-ARE-FUCKED-BY-BALILUWARE-(CODED-BY-HEROPOINT) files.
The Baliluware virus is a newly discovered Hidden Tear ransomware strain that has been discovered in several ongoing attack campaigns. Our complete removal guide gives in insight into the way it operates and how it affects the target computers.
Threat Summary
| Name | Baliluware |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus, Trojan |
| Short Description | The main goal of the Baliluware Virus is to encrypt sensitive user files and extort the victims for a ransom fee payment along with the introduction of system changes. |
| Symptoms | The Baliluware Virus component processes target files and renames them with the .YOU-ARE-FUCKED-BY-BALILUWARE-(CODED-BY-HEROPOINT) extension. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| 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 Baliluware. |
| 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. |
Baliluware Virus – Infection Process
The Baliluware virus as a descendant of the Hidden Tear malware family uses the most popular distribution tactics attributed to it. A primary strategy is the coordination of spam email messages. There are two main types that are prevalent among criminals:
- Malware Hyperlinks — The hackers use social engineering strategies in order to coerce the victims into downloading the malware from a remote site. They are usually masked as files of user interest.
- File Attachments — The hackers alternatively can bundle the dangerous instance directly to the email messages. The body contents contains blackmail tactics that convinces the targets into interacting with the element.
In connection with the emails there are two strategies that have become popular in the last few years. The first one depends on the spread of malware documents that include dangerous code that is launched when the users enable the built-in scripts (macros). These documents are modeled as presentations, spreadsheets or rich text documents. Another malware strategy is to infect software installers as well. The malware files are made by taking the legitimate setup file from the vendor’s official site and then modifying the with the Baliluware virus.
The malware can also be distributed via browser hijackers that represent malware web browser plugins. They are usually made available for the most popular applications: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer, Opera and Microsoft Edge. The most popular way of acquiring such an infection is by falling victim to a counterfeit item in the software repository of the relevant plugins. The criminals often use fake developer credentials and user reviews. Such infections are also found on hacker sites and pirate file sharing apps like BitTorrent. Various web scripts can also lead to infections: all manners of ads, redirects and banners.
Baliluware Virus – Analysis and Activity
The security analysis of the Baliluware virus shows that this is a customized version of the Hidden Tear malware family. As such it follows the same behavior patterns which can include different components. Depending on the made customizations to the original source code the virus engine can start up different modules.
The infection can begin with an information gathering component which harvests sensitive information from the compromised hosts. It can be used to build a profile of the affected machine that contains the installed hardware parts and operating system configuration. The other type of collected information concerns the users data: their name, location, address, email address, preferences, passwords and interests. The harvested information can be used by another component called the stealth protection. It scans the system for any installed security software such as anti-virus products, as well as other applications that can interfere with its execution: virtual machines, sandboxes and debugging environments. They can be bypassed or entirely removed by the engine. In certain cases the programmers can instruct the malware to automatically delete itself to avoid detection.
The next step is to cause dangerous system changes. An example is the modification of boot options that can prevent access to the recovery menu. The Baliluware virus can also impact the Windows Registry which can cause serious performance issues and impact Windows services as well.
In many cases ransomware like this one may institute a network connection with malware servers. Once the appropriate connection is made the victim machines report the infections to the controllers. These connections can also be used to execute arbitrary commands and also load additional malware.
Baliluware Virus — Encryption Process
Once all relevant components have finished execution the ransomware module is loaded. Like other similar Hidden Tear samples it uses a built-in list of target file type extensions:
- Images
- Videos
- Music
- Documents
- Archives
- Backups
- Databases
As a consequence of the encryption operations the victim files are renamed with the .YOU-ARE-FUCKED-BY-BALILUWARE-(CODED-BY-HEROPOINT). A ransomware note may be produced to coerce the victims into paying the quoted fee.
Remove Baliluware Virus and Restore .YOU-ARE-FUCKED-BY-BALILUWARE-(CODED-BY-HEROPOINT) Files
If your computer got infected with the Baliluware ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided 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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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.
About the Baliluware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Baliluware 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 Baliluware 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.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
How to Remove Baliluware from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Baliluware
1. Hold Windows Key + R.
2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Uninstall Baliluware 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:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Baliluware 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 Baliluware there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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 Baliluware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Baliluware.
Ransomware infections and Baliluware 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of Baliluware from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Baliluware 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:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Baliluware:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Baliluware. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash
”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Baliluware. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- 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 Baliluware 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:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Baliluware. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
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 Baliluware.
Ransomware infections and Baliluware 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Baliluware FAQ
What is Baliluware ransomware and how does it work?
Baliluware 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 Baliluware ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Baliluware 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 Baliluware 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 .Baliluware files?
You can't. At this point the .Baliluware 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 .Baliluware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Baliluware 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 ".Baliluware" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Baliluware 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 Baliluware 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 Baliluware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Baliluware files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Baliluware 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.
