Barboza Ransomware Infection
Barboza is ransomware named after the email address used by cybercriminals who stand behind attack campaigns with this threat. Security analysis reveals that this cryptovirus is a strain of another ransomware called Matrix. Ransomware threats have been lurking across the web for several years now. The trend is still viral as new infections are reported on a daily basis.
The goal of those computer infections is to damage essential system settings so that they can then encrypt personal files and extort a ransom payment. Every computer system infected with ransomware remains extremely vulnerable to future malware attacks until all malicious files are deleted from it.
The presence of the Barboza virus on a PC could be noticed as soon as it completes all infection stages. Unfortunately, at that moment you will only be able to identify the impact caused by the threat but not prevent it from causing it. And the most devastating impact is that all your valuable files may be encoded by the Barboza virus. Afterward, you will be asked to pay a ransom for a decryption tool possessed by hackers. The extortion took place when a malicious desktop wallpaper replaces the default one and a file named !_!WHERE-IS-MY-FILES!_!.rtf appears somewhere on the infected system.
In case that your PC has been infected with this threat, you can follow a step-by-step removal guide and attempt to get rid of all malicious files created by this nasty ransomware. You will also find information on how to potentially recover files encrypted by this ransomware.
Barboza Virus Summary
Name | Barboza also known as Trojan-Ransom.Matrix, W32/Matrix.B!tr.ransom, HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Matrix.gen, Trojan.Matrix.ag |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Malicious Extensions | [random_string].[barboza40@yahoo.com] |
Short Description | A data locker ransomware that utilizes strong cihper algorithm to encrypt personal files stored on the infected computer. It demands a ransom for a decryption solution. |
Symptoms | Important files are locked and renamed with a strange sequence of extensions. Corrupted files remain unusable until their code is reverted back to original state. |
Ransom Messages | !_!WHERE-IS-MY-FILES!_!.rtf and a desktop wallpaper |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Corrupted Websites, Software Installers |
Detection Tool |
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Barboza Ransomware – More About This Computer Infection
What is needed for a Barboza ransomware infection to begin? The answers here vary as crooks may be using several methods of distribution. Part of their attack strategy may be spam email messages, hacked websites, corrupted freeware installers, various torrent files, and malicious advertisements.
One way or another the moment you happen to allow Barboza’s payload file to run on your computer, you will fall victim to this ransomware. Unless you have a reputable anti-malware program running on your computer you will identify the presence of this ransomware on your PC when it is too late to stop its malicious actions.
Eventually, when uninterrupted the Barboza virus successfully disrupts system security, corrupts essential system settings, and activates its in-built cipher module to encrypt target files. Like prevrious Matrix ransomware strains (M88P, RE78P, JB78) Barboza encodes target data with two strong cipher algorithms.
This impact, in turn, leaves files completely inaccessible. They are very hard to decode as well. Files corrupted by the Barboza virus could be easily recognized as they all appear with strange names all of which end with the .[barboza40@yahoo.com] extension. Before this malicious extension which is the hackers’ email address, there is an unusual string with no specific meaning.
After successful data encryption, the ransomware will try to blackmail you to pay a ransom to hackers. So, a ransom desktop wallpaper will replace your wallpaper to make you aware of the infection and you are likely to see a red text message written on a black background that reads the following:
Wаrning! Аll yоur filеs wеrе еnсryрtеd with strоng сrуptо аlgоrithm.
Without your personalkey and special software data recovery is impossible!
If you want to restore your files, please write us to the e-mails:
barboza40@yahoo.com OR barboza40@tutanota.com
* Additional information you can find in files: !_!WHERE-IS-MY-FILES!_!.rtf
The file !_!WHERE-IS-MY-FILES!_!.rtf is designed to force you to pay a hefty ransom fee to hackers as soon as possible. The Barboza virus owners insist on you taking actions that are unacceptable if you care for your online security. None of the promises they give is guaranteed.
That’s why we suggest that you use the removal steps below to clean your system from malicious files and try to recover files locked by the Barboza Matrix virus.
Remove Barboza Ransomware Virus and Attempt to Restore Files
The so-called Barboza Virus is a threat with a highly complex code that disrupts system security in order to encrypt personal files. Hence the infected system could be used in a secure manner again only after the complete removal of all malicious files and objects created by the ransomware. That’s why it is recommendable that all steps presented in the ransomware removal guide below should be completed. Beware that a manual ransomware removal is suitable for more experienced computer users. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps navigate to the automatic part of the guide. For the recovery of encrypted files, you should check the instructions in step four.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Barboza Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Barboza 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Barboza 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 Barboza Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 Barboza Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Barboza 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 Barboza 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.
Barboza Virus-FAQ
What is Barboza Virus Ransomware?
Barboza 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 Barboza 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 Barboza Virus Infect?
Via several ways.Barboza 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 Barboza 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 .Barboza Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Barboza 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 .Barboza Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Barboza Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Barboza 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 Barboza 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 Barboza Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Barboza 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 Barboza 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 Barboza Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Barboza 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 Barboza 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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