This is an article that provides specific details on BARRACUDA ransomware infection as well as a step-by-step removal followed by alternative data recovery approaches.
BARRACUDA is a ransomware that belongs to Scarab threat family. It compromises computer systems in order to complete its primary purpose which is data encryption. In case of infection with this ransomware valuable data stored on your device remains inaccessible due to heavy modifications of its original code. Data could be recognized by the distinctive extension which it is renamed with – .BARRACUDA. As it gets clear from a ransom message BARRACUDA RECOVERY INFORMATION.TXT left by hackers, they demand a ransom payment for its decryption.
Threat Summary
| Name | BARRACUDA |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware that plagues computer systems in order to encode target files and then demands a ransom payment. |
| Symptoms | Valuable files stored on the PC are encrypted and marked with the extension .BARRACUDA. A ransom note file appears on the screen to blacmail victims into paying a ransom for a decryption tool. Main system settings are compromised. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss BARRACUDA. |
| 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. |
BARRACUDA Ransomware – Distribution Techniques
BARRACUDA ransomware infection code is most likely distributed as part of spam email campaigns initiated by hackers. In order to scam you to trigger the ransomware on your PC, such emails often impersonate representatives of well-known organizations and institutions. As of the compromised components they contain they are usually file attachments and presented links. The messages of these emails could state that you need to review the content of the attached files respectively the web pages as soon as possible because the information they present is of great importance.
In order to accelerate the success of such campaigns, malicious intenders could also use a botnet that can take control of your PC and then use it to send spam to millions of Internet users.
The distribution of BARRACUDA may be performed also via various freeware available across the Web. Most of them seem helpful but along with their installation setup, you might have unnoticeably enabled the malicious code to plague your system. Such unwanted effects could be prevented with a scan of all newly downloaded files with a security tool. After the scan you could decide whether it is a good idea to open them or not at all. At our forum, you could find more safety tips that will help you to prevent infections with severe ransomware like BARRACUDA.
BARRACUDA Ransomware – Overview
Yet another ransomware was detected to belong to Scarab ransomware family. After several iterations of the same family among which are Scarab-Ukrain, Scarab-Red, and Scarab-Leen, this time hackers named the threat after the ferocious fish BARRACUDA.
This iteration of the threat again aims to encode predefined types of files in order that cyber criminals could blackmail victims into paying a ransom for a decryption tool. Before the encryption stage, however, BARRACUDA ransomware needs to perform several other corruption stages which provide for the smooth encryption process.
After it establishes all necessary malicious files, BARRACUDA is able to initiate various system modifications that support its invisibility on the system and help it to attain persistence. For the second purpose mentioned, the ransomware is likely to access the Registry Editor where various low-level settings for Windows operating system and installed apps are stored. Targeted by ransomware are often the sub-keys Run and RunOnce as they manage the automatic execution of all files essential for the regular system performance. By adding it malicious values under these keys BARRACUDA ransomware becomes able to automatically load its infection files on each system start. As a result, all files created before each OS shut down will get encrypted on its next load.
Once BARRACUDA implements all needed system modifications it triggers the encryption process. More about its specifics you could find in the next paragraph. And following encryption, the crypto virus drops specifically crafted ransom message to inform you about the presence of the infection, its impact over data and instruct you how hackers expect you to act further. This file is named BARRACUDA RECOVERY INFORMATION.TXT and the text in it reads:
=====================================================================================
YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED!
Your personal ID
6A0200000000000040FA06C71D92090E84400CC3BED4A6F7FF3F8607692556C0A4768A4F48B63BD55757D9EA55C8353EDE96
[redacted] 068AF4DA139192F26E181A77AD98E0D74794A902A0019B7B60FB3AEC435CD59A472C67FD64890AC9333DDC32F7516A6AFD1D
[redacted] 3F1E6310904C33630E35569791134A201CD56D08F6C6837228B416A897EAD7460DA12B5C41F0FE0B2A9759801540865D3262
[redacted] 1EE1417D7C0778E0C3E6F06E7F75F1C87D7BAED968D507Your documents, photos, databases, save games and other important data was encrypted.
Data recovery the necessary decryption tool. To get the decryption tool, should send an email to:Mail us to; barracuda@airmail.cc & barracudahelp@protonmail.com
XMPP; barracudahelper@exploit.im
Letter must include Your personal ID (see the beginning of this document).
In the proof we have decryption tool, you can send us 1 file for test decryption.
Next, you need to pay for the decryption tool.
In response letter You will receive the address of Bitcoin wallet which you need to perform the transfer of funds.If you have no bitcoins
* Create Bitcoin purse: https://blockchain.info
* Buy Bitcoin in the convenient way
https://localbitcoins.com/ (Visa/MasterCard)
https://www.buybitcoinworldwide.com/ (Visa/MasterCard)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitcoin (the instruction for beginners)– It doesn’t make sense to complain of us and to arrange a hysterics.
– Complaints having blocked e-mail, you deprive a possibility of the others, to decipher the computers.
Other people at whom computers are also ciphered you deprive of the ONLY hope to decipher. FOREVER.– Just contact with us, we will stipulate conditions of interpretation of files and available payment,
in a friendly situation– When money transfer is confirmed, You will receive the decrypter file for Your computer.
Attention!
* Do not attempt to remove a program or run the anti-virus tools
* Attempts to decrypt the files will lead to loss of Your data
* Decoders other users is incompatible with Your data, as each user unique encryption key=====================================================================================
Here is how you could see it on the screen:
For data decryption hackers demand a ransom payment which however does not guarantee the recovery of your files. So be advised to review the removal guide at the end where you will find all details how to fix the problem by yourself.
BARRACUDA Ransomware – Encryption Process
As a part of the Scarab family, BARRACUDA ransomware is likely to use the strong AES cipher algorithm during file encryption process. This infection stage is implemented by an in-built module that at first scans all system drives to locate target types of files and then changes their code. At last the ransomware renames corrupted files with the specific .BARRACUDA extension which means that the information they store is no longer accessible. Among target files are believed to be:
- Audio files
- Video files
- Document files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials, etc
Don’t get scammed to pay the ransom as there is no guarantee that this will help you to obtain a working decryption tool. Hackers could either skip messaging you or send you a broken tool. In order to overcome the problem we advise you to try all you can do by yourself. Some tested alternative data recovery solutions listed in the guide that follows may help you to restore a few to all of your .BARRACUDA files. The guide will also help you to remove all malicious files and objects from the infected system. The removal step will help you to clean in full your PC so that you can use it in a secure manner again. Good luck! And don’t forget that we are here to help. Write us in case that you have any further questions.
Remove BARRACUDA Ransomware and Restore .BARRACUDA Files
Below you could find how to remove BARRACUDA step by step. To remove the ransomware manually you need to have a bit of technical experience and ability to recognize traits of malware files. Beware that ransomware is a threat with highly complex code that plagues not only your files but your whole system. So as recommended by security researchers you need to utilize an advanced anti-malware tool for its complete removal. Such a tool will keep your system protected against devastating threats like the discussed ransomware and other kinds of malware that endanger your online security.
After you remove the ransomware make sure to check the “Restore Files” step listed in the guide below. But before you take any further actions, don’t forget to back up all encrypted files to an external drive in order to 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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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 BARRACUDA Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this BARRACUDA 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 BARRACUDA 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 BARRACUDA from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove BARRACUDA
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 BARRACUDA 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 BARRACUDA 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 BARRACUDA 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 BARRACUDA 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 BARRACUDA.
Ransomware infections and BARRACUDA 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 BARRACUDA from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall BARRACUDA 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 BARRACUDA:
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 BARRACUDA. 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 BARRACUDA. 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 BARRACUDA 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 BARRACUDA. 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 BARRACUDA.
Ransomware infections and BARRACUDA 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.
BARRACUDA FAQ
What is BARRACUDA ransomware and how does it work?
BARRACUDA 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 BARRACUDA ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.BARRACUDA 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 BARRACUDA 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 .BARRACUDA files?
You can't. At this point the .BARRACUDA 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 .BARRACUDA files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by BARRACUDA 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 ".BARRACUDA" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .BARRACUDA 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 BARRACUDA 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 BARRACUDA ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .BARRACUDA files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like BARRACUDA 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.