What is Bec Ransomware Virus?
Bec is malicious software categorized as ransomware. Ransomware programs like Bec are developed with the main purpose to extort ransom fees from victims. If you are a victim of Bec ransomware, then you may see all your valuable files as broken files renamed with the .bec extension. Sadly, all .bec files are not just renamed but encrypted with a sophisticated cypher algorithm. For their recovery, you need to obtain the unique decryption key generated during the encryption process. This key cannot be found on the infected system, it is possessed by malware authors who request a hefty ransom sum in exchange.
If you are one of Bec’s victims then keep reading this article to learn more about the specifics of this cryptovirus and the process of its complete removal.
Bec Summary
| Name | Bec |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Malicious Extensions | An ID number, an email address, .bec |
| 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. Their names are the same but their extensions differ from the original. Corrupted files remain unusable until their code is reverted back to original state. |
| Ransom Message | !!!HOW_TO_DECRYPT!!!.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Corrupted Websites, Software Installers |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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How Does Bec Ransomware Infect PCs?
Like a typical ransomware infection, Bec virus aims to access a computer operating without showing any suspicious signs that may help users detect it and stop it on time. The techniques that may be hiding its activation files are well-known and the most popular one is malspam. Malicious emails that feature corrupted files and links to hacked sites are the preferred distribution method by hackers. Typically, spam emails part of campaigns distributing malware use the names of legitimate services and well-known brands in order to make users more prone to interact with infected components.
Various bogus sites may be set to trigger malicious scripts that download the ransomware on computer systems automatically. The nasty process could happen in the background of all other running processes. Except in spam emails, you may find links to corrupted sites being shared on social media sites and forums. Additionally, different torrent files may be packed with the ransomware payload.
What Does Bec Ransomware Do?
The virus originates from the ransomware family Sojusz. Bec ransomware has one sole purpose and it is to fund hackers’ operations. That’s why it infects computer systems to block access to personal files and then it forces victims to pay a ransom fee for the recovery of the files. Locked files could be recognized by the extension .bec. Before this extension, the ransomware adds an ID number and an email address used by hackers for communicating with victims.
Before the main stage – data encryption, Bec ransomware plagues the settings of essential system components. Bec virus runs lots of malicious files that implement significant changes. Changes leave the infected system extremely vulnerable to future malware attacks. That’s why they should be fixed as soon as possible.
The manual detection of this ransomware threat may be a difficult task as the threat manipulates system files and use them as a disguise. It can hook up to running apps and services in order to obtain information about the current system profile as well. If it manages to obtain administrative rights, it can manipulate a lot of other system functionalities.
The ransomware can also collect sensitive details and transfer them to remote servers by using the help of an information-gathering module. Hackers may misuse harvested data for financial abuses and future malware attack campaigns.
A basic Trojan module may also be used as part of the infection. If this happens, the virus may gather even more data and enable crooks to establish a remote connection.
At last, the virus drops its ransom message to inform victims about its presence and the impact it has just caused. The message aims to urge victims to contact cybercriminals. All victims of Bec ransomware may find the file !!!HOW_TO_DECRYPT!!!.txt on their infected machines. This file informs the following:
All your valiable data has been encrypted!
–
Hello! Sorry, but we have inform you that your order has been blocked due to the issue of securities. Make sure your data is not blocked.
All your valuable files were encrypted with strong encryption algorithms AES-256 + RSA-2048 + CHACHA and renamed. You can read about these algorithms in Google.
Your unique encryption key is stored securely on our server and your data can be decrypted quickly and securely.
–
We can prove that we can decrypt all of your data. Please just send us 3 small encrypted files which are randomly stored on your server.
We will decrypt these files and send them to you as a proof. Please note that files for free test decryption should not contain valuable information.
–
As you know information is the most valuable resource in the world. That’s why all of your confidential data was uploaded to our servers.
If you need proof, just write us and we will show you that we have your files. If you will not start a dialogue with us in 72 hours
we will be forced to publish your files in the Darknet. Your customers and partners will be informed about the data leak by email or phone.
This way, your reputation will be ruined. If you will not react, we will be forced to sell the most important information such as databases
to interested parties to generate some profit.
–
Please understand that we are just doing our job. We don’t want to harm your company.
Think of this incident as an opportunity to improve your security. We are opened for dialogue and ready to help you. We are professionals,
please don’t try to fool us.
–
If you want to resolve this situation, please write to ALL of these 2 email addresses:
* beacon@jitjat.org
* beacon@msgsafe.io
In subject line please write: |your MachineID: –
——————————|and LaunchID: –
–
Important!
* We asking to send your message to ALL of our 2 email adresses because for various reasons, your email may not be delivered.
* Our message may be recognized as sp
.bec Virus Files
Encrypted files remain completely inaccessible until a decryption tool restores their code. How this virus changes names is by adding three extensions. For example the file photo.jpg will appear with the following name once encrypted by the Bec ransomware – photo.jpg.[fd5702993a].[beacon@jitjat.org].bec.
If you want to prevent being tricked by cybercriminals once again, you should avoid paying the demanded ransom. There is no guarantee provided that they can send you back a working decryption tool for your .bec files.
Remove Bec Ransomware Virus and Attempt to Restore Files
The so-called Bec 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 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.
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 Bec with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Bec 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 Bec 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 Bec 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 Bec
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Bec.
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 Bec 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.
Bec-FAQ
What is Bec Ransomware?
Bec 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 Bec 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 Bec Infect?
Via several ways.Bec 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 Bec 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 .Bec files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Bec 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 .Bec files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Bec" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Bec 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 Bec 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 Bec ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Bec 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 Bec 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 Bec Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Bec 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 Bec 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.
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.