This article has been made in order to best explain to you how you can remove the latest version of Dharma ransomware virus and explain how you can recover as many encrypted files as possible, containing the .bip file extension.
We have encountered reports from multiple victims about new iteration of the notorious Dharma ransomware. The malware has the .bip file extension embedded to it and it’s main goal is to conduct a lot of malicious activities, which results in leaving your files encrypted with a combination of several encryption algoritms. These ciphers aim to render your files to remain no longer able to be opened and looking like the following: Filename.id{ID-here}.[restoresales@airmail.cc].bip. The malware also leaves behind a ransom note file, named FILES ENCRYPTED.txt, which aims to convince victims into paying a hefty ransom fee to recover their files back to normal. If your computer has fallen victim to the .bip version of Dharma, we advise that you read this article since it contains information that can help you to recover your encrypted files without paying ransom.
Threat Summary
| Name | .bip Dharma Virus |
| Type | File Encryption Ransomware |
| Short Description | A new iteration of the Dharma/CrySiS ransomware viruses. Utilizes sophisticated encryption mode on data of infected machines in order to extort victims to pay in BitCoin for their encrypted files.. |
| Symptoms | Encrypts documents, images, videos and other important files and adds the .bip file suffix plus a unique ID and the e-mail to pay the ransom. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .bip Dharma 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. |
.bip Dharma Ransomware – Information Database:
.bip Files Virus – Update June 2018
The .bip files virus has been detected by security researchers to be spread even more vigorously since the beginning of June, 2018. The ransomware virus spammers use the same techniques – malicious e-mail attachments which infect the users via malicious macros. The chain of activities, leading to the successful infection is performed as the graphic underneath displays:
There has also been a new variant of Dharma ransomware to be released out in the wild, using the .combo file extension added to the encrypted files. The ransomware virus is based on the .cezar family of Dharma ransomware and you can find more information about it in the related article underneath:
.bip Files Virus – How Does It Infect
In order to effectively infect the computers of victims, the .bip files virus uses a rather often used mean of distribution – via e-mails automatically sent to victims, in other words spam. These type of messages aim to convince victims to open a malicious attachment via trusting in its content in the sense that it is a legitimate document of some sort, for example:
- An invoice for a purchase.
- Banking statement document.
- Receipt of a purchase.
- Orders which you may or may not have conducted.
- Other important files.
The e-mails which are sent, carry the infection file of Dharma ransomware, using the .bip file extension are made as if they come from people who are employees of companies in order to convince victims into opening them, for instance:
In addition to this, besides via e-mails of a spamming origin, the latest Dharma ransomware iteration could be spread via other means as well, such as claiming to be legitimate setups of software, keygens, patches or fixes for games and other software license activation files. If you look to download software online for free, we recommend that you always check the software via online scanners, like VirusTotal.
Dharma .bip Files Virus – Malicious Activity
When the infection with this ransomware virus has taken place on your computer, the initial action of it is to conduct preparation type of activities, such as:
- To create mutexes.
- Interact with the Windows Registry Editor.
- Delete system backups and shadow copies.
- Change the wallpaper or automatically schedule the ransom note file to open on your desktop.
- It may touch some of the Windows key files in order to obtain administrative privileges.
The main malicious file of the .bip variant of Dharma ransomware has been reported to be an executable type of file, with the following name and signature:
SHA-256:044d3d36c7e7377e29da769397b3e173b21acc2a07a676c377d0335c36e0e01f
Name:detrimentalnue.exe
File size:431 KB
Source:VirusTotal
After the .bip version of Dharma ransomware has already dropped it’s infection file on the computers of victims, it may drop its payload files into the following directories of Windows:
- %Local%
- %Roaming%
- %AppData%
- %Temp%
- %Windows%
After doing so, the .bip iteration of the Dharma virus may also begin to interact with the Windows Registry Editor. The malware may add Windows Registry entries in the Run and RunOnce registry sub-keys of Windows, with the following location:
→ HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
These registry sub-keys are mainly the ones used if you want to run programs on Windows start-up and Dharma ransomware uses them to set it’s own settings to run the malicious files and other modules of it which perform nefarious activities on the infected PC automatically when you start Windows. One of those activities is to delete the Windows shadow volume copies, which is done via a script that is automatically executed and runs the following commands in Windows Command Prompt:
→ bcdedit /set bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
bcdedit /set recoveryenabled No
bcdedit /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No
vssadmin delete shadows /for={volume} /oldest /all /shadow={ID of the Shadow} /quiet
The ransomware virus aims to perform multiple different types of activities in order to make sure the victim knows it’s presence. This includes dropping it’s ransom note in the files of the victim’s computer, which appears like the following:
Dharma .bip Ransomware – Encryption Process
Just like other variants of Dharma , this iteration uses the AES (advanced encryption standard) cipher that is classified as a Suite.B encryption algorithm and also used by the NSA for encrypting eyes-only types of files. This algorithm changes the data on the files of your computer so that they become no longer able to be opened. This activity then results in the Dharma ransomware leaving the files on your computer to seem as if they are corrupt and they cannot be opened by any form of software in the future.
The Dharma virus performs a scan before encrypting your files since the malware looks for types of files that contain the most often used file extensions, such as:
“PNG .PSD .PSPIMAGE .TGA .THM .TIF .TIFF .YUV .AI .EPS .PS .SVG .INDD .PCT .PDF .XLR .XLS .XLSX .ACCDB .DB .DBF .MDB .PDB .SQL .APK .APP .BAT .CGI .COM .EXE .GADGET .JAR .PIF .WSF .DEM .GAM .NES .ROM .SAV CAD Files .DWG .DXF GIS Files .GPX .KML .KMZ .ASP .ASPX .CER .CFM .CSR .CSS .HTM .HTML .JS .JSP .PHP .RSS .XHTML. DOC .DOCX .LOG .MSG .ODT .PAGES .RTF .TEX .TXT .WPD .WPS .CSV .DAT .GED .KEY .KEYCHAIN .PPS .PPT .PPTX ..INI .PRFEncodedFiles .HQX .MIM .UUE .7Z .CBR .DEB .GZ .PKG .RAR .RPM .SITX .TAR.GZ .ZIP .ZIPX .BIN .CUE .DMG .ISO .MDF .TOAST .VCD SDF .TAR .TAX2014 .TAX2015 .VCF .XML Audio Files .AIF .IFF .M3U .M4A .MID .MP3 .MPA .WAV .WMA Video Files .3G2 .3GP .ASF .AVI .FLV .M4V .MOV .MP4 .MPG .RM .SRT .SWF .VOB .WMV 3D .3DM .3DS .MAX .OBJR.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG ..CRX .PLUGIN .FNT .FON .OTF .TTF .CAB .CPL .CUR .DESKTHEMEPACK .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG”
The .bip files variant of Dharma is clever enough not to encrypt files in those folders:
- %Windows%
- %System32%
- %System%
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %Program Files%
This is a preventive measure to leave your computer intact while you cannot use your important documents. The files which are encrypted by Dharma ransomware start to appear like the following image shows:
After they are encrypted, the .bip files can no longer be opened via any program and their code structure has been replaced with data from the AES encryption cipher. This cipher generates an asymmetric decryption key which can be used only by the cyber-criminals in a special type of software designed to decrypt those files. So the only chance of getting all the files back is by either the crooks releasing the decryption key to the public, malware researchers cracking the virus and locating a master decryption key or you paying the ransom. But do not despair and do not support them by paying the ransom – there are other ways via which you can try and recover .bip encrypted files as well. Keep reading this article to understand how to remove the .bip variant of Dharma ransomware and get your files back.
Remove Dharma Ransomware and Restore .bip Encrypted Files
Removing Dharma ransomware is the best method to go for and a recommended way to do it is via following the instructions underneath this article. They have been created to explain step by step how to remove Dharma ransomware manually if you have the time and experience in malware removal. If not, the we’d advise you what most experts advise users – to download an advanced anti-malware software. This type of software will effectively make sure to get rid of all of the malicious files that are associated with the .bip file version of Dharma ransomware and protect your PC against future infections automatically.
If you want to restore files, encrypted with the .bip file extension, do not despair, because there are several alternative methods which you can try. They are located in step “2. Restore files encrypted by .bip Dharma Virus” and they have been created in order to help you restore as many files as possible without having to pay the ransom, even though there is not 100% chance you may be able to recover all of your files, encrypted by this malware.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and 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.
- Guide 1: How to Remove .bip Dharma Virus from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of .bip Dharma Virus from Mac OS X.
How to Remove .bip Dharma Virus from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .bip Dharma Virus
Step 2: Uninstall .bip Dharma Virus 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .bip Dharma 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 .bip Dharma 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: Scan for .bip Dharma Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .bip Dharma Virus.
Ransomware infections and .bip Dharma 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of .bip Dharma Virus from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall .bip Dharma Virus 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:
- 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 .bip Dharma Virus 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:
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 .bip Dharma Virus.
Ransomware infections and .bip Dharma 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
.bip Dharma Virus FAQ
What is .bip Dharma Virus ransomware and how does it work?
.bip Dharma 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 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 .bip Dharma Virus ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways..bip Dharma Virus 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 .bip Dharma 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 ..bip Dharma Virus files?
You can't. At this point the ..bip Dharma Virus 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 ..bip Dharma Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by .bip Dharma Virus 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 "..bip Dharma Virus" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..bip Dharma Virus 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 .bip Dharma Virus 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 .bip Dharma Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..bip Dharma Virus files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like .bip Dharma Virus 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.
