BSS Ransomware — How to Remove It

by Martin Beltov | January 24, 2019 | 0 Comments .bss_locked extension, BSS, BSS ransomware, hidden tear, ransomware, removal guide, virus

This article will aid you to remove BSS Ransomware. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of the article.

BSS Ransomware is one that encrypts your data with and demands money as a ransom to get it restored. The BSS Ransomware will leave ransomware instructions as text file. Keep on reading the article and see how you could try to potentially recover some of your locked files and data.

Threat Summary

Name	BSS ransomware
Type	Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description	The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them.
Symptoms	The ransomware will encrypt your files and leave a ransom note with payment instructions.
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 BSS ransomware.
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.

BSS Ransomware – Distribution Techniques

The BSS ransomware is a new Hidden tear based virus threat which has been captured in its test forms. As it is based on older code we anticipate that it will use the most popular attack methods. Hidden Tear ransomware strains are mostly sent out via phishing email messages which scan the recipients into thinking that they have received a legitimate notification from a well-known company or product. The files can be linked directly or embedded as multimedia content or links.

The other technique is to embed the virus links in malicious web sites that are fake copies of legitimate domains: portals, download pages, landing pages and etc. To make them look more legitimate the hackers can use host them on domain names that are very similar to the real ones and also include security certificates.

To increase the number of infected clients the criminals can opt to include the virus code in infected payloads of which there are two popular types:

Documents — The criminals can embed virus installation scripts in documents of all popular types: spreadsheets, presentations, databases and text documents. When they are opened by the users a message will appear asking them to enable to built-in content to correctly view them. This will trigger the infection.
Application Installers — The other popular techniques is to insert the virus code into application installers of popular software that are often downloaded by end users. The list includes creativity suites, system utilities, optimizers and office apps. Whenever the files are executed the virus infection will be started.

Such data can also be spread on file-sharing networks like BitTorrent where both legitimate and pirate content can be found.

Large-scale Hidden Tear infections are frequently orchestrated via browser hijackers — malicious plugins which are made compatible with most popular web browsers. These instances are uploaded both to fake download portals and the browsers repositories with fake user reviews and developer credentials.

BSS Ransomware – Detailed Analysis

The captured BSS ransomware samples are early test releases, they do not feature any distinct malware components that are expected from Hidden Tear based are not found. This means that the future versions will probably follow the typical behavior patterns.

Threats like the BSS ransomware usually start by launching a data harvesting — it will scan the local contents, memory and any other storage locations (network shares and removable storage devices). Most Hidden Tear variants will generate a machine ID that is made by listing the installed hardware components, user settings and certain operating system environment values. If configured by the attackers it can also expose the identity of the victims by looking for their name, address, phone number, interest and even stored username and password combinations.

The collected information can then be processed further by the next component called security bypass which will scan the computer for the presence of any security software that can interfere with the virus process. This includes anti-virus programs, sandbox environments, virtual machine hosts and etc. If such an engine is detected it will be bypassed or completely removed.

The BSS ransomware has a modular code base allowing it to be programmed to carry out all kinds of malicious actions once it has obtained complete control of the target machines. Examples include the following:

Process Creation and Modification — The ransomware can create its own processes and hook up to others, including systems ones. This allows it to spy on the victims in real-time.
Windows Registry Changes — The virus can modify values in the Windows Registry belonging both to the operating system and any third-party installed apps. The changes can cause performance issues and make the computer completely unusable. Programs can quit with unexpected errors causing severe problems when using it.
Boot Options Changes — One of the most dangerous aspects of ransomware infections is their ability to install themselves in a persistent way. This means that the main engine will reconfigure the Windows boot settings in order to automatically start itself every time the computer is powered on. This will additionally make it very difficult to remove using manual methods as the recovery boot menus will be disabled.
Additional Payload Delivery — Hidden Tear variants are particularly useful to distribute other malware threats like Trojans, hijackers and miners.

Depending on the exact configuration the future BSS ransomware samples can have a much more dangerous effect on the infected machines.

BSS Ransomware – Encryption Process

As soon as all prior components have finished running the ransomware engine will be started. Like previous Hidden Tear variants it will search for data that is deemed important to the victims by using a built-in list of target file type extensions:

Archives
Databases
Backups
Images
Music
Videos

All compromised files will be renamed with the .bss_locked extension. Instead of a ransomware note the victims will be shown an application frame with the following message:

Files has been encrypted with ransomware
Send me some bitcoins or kebab
And I also hate desserts and coffee
By the way… the password is:

It is posible that future versions use it as a lockscreen instance which will block the normal operation of the affected machines until the threat is completely removed.

Remove BSS Ransomware and Try to Restore Data

If your computer system got infected with the CryTekk 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.

How to Remove BSS ransomware from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove BSS ransomware

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

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".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

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 BSS ransomware 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 BSS ransomware 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 BSS ransomware 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.

IMPORTANT!
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 BSS ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

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.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by BSS ransomware.

Ransomware infections and BSS ransomware 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 reccomended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

EaseUS Data Recovery Software

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.

Windows Mac OS X

Get rid of BSS ransomware from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall BSS ransomware and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

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 BSS ransomware:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

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 BSS ransomware. 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 BSS ransomware. 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 BSS ransomware 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:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

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 BSS ransomware. 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.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for BSS ransomware:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by BSS ransomware.

1. Download the reccomended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

EaseUS Data Recovery Software

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.

BSS ransomware FAQ

What is BSS ransomware ransomware and how does it work?

BSS ransomware 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 BSS ransomware ransomware infect my computer?

Via several ways.BSS ransomware 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 BSS ransomware 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 .BSS ransomware files?

You can't. At this point the .BSS ransomware 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 .BSS ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.

One way to restore files, encrypted by BSS ransomware 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 ".BSS ransomware" files (Other Methods)?

Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .BSS ransomware 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 BSS ransomware 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 BSS ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .BSS ransomware files.

Also, keep in mind that viruses like BSS ransomware 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.