The infection rates of Trojan.Ransomcrypt.X have increased once again. Because of the text displayed on the ransom message (‘Hi Buddy!’), the file-encrypting threat is also known as Buddy ransomware. Thus, in this article we will refer to the threat as Buddy ransomware.
Name | Buddy Ransomware |
Type | Ransomware, Trojan |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts specific files and demands a ransom in BitCoins. |
Symptoms | Files with certain extension are encrypted and a ransom message is displayed. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Suspicious Sites |
Detection tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware |
User Experience | Join our forum to follow the discussion about Buddy 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. |
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. |
We have seen Buddy ransomware be active in the beginning of January 2016, almost a month ago. Unfortunately, reports by users indicate that the ransomware is again attacking users and demanding more money than before. In January, Buddy ransomware was asking for approximately 0.32 BitCoins which equals around $130. Now, the ransomware authors are demanding 0.77756467 BitCoins which is close to $290. In terms of technical specifications, Buddy ransomware hasn’t changed a lot. Continue reading to learn more about the threat.
Buddy Ransomware Distribution Techniques
Buddy Ransomware, or Trojan.Ransomcrypt.X, is classified as a ransomware Trojan. This means that the threat is most likely downloaded to a computer alongside another program. One way you could have gotten Buddy ransomware is via freeware downloads, p2p communities, torrents.
Another distribution method typically employed by ransomware authors is spam. Spam campaigns often distribute malware. That being said, Buddy ransomware may have arrived to your computer in a malicious email attachment. Keep in mind that malicious code can be hidden within the email body and may not require opening the attachment. That is why employing anti-spam techniques is crucial to your online security.
Learn how to protect your computer from aggressive spam campaigns
Buddy Ransomware Technical Description
Needless to say, once Buddy ransomware is in the system, a file encryption process will be initiated. Nonetheless, the threat will first make sure to spread copies of its readme file with the ransom note inside. Then, the ransomware will modify a registry entry so that it loads with every reboot of Windows:
→HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\”Microsoft”
Other registry entries will also be altered, so that Windows Task Manager cannot be started:
→HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\WinLogon\”Shell”
→HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System\”DisableTaskMgr” = “1”
In addition, Buddy ransomware also keeps track of the Windows Task Manager and its associated process and makes sure it is shut down.
In terms of encryption, Buddy ransomware is known to locate and encrypt files with the following extensions:
.asp, .aspx, .csv, .doc, .docx, .html, .jpg, .js, .mdb, .odt, .pdf, .php, .png, .ppt, .pptx, .psd, .sln, .sql, .txt, .xls, .xlsx, .xml
Once the files are encrypted, Buddy ransomware displays the ransom note and blocks the victim’s screen. Here is what the ransom note looks like:
Buddy Ransomware Removal and File Restoration Options
There are two ways to try and restore your files:
- Backups
The easiest and most efficient way to restore your files encrypted by ransomware is Backups. Once you have removed all ransomware traces, you can use your backups to bring back your data.
- Shadow Volume Copies
Currently, there is no information if Buddy ransomware deletes Shadow Volume Copies from system. Once you have removed the threat completely, have a look at the 5th section of the instructions below the article.
Before you try anything, you should clean your system from all files associated with Buddy ransomware. The best way to do that is via anti-malware software.
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 Buddy Ransomware from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Buddy Ransomware from Mac OS X.
How to Remove Buddy Ransomware from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Buddy Ransomware





Step 2: Uninstall Buddy 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:



Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Buddy 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 Buddy Ransomware 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: Scan for Buddy Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Buddy Ransomware.
Ransomware infections and Buddy 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.
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 Buddy Ransomware from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Buddy Ransomware 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 Buddy 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:
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 Buddy Ransomware.
Ransomware infections and Buddy 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.
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.
Buddy Ransomware FAQ
What is Buddy Ransomware ransomware and how does it work?
Buddy 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 Buddy Ransomware ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Buddy 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 Buddy 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 .Buddy Ransomware files?
You can't. At this point the .Buddy 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 .Buddy Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Buddy 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 ".Buddy 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 .Buddy 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 Buddy 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 Buddy Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Buddy Ransomware files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Buddy 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.
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.