22btc Ransomware
A ransomware threat called 22btc has been spotted in the wild. Analyses of the code of this malicious software reveal that it is developed to corrupt computer operating systems with the goal to reach valuable personal files stored on the drives. The end goal of 22btc ransomware is to blackmail its victims into paying a hefty ransom fee to hackers.
An infection with this ransomware prevents people from opening their essential files. The .22btc files are encoded with a strong cipher. A ransom note states that all victims should contact hackers as soon as possible. Hackers, in turn, expect that victims will send them a requested amount of money in a required cryptocurrency. This becomes clear by the ransom messages which 22btc ransomware creates on all PCs it infects.
Our advice is to skip following hackers’ instructions as they guarantee nothing. Instead, see how to remove the 22btc virus from your PC and try to restore .22btc files with some alternative methods.
22btc Virus Summary
| Name | 22btc also known as Dharma, CrySiS, Trojan.Ransom.Crysis.E, TrojWare.Win32.Crysis.D@6sd9xy, Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Crusis.to, Ransom:Win32/Wadhrama!hoa |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Ransom Demanding Notes | FILES ENCRYPTED.txt and a pop-up window |
| Malicious Extensions | .id-number.[22btc@tuta.io].22btc |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware that utilizes strong cihper algorithm to encrypt valuable files stored on the infected computer and then demands a ransom for their decryption. |
| Symptoms | Important files are locked and renamed with three specific extensions. Ransom message appears as desktop wallpaper. Another one stored by a text file appears somewhere on the system. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Fake Software Updates, Corrupted Sites |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
More Details About 22btc Virus Attack
An attack with the nasty 22btc virus begins when its payload file runs on a target computer system. The methods used for distributing this file tend to email spam campaigns, software cracks, fake software update notifications, freeware with compromised installers, and malicious web links. Each of them can easily trick you into downloading malicious content without suspecting that it will infect your computer.
So the moment you allow 22btc to run on your machine, it will initiate a long sequence of malicious changes in the background of all other running apps. The problematic code of this ransomware enables it to compromise basic security settings. As a result, it reaches target types of files and encrypts their code with a sophisticated cipher algorithm. 22btc may encode personal files of all types.
- Audio files.
- Video files.
- Document files.
- Image files.
- Backup files.
- Banking credentials, etc.
You cannot miss noticing files encrypted by 22btc ransomware as they all have three additional extensions appended to their original names. For example, the file blackCat.jpg will appear as a broken file with the name
blackCat.jpg.id-776G5T44.[22btc@tuta.io].22btc where the first malicious extension is your ID number, the second is the hackers’ email address, and the third is the name of the ransomware.
It became clear that 22btc is a cryptovirus based on the infamous Dharma/CrySiS ransomware code. It has lots of predecessors with various strange names such as 2021, Fresh, and WSHLP. The main differences are the extensions they use to mark corrupted files and the cybercriminals’ email addresses. 22btc is controlled by fraudsters who use the emails 22btc@tuta.io and 21btc@cock.li. These emails help them to communicate with their victims and extort money from them.
Both could be found in the ransom messages created by the 22btc virus. The main message appears as a pop-up window on PCs infected with the threat. Here is a copy of its text message:
YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED
Don’t worry,you can return all your files!
If you want to restore them, follow this link:email 22btc@tuta.io YOUR ID –
If you have not been answered via the link within 12 hours, write to us by e-mail:21btc@cock.liAttention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third-party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
And here is a copy of the text file version of the ransom message (FILES ENCRYPTED.txt) that is stored somewhere on your PC:
all your data has been locked us
You want to return?
write email 22btc@tuta.io or 21btc@cock.li
Apparently, these messages aim to trick you into buying and transferring cryptocurrency to hackers’ wallet. We know that the decryption of your .22btc files is of paramount importance, but we still do not recommend that you act according to hackers’ expectations.
Remove 22btc Ransomware
The so-called 22btc ransomware is a threat with a highly complex code that disrupts system security to encrypt personal files. Hence, you could securely use the infected system after removing all malicious files and objects created by the ransomware. The steps presented in the ransomware removal guide below will help you with the complete removal process. 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 guide’s automatic part. It is also worth mentioning that personal data remains encrypted even after the complete removal of 22btc ransomware. Its removal only prevents it from causing further encryptions and security issues.
Step 5 from our 22btc ransomware removal guide presents alternative data recovery methods that may be efficient for the recovery of encrypted files. Beware that you should make copies of all encrypted files and save them on a flash drive, for example, before the beginning of the recovery process.
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.
Follow Me:
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.
How to Remove 22btc Virus from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove 22btc Virus
Step 2: Uninstall 22btc 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 22btc 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 22btc 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 22btc Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by 22btc Virus.
Ransomware infections and 22btc 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 22btc Virus from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall 22btc 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 22btc 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 22btc Virus.
Ransomware infections and 22btc 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.
22btc Virus FAQ
What is 22btc Virus ransomware and how does it work?
22btc 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 22btc Virus ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.22btc 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 22btc 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 .22btc Virus files?
You can't. At this point the .22btc 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 .22btc Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by 22btc 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 ".22btc 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 .22btc 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 22btc 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 22btc Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .22btc Virus files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like 22btc 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.
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.
