Remove Alfa Ransomware and Restore .bin Encrypted Files

New ransom virus, carrying the name Alfa has appeared. It uses a strong cipher to encrypt files adding .bin file extension to them and making them no longer accessible. To restore access to the files, Alfa demands via a ransom message the sum of 1.5 BTC from its victims to buy a so-called Alfa Decryptor. This ransomware spreads via a malicious executable and all users who have been infected should be advised not to pay any money to cyber-criminals. Instead, it is strongly recommended to try removing the malware with the instructions provided in this article and try our suggested alternative solutions to attempt restoring the damage done by Alfa Ransomware.

Threat Summary

Name	Alfa
Type	Ransomware
Short Description	The ransomware encrypts files using a strong encryption and asks for 1 to 1.5 BTC in ransom payoff.
Symptoms	Files are encrypted and become inaccessible and the .bin file extensions added. Ransom note files appear as .TXT and .HTML files.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by Alfa Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join our forum to Discuss Alfa 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.

Alfa Ransomware’s Distribution Methods

If it is to be widespread and infect maximum amount of users, Alfa Ransomware has to have a very powerful distribution technique. This is why it may use massively spread spam message campaigns to distribute its malicious files. The spam campaign may include the distribution of various files attached to e-mails that seem legitimate. An example of topics of spam e-mails which have the malicious payload of Alfa Ransomware are:

• “Your confirmation mail.”
• “Your free software installation.”
• “Payment confirmation.”
• “Your account has been suspended.”

Upon opening the malicious attachment in the e-mail, the user may open an exploit kit or a Trojan.Downloader which is obfuscated to conceal itself from real-time shields of antivirus programs. To prevent further infections, it may be a good solution to download second generation cloud-based antivirus-software, like Heimdal Pro, for example.

Alfa Ransomware – In Depth Analysis

As soon as a computer has been infected by Alfa Ransomware, it gives the virus the permissions to create its malicious files:

• In %UserProfile%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Essential\, the file msestl32.exe
• README HOW TO DECRYPT YOUR FILES.HTML
• README HOW TO DECRYPT YOUR FILES.TXT

Pretending to be Microsoft Essentials free antivirus security software, Alfa Ransomware also creates registry entries so that it runs everytime Windows is booted up:

• HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\MSEstl “%UserProfile%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Essential\msestl32.exe”
• HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ {random value string}

As soon as the encryptor (msestl32.exe) is ran on the infected computer, Alfa Ransomware starts to scan the computer and encrypt the files in it. It looks for videos, audio files, databases, different document file formats, etc. The file extensions that may be affected could be the following:

→ .c, .h, .m, .ai, .cs, .db, .nd, .pl, .ps, .py, .rm, .3dm, .3ds, .3fr, .3g2, .3gp, .ach, .arw, .asf, .asx, .avi, .bak, .bay, .cdr, .cer, .cpp, .cr2, .crt, .crw, .dbf, .dcr, .dds, .der, .des, .dng, .doc, .dtd, .dwg, .dxf, .dxg, .eml, .eps, .erf, .fla, .flvv, .hpp, .iif, .jpe, .jpg, .kdc, .key, .lua, .m4v, .max, .mdb, .mdf, .mef, .mov, .mp3, .mp4, .mpg, .mrw, .msg, .nef, .nk2, .nrw, .oab, .obj, .odb, .odc, .odm, .odp, .ods, .odt, .orf, .ost, .p12, .p7b, .p7c, .pab, .pas, .pct, .pdb, .pdd, .pdf, .pef, .pem, .pfx, .pps, .ppt, .prf, .psd, .pst, .ptx, .qba, .qbb, .qbm, .qbr, .qbw, .qbx, .qby, .r3d, .raf, .raw, .rtf, .rw2, .rwl, .sql, .sr2, .srf, .srt, .srw, .svg, .swf, .tex, .tga, .thm, .tlg, .txt, .vob, .wav, .wb2, .wmv, .wpd, .wps, .no, .xlk, .xlr, .xls, .yuv, .back, .docm, .docx, .flac, .indd, .java, .jpeg, .pptm, .pptx, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsx Source: Hackmag.com

In addition to those, Alfa ransomware may also delete shadow volume copies, by executing a privileged command in Windows Command Prompt:

The encrypted files may be scrambled with either RSA or AES cipher or even both at the same time. Encrypted files’ names are changed and they are appended the .bin file extension. The name is a unique identification number for the infected computer, for example:

• 23039593.bin

After encryption, Alfa drops its ransom message on the compromised computer in the form of a .TXT and .HTML files:

The files both have the same content:

They also have instructions on how to open the page of Alfa ransomware which contains its “Alfa Decryptor” and additional instructions on how to use Tor Networking to pay the ransom:

Alfa Ransomware – Conclusion, Removal and File Decryption

In conclusion, Alfa Ransomware appears to be an entirely new ransomware virus and it may use advanced encryption. The virus may also delete backups and include a so called CBC mode which breaks the files permanently if you try to directly encrypt them. Cyber-criminals behind Alfa Ransomware have created this virus for one and only purpose – to make profit. Since by paying to them, you support the development of their operation and there may not be a guarantee that you are getting access to the files again, malware experts strongly advise against it.

If you want to fully erase Alfa Ransomware from your computer, we urge you to follow the instructions posted after this article. They will help you find the files of this ransomware and erase them permanently. For best results, experts advise the usage of an anti-malware program that will assist you with automatically detecting and removing all files and registry objects created by Alfa Ransomware and protect you from future infections as well.

In case you wish to decrypt your files, at this point, there is no direct solution. However, we will post an update in this article if a decryptor has been released to the public. In the meantime, we advise you to follow step “3. Restore files encrypted by Alfa” to help you with restoring at least some of your files. You may also use the free decryption of Alfa Ransomware’s main page to at least restore one file for free.

Manually delete Alfa from your computer

Note! Substantial notification about the Alfa threat: Manual removal of Alfa requires interference with system files and registries. Thus, it can cause damage to your PC. Even if your computer skills are not at a professional level, don’t worry. You can do the removal yourself just in 5 minutes, using a malware removal tool.

1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Alfa files and objects

Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode

1. For Windows 7,XP and Vista. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.

For Windows XP, Vista, 7 systems:

1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu.
2. Select one of the two options provided below:

– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.

– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.

3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.

4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account

While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.

Step 1: Open the Start Menu

Step 2: Whilst holding down Shift button, click on Power and then click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, the aftermentioned menu will appear. From there you should choose Troubleshoot.

Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu you can choose Advanced Options.

Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.

Step 6: Click on Restart.

Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You should choose Safe Mode by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.

2.Find malicious files created by Alfa on your PC

Find malicious files created by Alfa

1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows 7,XP and Vista.

For Newer Windows Operating Systems

Step 1:

On your keyboard press  + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.

Step 2:

Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.

Step 3:

Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:

N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.

For Older Windows Operating Systems

In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:

Step 1:

Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.

Step 2:

After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.

Step 3:

After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.

Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.

3.Fix registry entries created by Alfa on your PC

Fix registry entries created by Alfa on your PC.

Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries of your computer to change different settings. This is why manual clean up of your Windows Registry Database is strongly recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit lenghty, we recommend following our instructive article about fixing registry entries.

Automatically remove Alfa by downloading an advanced anti-malware program

1. Remove Alfa with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

Remove Alfa with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove Alfa.2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove Alfa.

Step 1:Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

It is highly 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.

Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to automatically update.

Step1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Scan Computer Now’ button.

Step2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any Alfa files, click on the ‘Fix Threats’ button to remove them automatically and permanently.

Step3: Once the intrusions on your PC have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart it.

2. Back up your data to secure it against infections and file encryption by Alfa in the future

Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future

IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data automatically with cloud backup and insure it against any type of data loss on your device, even the most severe. We recommend reading more about and downloading SOS Online Backup .

SOS Online Backup

To back up your files via Windows and prevent any future intrusions, follow these instructions:

1. For Windows 7 and earlier 1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 1. Enabling the Windows Defense Feature (Previous Versions)

1-Click on Windows Start Menu

2-Type Backup And Restore
3-Open it and click on Set Up Backup

4-A window will appear asking you where to set up backup. You should have a flash drive or an external hard drive. Mark it by clicking on it with your mouse then click on Next.

5-On the next window, the system will ask you what do you want to backup. Choose the ‘Let Me Choose’ option and then click on Next.

6-Click on ‘Save settings and run backup’ on the next window in order to protect your files from possible attacks by Alfa.

1-Press Windows button + R

2-In the window type ‘filehistory’ and press Enter

3-A File History window will appear. Click on ‘Configure file history settings’

4-The configuration menu for File History will appear. Click on ‘Turn On’. After its on, click on Select Drive in order to select the backup drive. It is recommended to choose an external HDD, SSD or a USB stick whose memory capacity is corresponding to the size of the files you want to backup.

5-Select the drive then click on ‘Ok’ in order to set up file backup and protect yourself from Alfa.

1- Press Windows button + R keys.

2- A run windows should appear. In it type ‘sysdm.cpl’ and then click on Run.

3- A System Properties windows should appear. In it choose System Protection.

5- Click on Turn on system protection and select the size on the hard disk you want to utilize for system protection.
6- Click on Ok and you should see an indication in Protection settings that the protection from Alfa is on.

Restoring a file via Windows Defense feature:
1-Right-click on the encrypted file, then choose Properties.

2-Click on the Previous Versions tab and then mark the last version of the file.

3-Click on Apply and Ok and the file encrypted by Alfa should be restored.

3. Restore files encrypted by Alfa

Restore Files Encrypted by Alfa

Security engineers strongly advise users NOT to pay the ransom money and attempt restoring the files using other methods. Here are several suggestions:

To restore your data, your first bet is to check again for shadow copies in Windows using this software:

Shadow Explorer

If this method does not work, Kaspersky have provided a decryptors for files encrypted with the this and other encryption algorithms:

Kaspersky Decryptors

Another method of restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some examples of data recovery programs:

• Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery Technicians License(Pro version with more features)
• Stellar Phoenix Windows Data Recovery
• Stellar Phoenix Photo Recovery

There is also the technical option to use a network sniffer:

Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key.

Optional: Using Alternative Anti-Malware Tools

Remove Alfa Using Other Alternative Tools

STOPZilla Anti Malware

1. Download and Install STOPZilla Anti-malware to Scan for And Remove Alfa.
Step 1: Download STOPZilla by clicking here.
Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards.

Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it.
Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button.

Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again.

Step 6: Review and click on the ‘Install’ button.

Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button.

2. Scan your PC with STOPZilla Anti Malware to remove all Alfa associated files completely.
Step 1: Launch STOPZilla if you haven’t launched it after install.
Step 2: Wait for the software to automatically scan and then click on the ‘Repair Now’ button. If it does not scan automatically, click on the ‘Scan Now’ button.

Step 3: After the removal of all threats and associated objects, you should Restart your PC.

Vencislav Krustev

A network administrator and malware researcher at SensorsTechForum with passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cyber security. Strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.

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