This article explains the issues that occur in case of infection with Bhacks ransomware and provides a complete guide on how to remove malicious files and how to potentially recover files encrypted by this ransomware.
Bhacks Ransomware
In case of infection with Bhacks ransomware your system is seriously damaged by changes that affect essential settings. It will remain vulnerable to additional malware attacks until all harmful files are removed in full. The most devastating impact caused by Bhacks ransomware, however, is the corruption of all valuable files. During the attack, the threat locates target files and encodes them with a sophisticated cipher algorithm. As a result, you cannot open or use these files. Their names are renamed with the extension .bhacks Accordingly, a file named dog.jpg will appear as dog.jpg.bhacks
The main goal of Bhacks ransomware is to extort a ransom fee for .bhacked files decryption tool. That’s why it drops the file 200 dollars.txt and loads it on PC screen.
Threat Summary
| Name | Bhacks |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware that utilizes strong cihper algorithm to encode traget files stored on the infected computer. Following encryption, it urges you to pay a ransom. |
| Symptoms | Important files are corrupted and renamed with .bhacks extension. You cannot open or use them for which hackers attempt to blacmail you into paying a ransom. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Infected Web Pages, Corrupted Installers |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Bhacks. |
| 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. |
Bhacks Virus – Detailed Overview
Infection with the Bhacks virus is triggered by the activation of its payload. The distribution of this file could be realized via various shady techniques like malspam, website corruption, malvertising, fake updates, compromised software installers and others. All these techniques aim to trick you into starting the payload on your PC without suspecting the risk of ransomware infection.
The name of this threat comes from the malicious extension it uses to mark all files it encrypts. Like a typical ransomware infection, Bhacks first establishes a bunch of additional malicious files that will help it to pass through all attack stages. By executing these files in a predefined order, Bhacks takes control over some main system processes and their functionalities. Eventually, it becomes able to evade active security measures and encode target files.
Bhacks ransomware aims to reach specific personal files and encrypt them with the help of its built-in cipher module. Encrypted by the threat may be all personal files that are likely to store valuable data including:
- Audio files
- Video files
- Document files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials, etc
The encryption process happens with the help of a sophisticated cipher algorithm. Once encoded files remain inaccessible until their code is reverted back to its original state. A sure trait of an encrypted file is the extension .bhacks appended to its name.
The ransom note file associated with Bhacks virus is named 200 dollars.txt and once opened it loads the following message:
you are locked by 2 ransomwares and im the only one with the decryption for both of them
send 200 dallors in amazon gift cards to bhacks740@gmail.com
where you can buy amazon gift cards at a gas station best buy so buy the cards then
send me the cards and then ill test them and if it works i will send the decryption software
for the first one then the decryption key for
the second ransomware and the software with it to decrypt your file to you email
and snap a pick of the ransom note cause this will not pop up again when you restart your pcif i did not explain enough if you pay me the money i will send you both the decryptions ones a
software and the other is a key but you need the file decryptor to decrypt the password but you
need the password to decrypt it with the software you get what im saying
Here is a screenshot of a Windows 10 machine hacked by Bhacks ransomware:
Beware that the payment of the demanded ransom of $200 in Amazon gift cards does not guarantee the recovery of your encoded files. That’s why we recommend the help of alternative data recovery methods.
Remove Bhacks Ransomware and Restore Data
Bhacks ransomware is a threat with highly complex code that plagues your whole system along with all valuable files. So you should properly clean and secure your infected system before you could regularly use it regularly again. Below you could find a step-by-step removal guide that may be helpful in attempting to remove this ransomware. Choose the manual removal approach if you have previous experience with malware and system files. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps continue to the automatic step from the guide. SpyHunter anti-malware tool will scan your infected system for harmful files and then enable you to remove these files with a few mouse clicks. The long term benefit is that the program will keep your PC secure against future malware attacks.
An additional security layer that could prevent the occurrence of ransomware attacks is anti-ransomware tool.
If you want to understand how to potentially recover encrypted files with the help of alternative data recovery approaches, make sure to read carefully all details mentioned in the step “Restore files”. We remind you that before the beginning of the data recovery process, you should back up all encrypted files to an external drive as this will help you to prevent their irreversible loss.
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.
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Step 1: Scan for Bhacks with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Bhacks and related malware 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 delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Bhacks 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 Bhacks 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: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Bhacks
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Bhacks.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and Bhacks 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 the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Bhacks-FAQ
What is Bhacks Ransomware?
Bhacks 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 algorithms 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.
What Does Bhacks Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does Bhacks Infect?
Via several ways.Bhacks Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, 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.
Another way you may become a victim of Bhacks 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 .Bhacks files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Bhacks files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Bhacks files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Bhacks" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Bhacks files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of Bhacks Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate Bhacks ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Bhacks files.
Can I 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.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can Bhacks Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the Bhacks Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Bhacks how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Bhacks ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
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.
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