Bleep, .1999, .0x0, .fu*k – these are the file extensions used by the nasty Bitmessage ransomware virus that encrypts the files on the computers it infects and asks 2,5 BTC to decrypt them. After encryption, the files become unable to be opened because they are encoded with a very powerful AES-256 encryption algorithm. Users who have been infected with the virus are strongly advised not to pay any ransom money and wait for a decrypter to be released. In the meantime, you should remove the ransomware using the instructions in this article, and you may try our alternative suggestions to restore your data.
Threat Summary
| Name | Bitmessage Virus |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files with the AES-256 cipher and asks a ransom for decryption. |
| Symptoms | Files are encrypted and become inaccessible. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows as several txt files. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss Bitmessage Ransomware. |
Bitmessage Ransomware – How Is It Spread
To infect users, Bitmessage has been reported to use spam e-mail messages to distribute its payload. This can happen either via a Malicious URL or via a malicious e-mail attachment. Such can be featured in e-mails whose topics resemble services which are widely used, for example:
- “Your FedEx Delivery.”
- “Confirm your order.”
- “Your receipt.”
- “PayPal: Your Account Has Been Suspended”
- “Your BestBuy order has been delivered.”
Such e-mails may either contain malicious links or attachments which can contain:
- Malicious JavaScript.
- ExploitKits.
- Obfuscated executables.
Users are also strongly advised against clicking on e-mails, which resemble the following sample:
Bitmessage Ransomware In Detail
Upon execution on the infected computer, Bitmessage may create a malicious file in one of the following Windows folders:
- %AppData%
- %Roaming%
- %User’s Profile%
- %Temp%
- %Local%
After creating the malicious file, it may be executed and start scanning for the following files to encrypt them. The ransomware has been reported to look for files with the following file extensions to encrypt them:
→ .113 .1cd .3dm .3ds .3fr .3g2 .3gp .3pr .73b .7z .a3d .ab4 .abf .abk .ac2 .accdb .accde .accdr .accdt .acr .adb .aep .agd1 .ach .ai .ait .al .apj .apk .ark .arw .as4 .asf .asm .asp .asset .asvx .asx .ate .ati .avi .awg .azw .azw4 .b1 .bac .back .backup .backupdb .bak .bakx .bar .bay .bb .bc6 .bc7 .bck .bcm .bdb .bgt .big .bik .bin .bkf .bkp .blend .blob .bpw .bsa .c .cab .cas .cb7 .cbr .cbt .ccd .cdf .cdr .cdr3 .cdr4 .cdr5 .cdr6 .cdrw .cdx .ce1 .ce2 .cer .cf .cfp .cfr .cgm .cib .cls .cmt .con .cpi .cpp .cpt .cr2 .craw .crt .crw .cs .csh .csl .css .csv .ctb .d3dbsp .dac .das .dat .data .db .db0 .db3 .dba .dbf .dc2 .dc3 .dcr .dcs .ddrw .dds .der .des .desc .design .dgb .dgc .dicom .divx .djvu .dmg .dmp .dng .doc .docm .docx .dot .dotm .dotx .drf .drw .dt .dta .dtaus .dtd .dwfx .dwg .dxb .dxf .dxg .edi .eml .emlx .epk .eps .epub .erbsql .erf .esm .exf .fb2 .fbf .fbk .fbw .fbx .fdb .ffd .fff .fh .fhd .fla .flac .flv .forge .fos .fpk .fpx .fsh .fxg .gbk .gdb .gho .gif .gpx .gray .grey .gros .gry .h .hbk .hkdb .hkx .hplg .hpp .htm .html .hvpl .hxi .hxq .hxr .hxs .hxw .chi .chm .chq .chw .ibank .ibd .ibz .icxs .idx .iff .img .inc .incpas .iso .itdb .itl .itm .iv2i .iwd .iwi .jar .java .jpe .jpeg .jpg .js .kc2 .kdb .kdbx .kdc .key .keystore .keystore .kf .kpdx .layout .lbf .ldf .lic .lit .litemod .lrf .ltx .lua .lvl .m .m2 .m2v .m3d .m3u .m4a .m4v .map .max .mcmeta .mdb .mdbackup .mdc .mddata .mdf .mds .mef .menu .mfw .mkv .mlx .mmw .mobi .model .moneywell .mos .mov .mp3 .mp4 .mpeg-1 .mpeg-2 .mpeg-4 .mpg .mpg .mpq .mpqge .mrw .mrwref .msg .myd .nbd .ncf .nd .ndd .nef .netcdf .nk2 .nop .nrw .ns2 .ns3 .ns4 .nsd .nsf .nsg .nsh .ntl .nwb .nx1 .nx2 .nyf .oab .obj .odb .odc .odf .odg .odm .odp .ods .odt .orf .ost .otg .oth .otp .ots .ott .p12 .p7b .p7c .pab .pak .pas .pat .pcd .pct .pdb .pdb .pdd .pdf .pef .pem .pfx .php .pkpass .pl .png .pot .potm .potx .ppam .pps .ppsm .ppsx .ppt .pptm .pptx .prf .prproj .ps .psafe3 .psd .psk .pst .ptx .pub .pwm .py .pz3 .qba .qbb .qbm .qbo .qbr .qbw .qbx .qby .qdf .qfx .qic .qif .qt .qvw .s3db .sav .sb .sbs .sd0 .sd1 .sda .sdf .sdxf .shtm .shtml .sid .sidd .sidn .sie .sis .sldasm .sldm .sldprt .sldx .slm .sln .sn1 .sna .snx .spf .sql .sqlite .sqlite3 .sqlitedb .sr2 .srf .srt .srw .st4 .st5 .st6 .st7 .st8 .stc .std .sti .stw .stx .sub .sum .suo .svg .swf .swm .sxc .sxd .sxg .sxi .sxm .sxw .t12 .t13 .tar .tax .tbl .tex .tga .tib .tis .tlg .trn .txt .upk .vcf .vdf .vfs0 .vob .vob .vpk .vpp_pc .vtf .w3x .wab .wallet .wav .wbb .wbcat .wdb .wif .wim .win .wma .wmo .wmv .wpd .wps .x3f .xar .xf .xla .xlam .xlk .xll .xlm .xlr .xls .xlsb .xlsk .xlsm .xlsx .xlt .xltm .xltx .xlw .xmi .xml .ycbcra .yuv .z .zip .ztmp
The encrypted files are unable to be opened, because their code is changed to an AES-256 enciphered one. This type of encryption is one of the strongest, and the only method to crack it quickly is to find a flaw in the virus itself.
The encrypted files have one of the following file extensions:
- .bleep
- .1999
- .0x0
- .fu*k
Encrypted files may look like this:
After encryption, Bitmessage ransomware adds the following files:
- FILESAREGONE.TXT – A ransom note with the demands by the cyber-criminals.
- READTHISNOW !!!. TXT – A ransom note with instructions about paying the ransom.
- IHAVEYOURSECRET.KEY – A file containing a private or a public AES key without which you cannot unlock your files.
- Secret.key, Secret.key2 – other .key files.
The ransom note feature in the FILESAREGONE.TXT is the following:
→ “Hello.
All your files have been encrypted using our extremely strong private key. There is no way to recover them without our assistance. If you want to get your files back, you must be ready to pay for them. If you are broke and poor, sorry, we cannot help you. If you are ready to pay, then get in touch with 
us using a secure and anonymous p2p messenger. We have to use a messenger, because standard emails get blocked quickly and if our email gets blocked your files will be lost forever.
Go to https://bitmessage.org/, download and run Bitmessage. Click Your Identities tab > then click New > then click OK (this will generate your personal address, you need to do this just once). Then click Send tab.
TO: {Unique ID}
SUBJECT: name of your PC or your IP address or both.
MESSAGE: Hi, I am ready to pay.
Click Send button.
You are done.
To get the fastest reply from us with all further instructions, please keep your Bitmessage running on the computer at all times, if possible, or as often as you can, because Bitmessage is a bit slow and it takes time to send and get messages. If you cooperate and follow the instructions, you will get all your files back intact and very, very soon. Thank you.”
The instructions in the READTHISNOW.txt file are the following:
→ “Hello.
All your files have been encrypted using our private key. There is no way to recover them without our assistance.
If you want to get your files back, you must be ready to pay for them. If you are ready to pay then follow the instructions: 
1) Create an archive (rar or zip) with 3 files inside: Secret.key + Secret.key2 (should be on your desktop) + Any encrypted file of a small size. It can be a .doc or .pdf or .xls or whatever you have. 5 mb max. Note that this file should have this extention: .0x0; please don’t put more than one file in the archive, one file is enough. If you can’t find Secret.key2, that’s OK. It will take just a little bit more time to restore your files, so you shouldn’t worry.
2) Upload this archive to any file sharing site. Dropbox, Google Drive, sendspace.com etc.
3) Go to https://bitmessage.org/ and download Bitmessage.
4) Run Bitmessage. Select ‘Your Identities’ tab. Then click New. Then click OK. Then select ‘Send’ tab.
TO: BM-%address% (this is our address)
SUBJECT: your PC name (Start -> Control Panel -> System)
MESSAGE: Link to the archive with three files in it. Then click ‘Send’.
You are done!
To get the fastest reply from us with all further instructions, please keep Bitmessage running on your computer all the time, if possible. If you cooperate and follow the instructions, you will get all your files back intact and very, very soon. Thank you.”
In addition to those, the ransomware may also modify the following registry key adding a setting for its malicious executable to run and encrypt files every time you boot Windows:
→ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Bitmessage ransomware may also delete the shadow copies of the infected computer, eliminating the file history if it is enabled. This is done by executing the following command:
→ vssadmin delete shadows /for={The targeted volume} /all
Not only this but unlike other ransomware viruses, this one uses a very particular contact service which includes messaging service, called Bitmessage which most likely uses encrypted communications. This Is a relatively new and interesting approach by cyber-criminals, and the number of viruses that have it has increased.
Remove Bitmessage Ransomware and Restore the Encrypted Files
To fully erase Bitmessage Ransomware from your computer, be sure to follow the step-by-step instructions below. They will help to deal effectively with the threat. If you are having issues removing this virus manually, we advise to automatically scan for and delete all its associated objects with an advanced anti-malware tool.
In addition to that, to try and restore your files, we have provided alternative solutions in step “3.Restore files encrypted by Bitmessage Virus” below. They may not be 100 percent effective, and you will most likely restore a small portion of your files, but it is a good alternative for until a decryptor is released. Make sure to follow this article for further updates about direct file decryption.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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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 Bitmessage Virus from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Bitmessage Virus from Mac OS X.
How to Remove Bitmessage Virus from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Bitmessage Virus
Step 2: Uninstall Bitmessage 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 Bitmessage 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 Bitmessage 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 Bitmessage Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Bitmessage Virus.
Ransomware infections and Bitmessage 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 Bitmessage Virus from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Bitmessage 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 Bitmessage 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 Bitmessage Virus.
Ransomware infections and Bitmessage 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.
Bitmessage Virus FAQ
What is Bitmessage Virus ransomware and how does it work?
Bitmessage 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 Bitmessage Virus ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Bitmessage 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 Bitmessage 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 .Bitmessage Virus files?
You can't. At this point the .Bitmessage 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 .Bitmessage Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Bitmessage 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 ".Bitmessage 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 .Bitmessage 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 Bitmessage 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 Bitmessage Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Bitmessage Virus files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Bitmessage 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.
I think e-mails are the most common way for the Ransomwares to spread my system was hit by Petya Ransomware and I am sure that it came through an e-mail. So, is there any software that can detect a malicious e-mail.
Hello Sneha,
You can use spam blocking software and spam filters. Spam filters are designed to identify and detect spam, and prevent it from reaching your inbox. Make sure to add a spam filter to your email. Gmail users can refer to Google’s support page.
You can also consider installing an anti-ransomware tool: sensorstechforum.com/the-most-popular-free-anti-ransomware-tools
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