Remove Bitmessage Ransomware and Restore .Bleep Encrypted Files

Ventsislav Krastev

Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.

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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 Bitmessage Virus Download Malware Removal Tool
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 http://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 http://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.

Note! Your computer system may be affected by Bitmessage Virus and other threats.
Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as Bitmessage Virus.
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

To remove Bitmessage Virus follow these steps:

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

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode

1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.

For Windows XP, Vista and 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 up the Start Menu.

Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.

Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.

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

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

Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.

Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.

Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.

2. Find files created by Bitmessage Virus on your PC

Find files created by Bitmessage Virus

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

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.

Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs

3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

Scan your PC and Remove Bitmessage Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data

1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Bitmessage Virus and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove Bitmessage Virus. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.

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

Download

Malware Removal Tool

It is 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. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.

Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.

Step 2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the ‘Next’ button.

Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

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 with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup .

SOS Online Backup

4. Try to Restore files encrypted by Bitmessage Virus

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 several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.

Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software.
Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:

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

Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors.
If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:

• Kaspersky Decryptors
• Emsisoft Decryptors

Method 3: Using Shadow Explorer

To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:

• Shadow Explorer

Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.

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. See how-to instructions below:

Instructions on How to Find Decryption Key for Files Encrypted By Ransowmare

Ventsislav Krastev

Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.

More Posts - Website

Ventsislav Krastev

Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.

More Posts - Website

5 Comments

1. Sneha June 27, 2016 at 6:38 am

   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.

   Reply ↓
   1. SensorsTechForum June 27, 2016 at 6:59 am

      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: http://sensorstechforum.com/the-most-popular-free-anti-ransomware-tools/

      Reply ↓
      1. Sneha June 27, 2016 at 12:56 pm

         Hello,
         Thanks for your help. It was useful to me.

         Reply ↓
         1. shailesh July 18, 2016 at 5:03 am

            hey pls give me strong solution

            Reply ↓
2. shailesh July 8, 2016 at 9:55 am

   hi
   i want to encrypted photo recover raas Encrypted Files recover pls help me

   Reply ↓

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