An old ransomware seems to have emerged once again. KeyBTC is the name of this ransomware as it appends the extension .keybtc@inbox_com to encrypted files. To remove the ransomware and see if you can restore your files, you should carefully read this article throughout.
Threat Summary
| Name | KeyBTC |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files with RSA/PGP algorithms and asks for payment via email. |
| Symptoms | Specific file types are encrypted. Two files are created on the user’s desktop – File1.bin and File2.bin along with a .txt file with instructions for paying the ransom. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss KeyBTC. |
| 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. |
KeyBTC Ransomware – Distribution Ways
KeyBTC ransomware is distributed with the help of spam emails that look as legitimate postal or shipment notifications. The emails themselves cannot infect your PC alone, but have file attachments with the ransomware inside. The attachments are .Zip file type archives. The contents of those archives are JavaScript files disguised as normal Word documents.
It is unknown if exploit kits or social media are used to further help in the distribution of this ransomware, but it is a possibility. File sharing services might contain such files as well. If something looks suspicious and you are not one hundred percent sure of its origin, do not open it. At least that is the general rule of thumb.
KeyBTC Ransomware – Description
The KeyBTC malware is a known ransomware. The legend goes that it used to target only Russian speaking countries. Alas, in late 2014 it began infecting users worldwide. Still spiraling to this day, it is not one of the most dangerous ransomware types, but it is quite effective. KeyBTC nowadays might have evolved and try making entries in the Windows Registry as other ransomware. This maneuver is done to keep malware’s persistence while loading with each boot of the Windows OS.
What makes this ransomware effective and still viable to this day is that it encrypts important files, which are still the most popular types of files used to store personal information. Another thing is that everything but the public encryption key is not sent anywhere and only known by the malware maker.
KeyBTC will put all encrypted files inside two other files which are stored in the user’s computer. They are given these simple names:
- File1.bin
- File2.bin
A third file is created, containing the ransomware instructions. The file is named READ with capital letters. You can see its contents here:
The instructions state:
ATTENTION:
All your documents, photos, databases and other important personal files were encrypted using strong RSA-1024 algorithm with a unique key. If you want to restore your files please follow the instructions:
1. Send email to keybtc_@_inbox.com, with the following files in attachment:
– FILE1.BIN and FILE2.BIN files (check your desktop and local disks to find these files or just use Windows Search.
– One of your encrypted personal file for test decryption. Supported types: DOC/DOCX, JPG/JPEG, PDF. Maximum file size: 3 Mb.
2. Wait for email from us containing:
– Your decrypted file, proving that we can really help you.
– Decryption price and payment details.
3. Make payment.
4. Receive decryption key and detailed instructions how to decrypt your files.
IMPORTANT:
– You must contact us in 24 hours, unless the price will rise.
– Nobody can help you except us. It is useless to reinstall Windows, rename files, etc.
– Your files will be decrypted as quick as you contact us and make payment.If you have any question, please feel free to ask.
Contact email: keybtc_@_inbox.com
Paying up is strongly unadvised. You might be unable to unlock your files in the end, but also, might not be contacted back by the cyber crooks at all. That could serve as an inspiration to them to make the ransomware tougher.
The KeyBTC ransomware is really specific as it scans infected computers for only 17 file types. Nonetheless, they are still the most widely used file types used by Windows users on a global scale. The encryption is a combination of PGP and RSA using open source and free software to achieve it. For the time being, this is the known list of extensions which are encrypted:
→.pdf, .rtf, .accdb, .slddrw, .zip, .rar, .max, .jpg, .mdb, .xls, .xlsx, .doc, .docx, .cdr, .dwg, .1cd, .cd
After the encryption, all files have the extension .keybtc@inbox_com, which is also the email you are instructed to contact the ransomware creators. Shadow Volume Copies might not be of much use here, as files are not only encrypted but put into the .bin files mentioned earlier and not deleted as other ransomware types tend to do.
Remove KeyBTC Ransomware and Restore .keybtc@inbox_com Encrypted Files
If your PC is infected by the KeyBTC ransomware, you should have a bit experience with removing malware. You should consider removing the malware as it might reach other files if you connect to a network or an external storage device. The recommended course of action is for you to remove the ransomware by following the step-by-step instructions provided down here.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for KeyBTC with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall KeyBTC 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 KeyBTC 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 KeyBTC 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 KeyBTC
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by KeyBTC.
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 KeyBTC 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.
KeyBTC-FAQ
What is KeyBTC Ransomware?
KeyBTC 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 KeyBTC 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 KeyBTC Infect?
Via several ways.KeyBTC 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 KeyBTC 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 .KeyBTC files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .KeyBTC 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 .KeyBTC files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".KeyBTC" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .KeyBTC 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 KeyBTC 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 KeyBTC ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .KeyBTC 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 KeyBTC 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 KeyBTC Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this KeyBTC 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 KeyBTC 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.
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- Always check "About Us" web page.
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