This article provides information about a ransomware dubbed The Brotherhood as well as descriptive steps how to remove its malicious files from the system. The threat encrypts important files and demands a ransom payment. By reaching the end of the article, you will know also which alternative data recovery methods may help you to restore a few to all of the .ransomcrypt files.
The Brotherhood ransomware infection plagues essential system settings in order to trigger its encryption module and corrupt important files stored on the PC. It is associated with the specific extension .ransomcrypt that stands at the end of all encrypted files’ names. At the moment of writing this article hackers demand the insane amount of 100 BTC in exchange for their decryption solution. Instructions on how to pay the ransom are introduced by a ransom note file called RansomNote.jpg.
Threat Summary
| Name | The Brotherhood |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encodes target files with the help of sophisticated cipher algorithm and blackmails vistims into paying a 100 BTC ransom. |
| Symptoms | Important files are locked and renamed with .ransomcrypt extension. They remain unusable until an efficient solution restores them to the original state. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| 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 The Brotherhood. |
| 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. |
The Brotherhood Ransomware – Distribution
The Brotherhood ransomware infection begins after its payload is started on a target host. In order for this to happen without your knowledge hackers bet on shady spread techniques that attempt to trick you to grant the malicious payload access to your system. The payload is usually an executable file that is started with the help of deceptive email attachments or malicious scripts embedded in the code of various web pages.
Hackers know that we all depend on our emails to receive the latest news important for us. And we receive many emails in our inbox on a daily basis. Knowing the facts bad actors often release massive email attack campaigns. The emails of these campaigns are designed to grab our attention, make us open them and interact with the elements they present. And their sole purpose is to trick us into opening the malicious code they carry on our devices. Hackers are experienced in exploiting human weaknesses so the messages they present in the emails aim to provoke a sense of urgency.
Furthermore, by spoofing the email sender and email address, they could easily pose as a representative of a well-known institution or business services like PayPal, DHL, FedEx, and Amazon.
As regards the compromised email elements they are usually file attachments presented as important documents, pictures, invoices, notifications, bills, taxes or in-text links that open a new web page in the browser. Once opened the compromised attachment or the corrupted web page automatically triggers an infection with the devastating The Brotherhood ransomware.
The Brotherhood Ransomware – Overview
The so-called The Brotherhood ransomware is a nasty infection that is designed to plague computer systems with the primary purpose to encrypt important files stored on the drives. Hackers use the threat to blackmail computer users into paying a ransom for a decryption solution. However, the malicious files and objects created during the attack may enable them to activate other malware on the system as well. As a result, they may steal sensitive credentials or use certain computer resources to mine for any cryptocurrency.
Like many other ransomware samples familiar to our team including LockOn, PokemonGO, and GruxEr, The Brotherhood is based on the code of HiddenTear. Being a derivative of this ransomware family The Brotherhood uses the sophisticated cipher algorithm AES to transform the original code of predefined types of files and this way restrict the access to the information they store. If you want to understand more about the encryption stage navigate to the next paragraph.
In order to complete its main purpose which is data encryption the ransomware first needs to establish its malicious files on the system. By doing this it plagues essential system settings and attains persistent presence. Some of the changes are specially implemented to cause the automatic display of an image that depicts a ransom message. So at the end of the attack, a file named RansomNote.jpg could replace your desktop wallpaper to inform you of the following:
Your files have been encrypted. To decrypt your file, please transfer 100 BTC
to Bitcoin Address
24fAcfdYasU975qwFGyesl45eH63cNuCZP
Otherwise, you will lose your file today at 16:30:00hrs
HACKED THE BROTHERHOOD
The Brotherhood Ransomware – Encryption Process
At the moment of reporting this threat we found out that the ransomware is in its development stage and eventually encrypts only the files stored in Documents folder. However, once hackers release its final version the threat is likely to be able to corrupt all of the files sored with the following extensions:
→.txt, .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .pdf, .pps, .ppt, .pptx, .odt, .gif, .jpg, .png, .db, .csv, .sql, .mdb.sln.php, .asp, .aspx, .html, .xml, .psd, .frm, .myd, .myi, .dbf, .mp3, .mp4, .avi, .mov, .mpg, .rm, .wmv, .m4a, .mpa, .wav, .sav, .gam, .log, .ged, .msg, .myo, .tax, .ynab, .ifx, .ofx, .qfx, .qif, .qdf, .tax2013, .tax2014, .tax2015, .box, .ncf, .nsf, .ntf, .lwp
Every single file that gets encrypted will be locked with the AES encryption algorithm and renamed with the specific .ransomcrypt extension. Once encrypted the files could not display the information they originally store. This devastating impact enables hackers to demand a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption solution they possess.
However, keep patience and don’t rush to pay them the demanded amount. Since there are alternative approaches to restore .ransomcrypt files there is no need to support their malicious activities. So be advised to check thoroughly the guide that follows. It may help you to resolve the problem by yourself.
Remove The Brotherhood Ransomware and Restore .ransomcrypt Files
Below you could find how to remove The Brotherhood step by step. To remove the ransomware manually you need to have a bit of technical experience and ability to recognize traits of malware files. Beware that ransomware is a threat with highly complex code that plagues not only your files but your whole system. So as recommended by security researchers you need to utilize an advanced anti-malware tool for its complete removal. Such tool will keep your system protected against devastating threats like The Brotherhood and other kinds of malware that endanger your online security.
After you remove the ransomware make sure to check the “Restore Files” step listed in the guide below. But before you take any further actions, don’t forget to back up all encrypted files to an external drive in order 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 The Brotherhood with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall The Brotherhood 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 The Brotherhood 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 The Brotherhood 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 The Brotherhood
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by The Brotherhood.
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 The Brotherhood 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.
The Brotherhood-FAQ
What is The Brotherhood Ransomware?
The Brotherhood 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 The Brotherhood 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 The Brotherhood Infect?
Via several ways.The Brotherhood 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 The Brotherhood 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 .The Brotherhood files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .The Brotherhood 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 .The Brotherhood files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".The Brotherhood" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .The Brotherhood 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 The Brotherhood 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 The Brotherhood ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .The Brotherhood 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 The Brotherhood 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 The Brotherhood Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this The Brotherhood 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 The Brotherhood 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.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.