How to remove BananaCrypt ransomware

BananaCrypt is a file-encrypting virus that aims at files stored on your PC

BananaCrypt is a ransomware-type^[1] cyber threat that uses AES encryption cipher to make files inaccessible on the targeted computer. The malicious program locks files by appending .bananaCrypt file extension and asks to pay $300 in order to decrypt them.

The malicious program typically enters the system with the help of malicious spam email. Once inside, BananaCrypt ransomware might alter Windows registry, create new or modify entries, install various files that are responsible for performing various activities on your PC.

When BananaCrypt virus strengthens its presence, it starts data encryption procedure. Malware targets the most popular file types, such as documents, images, PDFs, etc. However, crooks offer victims to pay $300 in order to get back access to their files.

As soon as all files are encrypted by Banana ransomware, malware delivers a ransom note where cyber criminals give people instructions what they have to do. The full message of the ransom note:

!!!What happened!!!!
Your files have been decrypted using a unique key, generated for this computer
Send 300 USD worth of bitcoin to the address below to obtain your key to decrypt your files
Address: asdffdsaasdf
Dont waste your time looking for a way to decrypt your files. This is only possible using our decrypter

However, malware researchers say that BananaCrypt can be decrypted. Hence, paying the ransom should not be considered. Keep in mind that ransomware is created for swindling money from the computer users. Thus, once you make a transaction, cyber criminals might disappear and forget their promise to give you working decryptor.

For this reason, you should not panic after a cyber attack. You have to remove BananaCrypt from the computer using reputable malware removal program, such as FortectIntego. We want to discourage you from evening thinking of manual virus elimination. These attempts are most likely to end up with irreparable damage to the system.

After BananaCrypt removal, you can safely plug in an external storage device and restore encrypted files. Or you can follow alternative recovery methods presented at the end of the article.

Ransomware distribution methods and prevention tips

For a while, malicious spam email attachments remain the most popular and effective ransomware distribution method.^[2] Infected emails usually inform a serious problem and ask to check the information in the attached document. However, the safe-looking Word, PDF or zip archive includes a malicious payload that is dropped on the system as soon as a user opens it.

However, ransomware-type cyber threats can be spread via:

• malicious ads that can be placed on legit and corrupted sites;
• fake software updates or downloads;
• exploit kits that take advantage of the outdated software or operating system.

Cyber security specialists from bedynet.ru^[3] remind to pay attention to every click and download. Make sure that you can actually trust the sender before opening an email attachment, use only legitimate software download sources and keep all the system and programs updated.

However, you should also backup your files because no one can ensure that crooks won’t create any new trickery to make you install suspicious software.

Removal of the BananaCrypt ransomware virus

Despite the funny name, you should take BananaCrypt removal seriously. It’s a complicated cyber threat that may have injected malicious codes into legit system processes and installed numerous hazardous files on the system. Therefore, you should not try to clean your PC manually.

To remove BananaCrypt, you have to obtain a reputable anti-malware software and scan the system. However, the virus might block access to security software, so you need to disable it by rebooting the system to Safe Mode with Networking as shown below.

If you are not sure which tool to choose, take our advice and use one of these: FortectIntego, MalwarebytesMalwarebytes or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner.