How to remove Bkp ransomware

Bkp ransomware is the variant of the infamous Dharma virus

Bkp ransomware is a file locking malware that was first spotted at the end of September 2018. Being the latest variant of Dharma ransomware, it also uses AES^[1] encryption algorithm to encode data and adds [Bkp@cock.li].bkp file appendix. As soon as photos, image files, databases, documents and videos are enciphered, the virus sends a personal decryption key to the Command & Control server and sends out a ransom note Info.hta or FILES ENCRYPTED.txt. Victims can then quickly realise what happened, as hackers ask them to pay in Bitcoins for the alleged decryption key that could remove .bkp file extension from the data.

Bkp file extension virus can get into the machine in several ways, including unprotected RDP, spam emails, infected installers and similar. Unfortunately, victims would know anything about the infection until its too late. The malicious payload deletes Shadow Volume copies and modifies Windows Registry to boot up every time the machine is started. Also, it begins a scan for files, contacts C&C server, and drops a ransom note into each of the infected folders.

However, the encrypted data is not damaged but simply encoded. It is a randomly generated code-password, which is sent to Bkp ransomware authors. In order to retrieve it, users need to pay ransom in Bitcoin. According to crooks, the size of payment depends on how fast the victim responds.

However, security experts^[2] do not recommend contacting bad actors. These people use malware to extort money out of innocent users, and there is nothing stopping them from ignoring victims after the payment is transferred as well. Therefore, instead of wasting your time and money, take care of Bkp ransomware removal.

There is no way to eliminate Bkp ransomware manually, so do not even attempt that, unless you are a trained IT specialist. Ransomware uses complicated persistence techniques and is embedded deep within system files. Thus, use reliable anti-malware software like FortectIntego or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner. Both of these applications, along with 43 others,^[3] are capable of detecting and removing Bkp file extension virus.

When it comes to file decryption, the situation is pretty grim. Without paying crooks, it will be almost impossible to get data back. Good news is that system backup is an ultimate savior when it comes to Bkp ransomware encrypted files. Alternatively, you could also make use of third-party applications that might help – we included all the instructions how to do it below.

Be cautious and you will not have to deal with ransomware infection

Ransomware is one of the most serious cyber infections one could get. It can result in not only in file and money loss, but can also serve as a trojan for additional malware infiltration. Keyloggers, spyware, crypto-miners, you name it – all of these cyber threats can leave you devastated. Therefore, instead of suffering all these consequences, better avoid malware infections in the first place.

Unfortunately, not only security researchers acquire more knowledge to use advanced techniques to protect users from malware, but hackers are also not far ahead, managing to come up with new propagation methods and the improved virus functionality. Therefore, no precautionary measures are 100% secure, but there are several things you can do to reduce the possibility of the infiltration to the minimum:

• Use backups and update them as required;
• Employ reputable anti-malware software with real-time protection feature;
• Be careful when dealing with spam emails – attachments can be infected;
• Use strong passwords and alter them regularly;
• Update all software installed on your PC as soon as new patches come out – they fix the existing security vulnerabilities;
• Avoid file-sharing and torrent sites

Eliminate Bkp ransomware from your computer

As we already mentioned you should leave Bkp ransomware removal to reputable anti-malware software. Getting rid of file-encrypting virus manually is almost impossible, so you would only be wasting your time. Be aware that the virus can intercept the security program. In such case, you should enter Safe Mode with Networking, as explained below.

As soon as you remove Bkp ransomware from your computer, you can attempt file recovery. Note that if you have backups, DO NOT connect it before the malware is eliminated, or all the data will be encrypted as well. Alternatively, you can use file recovery software that might be able to help you.