BancoCrypt ransomware / virus (Virus Removal Instructions) - Decryption Steps Included
BancoCrypt virus Removal Guide
What is BancoCrypt ransomware virus?
Banco Crypt asks to pay only 10 USD for data recovery
BancoCrypt is a new version of Jhash ransomware virus. The malicious program’s code is based on the HiddenTear[1] project. Thus, it uses AES cryptography, appends .locky file extension, changes the desktop picture and delivers data recovery instructions in Spanish language either in Leeme_Nota_de_Rescate.txt or READ_IT.txt file.
Authors of the BancoCrypt ransomware asks to pay 10 USD via online payment platform Payza and send a screenshot of the transaction to jhash.bancaenlinea@zoho.com. Nevertheless, the size of the ransom is small; you should still not pay the ransom and motivate hackers to create more threatening variants of malware.
The malicious program mostly spreads via malicious spam emails. BancoCrypt virus might enter the system when a user opens an infected email attachment. Once inside, it starts scanning the system and locking files with .locky file extension which has been used at the beginning of Locky ransomware era.
However, these viruses have nothing in common. Cyber-criminals might just have lent the infamous suffix to scare people into paying the ransom. However, security experts do not recommend paying the ransom for BancoCrypt even if it’s a small amount of money because:[2]
- criminals might ask for more money once they see that you are willing to pay for data recovery;
- you might be offered to download other malware on the computer instead of decryption software;
- hackers might blackmail you;
- you might never get promised BancoCrypt decryptor.
Instead of having business with crooks, you should remove BancoCrypt from the computer and try alternative data recovery instructions. The crypto-malware is based on HiddenTear which is decryptable virus. Therefore, there’s hope to restore your files as well.
However, BancoCrypt removal should be completed first to prevent from getting your files encrypted again, system slowdowns and other possible security issues. Elimination of the malicious program is performed using reputable malware removal tools, such as FortectIntego.
Distribution methods of the crypto-virus
We have already mentioned that ransomware spreads via malicious spam email. Thus, you should be careful with received letters, invoices and other documents. Do not open any attachment if you do not know the sender, or if his or her email seems suspicious or you are not sure what you have received such email at all.
However, authors of the ransomware might also distribute malware via:
- malware-laden ads;
- bogus software downloads or updates;
- illegal downloads;
- compromised websites.
To avoid BancoCrypt and similar threats, users should be careful when browsing the web and avoid clicking unknown content. Additionally, installing antivirus protection is also recommended. Security experts from Les Virus[3] also suggest creating backups and updating them carefully. Bad accidents happen, and backups are crucial after ransomware attacks.
BancoCrypt virus removal guidelines
The file-encrypting virus is a complicated cyber threat that might make critical changes to the system and make your computer vulnerable. Thus, gentle and professional BancoCrypt removal is necessary. Only reputable security programs, such as FortectIntego or Malwarebytes can safely remove malware from your device.
However, you might encounter difficulties because ransomware might block antivirus or malware removal program. For this reason, you should reboot your PC to Safe Mode with Networking first to remove BancoCrypt successfully.
Getting rid of BancoCrypt virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Follow these steps to reboot computer to the Safe Mode with Networking to remove the virus automatically:
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
Remove BancoCrypt using System Restore
System Restore might also be helpful in virus elimination process:
-
Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
-
Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
-
Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
-
Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
-
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
-
Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
-
When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of BancoCrypt. After doing that, click Next.
-
Now click Yes to start system restore.
-
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove BancoCrypt from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.If your files are encrypted by BancoCrypt, you can use several methods to restore them:
Data Recovery Pro might help to recover corrupted files
Originally, this tool has been created to restore data from system wreckage or accidental deletion. However, it might help to restore some of the encrypted files as well.
- Download Data Recovery Pro;
- Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
- Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by BancoCrypt ransomware;
- Restore them.
Try Windows Previous Versions feature
If System Restore has been enabled before BancoCrypt malware attack, you should follow these steps to recover individual files:
- Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
- Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
- Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.
Use ShadowExplorer
This program can restore files from Shadow Volume Copies. Thus, if BancoCrypt did not delete them, you can try it:
- Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
- Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
- Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
- Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.
HiddenTear decryptor
HiddenTear decryptor might also restore some files with .locky file extension. Check these tools:
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from BancoCrypt and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.
If this free guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be appreciated.
- ^ Douglas Bonderud. Adverse Learning Conditions? Educational Hidden Tear Ransomware Gets 24 Not-So-Friendly Spinoffs. Security Intelligence. Latest security analysis and insight .
- ^ Fahmida Y. Rashid. Facing cyber blackmail? Don't pay a king's ransom. InfoWorld. Business technology, IT news, product reviews and enterprise IT strategies.
- ^ Les Virus. Les Virus. Latest cyber security news and research from France.