How to remove BandarChor ransomware

BandarChor — dangerous ransomware-type infection targeting inexperienced PC users

BandarChor is a ransomware which was first detected in 2014, yet still active in 2018. Currently, it uses AES 256 cipher for data encryption and leaves the ransom note in the form of HOW TO DECRYPT.txt file. Afterward, victims are urged to contact the hackers via one of the following email addresses: 

• help@decryptservice.info;
• Shigorin.Vitolid@gmail;
• kiaracript@gmail.com. 

According to PC security experts, the latest version of this ransomware can attack files with these extensions:

.001, .ace, .bup, .bvd, .cng, .cryptra, .dco, .enx, .fdp, .jac, .jbc, .kbb, .nba, .pkey, .rzx, .safe, .sde, .sgz, .sle, .sme, .vhd, .wallet, .wbb, .wbcat, .win. 

However, we do NOT recommend dealing with hackers because you can be left with no money and no files. If you want to protect your important data, make sure you transfer it to external hard drives, USB sticks, and similar places. Also, keep your browser up-to-date and install a reliable anti-spyware on your computer to prevent infiltration of this ransomware. If you need to remove BandarChor from the system, you should use FortectIntego.

It is known that the latest version of BandarChor ransomware spreads via malvertising technique^[1] which relies on infected ads placed on adult sites. However, spam email messages that inform about issues, such as refunds, taxes, purchases, etc., have also been noticed in the distribution of this malware.

Therefore, you need to be very careful with sites filled with adult content and avoid clicking ads that are displayed on them. Besides, do NOT open attachments to emails that you haven't been waiting for. Spam email attachment that is involved in the distribution of this ransomware can be infected with a Trojan horse that works as an executable of the malware and launches it right after being clicked.

It has been found that BandarChor ransomware can encode only files that are less than thirty megabytes. Once it finishes data encryption, it drops HOW TO DECRYPT.txt that is filled with the warning message dedicated to the victim:

Not your language? Use the Google Translator: https://translate.google.com/

Attention!

Your files are encrypted with AES 256 algorithm!

Decoding is not possible without our decoder and universal key!

To start the process of decoding the files, you need to contact us on the below contacts, with the
subject: “I am willing to pay for the decode my files,” attaching an example of an encrypted file

However, it has also been reported that this threat uses Exploit Kits to infiltrate the system unnoticed. They are placed on malicious websites and used to download ransomware to the system right after being clicked. If you think that you are infected, make sure you take care of BandarChor removal from your computer.

If you have already been attacked by this virus, we DO NOT recommend you to pay the ransom. Instead of granting secure data decryption, such actions will only support cyber crooks and prompt them to initiate further thefts. The best you can do is to get rid of BandarChor ransomware from your computer. For data decryption, our recommendation is to use backups or employ a file recovery programs.

Explaining how users can get infected with ransomware

This ransomware is not an exception to other file-encrypting viruses — can infiltrate the system via system vulnerabilities, Trojan horses, exploit kits or even deceptive ads. Although, the primary distribution source remains malicious spam emails sent online. 

Malware is spread via email attachments from various authorities, commonly visited websites administration, authoritative people, etc. The theme, of course, it also appealing. You may be informed about taxes, rates, obligations, recent purchases, and similar things.

Email opening will not infect your machine with this ransomware. However, clicking the attachment that is supposed to inform you about the issue or important details can lead you to the infiltration of this ransomware. Security vendors recognize it as Trojan:W32/BandarChor^[2].

Do not delay BandarChor elimination

Most people believe that time doesn't matter during the ransomware attack. In fact, you should never delay BandarChor removal as it might open backdoors and infect your computer with more malicious programs. 

Likewise, get a professional software to remove BandarChor from your system. We recommend using FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes as they are effective and tested by LosVirus.es^[3] team. 

The Internet is full of heated debate on how to restore data that BandarChor has encrypted. The best thing that you should do is to prevent the loss of your files in advance.

This can be done by doing file backups regularly. Is it difficult to copy sensitive data to alternative storage? Probably not. So, from now on, start using USB external hard drives, CDs, DVDs, Google Drive, Dropbox, Flickr and other solutions to protect your data.

However, there is a way how you can use alternative data recovery methods to get back your files. Read more at the end of this article.