How to remove Beamed ransomware

Beamed ransomware locks user data using complicated encryption algorithms

Beamed ransomware is a file-locking virus that infiltrates the machine and encrypts users' personal files, including photos, videos, and documents. The affected files get appended with the .beamed extension. So if a file was previously named picture.jpg, after the encryption process is done, it looks like this – picture.jpg.beamed.

The icons also change to blank pages, so users cannot see the content even in preview mode. If people try to open the damaged files, a prompt appears saying that Windows is unable to open the file. Such an infection can be very devastating and result in permanent data loss, that is why it is important always to keep backups.

The ransom note

Shortly after the encryption process, a ransom note RIP YO DOCUMENTS.txt is generated on the user's PC to inform them of what has happened and what they should do if they want to recover the files. The full message note reads as follows:

HELLO R****D MORON IDIOT P**O U JUST GOT FU**ED BEAMED,

YOU COULD PAY UP $200 IN BITCOIN TO UNLOCK

bc1qt5vjdkvl4qvslhkss23hxpq3tu5u5dd4xq65je

iF NOT GET FU**ED

Total Encrypted Files : –

This particular ransomware's developers ask for $200 in Bitcoin^[1] for a decryption key^[2] or software. We always advise against contacting the threat actors as they cannot be trusted. Past ransomware victims report that they never received the promised decryption keys/tools after sending the payment.

Cybercriminals almost always choose cryptocurrencies as a form of payment because they provide anonymity. Besides, once you send a transaction to another wallet, there is no way to retrieve the funds, so you risk not only losing your files but your money too.

Infiltration methods

Most often, ransomware gets introduced by an executable file (.exe) that may have been in a zip folder, embedded within a Microsoft Office document’s macros, or disguised as fax or other viable attachment. This usually happens because of user error and ignorance of security risks.

Many people like to use unsecure download sources and install “cracked” software.^[3] Torrent websites, peer-to-peer file-sharing,^[4] and freeware platforms are the perfect breeding ground for all kinds of malware. When using these sites, it is impossible to know if the program you are installing is safe. It is best to use official web stores and developer websites. Even though it might get costly, you may save in the long run by keeping your system running smoothly.

Cybercriminals also use social engineering to spread their malicious programs. It is common for them to disguise malware as a legitimate and “handy” program. Crooks can also craft emails and make them look like urgent messages from well-known companies. Typically, they will insert a malicious link or an infected attachment that launches the infection when opened.

Another common way users get infected by ransomware is by not installing the latest security patches for their operating system and software. Threat actors can use software vulnerabilities to deliver their malicious programs. Software developers regularly release updates to prevent this from happening.

Start the removal process

The most important thing to do is disconnect the affected machine from the local network. For home users, disconnecting the ethernet cable should do the job. If this happened at your workplace, doing that might be complicated, so we have instructions for corporate environments at the bottom of this post.

If you try to recover your data first, it can result in permanent loss. It can also encrypt your files the second time. It will not stop until you remove the malicious files causing it first. You should not attempt removing the malicious program yourself unless you have experience.

Use anti-malware tools like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes to scan your system. This security software should find all the related files and entries and remove them automatically for you. In some cases, malware is not letting you use antivirus in normal mode, so you need to access Safe Mode and perform a full system scan from there:

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
2. 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.
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Windows 10 / Windows 8

1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
   
2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
5. Click Restart now.
6. Select Troubleshoot.
7. Go to Advanced options.
8. Select Startup Settings.
9. Click Restart.
10. Press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

Is your operating system damaged?

Performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a full Windows reinstall is required, are expected after malware infection. These types of infections can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software is not able to repair it. 

This is why FortectIntego was developed. It can fix a lot of the damage caused by an infection like this. Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc., can make your computer completely unusable. By using this maintenance tool, you could avoid Windows reinstallation.

• Download the application by clicking on the link above
• Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
  
• If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
• Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
• The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
• Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
• You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
• If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.

Try recovering data with third-party software

Only hackers hold the decryption key, which can unlock your files, so if you did not back them up previously, you possibly lost your files forever. You can try using data recovery software, but third-party programs cannot always decrypt the files. We suggest at least trying this method. Before proceeding, you have to copy the corrupted files and place them in a USB flash drive or another storage. And remember – only do this if you have already removed the Beamed ransomware.

Before you begin, several pointers are important while dealing with this situation:

• Since the encrypted data on your computer might permanently be damaged by security or data recovery software, you should first make backups of it – use a USB flash drive or another storage.
• Only attempt to recover your files using this method after you perform a scan with anti-malware software.

Install data recovery software

1. Download Data Recovery Pro.
2. Double-click the installer to launch it.
3. Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
4. As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
5. Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
6. Press Next.
7. At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
8. Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
9. You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
10. Press Recover to retrieve your files.