Bitcoin-x2 ransomware (Virus Removal Instructions) - Decryption Steps Included
Bitcoin-x2 virus Removal Guide
What is Bitcoin-x2 ransomware?
Bitcoin-x2 aims at people who want to mine cryptocurrency easier
Bitcoin-x2 ransomware is a file-encrypting virus that spreads as a fake Bitcoin Multiplier program.[1] Therefore, people who want to mine cryptocurrency are the main target of the malware. Malware uses a strong encryption cipher to make files on the computer inaccessible and provides data recovery possibilities in How_to_Decrypt_files.txt file.
When dishonest users install fake Bitcoin Multiplier program, Bitcoin-x2 starts data encryption procedure. Meanwhile, they see Bitcoin-x2 v5.1 program window. Crooks created a scam that prevents victims of the shady activities running in the background.
However, when all targeted files are encrypted, Bitcoin-x2 virus places the ransom note on the desktop. Criminals ask victims to contact them via mommud@mail2tor.com email address. Victims have to send their unique ID number provided in the same ransom note and wait for further instructions.
However, there’s clear that authors of Bitcoin-x2 will ask to pay a couple of hundreds of dollars for the possibility to use a secret decryption software. However, security specialists do not recommend taking this offer.
Paying the ransom should never be considered as a data recovery option. Researchers from NoVirus.uk[2] report that criminals often take the money and disappear, leaving victims with a bigger loss. Therefore, instead of paying the ransom, you should remove Bitcoin-x2 from the system.
You will need a reputable anti-malware or anti-virus for Bitcoin-x2 removal. We recommend using FortectIntego. However, you can choose any other software. Major security programs can identify this cyber threat as Trojan.Ransom.FileCryptor, TR/BAS.Dorkbot.34910, Trojan.Win32.BAS.ewamdr, etc.
Fake Bitcoin Multiplier tool is used for spreading ransomware
Bitcoin mining is extremely popular activity nowadays. It seems that everyone does something in order to make some money.[3] There’s no surprise that criminals decided to take advantage of this situation, and aimed at to people who want to make Bitcoins easily.
As we have mentioned in the beginning, Bitcoin-x2 ransomware spreads as Bitcoin Multiplier program which is supposed to help to mine cryptocurrency easier. According to the description, this tool should exploit issues and vulnerabilities in the blockchain technology to generate Bitcoins easier.
This malware executable BitcoinX2.exe might be promoted on various file-sharing sites or P2P networks. Therefore, users are advised not to look up for questionable software that aims to cheat in Bitcoin mining game.
Additionally, many other similar scams can bring other malicious programs into the system or cause privacy-related issues. Therefore, you should not be tricked by shady ways to get virtual money easy.
Security experts also remind that crypto-malware might spread via malicious spam emails, malware-laden ads, bogus software updates or downloads, exploit kits, and many other tricky methods. Thus, you have to be careful in order not to suffer from cyber criminals.
Removal of the Bitcoin-x2 ransomware virus
First of all, we want to discourage you from manual Bitcoin-x2 ransomware removal. It’s a complicated cyber threat that has a bunch of components, including malicious files, processes, etc. Malware might also affect legitimate and critical Windows OS processes. Thus, you have to employ a professional anti-malware to fix all these issues and clean malicious components without damaging the system.
One of the best tools to remove Bitcoin-x2 ransomware from the PC are FortectIntego, Malwarebytes or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner. However, you can use your preferred software as well. However, the file-encrypting virus might block access to it. In order to get over this obstacle, you should follow the guide below.
Getting rid of Bitcoin-x2 virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
To remove Bitcoin-x2 ransomware from the PC, follow these steps:
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 Bitcoin-x2 using System Restore
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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.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
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Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Bitcoin-x2. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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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 Bitcoin-x2 from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.If you do not have backups, you can try to recover files encrypted by Bitcoin-x2 by using third-party software. However, data recovery chances are not high.
If your files are encrypted by Bitcoin-x2, you can use several methods to restore them:
Option 1. Data Recovery Pro
Originally, this program is created for restoring corrupted or accidentally deleted files. However, it is reported of being able to recover some of the encrypted files too.
- 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 Bitcoin-x2 ransomware;
- Restore them.
Option 2. Windows Previous Versions feature
This Windows feature allows traveling back in computer's time and copying single 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”.
Option 3. ShadowExplorer
If Bitcoin-x2 malware did not delete Shadow Volume Copies of the targeted data, this tool can help you as well.
- 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.
Bitcoin-x2 decryptor is not available.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Bitcoin-x2 and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
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.
- ^ Jérôme Segura. Magnitude EK actor goes for Bitcoin multiplier scam (updated). Malwarebytes Blog. Security blog.
- ^ No Virus. No Virus. Cyber security and malware news.
- ^ Saheli Roy Choudhury. Cash is useless in Venezuela thanks to hyperinflation — so people are turning to bitcoin. CNBC. News website.