Bitshifter ransomware / virus (Free Guide) - Virus Removal Instructions
Bitshifter virus Removal Guide
What is Bitshifter ransomware virus?
Bitshifter employs unusual WebSocket C2
Bitshifter virus functions as a file-encrypting threat[1] which is still under development. This malware provides ARE_YOU_WANNA_GET_YOUR_FILES_BACK.txt file. In contrast to other ransomware threats, the virus displays an ordinary HTTP file with the commands. It exploits WebSocket C2 protocol, employed in browsers.
Despite the weak veneer, the infection is able to steal important credential information[2]. The fact that it disguises under launcher.exe file implies that the virus tends to disguise well and its distribution network might be well spread. Fortunately, the threat is now detectable by multiple security applications, for instance, as a Trojan.Win32.Generic!BT. FortectIntego or Malwarebytes will come in handy dealing with the threat.
Misleading veneer, destructive features
In contrast to other threats present in the market, the infection is quite an unusual sample. Instead of its independent GUI, the perpetrators attack the virtual community just with a plain HTTP text command.
Nonetheless, Bitshifter malware should not be underestimated. It is able to covertly infiltrate into the system and launch its processes. Unlike some crypto-malware samples which have a proper GUI, their processes might be spotted in the TaskManager. However, when it comes to Bitshifter ransomware, few may notice its launcher.exe file, which devours high CPU resources.
Furthermore, the most menacing feature of this threat happens to be its feature to steal sensitive information, quite unusual among standard ransomware which only focuses on encrypting files. Thus, the virus functions as a really bothersome hybrid. Instead of considering the payment, proceed to Bitshifter removal processes.
Shady distribution network
Regarding the fact that the threat uses launches.exe to execute its commands, and employs WebSocket, which is used in browsers, you may expect diverse distribution networks. It is likely to lurk for new victims in the disguise of fraudulent browser extensions. Exploit kits may also facilitate Bitshifter hijack.
You should not also forget its most common distribution network – spam emails. Especially if you receive an email from the official institution, do not rush to take any suggested action without verifying the sender. Be cautious while downloading any new applications. Download only those with verified publishers. Now let us proceed to the discussion of Bitshifter removal options. 
Eliminate Bitshifter threat
Despite how menacing the threat may be, you should make a rush to remove Bitshifter virus. When it comes to file-encrypting threat, ordinary manual removal methods might not work. Launch an anti-spyware application to terminate the infection. The cyber security application should not take too long to remove Bitshifter virus.
Taking into account the fact that you are dealing with ransomware, you may encounter certain difficulties upon launching the program. In order to continue Bitshifter removal, restart the system into Safe Mode and launch the application again. Whether you live in Finland[3], or Spain, you should be wary of this threat.
Getting rid of Bitshifter virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
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 Bitshifter using System Restore
In case the first method does not seem convenient, you may perform system restore which allows you to revert to the last restore point. Likewise, you will be able to get rid of Bitshifter virus from your Windows OS.
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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.
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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 Bitshifter. 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 Bitshifter 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 Bitshifter, you can use several methods to restore them:
Data Recovery Pro option
This tool is designed to restore lost and damaged data after an unexpected system crash.
- 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 Bitshifter ransomware;
- Restore them.
The usefulness of Shadow Explorer
Though the malware possesses menacing features, you may stand a chance to restore the files with the assistance of Shadow Explorer. On the basis of shadow volume copies, it recreaytes the copies of your original files.
- 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.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Bitshifter 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.
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- ^ Jerry Brito. What Bitcoiners Are Doing to Fight Ransomware. Fortune. Entertainment, Security, Finance, Lifestyle.
- ^ Lawrence Abrams. Bitshifter Ransomware Discovered. BleepingComputer. News, Reviews and Tech Support.
- ^ How to eliminate computer threats. Virukset. IT News, Reviews and Malware Elimination Instructions for Finnish users.