Boost ransomware (Removal Guide) - Decryption Steps Included
Boost virus Removal Guide
What is Boost ransomware?
Boost ransomware is a cryptovirus released by notorious Dharma developers
Boost ransomware — a cyber threat developed by crypto extortionists to make users' files useless and then convince them to pay a ransom. This particular ransomware virus belongs to Dharma ransomware family which has been known since 2016. The intruder already has more than 15 variants and it seems that it is not going to stop. The recent ransomware[1] variant relies on AES encryption method to make victims' data useless. Additionally, it adds .boost file extension to encoded data to mark these files. To inform its victim about the attack, the virus also drops a ransom note in every folder on the infected computer. Unfortunately, if infected with Dharma-Boost ransomware, your data becomes useless and the only solution you have is to get rid of malware first and then restore your files from a backup or with the help of several methods given below this article.
| Name | Boost ransomware |
|---|---|
| Type | Cryptovirus |
| Related | Dharma |
| Other Versions | |
| File extension | .[boston.crypt@tuta.io].boost |
| Encryption method | AES |
| Ransom note | FILES ENCRYPTED.txt |
| Distribution | Spam email attachments, exploit kits |
| Elimination | Use antivirus tools to remove Boost ransomware. Repair virus damage using FortectIntego |
Boost ransomware virus comes to your system via spam email attachments infected with its installation file. Mostly, such files are named as “invoice” or “business report”. Once on the system, this virus starts scanning the system and finds out if your data has ever been encrypted[2] or not. After that scan, the encryption process begins by choosing certain files for encryption. Beware that ransomware can affect any data format and make it useless. You can see which data is encrypted by looking at files' extensions – infected files are marked with .[boston.crypt@tuta.io].boost appendix.
When the encryption procedure is finished, Boost ransomware creates a ransom note and, since it is associated with Dharma, it names it like FILES ENCRYPTED.txt file on so. The ransom message is designed to inform the victim about the ransomware attack and instruct on further actions.
Ransom note states the following:
all your data has been locked us
You want to return?
write email boston.crypt@tuta.io
In its ransom note, the virus may suggest that the only option you have, regarding your locked data, is to pay the ransom. However, you need to remove Boost ransomware and then think about data recovery. There is no decryption tool released for this virus yet, so backups, extra copies saved on external drives or cloud services are the best options. Additionally, you can try data recovery software which is suggested down below.
Boost ransomware removal requires tools designed for malware detection and elimination. An anti-malware can work perfectly for this if you choose a reputable developer and the latest program's version. When your system is cleared from ransomware, you can fix virus damage by using FortectIntego. Finally, start data recovery procedure to recover your encrypted files.
Remember that Boost ransomware is a dangerous threat and can be persistent or even change registry entries on your device to make sure it is launched each time your computer is rebooted. You need to eliminate the cryptovirus, additional programs and fix virus damage before you focus on data recovery.
Corrupted files attached to spam emails distribute ransomware payload
Various spam email campaigns are set to spread malware and ransomware is no exception. Hackers use these emails to distribute direct payload on the devices or spread malware designed to install ransomware on targeted devices. Unfortunately, these emails are disguised as legitimate ones.
Researchers[3] advise cleaning the spam email box more often so you can avoid getting cyber infections. You should look out for emails that contain subject lines with the word “invoice” or “order information”. Also, be sure that you are not opening the document from an email that is sent from the service you do not use or a company you haven't purchased anything recently.
Using well-known names like Paypal, eBay, Amazon or FedEx to disguise malicious files, can lure more people into opening those documents on their devices. Try to scan any document from an email before you open it on the system and clean the spam email box occasionally so you can avoid getting cyber infections.
Boost ransomware elimination requires professional tools
Boost ransomware removal gives better results if you use reputable anti-malware tools like FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes. These programs are trustworthy and we can recommend them to you. Automatic virus elimination gives an advantage for you because it removes all additional files and programs during the ransomware termination.
To remove Boost ransomware safely, you need to use tools designed for this so that additional programs can be deleted from the system. If you have no backup to restore your files, try data recovery tips down below. Also, we have a few tips on virus termination too, so follow these steps if you want to clean your system thoroughly.
Getting rid of Boost virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Restore your device in Safe Mode with Networking if you want to remove Boost ransomware surely:
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 Boost using System Restore
Follow this guide and use System Restore feature:
-
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 Boost. 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 Boost 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 Boost, you can use several methods to restore them:
Data Recovery Pro can be used for file restoring
You can recover your encrypted data or accidentally deleted files with Data Recovery Pro
- 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 Boost ransomware;
- Restore them.
Windows Previous Versions feature can help if file recovery
If System Restore was enabled before the attack, you could recover your data with Windows Previous Versions feature
- 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 for your encoded data
If Shadow Volume Copies were left by Boost ransomware, you need to try ShadowExplorer for file recovery
- 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.
Decryption tool is not available
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Boost 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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- ^ Josh Fruhlinger. The 5 biggest ransomware attacks of the last 5 years. CSOonline. Security news.
- ^ Encryption. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ Virusi. Virusi. Spyware news.