How to remove 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.

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, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. 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.