Bora ransomware is a destructive file encryption virus that utilizes asymmetric cipher and, among other changes, modifies Windows hosts file
Bora ransomware is a type of malware that aims to lock pictures, videos, PDFs, music, document, and other files on the host system and then blackmail victims into paying a ransom in Bitcoin for the decryption tool. Belonging to the notorious Djvu/STOP ransomware strain, this variant relates to the new surge of infections that apply comprehensive encryption methods to lock up data, making the file recovery an extremely complicated task.
Upon infection, Bora ransomware first performs a variety of system changes, including Windows registry[1] key alternations, modifications to the hosts file (this prevents users from visiting security-related sites), drops software module that steals personal information, etc. After that, the virus encrypts files and adds .bora extension to each of them, also dropping a _readme.txt ransom note. According to the text file, users need to contact crooks via gorentos@bitmessage.ch or gerentoshelp@firemail.cc and pay $980/$490 ransom in Bitcoin to retrieve the key that is required for a successful data decryption.
Unfortunately, without paying hackers behind Bora ransomware, file recovery is almost an impossible task. Nevertheless, the affected users could try a free decryptor “decrypter_2” or contact Dr.Web for possible help. Additionally, there is a small chance of recovering files using third-party recovery tools.
| Name | Bora |
| Type | Ransomware, cryptovirus – this type of malware is among one of the most devastating ones, as the encrypted files do not recover their original state after the infection is removed |
| Malware family | Bora belongs to the notorious STOP/Djvu ransomware family, which is currently the dominating file-encrypting malware in the wild |
| File extension | All pictures, databases, documents, and other relevant files have .bora extension appended to them. For example, a file picture.jpg is turned into picture.jpg.bora |
| Ransom note | Ransom note _readme.txt is dropped on desktop and into each of the folders where the affected files are located |
| Contact details | Victims are prompted to contact cybercriminals via gorentos@bitmessage.ch or gerentoshelp@firemail.cc emails |
| Primary functionality | File locking feature using a sophisticated encryption algorithm which prevents users from opening any of their files until a unique key is applied – it is stored on remote servers controlled by hackers |
| Additional functions | Bora ransomware may include secondary payloads – Trojans (such as AZORult) or data-stealing modules that harvest sensitive information. Additionally, malware may modify Windows hosts file (located in C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\) which would prevent users access to security-related sites |
| Termination | You should delete the main payload of malware along with any other components that are dropped on the system by using anti-malware software, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. In some cases, accessing Safe Mode is recommended – check full instructions below |
| Locked files recovery | Recovering .bora encrypted files might be sometimes possible using decrypter_2 [download link] by ADC Soft or by contacting Dr.Web (paid service). Alternatively, third-party recovery tools may be helpful sometimes. If these methods don't work, decryption is not possible without retrieving the key from hackers |
Discovered by security expert Michael Gillespie in early October 2019,[2] Bora ransomware was spotted attacking users worldwide. This is the 171st variant of STOP/Djvu ransomware – new ones are released on a regular basis, such as Noos, Kuub, Seto, Boot, Nesa, and many others.
As a general rule, Bora ransomware authors use a variety of techniques in order to infect as many victims as possible, including:
- Spam emails
- Software cracks and infected installers[3]
- Fake updates
- Adware bundles[4]
- Software vulnerabilities
- Unprotected RDP connections (especially those utilizing the default TCP port 3389), etc.
If you frequently neglect precautionary measures and do not protect your computer with anti-malware software, the chance of infection is much more likely – check tips on how to avoid ransomware and similar threats in the prevention section below. The first goal after infection, however, is Bora ransomware removal, as it may be spying on your most private information and sending it to the attackers.
To remove Bora ransomware, you will have to employ security software, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes, although other reputable tools can be used for the process as well. If Bora virus prevents its termination, you should access Safe Mode with Networking as explained in our removal section and then perform a full system scan with anti-malware tool.
After elimination, you are also advised visiting the following folder and deleting Windows hosts file:
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\
Bora ransomware encryption process and ransom demands
Bora ransomware affects Windows XP, 7, 8, 8.1, and Windows 10 users. Once on the machine, the virus drops several files into the %AppData% or %LocalAppData% folders – these executables' names are randomized to prevent detection by AV engines, as they are responsible for launching several processes that are responsible for further system modification and file encryption.
Just as many other ransomware infections, Bora virus searches for files that are most commonly used, including:
.3fr, .7z, .accdb, .ai, .apk, .arch00, .arw, .asset, .avi, .bar, .bay, .bc6, .bc7, .big, .bik, .bkf, .bkp, .blob, .bsa, .cas, .cdr, .cer, .cfr, .cr2, .crt, .crw, .css, .csv, .d3dbsp, .das, .dazip, .db0, .dba, .dbf, .dcr, .der, .desc, .dmp, .dng, .doc, .docm, .docx, .dwg, .dxg, .epk, .eps, .erf, .esm, .ff, .flv, .forge, .fos, .fpk, .fsh, .gdb, .gho, .hkdb, .hkx, .hplg, .hvpl, .ibank, .icxs, .indd, .itdb, .itl, .itm, .iwd, .iwi, .jpe, .jpeg, .jpg, .js, .kdb, .kdc, .kf, .layout, .lbf, .litemod, .lrf, .ltx, .lvl, .m2, .m3u, .m4a, .map, .mcmeta, .mdb, .mdbackup, .mddata, .mdf, .mef, .menu, .mlx, .mov, .mp4, .mpqge, .mrwref, .ncf, .nrw, .ntl, .odb, .odc, .odm, .odp, .ods, .odt .orf, .p7b, .p7c, .p12, .pak, .pdd, .pdf, .pef, .pem, .pfx, .pkpass, .png, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .psd, .psk, .pst, .ptx, .py, .qdf, .qic, .r3d, .raf, .rar, .raw, .rb, .re4, .rgss3a, .rim, .rofl, .rtf, .rw2, .rwl, .sav, .sb, .sid, .sidd, .sidn, .sie, .sis, .slm, .snx, .sql, .sr2, .srf, .srw, .sum, .svg, .syncdb, .t12, .t13, .tax, .tor, .txt, .upk, .vcf, .vdf, .vfs0, .vpk, .vpp_pc, .vtf, .w3x, .wb2, .wma, .wmo, .wmv, .wotreplay, .wpd, .wps, .x3f, .xf, .xlk, .xls, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xxx, .zip, .ztmp, wallet
All the files that have one of these extensions will be locked and no longer accessible. For example, a “new_schedule.xlsx” will be converted into “new_schedule.xlsx.” However, it is worth mentioning that data modified in such a way is, generally speaking, not damaged or corrupted – it simply requires a key to be returned to their original state. To complicate the recovery, malware is also programmed to delete Shadow Volume Copies with the command vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet.
Ransomware is not a stealthy type of malware – cybercriminals do not want to hide its presence and that is why a ransom note _readme.txt is dropped on the machine, informing users on what happened, in the hopes that they will comply. To establish a fake sense of security, crooks also promise a 50% discount if they are contacted within first 72 hours of the infection, and also offer a test decryption:
ATTENTION!
Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-NrkxzoMm4o
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
gorentos@bitmessage.chReserve e-mail address to contact us:
gerentoshelp@firemail.cc
However, paying Bora ransomware developers might only lead to more losses, as there is no guarantee that the hackers would send you the required decryption tool. Instead, you should opt for other file recovery solutions and, while they might not be successful, at least you will get to keep $980 or $490 in your pocket.
Ransomware developers use various methods to spread the infection to hundreds or even thousands of users
In most of the cases, users are pretty oblivious when it comes to cybersecurity, and they often ignore advice provide by qualified cybersecurity professionals.[5] The careless behavior includes visiting high-risk websites that distribute illegal software (cracks/keygens like KMSPico), avoiding to patch Windows OS with the latest security updates, not installing anti-malware software, and so on. For this to be fixed, the attitude towards the cybersecurity needs to change, as, for example, ransomware infection leads to loss of the most important data that might be worth much more than just money.
Additionally, there are several other attack vectors abused by cybercriminals, and they often include some form of social engineering (for example, spam emails are considered to be one of the most popular malware distribution methods to this day). More sophisticated means are also used, such as scanning the internet for unprotected Remote Desktop connections. To avoid that, always protect the RDP with strong passwords, never use the default TCP port, and disconnect the feature as soon as it is not used anymore.
Terminate Bora ransomware infection along with any secondary payloads that might be present on your Windows system
As previously mentioned, Bora virus might modify Windows hosts file, so the infected users should delete it first – this would allow the entry to security-related websites once again. Visit C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\ folder for that.
Regardless if you decide to pay the ransom or not to recover the encrypted .bora files, you should first take care of Bora ransomware removal. This should not be hard to achieve if you enter Safe Mode with Networking – this environment will temporarily disable all the processes and files utilized by malware in order to perform its malicious tasks. Nevertheless, sometimes, this might not be necessary and you would be able to delete all the malicious files by simply scanning your machine with anti-malware software like FortectIntego or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner.
Once you remove Bora ransomware, it is up to you how to proceed. We recommend backing up all the encrypted files first and then attempting to recover them with data recovery software. If the does not work, you can try the decrypter_2, although it will only work if the file encryption process was performed offline, i.e., the malware was unable to contact its Command and Control server, or your computer was not connected to the internet for some reason. The paid method might also be possible – Dr.Web can sometimes help the victims as well.
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