Boris ransomware (Removal Instructions) - Decryption Steps Included

Boris virus Removal Guide

What is Boris ransomware?

Boris – a sneaky crypto-virus that denies users the access to their personal files

Boris virusBoris - ransomware which encrypts files by adding .boris extension.

Boris ransomware[1] is a data locker which encrypts files using AES-256 cipher and is based on the infamous HiddenTear virus. Once installed through a malicious spam email attachment or downloaded from a malicious website, it adds [decode77@sfetter.com].boris appendix personal files and drops a ransom note README.txt. Cybercriminals seek to gain money from victims. They inform users about the encryption via the ransom note and urge them to pay a certain price in Bitcoin in order to receive a decryption tool for the inaccessible files.

Name Boris
Type Ransomware
Extension .boris
Ransom note READ.ME.txt
Affects Personal files
Distribution Via spam emails, harmful sites, etc.
Elimination Trustworthy help is required in order to eliminate the crypto-malware. Use FortectIntego to get rid of the ransomware infection from your computer systems.

Decryption tool is stored on a remote server and safely hidden by hackers. Unfortunately, because the key is unique to each of the infected victims, restoring files without it becomes almost impossible. Nevertheless, the first step to secure computer is to remove Boris virus from the infected device. We highly recommend using FortectIntego or any other reputable security software.

The ransomware is using hidden-tear.exe executable to infect machines, and many AV engines recognize[2] it as a HiddenTear virus. Although most of the variants of this malware are decryptable, it is unclear whether or not the decryptor will work for Boris ransomware. Nevertheless, we suggest users try it, as it may succeed.

Other file recovery methods include:

  • Restoring files from a backup. External HDD or USB stick, as well as virtual cloud services, will do;
  • Using third-party software. These applications might be able to help you with file decryption, although chances are not high. Please see the instructions below this article;
  • Waiting for an independent security researcher to crack malware's code and create a decryptor.

As you can see, the recovery is possible, and paying cybercrooks is not the option to choose.

There are two versions of ransom note that are being distributed – one in English and another one in Russian. This can implicate that .boris ransomware authors might be English or Russian, or specifically target people from these countries. Nevertheless, the infection can occur anywhere in the world. The ransom note does not disclose much:

Your files are encrypted! If you want to restore data email decode77@sfletter.com:

Do not contact criminals via the provided address and do not pay the ransom. First of all, hackers may take your money and never send you the key, or upload malware instead, which will damage your PC even more. Additionally, knowing that you are prone to paying money, they might target you in the future again.

All in all, let security software to take care of Boris ransomware removal, as manual elimination is almost impossible. Only after the malware is deleted you can proceed with file recovery procedure; otherwise, data from backups will be encrypted as well.

Boris ransomwareBoris is a cryptovirus which uses a unique encryption code to lock up important data. Avoid ransomware-type infections

To stay safe from ransomware, you have to know how it is distributed. First, let's talk about virus distribution ways. You can catch such infection by browsing various suspicious sites, clicking on suspicious hyperlinks, or downloading repacked or cracked software. Thus, you should avoid visiting questionable websites and use trusted sources for your downloads. Remember that any executable can be malicious. Thus, scan it with security software before opening.

However, the most prevalent ransomware distribution method is via phishing emails. Cybercrooks employ bots to send out thousands of spam emails daily which reach random or targeted users. The malicious payload can be carried inside the attachment or can be transferred once the user clicks on a cleverly disguised hyperlink that is downloaded from a remote server. Thus, do not open attachments or click on links inside emails from unknown sources.

Other ransomware infiltration methods include:

  • Unprotected RDP configuration;
  • Exploit kits;[3]
  • Web injects;
  • Fake updates, etc.

Therefore, make sure you update your software as soon as new patches are out and use strong passwords for all your accounts.

Use security software to get rid of Boris cryptovirus

To remove Boris virus successfully, you will need to install a professional anti-malware tool. We strongly advise using FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, or Malwarebytes. As mentioned above, ransomware uses a sophisticated code that modifies your system, and changing it back manually is almost impossible.

In case malware is blocking the operation of anti-virus software, security researchers[4] recommend rebooting your PC in Safe Mode with Networking as explained below. This will ensure the successful Boris ransomware removal.

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What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of Boris virus. Follow these steps

Manual removal using Safe Mode

Access the Safe Mode function with Networking to stop the virus:

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
  1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
  2. 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.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list. Windows 7/XP
Windows 10 / Windows 8
  1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
    Settings
  2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
    Update and security
  3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
  4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
  5. Click Restart now.
    Reboot
  6. Select Troubleshoot. Choose an option
  7. Go to Advanced options. Advanced options
  8. Select Startup Settings. Startup settings
  9. Press Restart.
  10. Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking. Enable safe mode

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:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details.
    Open task manager
  3. Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
  4. Right-click and select Open file location.
    Open file location
  5. Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
    End task
  6. Delete the contents of the malicious folder.

Step 3. Check program Startup

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Go to Startup tab.
  3. Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
    Startup

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:

  1. Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
    Disk cleanup
  2. 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).
  3. Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:

    Temporary Internet Files
    Downloads
    Recycle Bin
    Temporary files

  4. Pick Clean up system files.
    Delete temp files
  5. 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 Boris using System Restore

Try using System Restore to disable the ransomware:

  • Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
    Windows 7 / Vista / XP
    1. Click Start Shutdown Restart OK.
    2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
    3. Select Command Prompt from the list Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'

    Windows 10 / Windows 8
    1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
    2. Now select Troubleshoot Advanced options Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
    3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window. Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
  • Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
    1. Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter. Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    2. Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again.. Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    3. When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Boris. After doing that, click Next. When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next' Select your restore point and click 'Next'
    4. Now click Yes to start system restore. Click 'Yes' and start system restore
    Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with FortectIntego and make sure that Boris removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Boris from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.

Boris ransomware has done serious damage to your files – they are locked up and cannot be opened. In order to decrypt important data, look through the following data recovery methods.

If your files are encrypted by Boris, you can use several methods to restore them:

Try using Data Recovery Pro:

This professional decryption tool might help you with encrypted data

  • 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 Boris ransomware;
  • Restore them.

Use Windows Previous Versions feature to recover individual files:

Note that this method will only work if you enabled the System Restore function before the virus infiltration.

  • 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”.

ShadowExplorer is another method which can be useful in data recovery:

You can try using ShadowExplorer if the virus did not delete Shadow Volume Copies of your 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.

No official Boris ransomware file decryptor has been released yet.

Nevertheless, users can try HiddenTear official decryptor.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Boris and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes

How to prevent from getting ransomware

Do not let government spy on you

The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet. 

You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.

Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.

Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack

Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.

When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.

About the author
Linas Kiguolis
Linas Kiguolis - Expert in social media

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