How to remove Bydes ransomware

Bydes ransomware encrypts users' personal files and asks for payment in return for a decryption key

Bydes ransomware is a file locking malware that was recently flagged by 48 security vendors and 2 sandboxes. It infiltrates the system and starts using complicated encryption algorithms to lock users' personal files. This includes photos, videos, documents, etc.

When the encryption process is complete, it starts appending files with the .bydes extension. So if a file was previously named picture.jpg, now it would be named picture.jpg.bydes. The icons also turn to white pages, so thumbnails become unavailable. A ransom note is then generated on the machine to inform users about what happened to their files.

The ransom note

The full ransom pop-up from Bydes ransomware reads as follows:

bydes

Your Files have been Encrypted!

WHAT HAPPENED?

Your important files are encrypted with military-grade encryption.

Read this carefully before doing anything, as your files depend on you and your actions entirely.

 

CAN I GET THEM BACK?

Yes, you can get them back.

You won't be able to revert them to their original state without our key.

If you wanna get your files back, follow the steps below.

 

HOW DO I GET THEM BACK?

It's easy and effortless, just follow the instructions.

Contact NAME on PLATFORM with your identifier and we'll help you get your files back.

Upon receiving your key, press “Decrypt” and fill in the key, your files will then be decrypted shortly.

 

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW?

If you don't believe we can get your files back, you can try the decryptor below and choose to decrypt one file under 10KB.

Your files will be deleted after 48 hours if you don't decrypt your files in time.

It's strongly advised that you don't modify any encrypted files, try to delete or terminate this program and disable your antiviruses to ensure that your files won't be lost.

 

Good luck!

The pop-up window explains to the victims what happened to their files and what the cybercriminals want. Although it is not specified in the note, usually ransomware developers want to receive payment in cryptocurrencies^[1] in exchange for a decryption key.^[2] Cryptocurrency transactions are anonymous so it is easier for crooks to stay hidden.

We do not recommend contacting them as they cannot be trusted. Many previous ransomware victims have come forward and said that they never heard back from the threat actors after they sent the money. You may not only completely lose your files but also get scammed.

Even though only the creators of the malicious program have the decryption key that can unlock your files, it is worth first trying the third-party solutions that we talk about in this guide. Sometimes, ransomware developers also release the keys for free, so you can also wait.

Distribution methods

People often infect themselves with ransomware by installing “cracked” software,^[3] using torrent sites, and peer-to-peer file-sharing networks. Such platforms are unregulated and breeding grounds for all kinds of malware. It is best to use official web stores and developer websites whenever you want to install software. It might get costly but you may save in the long run by keeping your system running smoothly.

Another common distribution method is email. Threat actors attach infected attachments to an email that is often disguised to look like an important message from a well-known company. The email may also look like it came from someone you know so it is best not to open email attachments if you were not expecting them.

Cybercriminals also use software vulnerabilities^[4] to deliver their malicious programs. It is extremely important to keep your operating system and software updated. Developers regularly release security patches that take care of potential security risks.

Use professional security tools to eliminate malicious files

The thing that you have to do immediately is to disconnect the affected machine from the local network. For home users, disconnecting the ethernet cable or disabling the Wi-Fi should do the job. If this happened at your workplace, doing that might be complicated, so we have separate instructions for you at the bottom of this post.

If you try to recover your data first, it can result in permanent loss. Malware can also encrypt your files the second time if it is not eliminated first. It will not stop until you remove the malicious files causing it. You should not attempt removing the malicious program yourself unless you have excellent IT skills.

Use anti-malware tools like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes to scan your system. This security software should find all the related files and entries and remove them automatically for you. In some cases, malware can prevent you from using antivirus software, so you need to access Safe Mode and perform a full system scan from there:

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing the 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 10 / Windows 8

1. Right-click on the Start button and select Settings.
   
2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
4. Now scroll down to find the Advanced Startup section.
5. Click Restart now.
6. Select Troubleshoot.
7. Go to Advanced options.
8. Select Startup Settings.
9. Click Restart.
10. Press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

Fix system errors to prevent Windows reinstallation

Performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a complete Windows reinstall is required, are expected after malware infection. These types of viruses can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other functions, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software will not able to repair it.

This is why FortectIntego was developed. This powerful software can fix a lot of the damage caused by Bydes ransomware. Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc., can make your computer completely unusable. By using this maintenance tool, you could avoid Windows reinstallation.

• Download the application by clicking on the link above
• Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
  
• If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
• Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
• The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
• Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
• You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
• If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.

File recovery options

Many people think that they can fix their files with anti-malware tools, but that is not what they are designed for. All the security tools can do is detect suspicious processes in your system and eliminate them. The truth is, the files can be restored only with a decryption key or software that only the cybercriminals have.

If you did not back up your data previously, it might be possible that you will never get them back. You can try using data recovery software, but we have to note that third-party programs cannot always decrypt the files. We suggest at least trying this method. Before proceeding, you have to copy the corrupted files and place them in a USB flash drive or another storage. And remember – only do this if you have already removed the Bydes ransomware.

Before you begin, several pointers are essential while dealing with this situation:

• Since the encrypted data on your computer might permanently be damaged by security or data recovery software, you should first make backups of it – use a USB flash drive or another storage.
• Only attempt to recover your files using this method after you perform a scan with anti-malware software.

Install data recovery software

1. Download Data Recovery Pro.
2. Double-click the installer to launch it.
3. Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
4. As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
5. Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
6. Press Next.
7. At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
8. Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
9. You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
10. Press Recover to retrieve your files.