Do you know what BitStak Ransomware is?
BitStak Ransomware is definitely one of the malware infections you do not want to find on your system. One of the most feared experiences while using a computer is to see a locked screen with a ransom note claiming that your files have been encrypted. This is exactly what happens if this ransomware finds a way to infiltrate your Windows operating system. However, in this case you have the opportunity to use a free decryption tool that is available on the net. This tool can help you recover your files. Unfortunately, most ransomware attacks end with files lost if you cannot get the private key from the criminals. Another factor for file loss is that even if you pay the ransom fee, it is possible that the cyber criminals have to shut down their related servers and this breaks the connection with the infection, which results in losing the private key for ever. This means that you would simply risk losing your money. But as we have said, in this case you should not even think about paying. The only thing you should concentrate on now is how you can remove BitStak Ransomware from your computer to be able to restore your files afterwards.
BitStak Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
It is vital that we mention that it is actually possible to prevent this ransomware from entering your system. Contrary to popular belief, this infection does not come mysteriously behind you back onto your machine. As a matter of fact, you yourself initiate this attack however unbelievable it may sound. This malware spreads as an attached file in spam e-mails. This means that most probably you have opened a malicious mail recently for this infection to be activated on your system. This spam mail may pose as a fake invoice, an error with a hotel or flight ticket reservation, and so on; anything that would catch your eye and make you want to click on it. In most cases, opening the spam mail does not cause the damage directly. You need to download and run the attached file to infect your system. Can you see now your part in all of this? We hope that it is clear how you can protect your PC from similar attacks. It is important that you only open mails that you are sure were sent to you personally. Also, never download and run questionable attachments because it may be too late if you, for example, delete BitStak Ransomware after noticing the ransom note.
After you activate this vicious program, it targets the following folders:
- C:\Program Files\
- C: \Program Files (x86) \
- C: \Users\UserName\AppData\Roaming\
- C: \Users\UserName\Documents\
- C: \Users\UserName\Downloads\
- C: \Users\UserName\Videos\
- C: \Users\UserName\Music\
- C: \Users\UserName\Pictures\
- C: \Users\UserName\Desktop\
This ransomware encrypts these file extensions when found: .txt, .doc, .exe, .dat, .bat, .vb, .zip, .7z, .rar, .jar, .mp3, .wav, .save, .mp4, .cfg, .flv, .php, .com, .db, .bin, and .reg. The encrypted file’s name is modified and becomes random with a “.bitstak” extension added. So your files may look something similar to “gsPdRHai.gFi.bitstak” if this helps to identify this infection. The whole encryption process should not take longer than a few minutes. Once your files have been taken hostage, the normal desktop background image is changed and the ransom note image comes up. This practically locks your screen and it may seem that your computer has stopped working too. The criminals behind this attack claim 40 Euros, i.e., about 44.5 US dollars in Bitcoins, transfered to the given address if you want to use your files again. While this ransom note may look and sound scary, you should keep in mind that there is a working decryption tool out there waiting for you to download. Yet, we do not think it is a good idea for you to take matters into your own hand unless you are an experienced user. In fact, it is quite easy to end up with downloading a fake tool from a malicious site that could further infect your PC. That is why it may be a better idea to ask an IT expert or someone who knows what he is doing.
However, the most important thing for you to do before any rescue missions is to delete BitStak Ransomware. It is not too complicated in fact. If you follow our guide that we have included, you should be fine even if you are not too experienced. It is possible that this malware is not even the only infection or potentially harmful application on your system. If you want to use a clean and secure computer, it is imperative that you erase all infections. If you cannot or do not want to do this manually, it may be time to install a trustworthy up-to-date anti-malware program. Should you need assistance regarding the removal of BitStak Ransomware, please leave us a comment below.
BitStak Ransomware Removal from Windows
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc simultaneously to launch Task Manager.
- Choose the Start-up tab and find BitStak in the list.
- Right-click on it and select Properties from the menu.
- Check the Location for the path and the name of the malicious file.
- Press OK.
- Select BitStak in the Start-up list and click Disable.
- Select the Processes tab.
- Find the malicious process (random name you found in the Location field) and click End task.
- Close the Task Manager.
- Press Win+E to open File Explorer.
- Find and delete the downloaded malicious file.
- Delete the folder you found in the Start-up tab Location field.
- Empty the Recycle Bin.
- Reboot your PC.
In non-techie terms:
BitStak Ransomware seems like a nightmare when you first see the ransom note that blocks and locks your screen, and you realize that your text files, archives, videos, music and image files have all been encrypted and made inaccessible. However, strange as it may sound, there is indeed a silver lining in this case. Our researchers say that it is possible to find and download a decryption tool for this infection that can restore your encrypted files. Do not fall for this vicious trick and do not pay these criminals a cent. We are here to help you with a solution to remove BitStak Ransomware from your system if you want to use your PC again. This is what you must do before you download and use the decryptor software. If you want powerful protection against all existing malware infections, we suggest that you think about installing a reliable anti-malware application as soon as possible.