Do you know what Btos Ransomware is?
Btos Ransomware is an infection that you might be tricked into executing onto your vulnerable Windows system by accident. The infection’s launcher file could be introduced to you via spam email as a document file, or it could be hidden within a bundled downloader. The point is to make the threat invisible because that is the only way to ensure that cybercriminals can employ it for the encryption of your personal files. Our research team has found that this malicious threat was created by the same attacker who created Topi Ransomware and Reha Ransomware. These threats belong to the STOP Ransomware family, and there are hundreds of infections associated with it. Needless to say, every single infection from this family must be deleted, but in this report, we focus on the removal of Btos Ransomware.
At first, it might be hard to understand what has invaded your operating system, but when Btos Ransomware slithers in and encrypts files, it adds the “.btos” extension. If you can find this extension appended to your personal files, there is no doubt what kind of malware you need to delete from your operating system. The issue here is that even if you delete the threat quickly, your files remain encrypted due to the changes within file data. This change is made silently, and you are not supposed to realize that files were encrypted until the change if complete. Since the attackers behind Btos Ransomware expect their victims to act a certain way, a text file named “_readme.txt” is dropped to deliver the instructions. This file is originally dropped to %HOMEDRIVE%, but copies might exist elsewhere as well.
Btos Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
All STOP Ransomware variants use the same message represented via the “_readme.txt” file. It always declares that files were encrypted, that a unique key and decryptor are needed, and that the only way to obtain the decryptor is by paying a ransom of $490. The only thing that changes from time to time is the email address listed at the bottom of the message. Btos Ransomware instructs victims to email helmanager@firemail.cc or helmanager@iran.ir, and these have been linked to Topi Ransomware and Reha Ransomware. Communicating with cybercriminals, as you might know already, is a risky thing. Once they establish a connection to you, they can terrorize you, send you malware installers, expose you to scams, sell your email address to other schemers, and so on. We do not recommend sending the message. What about the ransom payment? You cannot pay the ransom in return for the decryptor without sending an email first, but even if you took the risk and then paid the ransom, you are unlikely to receive a decryptor. Due to this, we do not recommend getting involved with attackers at all.
The instructions you can see below show how to delete Btos Ransomware components. Unfortunately, there is one component – the launcher file – that could be located anywhere on your computer. If you cannot find it yourself, manual Btos Ransomware removal is not the best option for you. Of course, even if you are experienced, you need to think if it is not time to implement anti-malware software. It will automatically examine your computer, identify threats, and perform removal. Most important, it will secure your system to ensure that you do not need to face ransomware again. Afterward, you can replace the corrupted files with backup copies (if you have them), or you can try employing a free decryption tool created by malware experts, called “STOP Decryptor.”
Remove Btos Ransomware
- Delete the malicious [random name].exe file that executed the threat.
- Simultaneously tap Win and E keys to access File Explorer.
- Enter %LOCALAPPDATA% into the field at the top to access the directory.
- Delete the [random name] folder that contains other ransomware files.
- Enter %HOMEDRIVE% into the field at the top to access the directory.
- Delete the ransom note file named_readme.txt and a folder named SystemID.
- Empty Recycle Bin and then perform a full system scan using a malware scanner.
In non-techie terms:
Btos Ransomware is a dangerous threat, and if it slithers into your system, you only have a few moments to catch and delete it. If the threat manages to stay hidden, it can encrypt your personal files without you knowing about it. Afterward, a ransom note is dropped to explain to you what has happened. The point of the message is to convince you that you need to contact attackers and pay a ransom in return for a decryptor. We do not recommend doing any of this because the decryptor is unlikely to be provided to you anyway. Also, you might be able to restore your files using STOP Decryptor or replace them using copies. Before you do that, you need to delete Btos Ransomware. Although manual removal is possible, the procedure can be complicated, and so our research team strongly recommends employing a legitimate anti-malware tool. It will erase threats and secure your system automatically.