BNFD ransomware encrypts your filesContents of the ransom noteRansomware distribution methodsAvoid getting infectedRemove BNFD ransomware
This guide explains modus operandi of this ransomware, its distribution and prevention methods, as well as complete removal guide.
Contents of the ransom note
Like other members of the Matrix malware family, BNFD virus drops a ransom note in every affected folder of your system. The contents of the message are unambiguous – it contains the main information about what has been done to your system and how to revert these changes. The message states that your files have been encrypted using AES-256 + RSA-2048 cryptography algorithms. This basically means that the corrupted data is encoded using symmetric as well as asymmetric encryption methods. To put it more simply, these ciphers are considered to be military-grade so breaking them manually is basically impossible – AES and RSA cryptography have been created to safely transmit information. Each encryption case creates a unique BNFD decryption key – the only real way to regain access to corrupted files is by having this key in your possession. However, in most crypto-malware infection cases the cybercriminal has this key and uses this circumstance to extort the victim for money. The message also presents instructions on how to contact the hackers in order to regain access to the data. After contacting one of the ransomware developers’ emails ([Benford333@criptext.com], [Benford333@protonmail.com] or [Benford333@tutanota.com]), the victim will be presented with an opportunity to test the decryption method. The user is urged to send 3 encrypted files that do not have any valuable information in it to receive them back decrypted. It is important to remember, that this tactic is used to trick the user into thinking that the regained access to his files is reachable by hand.
Do not pay the ransom!
However, no matter how much cyber criminals try to convince you, you should never follow their instructions, make a contact with them, or pay the ransom. This is due to a couple of reasons. Firstly, most of the ransomware developers cannot be trusted. There are numerous cases when the victim is scammed even after making the initial payment. For example, they could charge you even more if they see a window of opportunity to extort you more. Keep in mind, that BNFD ransomware developers are completely profit-driven. Secondly, meeting hackers’ demands is not solving any problems when looking at the bigger picture. As long as they have victims that pay them money, ransomware creators will continue to develop new variants of the malware. By refusing to pay them, you do the most reasonable thing in this kind of situation.
Ransomware distribution methods
If you are wondering how you managed to get infected by BNFD, you could argue that there are a couple of most probable pathways. Firstly, the malspam campaigns are often used to proliferate various types of malware. To explain it shortly, this is a simple social-engineering scheme that typically contains a simple method – sending large amounts of deceitful emails to random internet users in order to trick them into clicking a malicious link inside of the email or opening a file attached to it. Once this is done, the virus tries to penetrate your system’s security. The second method, which is widely used by cybercriminals to proliferate their malware is attaching/including them to other files in untrustworthy download sites or file-sharing platforms. For example, downloading a supposedly free Adobe Photoshop program from a Torrent site might expose you to a cyberattack and cause harmful consequences. To be frank, there is no shortage of creativity when talking about hackers’ ability to find new ways to trick ordinary users into downloading their malware. It might be disguised as a software activation tool, crack, keygen, or other types of software.
Avoid getting infected
To prevent your system from suffering cyberattacks such as exposure to BNFD virus, you need to remember a couple of basic things when using the internet. Firstly, do not use untrustworthy download sites and file-sharing platforms. The potential damage to your system far outweighs the supposed benefit – this is the case most of the time. Secondly, pay close attention when using your email – spam-recognizing algorithms are getting better every day, but a deceitful email might still get inside your main inbox. Never open or interact with suspicious-looking messages, especially with links or files inside of them. And most importantly – regularly create backups – it is the most effective measure that could be taken when trying to protect yourself from exposure to cyberattacks.
Remove BNFD ransomware
To deal with a ransomware infection, you will need to use robust and trustworthy anti-malware software. Usually, this process is no easy feat, fortunately enough we have a guide down below on how to do it. Of course, you should take immediate action to remove BNFD ransomware from your PC since it does even more extensive damage. After the complete removal, you will be able to use your back-up (provided that you have one) and restore any other damage done to your system. A perfect tool for this job is RESTORO – it will ensure that your system is working properly. To complete BNFD ransomware removal, follow the steps below: OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.
Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove the virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, see a video tutorial on how to do it: Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users Now, you can search for and remove BNFD ransomware virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable malware removal program. In addition, we suggest trying a combination of INTEGO Antivirus (removes malware and protects your PC in real-time) and RESTORO (repairs virus damage to Windows OS files).
Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future. Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
System Mechanic Ultimate Defense If you’re looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek’s Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.
Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.
