The _readme.txt message contains information from the rogues behind the attack, making their victims know about the development. They will also state that ransom must be paid so they can forward a BNRS decryption tool.

The ransom note demands money

After reading the message, the victim will understand better why files stored in the computer could no longer be accessed and why the system has not been functioning properly. The cybercriminals will also claim that all files, including documents, videos, and pictures, have all been successfully encrypted. To open a communication channel, they would also drop two email addresses, i.e., support@bestyourmail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc. The idea is that victims would have no choice but to write them using any of the email addresses provided. Furthermore, they will state categorically the amount of money the victim is expected to pay as ransom and the conditions of payment attached to it. They will first demand $980 as a ransom fee but will add that half of it, i.e., $490, would be acceptable if only the victim could hasten up and pay within a 3-day limit. Once the 72 hours deadline elapses, they will revert to the initial demand of $980. The terms and conditions do not stop there because the victim would be informed that payment can only be made with cryptocurrency. In other words, they would have to purchase crypto that is worth the ransom fee and transfer it to the cybercriminal’s wallet address. The reason why they avoid other conventional means of payment is to avoid being traced and arrested by the police.  To assure the victim that encrypted files would be restored, they may request for a random sample to be sent across to them for test decryption. They often suggest this idea just to motivate the victim to pay the ransom fee. They would also warn the victim that if they perceive such file to be of importance, then the offer becomes nullified.  No matter how difficult the situation may be, victims of ransomware are cautioned not to cooperate with cyber-criminals. This advice was put forward by the FBI and appeared to be in tandem with the position of other top security organizations. The reason why they took such a position is that records have shown that most ransom payers still end up not recovering their encrypted files. Instead, they only succeeded in making criminality profitable for the rogues. It is important to also emphasize that when victims pay the ransom, they make themselves vulnerable to future extortions. It should also be noted be that it is against the law to pay the ransom.

More details regarding the computer attack

Research conducted by cybersecurity experts has revealed that a number of countries were exempted from STOP/DJVU ransomware attacks due to reasons best known to them. However, most of these countries seem to be part of the former Soviet Union and are listed as follows: Ukraine, Russia, Armenia, Kazachstan, Syria, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Meanwhile, the malware will first connect with https[:]//api.2ip.ua/geo.json file and afterward save the outcome in the geo.json file. Details such as the IP address, zip code, country, city, latitude, and longitude. Based on the result, it will conclude whether it is located in any of the exempted countries or not.  Although data encryption is the main target of the BNRS virus, the threat does not end there. They’re also known for spreading Remote Access Trojans or RATs, which could steal sensitive information from the infected computer, including passwords, banking details, cryptocurrency wallets, etc. The most common Trojans used in perpetrating these crimes are VIDAR and AZORULT.  Granted that it is important to take measures that would protect computer users, those that have become victims already should get rid of the virus without further delay. The recommended way of doing it is to set the infected system up through Safe Mode with Networking option before applying a suitable antivirus. You may also download RESTORO and use it in scanning the computer; it could help in restoring some of the damaged OS files.

Ransomware Summary

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE See the screenshot provided below to understand how encrypted files appear in data folders.

Ways of avoiding malware infections

Granted that the most common way by which ransomware is distributed includes illegal software contents such as key generators and tools that are downloaded from online torrents platforms, they can also be spread through malicious email attachments.  Our records have shown that the majority of STOP/DJVU ransomware victims were deceived with the use of pirated software content. Cybercriminals understand that certain software contents are in high demand and would have them cloned while embedding malware alongside. Typically, it is computer users who do not want to pay for the original software contents that end up becoming victims. The most common ones used are listed below: 

AutoCad;Cubase;Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop/Premiere Pro;Corel Draw;Tenorshare 4ukey;VMware Workstation;League of Legends;Internet Download Manager.

It is never a good idea for computer users to visit online torrents platform considering the enormous risks associated with them. Therefore, only the genuine software contents advertised by the original producers should be used. You’re better off paying whatever amount they request for and being safe than trying to get them illegally which could lead to bigger problems.  Another method used by cybercriminals in spreading malware is through malicious email attachments. They may decide to impersonate popular brands or pretend to be relatives/associates just to deceive their target audience and make them open such malicious emails embedded with malware. Typically, they prefer using files like PDF, XLS or DOCX, among others, simply because they have macro function abilities. Therefore, it is very important for computer users to remain vigilant at all times. Strange emails or attachments that don’t seem to make sense to you are better avoided. You should also look out for typo errors and spoofed sender’s addresses as these are some of the signs that expose them.  In conclusion, victims should ignore some fraudulent websites with bogus claims of having solutions to STOP/DJVU ransomware challenges. Only two brands i.e., DiskTuna and Emsisoft, have proven to be reliable. 

Remove BNRS Virus & Also Decrypt All Affected Files

Victims of the described ransomware variant are advised to remove BNRS virus as quickly as possible in order to stop further damage and also salvage some files wherever possible. First of all, you will need to set up the compromised computer in Safe Mode with Networking option, and afterward, you will install and activate a genuine antivirus software.   Once you’ve finished BNRS ransomware virus removal, you will need to do the follow the steps outlined below: 

Report the situation to the police or relevant government institution. Make use of any backup device available to you in restoring lost files. Research more on STOP/DJVU ransomware variants. Do not delay any further in changing all passwords that were used on the compromised computer.

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.

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove BNRS Ransomware Virus 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, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users Now, you can search for and remove BNRS 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 security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

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 8/8.1/10/11 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.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 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.

Decrypt BNRS files

Fix and open large BNRS files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. BNRS Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie. Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible. In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt BNRS files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The BNRS decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages: Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID] This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor’s database. No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible. Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future. If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn’t available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your BNRS extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Victims of BNRS Ransomware Virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can’t find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up “[your country name] report cyber crime”. This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities. Another recommendation is to contact your country’s or region’s federal police or communications authority.