The cybercriminals behind this computer virus expect the victim to comply with their demands and pay a ransom in exchange for BPWS decryption tool and key that they promise to provide after receiving the ransom. People who fall in such unfortunate situations should remember that paying a ransom hardly solves the issue. What is worse, this ransomware often runs together with information-stealing Trojans capable of stealing user’s passwords, browsing history, cookies and other relevant details.

The message left in the _readme.txt file demands money

The ransomware operators for sure want the victim to understand their message loud and clear, so they drop the ransom note in each of data folders containing encrypted files. The _readme.txt note begins by asking for victim’s attention, and then suggests that all data types, including images, videos, audio files and archives were encrypted with robust algorithms. It also explains that the sole way to restore files back to normal is by using a BPWS decryption software and private key. The note suggests purchasing it from the ransomware operators for a specified price. Speaking of the ransom, the criminals introduce conditions of its pricing. According to the note, victims who contact the criminals within 3 days will be eligible for a 50% discount, which means the decryption means would cost $490. Otherwise, the criminals will demand $980. In both cases, they will require the victim to convert such amount to cryptocurrency and transfer it to their wallet address, thus ensuring some level of anonymity for the transaction. To convince the computer user to do as they say, they introduce “test decryption” service, which allows the victim to decrypt one small file for free. In order to try this decryption, the user is asked to send one encrypted file, typically one that doesn’t contain sensitive information, via provided email addresses: support@freshmail.top or datarestorehelp@airmail.cc. The victim is also asked to include Personal ID string, one that’s provided at the end of the _readme.txt note, for identification purposes. The crooks promise to reply with a decrypted file version attached. However, it is important to point out the fact that paying the ransom doesn’t mean your data will be restored. As advised by FBI and NCSC, it is not advisable to pay up, as it encourages the cybercriminals to continue their activities. Plus, you might be identified as an obedient victim and might be targeted in future attacks in hopes to extort even more money from you. Therefore, if you have fallen victim to a malware attack, we strongly recommend taking action to secure your device now. First of all, to remove BPWS ransomware virus, use the free instructions presented below this article. You will learn how to boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking and run your antivirus from there. Our team recommends using a trustworthy antivirus that offers real-time protection feature, such as INTEGO Antivirus. It is also a good idea to download RESTORO and use it to detect and repair virus-damaged Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

Ransomware distribution techniques

Ransomware-type viruses are typically distributed either via email spam, illegal downloads, fake advertisements or other methods. The primary method used to spread STOP/DJVU variants like BPSM virus is illegal downloads that cybercriminals set up as a trap for potential victims online. Award-winning antivirus solution for your PC. Robust security software that provides robust 24/7 real-time protection, Web Shield that stops online threats/malicious downloads, and Prevention engine that wards off Zero-Day threats. Keep your PC safe and protected against ransomware, Trojans, viruses, spyware and other forms of dangerous programs. It is believed that cybercriminals control a set of rogue websites that advertise fake software cracks, which computer users download in hopes to install premium software versions for free. What is worse, these deceptive websites successfully appear in online search engine results, so unsuspecting users may stumble upon them without realizing the danger that lies in them. Computer users should avoid such shady downloads at all costs, no matter if they’re provided via direct download links or torrents. First of all, using cracked or pirated software is an act of a copyright infringement, and second, such files usually contain malware. In this case, opening the malicious setup file provided in a password-protected archive results in complete data encryption. Another common ransomware distribution method relies on malicious email spam. The threat actors compose deceptive messages accompanied by some email attachments and then distribute them to lists of potential targets. Whoever falls for the trap and opens the malicious attachment ends up getting their files encrypted. In order to avoid getting exposed to such malware, it is advisable to avoid opening email attachments or inserted links from emails that seem unfamiliar or reach you by surprise. Finally, cybercriminals might try to deliver malware via rogue online ads or software bundles. Often times, malicious ads advertise well-known software updates, but their installers are set up to install a bunch of junkware or malware on victim’s computer. Computer users should follow cybersecurity experts’ advice and only download software or updates from reliable sources. All in all, the best way to keep your computer protected is to practice safe browsing habits, create regular data backups and protect the system from unexpected threats using a robust antivirus solution.

Remove BPWS ransomware virus and decrypt or repair your data

The instructions provided below explain how to remove BPWS ransomware virus along other malware that was potentially dropped on your computer. You can use antivirus software of your choice, although our team relies on INTEGO Antivirus. In addition, we recommend downloading RESTORO for fixing virus damage on Windows OS files. After removing the malware, we strongly recommend changing all of your passwords. The described ransomware is known to travel along various information-stealing Trojans, so deleting them and taking action to protect data that could possible be stolen is a vital step. 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 BPWS 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 BPWS 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 BPWS files

Fix and open large BPWS 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. BPWS 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 BPWS files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The BPWS 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 BPWS 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 BPWS 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.