Btix Ransomware - How to remove

Btix (also known as Encrypt11) is the new ransomware related to Dharma/CrySiS. This virus affects computers running Windows. Btix practically destroys most common files, like pictures, documents, spreadsheets, media files, and archives. The only way to fix them is to decrypt them using the decryption key stored with whoever is responsible for the Btix virus. The cybercriminals, however, ask for money in exchange for this “service” — but read on, things aren’t so grim.

You will recognise the infection as Btix by the fact that your files have become unusable and have “.btix” appended to their name (and the Encrypt11 name is form the email provided by the ransom message: [email protected]).

A ransom note named FILES ENCRYPTED.txt and a popup will inform you about what happened and direct you to pay the ransom as soon as possible, threatening with a price increase if you take too long.

The Btix ransom message is not different from the other Dharma ransomware messages:

All your files have been encrypted!

All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail [email protected]
Write this ID in the title of your message [random characters]
In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to theese e-mails:[email protected]
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 1 file for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 1Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click ‘Buy bitcoins’, and select the seller by payment method and price.
hxxps://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

Make no mistake, this is illegal and, depending on which country you live in, it’s worth contacting the police or other responsible agencies and telling them about the Btix ransomware.

How does Btix work?

Btix encrypts most popular file types. jpg, doc, pdf, xls, avi, zip and a multitude of other ordinary files are affected. The files cannot be decrypted without the decryption key which is unique to each victim, stored with the Btix developers.

In general, ransomware developers use hybrid encryption in which your files are encrypted and the key that can fix that is actually stored on your computer. The twist is that this key is also encrypted, but the key that could decrypt that is only known to the cybercriminals. This usually means that the encryption doesn’t require an internet connection to be successful.

If you catch Btix or another ransomware encryption as it is happening, you could try just shutting the computer off as quickly as possible. Some of your files might not have been encrypted yet, and that process can’t continue when the computer isn’t working. Do not turn it back on — consult an IT specialist from there.

Unfortunately, if you see the Btix ransom note FILES ENCRYPTED.txt, that means that the encryption was completed.

How is Btix distributed?

One popular way for viruses to spread is infected emails. These could be spam marketing or a fake message from your post office. These emails are sent with infected attachments or links. The attachments can be familiar files like Word or PDF — that are infected with macro viruses.

Another common way is peer-to-peer file sharing: some people distribute a virus by disguising it as an innocent file and just allowing people to download it.

Malicious advertisements is yet another way: some ads automatically download infected files just as you click on them, or lie about infections and encourage you to download an “antivirus” (in reality, a website can’t know anything about what files and “infections” are on your computer unless you explicitly allow them).

How to avoid another infection?

Use file backups and keep your files up-to-date. Keep the backup in some external memory, like the Cloud or another computer. If you have copies of your files saved, the Btix encryption will not be so devastating.

Use an antivirus program to scan files that you downloaded before opening and running them, especially if they came from an unfamiliar source.

Have a trusted antivirus program installed and keep it updated. Antivirus programs need to be constantly updated to stay on top of emerging new threats. Update your operating system, too.

How to remove Btix ransomware

If you have your files on a backup that was disconnected from your computer (like in a Cloud, or an external hard drive), you will be able to just move those files back on your computer after you have removed the virus. If you didn’t have a backup, there is an option to try to restore your files encrypted by Btix if you follow the guide below.

Afterward, you can use Spyhunter, or another professional antivirus program to find and remove Btix/Encrypt11.

I don’t recommend paying the ransom except as a last resort. There is no guarantee at all that the files will be fixed after you pay, and, because Bitcoin is used, the transaction cannot be reversed. If you must pay, remember to be safe when performing any money transfer — make sure to do it on a machine that is free of spyware so that your banking details aren’t leaked to the criminals.

Automatic Malware removal tools

How to recover Btix Ransomware encrypted files and remove the virus

Step 1. Restore system into last known good state using system restore

1. Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt:

for Windows 7 / Vista/ XP

• Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
• Press F8 key repeatedly until Advanced Boot Options window appears.
• Choose Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

for Windows 8 / 10

• Press Power at Windows login screen. Then press and hold Shift key and click Restart.
• Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings and click Restart.
• When it loads, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list of Startup Settings.

 

2.Restore System files and settings.

• When Command Prompt mode loads, enter cd restore and press Enter.
• Then enter rstrui.exe and press Enter again.
• Click “Next” in the windows that appeared.
• Select one of the Restore Points that are available before Btix has infiltrated to your system and then click “Next”.
• To start System restore click “Yes”.

 

Step 2. Complete removal of Encrypt11

After restoring your system, it is recommended to scan your computer with an anti-malware program, like Spyhunter and remove all malicious files related to Btix Ransomware. You can check other tools here.  

Step 3. Restore Btix affected files using Shadow Volume Copies

If you do not use System Restore option on your operating system, there is a chance to use shadow copy snapshots. They store copies of your files that point of time when the system restore snapshot was created. Usually Encrypt11 tries to delete all possible Shadow Volume Copies, so this methods may not work on all computers. However, it may fail to do so. Shadow Volume Copies are only available with Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. There are two ways to retrieve your files via Shadow Volume Copy. You can do it using native Windows Previous Versions or via Shadow Explorer. a) Native Windows Previous Versions Right-click on an encrypted file and select Properties → Previous versions tab. Now you will see all available copies of that particular file and the time when it was stored in a Shadow Volume Copy. Choose the version of the file you want to retrieve and click Copy if you want to save it to some directory of your own, or Restore if you want to replace existing, encrypted file. If you want to see the content of file first, just click Open.

b) Shadow Explorer It is a program that can be found online for free. You can download either a full or a portable version of Shadow Explorer. Open the program. On the left top corner select the drive where the file you are looking for is a stored. You will see all folders on that drive. To retrieve a whole folder, right-click on it and select “Export”. Then choose where you want it to be stored.

Step 4. Use Data Recovery programs to recover Btix Ransomware encrypted files

There are several data recovery programs that might recover encrypted files as well. This does not work in all cases but you can try this:

• We suggest using another PC and connect the infected hard drive as slave. It is still possible to do this on infected PC though.
• Download a data recovery program.
• Install and scan for recently deleted files.

Note: In many cases it is impossible to restore data files affected by modern ransomware. Thus I recommend using decent cloud backup software as precaution. We recommend checking out Carbonite, BackBlaze, CrashPlan or Mozy Home.