Bart Virus and .Bart.zip Extension Removal

3 BTC – This is the enormous amount of money used to extort users by Bart crypto-virus. The virus uses an immensely strong encryption algorithm to encipher user files. The virus is also confirmed to use .JS attacks in order to be spread and after it infects a computer it drops a text document and changes to wallpaper to one with Locky Crypto-virus’s ransom instructions, which is one of the biggest ransomware viruses ever to be created. If you want to learn how does Bart crypto-virus work and how to remove it and try different methods to get your files back, make sure to read this article.


Name
Bart Ransomware

File Extensions
.bart or .bart.zip

Ransom
Varies

Solution #1
Bart ransomware can be removed easily with the help of an anti-malware tool, a program that will clean your computer from the virus, remove any additional cyber-security threats, and protect you in the future.

Solution #2
Bart Ransomware can be removed manually, though it can be very hard for most home users. See the detailed tutorial below.

Distribution
The virus is confirmed to use .JS attacks in order to be spread and after it infects a computer it drops a text document and changes to wallpaper to one with Locky Crypto-virus’s ransom instructions, which is one of the biggest ransomware viruses ever to be created.

What Is Bart Crypto-Virus

Bart Crypto-Virus is also classified as Ransomware and is very similar to some Trojan horses. As soon as Bart is activated on the computer which is targeted, it may drop its malicious files which encrypt different data in several key Windows folders:

%AppData%,%Roaming%,%Temp%,%Local%,%Desktop%

Files encrypted by vary amongst 140 file extensions according to ProofPoint researchers, most used of which are the following:

.jar, .java, .jpeg, .jpg, .mkv, .mov, .mp3, .mp4, .mpeg, . .vbs, .vdi, .vmdk, .vmx, .vob, .wav, .wb2, .wk1, .wks, .xls, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xlt, .xltm, .xltx, .xlw, .doc, .docb, .docm, .docx, .dot, .dotm, .dotx, .fla, .flv, .frm, .gif,

The Bart crypto-virus also drops a .txt(text) and .bmp(picture) files, both named the same way – “Recover” which are essentially the ransom instructions.

“All your files are encrypted.
Decrypting of your files is only possible with the private key, which is on our secret server.
To receive your private key follow one of the links:
{LINKS}
It fall addresses are not available, follow these steps:
1. Download and install Tor Browser: https://torproject.org/download/download-easy.html
2. After successful installation, run the browser and wait for initialization.
3. Type in the address bar:
{randomly generated web links here}
4. Follow the instructions on the site.
!!! Your personal identification ID: {ALPHA NUMERICAL ID} !!!”

The ransomware also gives the user connection to its payment page, which looks like this:

Similar to other viruses and especially the Locky crypto-virus, Bart asks payment in BitCoins because the currency is untraceable and develops very fast. The money which is the payoff to get access back to the Files is approximately $2000 at the time of writing.

Can Files Encrypted With .bart.zip File Extension Be Decrypted

The Bart crypto-virus resembles Locky virus a lot, meaning that it may be Locky, disguised as another name. This means that there is a possibility that Bart crypto-virus uses an AES-128 file encryption to scramble files, just like Locky does with the exception that it uses .bart.zip extension instead of .locky.

In order to try and revert your files, for now there is no direct solution. This is why we advise using alternative methods to revert your data. Prone to trying such methods you should be advised that there is no guarantee you will get your files back. But they may be a good solution for you as well, especially if you have set up backup on your computer.

New Text Document.txt.bart.zip

How Does Bart Crypto-Virus Spread?

In order to be let into many computers, the ones behind Bart Crypto-Virus use spam campaigns which are very expensive and have .ZIP files in them. In order to infect users, these .ZIP files contain JavaScript code in them in .js files, pretending to be different documents. Once opened, the machine becomes infected with RockLoader, a loading program which attacks the Windows File System and Registry Editor. Researchers have seen reports of users opening different .Zip files with the words “Picture”, “Photo”, “Image”, “Photos” in them.

Bart Ransomware Removal

For a faster solution, you can run a scan with an advanced malware removal tool and delete Bart completely with a few mouse clicks.

STEP I: Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network
This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently.

    1) Hit WIN Key + R

Windows-key-plus-R-button-launch-Run-Box-in-Windows-illustrated

    2) A Run window will appear. In it, write “msconfig” and then press Enter
    3) A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named “Boot
    4) Mark “Safe Boot” option and then go to “Network” under it to tick it too
    5) Apply -> OK

Or check our video guide – “How to start PC in Safe Mode with Networking

STEP II: Show Hidden Files

    1) Open My Computer/This PC
    2) Windows 7

      – Click on “Organize” button
      – Select “Folder and search options
      – Select the “View” tab
      – Go under “Hidden files and folders” and mark “Show hidden files and folders” option

    3) Windows 8/ 10

      – Open “View” tab
      – Mark “Hidden items” option

    show-hidden-files-win8-10

    4) Click “Apply” and then “OK” button

STEP III: Enter Windows Task Manager and Stop Malicious Processes

    1) Hit the following key combination: CTRL+SHIFT+ESC
    2) Get over to “Processes
    3) When you find suspicious process right click on it and select “Open File Location
    4) Go back to Task Manager and end the malicious process. Right click on it again and choose “End Process
    5) Next you should go folder where the malicious file is located and delete it

STEP IV: Remove Completely Bart Ransomware Using SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

Manual removal of Bart requires being familiar with system files and registries. Removal of any important data can lead to permanent system damage. Prevent this troublesome effect – delete Bart ransomware with SpyHunter malware removal tool.

SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter

STEP V: Repair Windows Registry

    1) Again type simultaneously the Windows Button + R key combination
    2) In the box, write “regedit”(without the inverted commas) and hit Enter
    3) Type the CTRL+F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable
    4) In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys

Further help for Windows Registry repair

STEP VI: Recover Encrypted Files

    1) Use present backups
    2) Restore your personal files using File History

      – Hit WIN Key
      – Type “restore your files” in the search box
      – Select “Restore your files with File History
      – Choose a folder or type the name of the file in the search bar

    restore-your-personal-files-using-File-History-bestecuritysearch

      – Hit the “Restore” button

    3) Using System Restore Point

      – Hit WIN Key
      – Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps

restore-files-using-system-restore-point

STEP VII: Preventive Security Measures

    1) Enable and properly configure your Firewall.
    2) Install and maintain reliable anti-malware software.
    3) Secure your web browser.
    4) Check regularly for available software updates and apply them.
    5) Disable macros in Office documents.
    6) Use strong passwords.
    7) Don’t open attachments or click on links unless you’re certain they’re safe.
    8) Backup regularly your data.
Manual removal of Bart requires being familiar with system files and registries. Removal of any important data can lead to permanent system damage. Prevent this troublesome effect – delete Bart ransomware with SpyHunter malware removal tool.

SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter

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Author : Joseph Steinberg

Joseph Steinberg is the editor-in-chief, lead content creator, and local father figure of Best Security Search. He enjoys hiking and rock climbing and hates the 12345678 and qwerty passwords.


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