The .bat virus is a data locker ransomware which is based on the code of the infamous Dharma ransomware. Like its predecessors, .bat virus corrupts computer systems with the goal to encrypt valuable files and blackmail victims into paying ransom fee. An essential difference between .bat ransomware virus and its predecessors is the extension appended to encrypted files.
In the beginning, the ransomware creates multiple malicious files on the system. Then it starts executing them in a predefined order. By doing this it corrupts main system settings, disrupts system security and eventually encodes target files with AES-256 cipher algorithm. As a result, all corrupted files remain inaccessible until their code is reverted back to its original state. How they could be recognized is by the sequence of extensions appended to their names – an email address and the .bat extension.
To extort ransom payment .bat ransomware virus drops a ransom message and loads it on the screen. Beware that even a successful ransom payment does not guarantee the recovery of .bat files.
If you want to effectively remove .bat ransomware virus keep up with our removal guide. By the end of it, you will also know how to restore .bat files.
Manual Removal Guide
Files Recovery Approaches
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Distribution of .bat Ransomware Virus
.bat virus virus is a new data locker ransomware that has been released in active attack campaigns against computer users worldwide. The threat could be utilizing common tactics of distribution to infect computer systems.
One of the easiest ways for the criminals to spread the payload of .bat virus ransomware is by attaching it to email messages that are later released in active attack campaigns. The method allows hackers to send the virus to large lists of potential victims. The attachments to malicious email spam messages usually have Word documents or other types of files which users open without hesitation. Once opened on a target host these compromised files trigger the ransomware payload and infect the device with .bat virus crypto virus. Another infection tactic related to emails is hyperlink inserted in the content of the messages. The links are usually labeled as leading to a familiar website or a file of user interest.
Computer criminals behind this new ransomware can be using malicious sites or download portals to distribute malware of different kinds, including .bat virus virus. A popular option is the use of infected documents which may be of different types ‒ spreadsheets, rich text documents, presentations and databases. They are modified to initiate the virus once the built-in scripts are run. Usually when the files are opened a notification will ask the users to run the macros (scripts). If this is done the infection follows.
The hacker-controlled sites are specialist portals that have been created either manually or automatically by the criminals behind .bat virus virus. They can either directly distribute the threat by initiating various scripts or automated operations or link to such instances. Redirects are usually caused by email interaction, ad networks or other browsing activity. However one of the main sources is the availability of browser hijackers. They are malicious add-ons made for the most popular web browsers ‒ Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Opera, Microsoft Edge and Safari. Once installed they not only infect the users with the malware but also redirect the victims to a hacker-controlled site. Depending on the configuration the browser hijackers can also steal sensitive information such as any stored passwords, account credentials, history, bookmarks, form data and settings.
Impact of .bat Ransomware Virus
The moment .bat ransomware virus is started on your PC, the operating system of the latter becomes subject to lots of malicious modifications. Since the threat has been based on the code of the infamous Dharma ransomware, all malicious activities it carries out aim to support the reach of a specific attack stage – data encryption.
Plagued could be some registry keys, shadow volume copies, and essential system processes.
These are some common folder locations where .bat virus may be hiding malicious files and objects:
- %UserProfile%\AppData\Roaming\
- %AppData%
- %LocalAppData%
- %ProgramData%
- %Temp%
Beware that the manual removal of present malicious entries requires quite a lot of computer experience. At the same time, you have to clean up your system if you want to use it securely again. So in the event that you don’t feel quite comfortable with the manual removal steps you could consider the help of an advanced malware removal tool that will locate malicious entries and delete them for you in just a few minutes.
To complete its main goal of .bat ransomware activates а specific cipher module that corrupts target files by utilizing sophisticated cipher algorithms like AES, RSA, and Salsa20. At the end of the encryption process, the ransomware appends an extension of the same name – .bat to the names of all corrupted files. Along with this specific extension, an email address will also appear in the names of corrupted files.
Unfortunately, since all of the following types of files are preferred for the storage of important data, they are likely to be corrupted by .bat Dharma ransomware:
- Documents
- Archives
- Backups
- Databases
- Images
- Videos
- Music
At the end of the attack, .bat virus ransomware drops ransom note file to extort a ransom fee for files recovery. That file may contain the following text:
All FILES ENCRYPTED “RSA1024”
All YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED!!! IF YOU WANT TO RESTORE THEM, WRITE US TO THE E-MAIL [email protected]
IN THE LETTER WRITE YOUR ID, YOUR ID 1E857D00
IF YOU ARE NOT ANSWERED, WRITE TO EMAIL:[email protected]
YOUR SECRET KEY WILL BE STORED ON A SERVER 7 DAYS, AFTER 7 DAYS IT MAY BE OVERWRITTEN BY OTHER KEYS, DON’T PULL TIME, WAITING YOUR EMAIL
FREE DECRYPTION FOR PROOF
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.)
DECRYPTION PROCESS:
When you make sure of decryption possibility transfer the money to our bitcoin wallet. As soon as we receive the money we will send you:
1. Decryption program.
2. Detailed instruction for decryption.
3. And individual keys for decrypting your files.
!WARNING!
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.
Be advised to avoid paying the ransom as afterward hackers could send you a broken decryption key or even skip answering you at all.
Remove .bat virus Ransomware Virus and Restore PC
Please note that paying the requested ransom fee to cybercriminals does not really solve your problem with .bat virus crypto virus. In fact, you only encourage hackers to continue spreading ransomware of this kind. Instead, you must remove the threat immediately, and only then look for optional ways to recover your data.
WARNING! Manual removal of .bat virus ransomware virus requires being familiar with system files and registries. Removing important data accidentally can lead to permanent system damage. If you don’t feel comfortable with manual instructions, download a powerful anti-malware tool that will scan your system for malware and clean it safely for you.
DOWNLOAD SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool.bat virus Ransomware Virus – Manual Removal Steps
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. The steps below are applicable to all Windows versions.
1. Hit the WIN Key + R
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
Show Hidden Files
Some ransomware threats are designed to hide their malicious files in the Windows so all files stored on the system should be visible.
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
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– Open View tab
– Mark Hidden items option
4. Click Apply and then OK button
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
Repair Windows Registry
1. Again type simultaneously the WIN Key + R key combination
2. In the box, write regedit 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
Click for more information about Windows Registry and further repair help
Recover Encrypted Files
WARNING! All files and objects associated with .bat virus ransomware virus should be removed from the infected PC before any data recovery attempts. Otherwise the virus may encrypt restored files. Furthermore, a backup of all encrypted files stored on external media is highly recommendable.
SpyHunter is a Windows application designed to scan for, identify, remove and block malware, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) and other objects. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove detected malware instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter
1. Use present backups
2. Use professional data recovery software
Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery – a specialist tool that can restore partitions, data, documents, photos, and 300 more file types lost during various types of incidents and corruption.
3. Using System Restore Point
-
– Hit WIN Key
– Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps
4. 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
– Hit the “Restore” button
