Remove BBNM Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .bbnm FILES)

remove BBNM ransomware virus and learn how to decrypt or repair files with .bbnm extension (free guide)

BBNM ransomware locks all computer files using encryption, then demands ransom

Contents

BBNM ransomware locks all computer files using encryption, then demands ransom
How computers get infected and ways to protect yours
Remove BBNM Ransomware Virus and Also Decrypt Your Files
Decrypt BBNM files
Frequently Asked Questions

BBNM ransomware is a malicious computer virus that aims to encrypt all files on target computers. When analysing malware samples, we have discovered that it is a variant of the infamous STOP/DJVU ransomware. Once it gains entry into any computer, the malware would launch certain processes/algorithms to enable it to override system programs and commence its own illegal activities, which is basically to encrypt all available files. While the attack is still going on, it will mark every file with an extra .bbnm extension. To understand how the ransomware renames files, a couple of examples are shown here: file 1.jpg now becomes 1.jpg.bbnm, 2.txt becomes 2.txt.bbnm and so on.

To inform the computer user about what is currently happening, the ransomware will also drop a _readme.txt file in all the folders. This _readme.txt file is more or less a ransom note and equally explains the situation i.e. the encryption of all files using a strong algorithm. Therefore, the cybercriminals behind the attack would be expecting the victim to pay ransom so they could be given BBNM decryption tool.

Overview of what the ransom note is all about

There will be a compelling headline demanding the user’s urgent attention. Furthermore, the body of the message will elaborate that the entire files contained in the infected computer, such as documents, photos, and videos, among others have been encrypted with the use of very strong and unique key. However, the only way they could be able to retrieve them is through a particular decryption software and key produced by the cybercriminals. Therefore, they would have to make payment for it to be forwarded to them. Anything contrary to that would mean an indefinite loss of the contents.

What this means in essence is that such files have been taken hostage and the cybercriminals won’t release them unless the file owner complies with their monetary demands. They would also drop two email addresses (manager@time2mail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc) in the ransom note aimed at encouraging further discussions between both parties. They would also suggest that their victim could equally attach and email any randomly selected part of the encrypted files to them for test decryption purposes.

They would also mention the exact cost of the decryption tool/key which they often put at $980. Remember that this is the ransom fee and motive behind the attack. However, they would add a condition that if the victim could get in touch with them within a period of three days following the attack, it will enable them to leverage a 50% discount.

Therefore, instead of paying the whole amount, $490 would be acceptable. Their demands does not end there, they would also compel the victim to make payment through cryptocurrency since they do not accept bank deposits or transfer but rather Bitcoin or similar cryptos. They usually make use of such a medium of payment in order to avoid possible identification and arrest by law enforcement agencies.

Here is a screenshot of the _readme.txt ransom note the cybercriminals would drop in all the folders.

Regardless of how dire the situation could be, FBI and cybersecurity experts have warned that victims should never comply with ransom demands by cybercriminals. They pointed out that paying ransom fee does not guarantee file recovery. Also, by sending money to cybercriminals, they would only be encouraging the online rogues to continue in their criminal activities since they would find it profitable, thus enabling them to expand their illegal operations. Another factor they listed is that victims who pay ransom are usually targeted again repeatedly.

Additional risks that accompany ransomware attacks

On a general perspective, different variants of STOP/DJVU ransomware, including the one being reviewed, typically drop other malware on the already infected computer. The most popular ones among them are VIDAR and AZORULT Trojans. These Trojans are notorious for their ability to steal sensitive information such as passwords, browsing history, banking information, cryptocurrency wallets and lots more. The danger in this is that the criminals behind the attack could use such information to commit more fraudulent acts.

Oftentimes, such ransomware variants would delete Volume Shadow Copies from the compromised computer while simultaneously modifying the system’s files in such a way that the computer user won’t be able to detect or delete them. They may also make the system vulnerable to further attacks by opening backdoors for malware infiltration at any time.

Based on these threats, we strongly advise you to remove BBNM ransomware virus. The safe and effective way to go about it is to boot the infected computer using the Safe Mode with Networking option before activating and scanning any genuine antivirus software. You should also consider downloading RESTORO to help in salvaging some of the damaged Windows OS files wherever possible.

Ransomware Summary

Name	BBNM Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Encryption type	RSA 2048 + Salsa20
Previous versions	HHJK, MMOB, MINE, XCVF, SIJR, EGFG, BBNM, (find full list here)
Version	473rd
Extension	.bbnm
Cybercriminal emails	manager@time2mail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc
Additional malware dropped	Azorult or Vidar Trojan
Damage	The ransomware uses encryption to maliciously modify all files on the PC and marks their original names with .bbnm extension. Ransom notes called as _readme.txt will be dropped in every computer folder. This piece of malware usually drags VIDAR Stealer alongside it and also eliminates VSS from the system. On top of that, it tends to modify Windows HOSTS file to restrict computer user’s access to cybersecurity-related websites online.
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Ransom demand	$490-$980 in Bitcoin
Distribution	Victims often download this ransomware along illegal torrent downloads, cracked software, activators, key generators or tools like KMSPico.
Known software cracks to contain this malware	Corel Draw, Tenorshare 4ukey, Adobe Photoshop, Cubase, Adobe Illustrator, Internet Download Manager, Tally, League of Legends.
Detection names	Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.PAL!MTB (Microsoft), Trojan.Crypt (A) (Emsisoft), HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.gen (Kaspersky), Trojan.GenericKD.47850419 (BitDefender), Trojan.MalPack.GS (Malwarebytes), ML.Attribute.HighConfidence (Symantec) see all detection name variations on VirusTotal
Removal	Remove ransomware and related malware from your PC using trustworthy software. To repair virus damage on Windows OS files, consider scanning with RESTORO (secure download link).

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Scan your system for FREE to detect security, hardware and stability issues. You can use the scan results and try to remove threats manually, or you can choose to get the full version of software to fix detected issues and repair virus damage to Windows OS system files automatically. Includes Avira spyware/malware detection & removal engine.

Files encrypted by this ransomware appear with blank icons and new extensions in each folder.

How computers get infected and ways to protect yours

Cybercriminals make use of diverse gimmicks in their attempts to distribute ransomware, such as phishing, malicious email attachments, downloading of pirated software, fake ads clicking, etc. In the case of STOP/DJVU, they often make use of pirated software versions uploaded in online torrents. When such illegal contents are downloaded by unsuspecting computer users, they end up triggering a cyber-attack.

To avert such, computer users are advised to only make use of software/programs from the genuine original content producers as advertised on their official websites or their affiliated partners.
Cybercriminals also make use of PDF, Excel or Word, among similar formats in crafting and distributing their deceptive email attachments. To make them appear authentic, they may give them names like invoice, pending payment, and order details etc., just to trick their target audience into opening the malware embedded attachments.

Also note that cybercriminals would sometimes spoof their sender’s address and disguise it to look like it was sent from a legitimate company and may even compliment it with a fake logo. Based on that, computer users should be cautious whenever they intend to open emails. If such email is not from a recognized source then it should be considered a red flag.

You should also stay away from any website that promises to provide solutions that work 100% against STOP/DJVU variants. Such sites are usually dubious and they often have ulterior motive of spreading other variants of malware. So far, only tools from Emsisoft and DiskTuna have proven effective in decrypting such files.

Lastly, you should be proactive by installing any genuine antivirus and regularly scanning your PC with it. By so doing, you would keep your computer safe at all times.

Remove BBNM Ransomware Virus and Also Decrypt Your Files

The recommended way to remove BBNM ransomware virus is to boot the infected computer in Safe Mode with Networking before running an antivirus on it. This process will enhance its ability to do a thorough job of scanning the system and removing the ransomware completely.

As stated earlier the use of RESTORO as a tool to be used in restoring damaged files is highly recommended.

Now you’ve finalized BBNM ransomware virus removal, it is time to do the following:

Inform any relevant law enforcement agency nearest to you.
Make use of any data backup available to you.
Study more about STOP/DJVU virus and how affected files could be repaired.
You should change all passwords associated with the compromised computer.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

Our team recommends removing malware using a professional antivirus software and then using the following tool to repair virus damage to Windows system files:

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER

DOWNLOAD RESTORO

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.

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.

BBNM Ransomware Virus Removal Guidelines

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Step 1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove BBNM 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

First of all, turn off your PC. Then press the Power button to start it again and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. This launches the Advanced Boot Options menu.
Use arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate down to Safe Mode with Networking option and press Enter.

Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users

Open Windows Start menu, then press down the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then select Restart option.
This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Networking. In this case, it is the F5 key.

Step 2. Remove files associated with the virus

Now, you can search for and remove BBNM 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, which also includes data recovery software. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

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Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically.

Step 1. Boot Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users

Shut down your PC. Start it again by pressing the Power button and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. You will see Advanced Boot Options menu.
Using arrow keys on the keyboard, navigate down to Safe Mode with Command Prompt option and press Enter.

Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users

Launch Windows Start menu, then click the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then choose Restart option with the mouse cursor.
This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Command Prompt. In this case, press F6 key.

Step 2. Start System Restore process

Wait until system loads and command prompt shows up.
Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter. Or you can just type %systemroot%system32restorerstrui.exe in command prompt and hit Enter.
This launches System Restore window. Click Next and then choose a System Restore point created in the past. Choose one that was created before ransomware infection.
Click Yes to begin the system restoration process.

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 BBNM files

Fix and open large BBNM 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.

Create a copy of encrypted file to a separate folder using Copy > Paste commands.
Now, right-click the created copy and choose Rename. Select the BBNM extension and delete it. Press Enter to save changes.
In the prompt asking whether you want to make the changes as file might become unusable, click OK.
Try opening the file.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. BBNM Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like HHJK, MMOB, MINE, XCVF, SIJR, EGFG, BBNM, (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 BBNM files, follow the given tutorial.

Download the decryption tool from Emsisoft.
Click the little arrow next to your download and choose Show in Folder.
Now, right-click the file and choose Run as Administrator. If asked, enter administrator's password.
In UAC window, click Yes.
Click Yes to agree to software terms in both windows.
The tool will automatically include C:// disk as a location to decrypt. The file recovery tool will prepopulate the locations to scan, including connected data storage drives or network drives. Click Add folder if you wish to add additional locations.
In Options tab, you can choose to keep encrypted file copies. We recommend leaving this option selected, especially if you do not know if the decryption tool will work.
Click Decrypt to start restoring BBNM files. You will see the progress in the Results tab. Here, you can see messages from the tool, such as whether the decryption procedure is successful, or you need to wait for an update.
You might also be informed that online key was used to encrypt your files. In such case, the decryption tool won't work for you, and the only way to recover your files is to use a data backup.

Meanings of decryptor's messages

The BBNM 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 BBNM 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.

Report Internet crime to legal departments

Victims of BBNM 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

✓ How can I open .BBNM files?

You can only open BBNM files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.

✓ How do I know if my files were encrypted with offline or online encryption?

To figure out whether you were affected by offline encryption, please go to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt and see if the string inside of it ends in t1. You can also try using Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/DJVU.

✓ My files contain very important information (family memories). Every tool I used says it is impossible to decrypt. What should I do?

Please follow the guidances provided by the official BBNM decryption tools and believe what they say. If they say it is impossible to decrypt, it really is so. There is no magic tool or human capable of decrypting your files hiding somewhere. Encryption is a technique created to be nearly impossible to decrypt without a special private key (held by the criminals).

✓ I am afraid virus is still in my computer system. What should I do?

We advise scanning with anti-virus, anti-malware, malware removal tools or software like RESTORO to eliminate virus damage on the system. If you do not trust using a single tool, try running one after another. However, we do not recommend keeping several security programs on a computer at once as they can interfere with each other's work.

✓ I saw several Youtube videos suggesting secret decryption tools. Can I trust them?

Beware of fake BBNM decryption tools circulating around the web. Cyber criminals are uploading them to various shady websites, also might be promoting them via suspicious Youtube videos. These programs can infect your computer even more heavily (Trojans, miners, etc.). We suggest being extremely cautious around the web. If there will be an official STOP/DJVU decryption tool available, it will be widely discussed in public media.

Norbert Webb

Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.