Remove BBYY Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .bbyy FILES)

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

BBYY ransomware aims to lock your files until a ransom is paid

Contents

BBYY ransomware aims to lock your files until a ransom is paid
How file-encrypting threats are distributed
Remove BBYY Ransomware Virus and Recover Files
Decrypt BBYY files
Frequently Asked Questions

BBYY is a newly discovered ransomware-type virus that is a variant released by the STOP/DJVU cybercriminal gang. After breaking into a vulnerable computer system, it encrypts all files found in them so that they could no longer be accessed by the victim. The encrypted files can be distinguished from .bbyy extension which is added to each filename. For example, files originally named as 1.jpg or 2.docx will appear as 1.jpg.bbyy and 2.docx.bbyy following the cyberattack.

Once the victim finds out that personal files cannot be opened, one will also notice _readme.txt notes saved in each data folder. The virus drops these in every folder containing encrypted files to store a message from the ransomware operators. These are known as ransom notes and they explain that the threat actors have taken victim’s data hostage and in order to set it free, the victim has to pay a ransom, or, as the criminals put it, purchase BBYY file decryption tool.

Ransom note explains pricing of the decryption tools

The _readme.txt file explains that even if now encrypted, files can still be recovered. In order to restore them, the victim is instructed to follow the cybercriminals’ guidelines and pay a ransom. The crooks promise to sell the victim the decryption tool and private key for $490 if the victim attempts to contact the attackers within 72 hours after being infected; otherwise, the decryption means would cost $980.

The attackers also recommend attaching one encrypted file to the email and also include the personal ID string that’s provided at the end of the ransom note. The only way to contact the ransomware operators, according to the note, is via two email addresses – support@bestyourmail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc.

When it comes to ransom payments, you should know that the attackers never accept regular transaction methods and rather opt for those that are less traceable. In the majority of cases, cybercriminals tend to rely on cryptocurrency. That said, they often instruct victims to purchase the equivalent of required amount of dollars in Bitcoin and transfer it to the provided virtual wallet address. This helps to prevent law enforcement agencies, such as FBI, from tracking the cybercriminals down.

Speaking of law enforcement agencies, we have to inform you that FBI as well as many cybersecurity experts advise against ransom payments. There are several reasons why people shouldn’t pay ransoms – one, it doesn’t guarantee data recovery, two, it helps the attackers to fund further operations. Finally, the cybercriminals tend to target victims who have already paid again.

Beware of additional risks associated with the malware

Victims whose computers were affected by such vicious ransomware variants such as BBYY virus should know that these tend to drop additional malware on infected systems. In simple terms, if you’re infected with this ransomware, you will also find more malware on your computer, such as VIDAR or AZORULT.

Threats like these are capable of stealing various sensitive data from victim’s computer, including PC’s hardware and system information, browser-saved passwords, in-app login credentials, browsing history, cookies and more. This gives the cybercriminals many opportunities to use such information for blackmailing the victim. On top of that, these Trojans are also capable of viewing, deleting files, or downloading additional ones on unprotected system.

Finally, keeping an unprotected computer increases risks of getting infected again. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you remove BBYY ransomware virus along related malware using a robust antivirus solution. Afterward, we recommend using RESTORO to repair virus damage on Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

Name	BBYY Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Encryption type	RSA 2048 + Salsa20
Previous versions	UIHJ, ZFDV, RRBB, RRCC, RRYY, BBYY, BBZZ (find full list here)
Version	497th
Extension	.bbyy
Cybercriminal emails	support@bestyourmail.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 .bbyy 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).

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE

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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.

You can see a screenshot of ransomware-affected files as well as _readme.txt note in a containing folder below.

How file-encrypting threats are distributed

Any computer user can get infected with such notorious data-encrypting malware if one’s computer isn’t protected with a robust antivirus and also if the user has some shady habits that increase the risk of infecting the computer system. Speaking of shady habits, one of such is searching for pirated software copies or copyright-protected content online and trying to download it for free.

Cybercriminals often tend to prey for unsuspecting victims in shady online websites that provide descriptions of popular software along some download links that either download a torrent file or a password-protected archive with the alleged software setup inside. Once the victim runs the provided executable, the computer system gets compromised instantly.

Computer users are advised to visit legitimate software websites to download secure copies of desired computer tools. Attempts to bypass software license fees can only result in high-risk computer infections. After all, software licenses rarely cost more than decryption tools offered by cybercriminals.

Another common ransomware distribution vector is malicious email spam. Cybercriminals use social engineering methods to convince the victim that the email originates from a secure source – such as well-known company or a colleague, and invites the potential victim to review attached files.

Unfortunately, opening them can cause an immediate computer infection, especially if the user doesn’t have antivirus with real-time protection activated on the computer.

Common lines that the attackers use to create a sense of urgency and are also often used as email subject lines are listed below:

Important! Your password will expire in 1 day(s);
Your email account will be deactivated;
Payment declined – Update Required;
Your order has been shipped;
Invoice number [random number];
Problem with bank account.

That said, we advise computer users to avoid opening emails that seem at least slightly suspicious, include an unfamiliar greeting line or urge you to interact with attached contents as soon as possible.

On top of that, computer users can get infected with serious ransomware variants when looking for data decryption solutions online. Since data decryption is a delicate topic and in majority of cases there are no ways to recover files without a backup, victims often find it hard to believe it. As a result, they continue to search for solutions and even wander to suspicious websites, attempting to try every solution possible. This, unfortunately, can lead to double file encryption.

For this reason, we recommend you to read confirmed methods to restore/repair files locked by STOP/DJVU. At the moment, only Emsisoft and DiskTuna provide useful solutions.

Remove BBYY Ransomware Virus and Recover Files

The instructions given below explain how to remove BBYY ransomware virus safely. For this task, we recommend that you boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking and run an up-to-date antivirus solution. In addition, you may want to consider downloading RESTORO for repairing Windows OS files affected by this STOP/DJVU variant.

Once BBYY ransomware virus removal is finished, do not forget to report the cybercrime incident to law enforcement agency in your area and also change all of your passwords used on compromised computer. If you have a data backup, use it ONLY after removing malware from the compromised OS.

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

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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.

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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.

BBYY 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 BBYY 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 BBYY 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 BBYY files

Fix and open large BBYY 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 BBYY 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. BBYY Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like UIHJ, ZFDV, RRBB, RRCC, RRYY, BBYY, BBZZ (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 BBYY 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 BBYY 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 BBYY 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 BBYY 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 BBYY 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 .BBYY files?

You can only open BBYY 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 BBYY 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 BBYY 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.