Remove BBZZ Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .bbzz FILES)

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

BBZZ ransomware variant seeks to lock files on compromised systems

Contents

BBZZ ransomware variant seeks to lock files on compromised systems
How STOP/DJVU ransomware attack can be prevented
Remove BBZZ Ransomware & Restore Files
Decrypt BBZZ files
Frequently Asked Questions

BBZZ ransomware is a new computer virus variant recently released by the STOP/DJVU ransomware gang. This rogue group has remained a big threat to all computers and has probably upped the game with this new virus. Early results from ongoing research have shown that this virus is similar in nature to the earlier variants. It is currently being embedded on other cloned software copies, which the developers use as decoy in spreading them to unsuspecting computer users. Once it encrypts any file, it will also append .bbzz extension to the file name. To explain it better, let’s assume that a random file was named 1.jpg. However, once this virus infects a computer containing it, it will ultimately change the file name to 1.jpg.bbzz. This same process will be repeated on all other files as well.

Also, the cybercriminals will send ransom notes known as _readme.txt. This ransom note will inform the victim about the situation and why they would have to pay a certain amount of money as ransom to enable them receive BBZZ decryption tool the cybercriminals promised to make available.

The ransom note explains what happened to files

It would most likely come as a rude shock to the computer user to realize that not only has their computer been compromised by the BBZZ ransomware but has also succeeded in seizing control of their entire data as stored in the computer. This may cause confusion on the part of the victim as they wouldn’t know how to deal with the problem.

However, two email addresses would be forwarded by the cybercriminals namely admin@helpdata.top and supportsys@airmail.cc. with suggestions that they could be reached through any of them. They would also state that the ransom is $980, but if the victim is willing to pay within 3 days or 72 hours of being informed to do so, half of the amount i.e. $490 would be acceptable.

The situation becomes tougher for the victim when you take into consideration that conventional method of payment such as bank transfer is not allowed rather, they would demand that ransom must be paid through crypto transfer. They would forward a wallet address where the crypto equivalent of the ransom fee is expected to be received. They choose this process because they feel it is safer for them in order to avoid being arrested.

To ensure the victim does not renege because of uncertainty about whether their files could be restored as promised, the cybercriminals may request that excerpts of the encrypted files be forwarded to them for test decryption. However, they would be quick to add that if they suspect such an excerpt could be valuable to the victim, then it becomes voided.

Regardless of what the cybercriminals say or do, victims are advised never to cooperate with them and should never pay the ransom as well. Top cybersecurity experts, including the FBI, all agreed on this. Some of the reasons why they chose this part are stated below:

It might be considered illegal to pay a ransom in your area.
Ransom payment enriches cybercriminals and encourages them to perpetrate more crimes.
Paying ransom makes the victim vulnerable to future attacks.
It does not guarantee file recovery.

More details regarding the cyberattack

Our cybersecurity experts have observed that many of the STOP/DJVU ransomware variants were modified to exempt a group of countries located in in parts of the Middle East and the former USSR. The countries are Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Syria, Armenia, Kazachstan, Tajikistan, Krygyzstan and Uzbekistan. However, for the malware to be able to detect the geo-location of any computer under attack, it will first connect to https[:]//api.2ip.ua/geo.json and would later send the result to the geo.json file that already contains the zip code, country, city, IP address, longitude and latitude. It is the compilation of these data that would inform it if the computer is located in any of the countries they exempted or not.

Granted that more awareness is being drawn to factors that lead to data encryption, it is by no means the only damage done by BBZZ virus. Cybercriminals also spread other threats like the Remote Access Trojans, otherwise known as RATs which they use to steal sensitive personal information. Such Trojans can infiltrate a computer and obtain the user’s banking details, passwords and cryptocurrency wallets etc. and forward them to cybercriminals. Once it gets into the wrong hands, it could lead to further problems for the victim.

Once STOP/DJVU ransomware is detected in any computer, it is recommended that the BBZZ virus be removed as quickly as possible to avert further damage. This can be done by switching on the computer using the option of Safe Mode with Networking. Once it is set up on that mode, you can now activate any reliable antivirus. Since the antivirus cannot take retrogressive action, you should consider whether it is necessary for you to try and salvage some of the Windows OS files that were damaged during the attack. If yes, then RESTORO should be downloaded and used for that purpose.

Ransomware Summary

Name	BBZZ 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	499th
Extension	.bbzz
Cybercriminal emails	admin@helpdata.top 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 .bbzz 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.

Screenshot provided below shows how encrypted files appear in folders.

How STOP/DJVU ransomware attack can be prevented

Considering the fact that cybercriminals mostly make use of pirated software copies uploaded to online torrent platforms in spreading malware, computer users should going to such sites. Whether they’re in the form of fake key generators, free cloned software or activation tools, such illegal software contents should never be downloaded. Computer users should also be wary of malicious email attachments, especially when they’re coming from unrecognizable sources. Once such safety measures are taken, it drastically reduces the chance of a computer becoming infected with malware. Listed below are some of the most common pirated software contents used by cybercriminals in spreading ransomware.

Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop/Premiere Pro;
AutoCad;
VMware Workstation;
Corel Draw;
Cubase;
Tenorshare 4ukey;
League of Legends;
Internet Download Manager.

It may seem cheap or smart to make use of needed software contents for free but the risk far outweighs its benefits. Aside the fact that it is morally wrong to use other people’s software products without paying for it; such users would also be putting themselves at significant risk of ransomware attack.

Emails is another medium used by cybercriminals in distributing malware, so opening of emails that emanated from unrecognizable or spoofed address is highly discouraged. More often than not, they also make use of files like DOCX, PDF and XLS. You should be on the lookout for typo errors, spoofed sender’s email address, and strange titles/sources which should be considered as red flags. Likewise, online adverts claiming to offer solutions for STOP/DJVU ransomware encryptions should be ignored because they’re mostly fraudulent. However, only the pair of DiskTuna and Emsisoft should be considered because they’re proven to be effective.

Remove BBZZ Ransomware & Restore Files

Once again, your computer should be set up in Safe Mode with Networking before making attempts to remove BBZZ ransomware virus. Also remember that only genuine antivirus software from recognizable brands should be used.

Now that BBZZ virus has been removed, it is time to take the following steps:

Go the nearest police or law enforcement agency nearest to you and report the situation.
Restore lost files using any available backup method.
Learn more about STOP/DJVU ransomware variants and possible ways of repairing damaged files.
All passwords used on the infected computer should be changed without further delay.

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 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.

BBZZ 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 BBZZ 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 BBZZ 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

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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 BBZZ files

Fix and open large BBZZ 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 BBZZ 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. BBZZ 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 BBZZ 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 BBZZ 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 BBZZ 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 BBZZ 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 BBZZ 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 .BBZZ files?

You can only open BBZZ 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 BBZZ 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 BBZZ 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.