Remove BOTY Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .boty FILES)
BOTY ransomware encrypts files, demands a ransom
Contents
BOTY ransomware is a computer virus that uses encryption to lock all files on a computer. This malicious software is a variant of STOP/DJVU ransomware, and it appends .boty extension to each file it modifies. For instance, files named 1.jpg or 2.docx will be renamed to 1.jpg.boty and 2.docx.boty once encrypted. Following this procedure, the computer user will find it impossible to open or edit these files, no matter the software used. In addition, the ransomware creates and saves _readme.txt ransom notes in various data folders. This file contains instructions from cybercriminals behind the attack.
This ransomware uses online/offline encryption routine to lock files on victim’s computer, depending on its success to connect to Command&Control server. Usually, there is no way to decrypt files without a backup, although victims of offline encryption have slightly higher success rate. You can read more about file recovery after STOP/DJVU attacks here.
Contents of the ransom note
Once the computer user opens the _readme.txt file, it soon becomes clear what the intentions of BOTY virus operators are. The ransom note contains a message that clarifies what has been done to files stored on the computer and then proceeds to explain that data can only be decrypted using a tool and unique key in possession of cybercriminals. As the note states, the crooks offer to sell it for the victim for a hefty amount of money – $980 or $490, depending on how quickly the victim contacts the criminals.
The note explains that ransomware operators might agree to sell these tools for $490 in case the victim contacts them via provided email addresses (support@freshmail.top, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc) within 72 hours of getting encrypted. Otherwise, the perpetrators will only provide BOTY decryption tools if the full amount ($980) is paid.
It is common for ransomware operators to demand ransom payments to be made via cryptocurrency since this is a secure, fast, and anonymous way of transferring money. In other words, cybercriminals do not accept regular bank transfers because this can allow law enforcement to track them down.
The ransom note also introduces a test decryption service for those who want some kind of proof that cybercriminals are actually capable of decrypting locked files. They advise sending one encrypted file along with Personal ID to them and promise to reply soon with a decrypted file version attached.
However, paying a ransom is not recommended because there are no guarantees that criminals will fulfill their part of the agreement after receiving the money. On top of that, paying a ransom is what encourages cybercriminals to continue their operations. Finally, cybercriminals often target paying victims again, as they believe they will do as said once more.
Ransomware drops information stealers on the system
Unfortunately, data encryption isn’t the only damage this ransomware inflicts upon infected systems. Like that isn’t enough, it also installs information stealers on the system, specifically, RedLine, Vidar, and AZORult. These malicious programs fall under Remote Access Trojans (RAT) category. They are mostly used to extract sensitive information from infected systems: passwords, browsing history, Steam, Telegram, Skype app data, cookies, cryptocurrency wallets, and more.
Therefore, computer users who have spotted encrypted files and _readme.txt notes on their computers should rush to remove BOTY ransomware virus and other malware ASAP. You can find detailed instructions on how to do it below the article. The best way to do it is to boot the computer in Safe Mode with Networking and then run a trustworthy antivirus solution, such as INTEGO Antivirus, to spot and delete malicious files for good. Additionally, using tools like RESTORO (download link) can come in handy when trying to repair files damaged by malicious programs.
Ransomware Summary
| Name | BOTY Ransomware Virus |
| Type | Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus |
| Family | STOP/DJVU |
| Encryption type | RSA 2048 + Salsa20 |
| Previous versions | JYPO, KIFR, KIOP, KITZ, BOZA, BOTY, COZA (find full list here) |
| Version | 688th |
| Extension | .boty |
| Cybercriminal emails | support@freshmail.top, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc |
| Additional malware dropped | Azorult, RedLine or Vidar |
| Damage | The ransomware uses encryption to maliciously modify all files on the PC and marks their original names with .boty 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, HP/Epson printer drivers, League of Legends. |
| Detection names | Trojan:Win32/Azorult.FW!MTB (Microsoft), Gen:Heur.Mint.Zard.52 (B) (Emsisoft), HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Scarsi.gen (Kaspersky), Gen:Heur.Mint.Zard.52 (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 like INTEGO Antivirus. To repair virus damage on Windows OS files, download and try RESTORO (secure download link). |
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How are ransomware-type viruses distributed?
Ransomware-type malware like BOTY virus are usually distributed via infectious online downloads, such as software cracks, also malicious email attachments, fake decryption tools, also via RDP attacks and exploits.
The absolute majority of STOP/DJVU variants are hidden in not-so-legal online downloads, specifically software cracks. Users who visit rogue websites advertising them and download the promoted files end up infecting their computers after running a malicious setup.exe file. You can find an explanation of how these rogue websites look like in guide on our website.
Another method used to spread viruses of this kind is malicious email spam. Cybercriminals pose as someone else when contacting the potential victims and urge to open attached files regarding some allegedly important matter. For example, they may pretend to be writing regarding a payment, invoice, order summary, notice, parcel delivery or another matter, and invite the recipient to open attached file for more information.
The malicious file typically comes in .docx, .pdf or .one formats. Once the victim opens the file or clicks an element inside of it, the malicious code runs and infects the system with malware.
Ransomware victims should also be careful when looking up file decryption tools online. Make sure you visit reliable websites only, because cybercriminals often prey for victims by uploading fake decryption tools. This can result in a secondary ransomware attack, leaving your files double-encrypted.
Other methods used for ransomware distribution are exploits and RDP attacks. The first one relies on websites that contain malicious code used to exploit software vulnerabilities on user’s computer. The second method targets weak RDP credentials and brute-force attacks are used to log into systems.
To avoid getting your computer infected, it is important to keep your programs and operating system up-to-date, plus protect the system with a reliable antivirus software. Additionally, never download cracked software versions and stay cautious when checking your email. If you’re using RDP, make sure to implement appropriate security measures to protect hackers from getting into your networks.
Remove BOTY ransomware virus and recover your files
The guide provided below explains how to remove BOTY ransomware virus from your computer. It requires using automatic removal tools, such as INTEGO Antivirus. The reason why automatic removal is the best option is this: you can never know how many malicious programs reside in your computer system, and it can be extremely hard to identify and delete all files associated with them manually. This can only be done by cybersecurity experts or malware analysts, although it is much easier to rely on a robust AV software of your choice.
Once you complete BOTY file virus removal, do not forget to change all passwords on your computer. In addition, you can download RESTORO as secondary step after malware removal. This tool is capable of repairing virus damage to Windows OS files and fixing certain Windows issues.
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Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system:
STEP 1. REMOVE AUTOMATICALLY WITH ROBUST ANTIVIRUS
STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER
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BOTY 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 BOTY 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 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 BOTY 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. 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
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Decrypt BOTY files
Fix and open large BOTY 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 BOTY 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. BOTY Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like JYPO, KIFR, KIOP, KITZ, BOZA, BOTY, COZA (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, 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 BOTY 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 BOTY 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 BOTY 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 BOTY 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 BOTY 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
You can only open BOTY files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.
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.
Please follow the guidances provided by the official BOTY 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 technique created to be nearly impossible to decrypt without a special private key (held by the criminals).
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.
Beware of fake BOTY 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 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.
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