Remove BOWD Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .bowd FILES)
BOWD Ransomware Virus Scare & How to Secure Your Computer
Contents
BOWD ransomware virus is the latest in the series of malware being churned out by the STOP/DJVU ransomware group. Peradventure this virus infects a PC; it will immediately begin encryption of files i.e., making data contained in all folders unreadable to the owner. If it is detected on time and removed, it could prevent vital files like documents, pictures, and videos from turning into useless piles of bytes. Having succeeded in damaging such files, the next thing this virus does is append .bowd extension to every encrypted file to differentiate them from other files that are not yet encrypted. To illustrate it better, if random files such as 1.png or 2.jpeg were stored in a computer before the infection, their names would automatically become 1.png.bowd and 2.jpeg.bowd after encryption.
As we stated earlier, the best thing to do is to secure your computer against BOWD ransomware virus proactively. However, in cases where it has already infected a computer, the following decisive action to take is to get rid of it ASAP. Allowing it to stay in a computer for too long will not just result in more damage on files but will equally put the victim at further risk.
The meaning of the ransom note
While the victim is still trying to come to terms with the situation, notifications known as _readme.txt will appear in the affected folders. It will inform the victim about the cyber-attack and how they’ve taken possession of their essential files. They also promise to reverse the encryption but on the condition that a ransom fee has to be paid first. They equally make two email addresses (support@fishmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc) available to the victim so they could respond to their offer.
The victim is advised not to write to them but to remove BOWD ransomware virus and seek for ways to restore their lost data. Because, when you write to them, they usually demand $980 as a ransom fee but may promise 50% slash, thus bringing it down to $490, only for those that can pay within 3 days of being asked to pay. But don’t take the bait!
From past experiences of others, we have noticed that cybercriminals hardly keep to their promise. They tend to disappear into thin air once they receive ransom payments or respond by sending fake decryption tools that won’t be effective. Also, note that cybercriminals do not accept conventional bank payments or money transfers but insist on cryptocurrency. They only accept cryptocurrency transfers because these can’t be traced.
Top global security organizations have always warned against ransom payment because it encourages criminality. However, we are also providing more reasons why paying ransom should never be an option:
- It is generally considered unlawful to pay a ransom fee.
- Cybercriminals have continued to be a menace because some victims still pay ransom to them but eliminating ransom payment completely will put them out of ‘business.’
- Those that pay ransom make themselves vulnerable to future extortions.
- More funds made available to cybercriminals via ransom payment helps them to expand their illegal activities.
If you’re unsure how to remove BOWD ransomware and related malware from your computer, then follow the instructions provided below the article. We recommend that you prepare the computer before attempting the removal by booting into Safe Mode with Networking and setting up a reliable antivirus solution. Our top pick is , and you can read its extensive review here.
Ransomware Summary
| Name | BOWD Ransomware Virus |
| Type | Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus |
| Family | STOP/DJVU |
| Encryption type | RSA 2048 + Salsa20 |
| Previous versions | POWD, TOHJ, TUIS, TURY, POHJ, POWZ (find full list here) |
| Version | 594th |
| Extension | .bowd |
| Cybercriminal emails | support@fishmail.top and datarestorehelp@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 .bowd 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.MK!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. |
Intego Antivirus for Windows
Award-winning antivirus solution for your PC.
Robust security software that provides robust 24/7 real-time protection, Web Shield that stops online threats/malicious downloads, and Prevention engine that wards off Zero-Day threats. Keep your PC safe and protected against ransomware, Trojans, viruses, spyware and other forms of dangerous programs.
Unfortunately, some PC owners take things for granted and fail to secure their computers until it gets infected. Yet it is cheaper, time-saving and less stressful by taking proactive measures to secure your computer. Therefore, the first in line of action in securing a computer is to ensure it has a strong antivirus installed and maintained.
Ransomware distribution techniques listed
There are diverse ways used by cybercriminals to distribute malware but we will focus on the major ones:
Peer-to-peer sharing
P2P is one of the significant ways through which malware is spread via the mass circulation of pirated software content. Some of those in need of software erroneously believe that using P2P sharing is a cost-saving alternative to buying it officially from the producers. This impression is false, considering the long-term effect and consequences you suffer when your computer eventually become infected with malware.
Direct file downloads online
This method is similar to P2P in the sense that cybercriminals equally make use of cloned software contents embedded with malware. When such pirated software content are uploaded to online torrent platforms or made available via direct download links, unsuspecting users may see it as an opportunity to bypass software license fees without knowing it’s actually a decoy to get their computer infected.
Although any software could be pirated and used to spread ransomware viruses, cybercriminals usually target those in high demand. They do this to increase their chances of getting unsuspecting users. Some of the software names usually exploited by cybercriminals and used as a bait to lure victims into rogue online websites are Adobe Photoshop, AutoCad, Virtual DJ Pro, Wondershare Filmora and other premium programs and games.
Via emails and attachments
Email and attachments are a more aggressive way of spreading malware by cybercriminals. Unlike in the first two, this method is quite different. What they do is to create unsolicited emails, accompany them with malware-embedded attachments and send them to so many random addresses. To get their target victims curios enough to open them, they may impersonate as colleagues or company representatives. They also use transactional terms like Invoice, Tracking Number or Order Summary as its topic. If you have no ongoing transaction that should warrant receiving such emails, you may avoid opening it.
Another essential point to note is that ransomware virus is not the only threat faced by computer users. Oftentimes, cybercriminals also attach RATs as secondary malware to the ransomware virus. RAT is an acronym that stands for Remote Access Trojans and they are used to rob vital personal details like banking information, software login details, credit card details, cryptocurrency wallets, etc. RATs can hibernate in a computer for a long time, especially if such a computer does not have reliable antivirus software.
Remove BOWD ransomware virus once detected
You’re advised to remove BOWD ransomware virus from computer as soon as you notice its presence on it. The reason is to stop the further spread of the virus, mitigate possible risks, and salvage files that are not yet damaged.
Here are other critical steps you should take:
- Quickly install genuine antivirus software (that’s if you haven’t done so already)
- Replace all existing passwords.
- Make use of any available backup to restore lost files.
- Consider getting in touch with relevant local authorities for possible action.
OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND
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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BOWD 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 BOWD 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 BOWD 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 BOWD files
Fix and open large BOWD 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 BOWD 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. BOWD Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like POWD, TOHJ, TUIS, TURY, POHJ, POWZ (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 BOWD 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 BOWD 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 BOWD 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 BOWD 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 BOWD 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 BOWD 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 BOWD 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).
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 BOWD 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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