Remove BOZA Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .boza FILES)
BOZA ransomware is a file-encrypting virus
Contents
BOZA ransomware is a malicious computer virus that is a recognized variant of STOP/DJVU malware. Once run on a computer, it begins scanning all folders and encrypting files stored in them. During the attack, the ransomware appends .boza extension to each file and saves a copy of the ransom note under the name _readme.txt in each folder. Following the attack, no program will be helpful in attempts to open encrypted files.
This ransomware was developed with the intention of stealing a victim’s access to files on a computer, and the virus does so by applying a robust encryption algorithm. The files are renamed as shown in this example: files originally named 1.jpg, 2.png, 3.docx will be converted to 1.jpg.boza, 2.png.boza, 3.docx.boza, and the same process will be applied to every single file stored on the computer except for those required for the system to run.
Ransomware damage to the system
Ransomware-type viruses can cause a lot of damage to a computer system, apart from data encryption. STOP/DJVU ransomware samples like BOZA virus usually, if possible, disable security programs, shut down active processes to be able to encrypt all files used by the computer and software installed on it, delete Volume Shadow Copies, and can also alter Windows system files and settings.
The latest STOP/DJVU ransomware samples use the RSA2048+Salsa20 algorithm to lock files on the system. The Salsa20, a stream cipher, allows encrypting data on the system at fast pace. The ransomware variants from this family always append a 4-letter extension to each encrypted filename. In this case, the ransomware uses .boza extension to mark encrypted data, and it drops the _readme.txt ransom note in every folder.
What is even worse is this ransomware launches information stealers on the system. The samples we analyzed contained VIDAR, RedLine, or AZORult that fall into Remote Access Trojans (RAT) category. This means that cybercriminals who control these Trojans can now extract private information from your computer, including file lists, cryptocurrency wallets, banking information, browsing history, saved passwords, and more.
Contents of the ransom note explained
BOZA file-encrypting virus usually drops _readme.txt file next to encrypted files, so victims can usually notice these instances in each data directory. This file contains instructions from cybercriminals. The crooks state that all data has been locked using the strongest algorithm and they can sell the file decryption tool to the victim. They also claim this is the only way to retrieve lost files.
Next, the criminals introduce the BOZA decryption tool pricing. They point out that it normally costs $980, but those who contact the criminals within three days (72 hours) after getting their computer infected can expect a 50% slash in price and only pay $490. The note also contains two email addresses – support@freshmail.top or datarestorehelp@airmail.cc that the victim should use when writing a message. They also promise to decrypt one file for free as proof of their words.
However, paying a ransom is not a wise choice because it hardly guarantees data recovery. Besides, sending funds to cybercriminals allows them to continue their operations and employ more people. Finally, perpetrators often target paying victims again, as they see them as easy targets.
If your computer has been compromised by this hazardous virus, we strongly recommend taking action to secure it. First of all, you need to remove BOZA ransomware virus and related threats. The guide provided below this article was prepared by our team of experts and explains how to delete malware securely using antivirus software. Attempts to identify and delete malicious files manually can be unsuccessful and result in computer malfunction, so we do not recommend taking this route.
Our team recommends booting your computer in Safe Mode with Networking and then running a reputable antivirus solution, such as INTEGO Antivirus. Afterward, you can download RESTORO to identify and repair virus damage on Windows OS files.
Ransomware Summary
| Name | BOZA 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 | 689th |
| Extension | .boza |
| 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 .boza 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). |
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.
Ransomware distribution and ways to avoid getting infected
Ransomware viruses released by STOP/DJVU operators are mainly distributed via fake software crack files, although the perpetrators can use other traditional malware proliferation strategies, such as malicious email attachments, fake software update ads, and others.
Computer users should avoid illegal downloads altogether to keep their devices safe. Cybercriminals often set up traps for computer users by offering to download and install premium software versions for free. These malicious websites even appear in online search engine results and can be easily found by people in search of software cracks online. Unfortunately, the files promoted by these websites are nothing more than malware launchers, often provided in password-protected archive format to bypass antivirus detection.
Another technique used to trick computer users into running malicious code is sending malicious files via email. The threat actors pose as representatives of well-known companies or governmental entities and suggest there are some important files that the recipient needs to view. The malicious email attachments may be called notices, speeding tickets, invoices, waybills, order summaries, etc. The file formats that allow cybercriminals to inject malicious code and are mostly used nowadays are MS Word, OneNote, Excel, and PDF.
To avoid getting scammed, computer users should check the sender’s email address, inspect the greeting line and look for spelling/grammar errors in the message. Additionally, users can look for a sense of urgency in the email subject line and the message – cybercriminals usually promise something unpleasant will happen if the recipient won’t view the attached files.
Finally, crooks sometimes promote fake software updates or rogue programs via aggressive online ads. If you ever come across such ads that claim your computer is severely infected or needs some updates, do not agree to download them. Instead, visit the official website of promoted software and download their secure and legitimate updates.
Remove BOZA ransomware virus and decrypt your files
In order to remove BOZA ransomware virus from your computer, you need to start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking first. The guide provided below explains how to perform a computer cleanse using antivirus software. We do not recommend attempting manual ransomware and malware removal because these threats are usually highly complicated and drop a lot of files and helpers throughout the system.
Our team recommends INTEGO Antivirus for malware removal. You can also download RESTORO to repair virus-damaged Windows OS files. Once the malware is eliminated, do not forget to change the passwords used on the infected computer and take other actions to protect your accounts.
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
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.
BOZA 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 BOZA 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 BOZA 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.
Special Offer
Compatibility: Microsoft Windows
See Full Review
RESTORO is a unique PC Repair Tool which comes with an in-built Avira scan engine to detect and remove spyware/malware threats and uses a patented technology to repair virus damage. The software can repair damaged, missing or malfunctioning Windows OS files, corrupted DLLs, and more. The free version offers a scan that detects issues. To fix them, license key for the full software version must be purchased.
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 BOZA files
Fix and open large BOZA 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 BOZA 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. BOZA 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, 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 BOZA 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 BOZA 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 BOZA 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 BOZA 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 BOZA 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 BOZA 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 BOZA 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 BOZA 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.
Recent Posts
Remove Up 2 Date Browser Hijacker (Free Instructions)
Up 2 Date hijacks browser settings to promote a fake search engine Up 2 Date…
Remove Gosearches.gg Redirect (Virus Removal Guide)
Gosearches.gg is a fake search engine pushed via browser hijackers Gosearches.gg is a fake search…
Remove Search-alpha.com Redirect from Mac
Search-alpha.com redirects are caused by a browser hijacker Search-alpha.com is a fake search engine that…
Remove COZA Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .coza FILES)
COZA ransomware is a threat to your personal files COZA ransomware is a malicious computer…
Remove BOTY Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .boty FILES)
BOTY ransomware encrypts files, demands a ransom BOTY ransomware is a computer virus that uses…
Remove KITZ Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .kitz FILES)
KITZ ransomware attacks and encrypts files stored on a computer KITZ virus is a ransomware-type…