BPTO ransomware aims to lock personal files on a computer, then demand a ransom
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BPTO ransomware is a dangerous computer virus classified as a variant of STOP/DJVU ransomware. As soon as it launches on the vulnerable system, it begins encrypting all of the data stored on it, thus making files inaccessible. During the attack, this virus marks each locked file with an additional .bpto extension, for example, files with original names like 1.jpg and 2.docx will appear as 1.jpg.bpto and 2.docx.bpto following the encryption procedure. In addition, the ransomware drops money-demanding notes called _readme.txt so that the victim would read them and find out the perpetrators’ intentions.
The primary aim of this ransomware-type computer menace is to restrict user’s access to one’s own files and force the victim to pay a ransom in exchange for BPTO file decryption tool. Therefore, the threat actors put data encryption to a bad use and lock victim’s files, making it impossible to edit, view or open files in any way.
_readme.txt contains a message from ransomware operators
Ransomware-type viruses usually drop a text note from cybercriminals in order to inform the computer user about what has happened and how locked files can be restored. In this case, the virus creates ransom note called _readme.txt and saves it into each folder that contains some encrypted data. The note asks for victim’s attention, then informs that the data can only be restored using decryption software and private key, both in possession of cybercriminals.
The note explains that the user can contact the ransomware operators via provided email: support@freshmail.top or alternative address: datarestorehelp@airmail.cc and ask to decrypt one small file (one that doesn’t contain valuable data). The victim should also send Personal ID that’s included in the _readme.txt note for identification purposes. The criminals then will send a decrypted file version just to prove that they can restore the rest of the data.
The note also explains that computer users who contact the attackers within 72 hours will get a 50% discount on the ransom price and will be asked to pay $490 instead of $980 for decryption tools. However, they will later specify that the victim has to purchase cryptocurrency worth the said amount and transfer it to their wallet address. This transaction method is the only accepted way to pay them, since it helps to keep their identity hidden.
In general, law enforcement agencies like FBI and cybersecurity experts do not recommend paying a ransom. It hardly solves the issue. Instead, it encourages the crooks to continue their activities. Moreover, the sneaky attackers do not reveal one important fact about the computer infection – the ransomware spreads along information stealers, namely Vidar, Azorult and RedLine, and these aren’t mentioned in the ransom note. However, these dangerous Trojans are capable of stealing all sorts of sensitive information from the computer and sending it to the attacker’s server. Later, such data can be used to blackmail the victim further.
If you’re a victim of the described malware, we strongly recommend you to remove BPTO ransomware virus using instructions provided below this article. Our team has prepared a guide on how to boot your computer and run an antivirus safely to neutralize all malicious processes.
In addition, if you’re unsure which antivirus to choose, you might want to read reviews on our website or try the one we recommend using INTEGO Antivirus. In addition, you might want to consider downloading RESTORO to identify and repair virus damage to Windows OS files.
Ransomware Summary
| Name | BPTO 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 | 628th |
| Extension | .bpto |
| Cybercriminal emails | support@freshmail.top, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc |
| Additional malware dropped | Azorult, RedLine, Vidar |
| Damage | The ransomware uses encryption to maliciously modify all files on the PC and marks their original names with .bpto 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 | 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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Ransomware distribution in short and ways to stay protected
BPTO ransomware operators typically distribute this malicious software using deceitful techniques, and they tend to hide the dangerous executable file in disguise of a secure-looking file, for example, online download or an email attachment. The most common distribution method known to spread variants of STOP/DJVU is based on illegal online downloads. Computer users stumble upon them while looking for cracked software versions. The downloaded setup is a malicious file, and opening them triggers computer infection. This leads to complete data encryption on the system.
Many users have reported downloading this ransomware while searching for cracked Adobe Photoshop, Cubase, VMWare Workstation, Adobe Illustrator, FIFA and other popular software versions. They have also reported discovering the malicious installation files after visiting rogue websites they found in search engine results; therefore, we strongly recommend that you read this article about websites that serve malicious downloads and never visit them.
In general, it is not advisable to look for illegal software versions altogether as most of them contain malware of some form, besides, by downloading such content, you infringe copyrights of the respective software developers. To find genuine and secure software versions, you should visit legitimate websites and purchase license key in order to use specific software legally.
Another ransomware distribution method is email spam containing some attached files. Cybercriminals often contact hundreds of potential victims via email and pretend to be representatives of online retailers, service providers, or even governmental organizations. They urge the target to open attached files due to an important matter that needs to be addressed. This way, they usually seek to spark victim’s curiosity or fear and make one act without thinking.
Users should know that cybercriminals typically send messages containing a lot of grammar mistakes, use generic greeting lines, and use fake or spoofed email addresses to appear in a more convincing way. We advise computer users to stay cautious while checking their email and ignore messages that seem suspicious.
In addition, ransomware operators often target people who have already fallen victims to a ransomware attack by uploading fake file decryption tools online. Users who download these files in hopes to restore all of their data can end up getting their files double-encrypted.
In general, in order to avoid ransomware attacks, computer users should practice secure browsing habits and install antivirus software on their computers. To be specific, one with a real-time protection should be used.
Remove BPTO ransomware virus and restore your files
If you’re someone who has been attacked by the described computer threat, it is time to clean up your computer from malicious files. To remove BPTO ransomware virus and associated threats, we recommend using instructions provided below. You will need to start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking and then run a reputable AV solution to detect files and components related to malware. Our team recommends using INTEGO Antivirus, and in order to repair virus-altered Windows OS files, we recommend downloading RESTORO.
Once BPTO virus removal is completed, do not forget to change all of your passwords since the Trojans that accompany this ransomware may have stolen them. In addition, consider reporting the cybercrime incident to your local law enforcement agency. Finally, use data backups to restore your files, and if you didn’t have any, follow instructions in this guide on repairing/decrypting files locked by STOP/DJVU.
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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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BPTO 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 BPTO 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 BPTO 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 BPTO files
Fix and open large BPTO 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 BPTO 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. BPTO 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 BPTO 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 BPTO 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 BPTO 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 BPTO 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 BPTO 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 BPTO 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 BPTO 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 BPTO 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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