The infectious file that launches this ransomware is also often noticed to install a set of information-stealing Trojans on the system. The names of threats that travel along BTNW ransomware are VIDAR, AZORULT, RedLine. All of them can extract sensitive details from the system, including saved passwords, browsing history, offline cryptocurrency wallets and more.

The ransom note tries to sell data decryption tool

The _readme.txt note dropped by the ransomware can be found in almost every folder that contains encrypted data. All of these text notes contain the same message from the cybercriminals, who claim the only way to restore encrypted files is to pay a ransom. The note then proceeds to explain how the victim can purchase it, how to contact the cybercriminals and how much such assistance from the cybercriminals is going to cost for the victim. The note contains two email addresses that belong to the cybercriminals – support@fishmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc as well as victim’s Personal ID. The note asks the victim to contact the attackers via email and include the ID string for victim identification. Furthermore, the message suggests sending one encrypted file sample for test decryption. This way, the criminals are trying to convince the victim to trust them and pay the ransom in hopes that they will restore the rest of the data. The criminals state that whoever contacts them within 72 hours starting from the infection timestamp will get a 50% ransom fee discount, which means the BTNW decryption tool would cost $490. In other scenarios, it costs the regular amount, which is $980. One way or another, the victim won’t be able to transfer the money directly to the criminals, because the crooks will demand purchasing cryptocurrency worth the said amount and transfer it to their virtual wallet address. This technique helps the attackers to hide their identities from law enforcement agencies. Speaking of law enforcement agencies, they typically advise against ransom payments. For example, FBI has released official guidelines for ransomware victims that clearly state paying a ransom doesn’t guarantee data recovery. On the other hand, paying money to criminals also helps them to expand their business and employ more collaborators, thus allowing them to reach more victims and infect more computers globally. Therefore, if you have been affected by this virus, we strongly recommend that you do not pay the ransom for its operators. Instead, we recommend you to focus on the malware removal procedure. You may want to try software like INTEGO Antivirus to remove BTNW ransomware virus. Additionally, using RESTORO (secure download link) is recommended to identify and repair virus damage to Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

Typical ransomware distribution techniques

Ransomware-type threats are mostly made available on illegal file sharing websites, such as those promoting cracked or pirated software versions, movies, and similar copyright-protected content. These threats can also arrive in a form of an email attachment or downloaded through a deceptive ad online. 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. However, the primary distribution method that BTNW ransomware operators rely on is malicious software cracks. What it means is that the operators of this malware might upload deceptive installation files named as popular software setup files to various rogue websites or torrent listings and simply wait for inattentive computer users to download them. These malicious setup.exe files are usually provided in a password-protected archives to evade detection systems. It is important to stay away from such rogue websites and only choose legitimate software download sources. It is ideal to go to the official website of the software, and if you’re looking for discounts, you can always check other legitimate and trustworthy websites. Whatever you do, do not choose illegal ways to obtain paid software for free. Another common ransomware distribution technique is email spam complimented with malicious attachments. Internet criminals tend to hide harmful code into Word, Excel, or PDF files and name them as Invoice/Order Summary/Pending payment details/etc. Computer users should be very careful when checking their email, and avoid clicking on URLs or attachments that come from unfamiliar senders or someone that wasn’t supposed to contact you at the time.

Remove BTNW ransomware virus and decrypt your files

Remove BTNW ransomware using instructions provided below. You will have to boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking first – which we have also covered in this separate article. We do not recommend you to try to remove malware manually – instead, rely on a trustworthy antivirus solution to do this task for you. Our team’s top pick is INTEGO Antivirus, and we have extensively reviewed it on our site. In addition, we recommend downloading RESTORO to help with virus damage repair on Windows OS files. 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: 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. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove BTNW 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 Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users Now, you can search for and remove BTNW 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.

Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users 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 BTNW files

Fix and open large BTNW 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.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. BTNW Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (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 BTNW files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The BTNW 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 BTNW 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.

Victims of BTNW 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.