Bowd Virus – Details
Bowd is a destructive software application working as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the widely known malware researcher, very first discovered this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Bowd was developed for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Realistically, as soon as the encryption is effectively accomplished, the users are unable to get access to them. Bowd ransomware adds its own “.bowd” to all the encrypted data. For example, the file “price_list.xls”, as soon as modified by Bowd, will be entitled as “price_list.xls.bowd”. Once the encryption is achieved, Bowd puts its own unique text document (_readme.txt) into all the folders that keep the encrypted files.
The alert stated by text file asking for the random os really comparable to the alerts offered by other ransomware risks belonging to the DJVU family. The warning essentially indicates that the data has been encrypted and the only solution to get access to it is to use an unique standalone key. Regretfully, this declaration is absolutely true.
The method to secure the files used by Bowd is not entirely looked into. However, there is no doubt that each computer system owner may be provided a special decryption key, which is absolutely special. It is very hard to recuperate the information without the appropriate type in place.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from _readme.txt message:
One more peculiarity of the Bowd infection is that the users are not able to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on an unique server under the complete control by the scoundrels who have actually introduced the Bowd ransomware into the web. In order to acquire the key and restore the essential information, the users are told to get in touch with the scams via email or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the amount of $980.
The message likewise says that individuals should call the Bowd authors within 72 hours upon the minute of the information encryption. The alert indicates that by doing so the people will obtain a 50% discount rate, for that reason, the ransom quantity falls to $490.
Bowd modified your information, however, it may not be the only hazard on your computer. Plus, the ransomware might be concealed deep in the system. To identify and delete the threat entirely, we recommend you to refer to the assistance of GridinSoft Anti-Malware app.
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No matter what the amount of the ransom is, we highly advise that you do not pay the ransom. There is no assurance that these online criminals will keep their promises, so they might not care at all what the victims feel about the file encryption, even when the quantity of the ransom is received into their accounts. Thus, paying ransom often does not lead to an effective healing. So, the users might simply lose their money for nothing.
Similarly, we advise you not to contact the scams as they instruct. Do not transfer loan into their wallets. There are no applications that could split the Bowd ransomware or bring back the data at no cost. Therefore, the only proper decision is to restore the data from possible backups (if available).
Virus Summary
| Name | Bowd Ransomware |
| File Extension | bowd |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Family | DJVU |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files. |
| Symptoms | File encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES-256 algorithm (CFB mode) encryption algorithm. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special .bowd extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Lokas, Besub, Nusar |
| Bowd Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
| Bowd Decryption Tool | Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor |
Do not forget that the Web is now full of infections comparable to the Bowd ransomware. For example, this specific hazard is essentially similar to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These damaging energies have actually been established in order to secure the essential information and reveal the demand for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the similar algorithm to create the specific key for successful data decryption.
Unless the Bowd ransomware is still under the development procedure or has got some hidden bugs, it is not possible to restore the information manually. Hence, the only working solution to prevent the loss of your essential information is to regularly maintain current backups of all your important data.
Another essential piece of recommendations is to keep the backups on unique storage not connected to your primary device. For example, you may save it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external disk drive, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your system drive is really risky, because the backup might likewise be secured by the Bowd .
Leakages for the Bowd ransomware attack.
Bowd utilizes many courses to infiltrate the vulnerable computer systems. It is not specific what specific technique was utilized in your case, nevertheless, the intrusion might occur by means of the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, generally free software;
- spam emails from the unidentified senders;
- websites offering free hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent software.
There are times when the Bowd virus may disguise itself as some real application, for instance, through the misleading alerts demanding setup of some software application upgrade. This is the most common trick used by the scams to inject the Bowd infection files into the system. By doing this users partially take part in its setup, without plainly understanding the danger.
In addition, the frauds might send unsolicited spam e-mail with difficult signals motivating individuals to open dubious accessories or click some download links, for example, those encouraging individuals to open particular pictures, text files, tax files and other information.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking the malicious links may essentially damage the system. Fake Acrobat Reader update notices may lead to the Bowd ransomware infiltration. Likewise, downloading the broken software may furthermore consist of the ransomware installer. The last but not the least, installation of Bowd might occur through some Trojan horses that might be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct consent or even authorization.
Preventing the Bowd ransomware injection.
Naturally, there is no absolute warranty that your computer will be constantly without any malware attacks, nevertheless, we wish to share some helpful pointers with you to make it more secure. Make sure to pay very attention while browsing the web and particularly while downloading cost-free programs. Do not open any dubious email attachments, particularly if the sender is not known to you.
Do not forget that certain freeware installer may also consist of some other extra apps in the package. These extra applications may be very harmful. It is of utmost significance to keep your anti-virus software application and your os in basic to be always appropriately updated.
It is quite rational that downloading pirated apps is illegal, nevertheless, in addition, such unapproved software application use may likewise bring serious damage to your PC. Hence, do not download any split programs. Plus, the fact that your existing anti-virus did not secure the system from the Bowd ransomware is a good factor for you to reconsider your choices and switch to another program that can render the protecting functions on a much better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Bowd text file:
ATTENTION! Don't worry, you can return all your files! All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key. The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you. This software will decrypt all your encrypted files. What guarantees you have? You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free. But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information. You can get and look video overview decrypt tool: https://we.tl/t-2P5WrE5b9f Price of private key and decrypt software is $980. Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490. Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment. Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours. To get this software you need write on our e-mail: restorealldata@firemail.cc Reserve e-mail address to contact us: gorentos@bitmessage.ch Our Telegram account: @datarestore
Screenshot of files with “.bowd” extension added by the ransomware:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Bowd ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:
2. Double-click on the setup file.
When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.
An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.
4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
5. Click on “Clean Now”.
When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.
Use Emsisoft Decryptor for restore bowd files
You can download Emsisoft Decryptor by clicking the button below:
- Run the decryptor as an administrator. The license terms will show up, which you have to agree to by clicking the “Yes” button.
- Once the license terms are accepted, the primary decryptor user interface opens.
- By default, the decryptor will pre-populate the locations to decrypt with the currently connected drives and network drives. Additional locations can be added using the Add” button.
- Decryptors typically offer various options depending on the particular malware family. The available options are located in the Options tab and can be enabled or disabled there. You can find a detailed list of the available Options below.
- After you have added all the locations you want to decrypt to the list, click the “Decrypt” button to start the decryption process. The screen will switch to a status view, informing you about the current process and decryption status of your files
- The decryptor will inform you once the decryption process is finished. If you require the report for your personal records, you can save it by clicking the “Save log” button. You can also copy it straight to your clipboard to paste it into emails or forum posts if you are asked to.
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