RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove 21btc Virus (.[21btc@cock.li].21btc Files Ransomware) – Dharma Ransomware

21btc – General Info

The 21btc mean a ransomware-type infection. The infection comes from the Dharma ransomware family. 21btc was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. 21btc adds the “.[21btc@cock.li].21btc” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, once encrypted by 21btc, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.[21btc@cock.li].21btc“. As quickly as the encryption is completed, 21btc places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by 21btc text file asking for the ransom is absolutely the like the statements given by other ransomware representatives coming from the Dharma type. It literally mentions that the information is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a an unique decryption key. Regretfully, this is definitely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism applied by 21btc is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is absolutely particular that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is totally distinct. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.

Another trick of 21btc is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is saved on a particular server run by the frauds related to 21btc ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people have to pay the ransom.

However, irrespective of the requested amount, people must keep away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to entirely disregard what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom generally does not give any positive outcome and people simply waste their money for nothing.

We highly advise that you do not contact these crooks and absolutely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack 21btc ransomware and to recover the data data free of charge. Hence, the only right decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name21btc Ransomware
File Extension.[21btc@cock.li].21btc
TypeRansomware
FamilyDharma
Short DescriptionThe 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.
SymptomsFile encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special [21btc@cock.li].21btc extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar InfectionsMsf, Lock, Glb
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to 21btc ransomware. It is similar Msf and many other ransomware-type threats. Destructive programs of such kind are generally elaborated to encrypt important information and to state the need before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to create the distinct decryption key for information decryption.

Hence, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is merely not feasible. The only way to prevent the loss of your essential data is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they should be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the USB Flash Drive or external hard drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you save your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted in addition to other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

There are several ways used by online scams to distribute 21btc ransom virus. Although it doubts how exactly 21btc injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

  • integration with third-party software application, especially freeware;
  • spam e-mails from unknown senders;
  • websites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Often 21btc virus may exist as some legitimate software, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to execute some important software application updates. This is the typical technique used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing 21btc infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals may refer to numerous email spam strategies to inject destructive codes into systems. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some photos, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may significantly damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update informs may result in 21btc virus injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise include destructive codes resulting in 21btc secret installation. Lastly, injection of 21btc may occur by means of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and install destructive utilities without the user’s authorization.

Is there any method to avoid the injection of 21btc ransom virus?

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of advice we wish to show with you. First off, be really mindful when you surf the web and especially while downloading free programs. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Keep in mind that some freeware installers may include other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be destructive. Make sure that your current antivirus and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is illegal and may lead to necessary damage to be produced your PC. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly advised to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps change to another security solution that can render far better services of defending your PC.

Below please find the quotation from the 21btc text file:

Pop-up window:

YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED
Don\'t worry,you can return all your files!
If you want to restore them, follow this link:email 21btc@cock.li YOUR ID -
If you have not been answered via the link within 12 hours, write to us by e-mail:21btc@tuta.io
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
=====================================
FILES ENCRYPTED.txt:

all your data has been locked us
You want to return?
write email 21btc@cock.li or 21btc@tuta.io 

Screenshot of files with “.[21btc@cock.li].21btc” extension added by the ransomware:
21btc Ransomware - encrypt files with .[21btc@cock.li].21btc extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove 21btc ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware
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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Setup

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Install

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware  Start

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan Result

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Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann has been writing on security and malware subjects for many years and has been working in the security industry for over 10 years. Daniel was educated at the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany and currently lives in New York.

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