RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove Beaf Virus (.Beaf Files Ransomware)

Beaf – Ransomware

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

The message given by Beaf text file requesting for the ransom is definitely the like the statements given by other ransomware representatives. It literally points out that the information is encrypted and that the only way to bring back it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Unfortunately, this is absolutely true. The type of cryptography mechanism applied by Beaf is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is absolutely certain that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is totally distinct. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.

Another trick of Beaf is that the victims cannot gain access to the key. The key is saved on a specific server run by the frauds associated with Beaf ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people have to pay the ransom.

Nonetheless, regardless of the asked for amount, people must stay away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to totally disregard what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom typically does not give any positive outcome and people simply lose their money for nothing.

We highly recommend that you do not contact these crooks and certainly do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack Beaf ransomware and to recover the data data totally free. Hence, the just best decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameBeaf Ransomware
File Extension.Beaf
TypeRansomware
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 Beaf extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Keep in mind that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to Beaf ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are generally elaborated to encrypt important data and to set forth the need prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to generate the special decryption key for files decryption.

Therefore, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is simply not feasible. The only method to avoid the loss of your crucial information is to routinely create backups of your important information.

Remember that even if you create such backups, they must be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the Memory Stick or external hard disk for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you keep 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 system?

There are numerous ways used by online scams to distribute Beaf virus. Although it doubts how precisely Beaf injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

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

Typically Beaf ransomware may exist as some legitimate software application, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to carry out some essential software application updates. This is the typical technique used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing Beaf infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals may refer to numerous email spam tactics to inject harmful codes into systems. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notices 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 documents or clicking on such dangerous links may severely damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade informs may result in Beaf ransom injection. As for the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may also include harmful codes resulting in Beaf secret installation. Finally, injection of Beaf may take place by means of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and set up harmful tools without the user’s approval.

Is there any way to avoid the injection of Beaf ransom virus?

Although there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of advice we want to share with with you. Firstly, be extremely careful when you surf the web and particularly while downloading complimentary apps. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Remember that some freeware installers may consist of other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be harmful. Make sure that your current antivirus software and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.

Naturally, downloading pirated software is illegal and may lead to necessary damage to be made for your system. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise highly advised to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps change to another security solution that can render better services of defending your PC.

Below please find the quotation from the Beaf text file:

[ATTENTION]
All of your files are encrypted with RSA-2048 and AES-128 ciphers.
Decrypting of your files is only possible with the private key and decrypt program.
Backups were either encrypted.
Shadow copies also removed, so F8 or any other methods may damage encrypted data but not recover.
We exclusively have decryption software for your situation.
No decryption software is available in the public.
DO NOT RESET OR SHUTDOWN -files may be damaged.
DO NOT DELETE this file.
To confirm your decryption software, please send 2 or 3 different random files and you will get them decrypted.
To get decryption, please contact us.
ha7medtit@tutanota.com
or
araujosantos@protonmail.com
You will receive btc address for payment in the reply letter.
!!!Your CODE is : -

Screenshot of files with “.Beaf” extension added by the ransomware:
Beaf Ransomware - encrypt files with .Beaf extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Beaf 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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