Remove Builder Virus (+Decrypt .builder files) – Hakbit Ransomware

Builder – General Info

The Builder stands for a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the Hakbit ransomware family. Builder was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. When the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. Builder adds the “.builder” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by Builder, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.builder“. As quickly as the encryption is completed, Builder places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Builder text file requesting for the ransom is absolutely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives belonging to the Hakbit family. It actually mentions that the info is encrypted which the only way to bring back it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Regretfully, this is absolutely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism applied by Builder is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is absolutely specific that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is totally distinct. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.

Another trick of Builder is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is kept on a particular server run by the frauds related to Builder ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people need to pay the ransom.

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

We strongly advise 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 Builder ransomware and to recover the information data totally free. Hence, the just best decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name	Builder Ransomware
File Extension	.builder
Type	Ransomware
Family	Hakbit
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 and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special builder extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool	GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the world wide web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to Builder ransomware. Harmful programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt crucial data and to set forth the demand before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to produce the unique decryption key for files decryption.

Thus, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is just not feasible. The only way to prevent 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 placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the Memory Stick or external disk drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you store your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted together with other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

There are a number of methods used by online frauds to distribute Builder ransom virus. Despite the fact that it doubts how exactly Builder injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

• integration with third-party apps, especially freeware;
• spam emails from unknown senders;
• sites rendering free hosting services;
• pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Typically Builder virus may be presented as some legitimate software, for instance, in the pop-ups instructing users to implement some essential software application updates. This is the typical technique used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing Builder infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals may describe numerous email spam strategies to inject destructive codes into copmuter. So, they may describe 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 receipts, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may badly damage the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update informs may result in Builder ransom injection. When it comes to the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise contain harmful codes resulting in Builder secret installation. Finally, injection of Builder may take place by ways of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and install harmful tools without the user’s authorization.

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

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of advice we wish to show with you. First of all, be very careful when you surf the web and specifically while downloading free programs. Keep away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Bear in mind that some freeware installers may include other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be harmful. Ensure that your current antivirus and your entire operating system is always appropriately updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may result in important damage to be produced your system. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise highly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and possibly change to another security solution that can render much better services of protecting your PC.

Below please find the quotation from the Builder text file:

Atention! all your important files were encrypted!
to get your files back send 0.5 Bitcoin and contact us with proof of payment and your Unique Identifier Key.
We will send you a decryption tool with your personal decryption password.
Where can you buy Bitcoins:
hxxps://www.coinbase.com
hxxps://localbitcoins.com

Contact: clearcuMc04997@gmail.com.
Bitcoin wallet to make the transfer to is:
1Kex5QmBGtJLDagn3o2p1yoqyKn2A6EFG9
Unique Identifier Key (must be sent to us together with proof of payment):
------------
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Number of files that you could have potentially lost forever can be as high as: 970

Screenshot of files with “.builder” extension added by the ransomware:

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Builder 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.

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.