Understanding Brusaf Ransomware

The developers of ransomware are coming up with more dangerous variants with each passing day. Recently, DJVU ransomware family welcomes another high-risk member! Brusaf ransomware is what developers call it! Alike its siblings, the malicious crypto virus aims at extorting large amount of money from users. This article will give you the gist about the menace caused by dangerous .brusaf file virus in targeted system.

Once your system is encrypted with Brusaf ransomware, it will immediately encrypt the stored files on your system. The strong algorithm used by the developers, make it a difficult task to decrypt .Brusaf files manually. This encryption eventually ends with demanding large amount of ransom. In order to restore the corrupted files, you will need to download Brusaf decrypter tool ASAP.

Distribution Technique

The infiltration of Brusaf ransomware is primarily conducted via the spam campaigns. During spam campaign, hackers sent spammed e-mails with malicious attachments to the targeted system. Though the e-mails look legitimate, but the danger lies within the content or the attachment. Most of the time, such e-mails are sent with the name of some well-known shipping companies or financial organisations. PayPal, FedEx, eBay or DHL are a few mentions. Generally, it informs you about an undelivered package or the invoice of a shipment that you made. Either way, when you open/download the attachment, your system is exposed to the risk of destructive crypto virus – Brusaf. The content of attachment is basically the hidden malicious macros. Once opened, it triggers the script of .Brusaf extension and launches the malware payload on your system.

Even though the sender of such e-mails looks trustworthy or real, you should avoid opening such suspicious e-mails or files. Also, immediately delete such questionable e-mails from your inbox.

Spam attacks are not the only way to spread this infection. There are many more! Software update is another way! Fake updaters may infiltrate your system by exploiting the outdated bugs or installing other malicious applications in your system without your knowledge.

To conclude, we can say that the main reason for such infiltration is lack of proper knowledge and reckless behavior. Hence, be careful during your online sessions.

Threat Behavior

Being the newest member of infamous DJVU ransomware family, Brusaf drops one or more executable files in “%AppData%” windows directory. It is followed by the modifications in windows registry entries. Furthermore, as soon as the destructive Brusaf extension sneaks in your system, it scans every inch to locate the targeted files! The files may include your personal documents, images, audio-video files and even backups. After successful scanning and allocating, Brusaf initiates to execute its mal intentions.

The destruction starts with the encryption process! The malicious crypto virus, lock the files using strong cryptographic algorithm. Simultaneously, to show its unethical presence, it appends .Brusaf extension to the filenames.

After successful infiltration, the nasty crypto virus generates a unique .Brusaf decryption tool. Unfortunately, it is true! Furthermore, this decryption tool/key is stored on the hacker’s server. Hence, getting it is not an easy task! In order to recover .Brusaf files, you have to pay hefty ransom amount. Cyber criminals demand this ransom in the form of bitcoins – a crypto currency! Hackers say, if the victims fail to make the payment within the prescribed time, they might lose their data permanently. Hence, with the fear of losing the data, victims get ready to pay the demanded amount. However, even paying does not assure decryption! Instead, it encourages these crooks to commence another mal project. Below is the detailed description about the amount of ransom demanded and ransom note.

Ransom Note & Ransom Amount

The mastermind behind Brusaf ransomware demands hefty ransom in exchange of Brusaf decrypter. The price for decryption key is $980, which is demanded by cyber crooks in the form of bitcoins. In addition, the victim users are encouraged to make the payment ASAP by offering discount of 50% in the ransom. Hence, the price directly reduced to $490! However, to claim the offer, you have to contact the hackers within 72 hours of .Brusaf file virus attack. Users, the threat is not over yet! To demand the ransom, a text file is generated with the name ‘_readme.txt’ and copies are dropped in every folder containing .brusaf files.

Ransom – Demanding Message:

The ransom-demanding file will display the ransom note on your screen whenever you try to open a locked file. This ransom note will assist you to make the payment successfully. Even if you face any difficulty, you can contact the hackers on the given e-mail addresses: gorentos@bitmessage.ch or gorentos@firemail.cc.

Moreover, hackers trickily trap the users to get the payment done. They permit you to send one .Brusaf file, which they decrypt for free. However, even after paying the ransom, there is no guarantee about the decryption of encrypted files. Hence, it is advisable to remove Brusaf ransomware from your system or download Brusaf decrypter tool.

Following are a few possible steps to easily uninstall Brusaf file virus.

Download Vipre Malware Remover

Removal guidelines for Brusaf Ransomware

STEP A: Reboot your system to Safe Mode

STEP B: Delete the suspicious file from Configuration Settings

1. Type “Msconfig” in search box / Run Box, select it and press Enter.
2. Click on “Services” Tab and click on “Hide all Microsoft services”.
3. Select Brusaf ransomware from the list of remaining services and disable it by removing the tick mark from the checkbox and click on Apply button.

STEP C: Remove malicious file from Command Prompt

Once the system starts, ensure to use an account with administrative privilege to access Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

After the user enters admin credentials, Command prompt window is displayed wherein you are entitled to enter the below commands:

1. Type the command “sc delete Brusaf ransomware” in the command prompt and press Enter.
2. Type “exit” to exit the command prompt and restart the system in safe mode with command prompt.

STEP D: Restore the system files & folders

Tips to prevent your system from Brusaf Ransomware

1. Keeping the Operating System Updated- In order to remain protected and avoid such infections, it is recommended to keep your Operating System updated by enabling the automatic update on your system. The systems with outdated or older versions of Operating System become an easy target for the attackers.
2. Resist clicking on spam emails – One of the major techniques used for malware distribution is forwarding spam emails to the user. The system gets infected as soon as the user clicks on the attachment. These mails appear to be genuine, so be aware and resist falling for these tricks.
3. Keep an eye on third party installations- It is quite important that you take due care while installing any third party applications for they are major source of such infections. Such malware programs come bundled with the free applications thereby requiring the user to remain cautious.
4. Regular periodical backup- In order to keep your data and files safe, it is recommended to take regular back up of all your data and files either on an external drive or cloud.
5. Use Anti-Virus Protection- We strongly recommend the use of antivirus protection/internet security in your PC like Vipre and Kaspersky so that it remains safe.
6. Enable the Ad Blocker/Popup Blocker in your browser- Enabling the popup blocker/ ad blocker in your chosen browser will help you to stay protected from annoying adware.

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