Understanding .Bufas File Virus

What does the suffix .bufas in your file name means? How does the Bufas ransomware make your files unusable? Is your system safe and secure? Is it as dangerous as other STOP ransomware? The article below will guide you on how to remove Bufas ransomware from your system?

A tech savvy mind doesn’t need any words to understand the working methodology of Bufas ransomware. Like its siblings, it causes menace by targeting particular file types and making them unusable.

Discovered in mid May 2019, developers have a strong financial motive behind this crypto virus attack. In order to fulfil this nasty idea, .bufas file virus uses a powerful cryptography to encrypt the important data on your system. Once the files are corrupted, it generates a unique decryption key on the remote server for every Bufas file. Without this decryption key, Bufas file recovery is a challenging task. However, not impossible!

This key is used by hackers to blackmail the victims to extort large amount of money. Cyber crooks threaten the victims for permanent data loss, in case if they fail to make the payment in bitcoins. With the fear of losing the important/ personal data, victims get ready to pay the demanded amount. However, reality is way different!

Even after completing the transaction, there is no guarantee that hackers will enable the decryption key. According to researches, these hackers might ignore you after receiving the ransom amount. Hence, instead of supporting this evil, aim at culminating it!

Below you can find the simple and easy steps to fix the malicious Bufas ransomware.

Threat Summary

Distribution Technique

There are various ways in which .Bufas file virus can proliferate itself in your system. Alike other STOP ransomware, it uses the common tactics of distribution.

One of the easiest ways by which, Bufas land on your system is, via spam campaigns. In such attack campaigns, cyber criminals send an e-mail with malicious attachments. The e-mail look legitimate however the danger lies within the content or attachment. Its legitimacy is the second major reason, why user does not hesitate before opening these attachments. First is that, the subject line of such e-mails, made them appear trustworthy. Once, you open this attachment, the malicious file triggers the ransomware payload and infects your system with Bufas extension virus. Apart from the malicious advertisements, developers insert hyperlinks in the content of e-mail. These links redirects the user to some questionable sites.

Usually, when you open the attached file/link, it asks for the permission to run the scripts. This script is nothing but the ‘macros’, through which the infection follows.

Hence, it is always recommended to immediately delete the suspicious e-mails. In other words, be alert and do not expose your system to any destructive threats.

Threat Behavior

The moment this ransomware infiltrates your system, it results in malicious modifications. It uses the same algorithm as used by the infamous STOP ransomware, the ultimate aim of Bufas ransomware is to encrypt data.

In order to successfully encrypt the files, the malicious ransomware uses strong cryptographies such as AES, RSA and Salsa20. Once, the files are infected by Bufas file extension, it generates a unique key to decrypt file. Furthermore, it appends ‘.Bufas’ extension to the file name, which makes them unusable.

Once, it makes itself comfortable in your system, it scans every inch of your computer to locate the targeted files. .Bufas STOP ransomware looks for the files which are most commonly found in most of the PCs. Documents, Images, Audio-Video files and Backups are a few targeted files. At the end, .Bufas ransomware drops a ransom demanding message, which aims at extorting money from the victim users.

Bufas ransomware asks for hefty amount of ransom in exchange of the decryption key. Sum equal to $980 (in bitcoins) is demanded to decrypt Bufas files. Moreover, you can avail the benefit of discount of 50% in the ransom amount, only if you contact the hackers within 72 hours of the Bufas ransomware attack. The price will be reduced to $490 (in bitcoins) for you. However, paying the asked ransom amount does not ensure .Bufas file recovery. Hence, instead of funding the cyber criminals, focus to remove .Bufas ransomware.

Keep in mind, paying the ransom is not the only way out! In fact, it encourages cyber crooks to initiate a new ransomware project. Hence, here are a few possible solutions to delete .Bufas file virus from your system. Scroll down for easy and simple steps to remove .Bufas extension:

Removal guidelines for .Bufas File Virus

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 Bufas 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 Bufas 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 & folder

Tips to prevent your system from .Bufas File Virus

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 Kaspersky and 360 Total Security 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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