Bitshifter Ransomware

Bitshifter Ransomware is yet another ransomware program out there, and it seems that there is no end to these infections lately. Granted, ransomware easily pushes infected users into a tight corner, and they are often left with no options but to transfer the ransom fee to the given addresses. However, computer security specialists always emphasize that it is not a good idea to pay the ransom because for one, it only encourages the criminals to carry on with their malicious schemes, and second, there is no guarantee that Bitshifter Ransomware would issue the decryption key. Thus, your main focus right now should be malware removal.

It is not clear how this infection spreads, so we should take note of all the potential ransomware distribution channels. First, the most common way for a ransomware program to enter your computer is through spam email attachments. You might accidentally install it when you open a malicious file you received from an unknown sender. Second, a ransomware program could be distributed via malicious exploit kits when users access compromised websites. For instance, there could be a pop-up that automatically initiates the malicious download on your computer. So it is important to remain attentive whenever you try to access an unfamiliar website.

Also, it could be possible that Bitshifter Ransomware gets distributed via a Trojan that automatically drops itself into all removal drives (USB Flash) that get plugged into an infected system. Not to mention that there are ransomware programs out there that get distributed manually via Remote Desktop Connection applications. Therefore, to avoid such infections users need to be really careful about the attachments they download, the sites they access, and the connections they establish. It is often possible to scan unfamiliar files (and even files on your flash drive) before opening them, so please always exercise this if you are not sure whether the file is legitimate or not.

However, the distribution method aside, it is more or less clear how Bitshifter Ransomware operates. After all, all ransomware programs aim to steal your money, and so when this program enters your computer, it encrypts your files, and then drops a ransom note on your desktop. Take note that this program will not encrypt system files, mostly your personal files will be affected because this is the data you would be the most willing to save. Not to mention that the infection needs your system to work if it intends to receive the ransom.

So once the encryption is complete, this is the ransom message this program wants you to read:

If you want to restore your files you should send £300 pounds to the next Bitcoin address as you see below
<…>
files will be decrypted by himself. Otherwise the key will be deleted. If the cryptor has been deleted its can be downloaded right here.
if some files was encrypted on your external drives plug in them too. So, simple how to:
1. Payment
2. Keep your PC turning on
3. Make sure PC has internet connection
4. Wait for decrypt
5. Get your files back

As you can see from this note, the infection can encrypt files on plugged in drives too, so it would be a good idea to keep your backup drives unplugged most of the time. After all, if you keep copies of your files on external hard discs and the ransomware encrypts that too, it might be virtually impossible to get your files back.

What’s more, if you do not intend to pay the ransom, but you have a cyber currency wallets and other information saved on your system, the program might try to steal it. Therefore, you should not tolerate this program no matter what.

Please remove Bitshifter Ransomware from your system, and then run a full system scan with the SpyHunter free scanner to make sure that you have terminated all the malicious files. You may also have to remove the encrypted files if you intend to restore your data from a file backup.

Finally, be sure to protect your computer from such infection by acquiring a legitimate security application. A security tool paired with your safe web browsing habits should ensure your system’s safety.

How to Remove Bitshifter Ransomware

1. Open your Downloads folder.
2. Remove recently downloaded files.
3. Press Win+R and type %TEMP%. Click OK.
4. Delete the Network.exe file from the directory.
5. Checked plugged in USB drives.
6. If present, delete the Launcher.exe file.