How to remove Banhu Ransomware (Decrypt Files)

Proper guide to delete Banhu Ransomware

Banhu Ransomware is a file encryption virus that belongs to Phobos ransomware family. It is capable to encrypt all kinds of system files and lock down the target system like as Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and the most recent version Windows 10. Once infiltrated, it will deeply scan entire hard disk to encrypt all kinds of files. It uses strong cryptographic algorithm AES and RSA as well as add “.banhu” extension at the end of every encrypted files. Just after finishing locking process, it displays pop-up window and creates file named info.txt and dropped it on desktop to inform victims about encryption.

Text in the “info.hta” file (pop-up window):

All your files have been encrypted!
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail [email protected]
Write this ID in the title of your message 1E857D00-2422
Our operator is available in the messenger Telegram: @gooddecrypt
DO NOT GIVE THIS EMAUL TO 3RD PARTIES
To write to us use the mail gmail.com, if you use other mails, your messages may not be received due to spam.
in your message indicate:
1. your country
2. ip address of your server
3. volume of encrypted information in gigabytes
4. number of infected servers
5. send us 1-2 files
the total size of files must be less than 4Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
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The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click ‘Buy bitcoins’, and select the seller by payment method and price.
hxxps://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
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Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

Banhu Ransomware: Depth analysis

The created file contain brief message which states victims that in order to decrypt files, you need to contact ransomware developers by writing them an email to the provided email address or via Telegram by writing to the user with @gooddecrypt username and provide them details such as IP address, number of infected computer, amount of encrypted files in gigabytes and some other details. Victims are also instructed to attach up to two encrypted files to their emails. Once done, users should receive further instructions like as price of decryption, where to pay, how to pay for it etc.

Users are also provided some time to pay money that is within 3 days after ransomware attack otherwise all files will be deleted permanently and you cannot recover them anymore. In such cases, cyber criminals are the only ones who have the right decryption key/tool. Typically, there are no any tools available that could decrypt files encrypted by Banhu Ransomware. Therefore, users are instructed not to contact ransomware developers or trust on them in any situation. Once ransom fee being paid, there are highly chance you can lost your files and money as well.

How to get back encrypted files without paying ransom?

As discussed above that paying money to the cyber criminals may not restore your files. It not only cause huge financial loss and also creates huge risk of system vulnerability. Reason is that, the developers can send some malicious software in place of the decryption tool. The only way at present to recover the data is to use any existing backup that you created earlier for the safety. If backup files are not available, the other option is to use data recovery tool.

How did ransomware infect my PC?

It is not known the exact way through which Banhu Ransomware is spread. In most cases, malware is distributed through cracks software, questionable software download sources, malspam campaigns, Trojans and fake software update tools. Malspam is a spam email that contains some malicious attachments or download link for those file. In one way or another, the main purpose of cyber criminals is to trick users into downloading and opening file that is designed to install malware. Trojans are malicious programs that are designed to cause chain infections. Various untrustworthy sources such as free file hosting sites, p2p sharing networks etc present some software for download lead malware infection tool. Software cracking tool is the way paid software is present by bypassing its activation. This setup is done to download/install other malicious malware.

How to avoid intruding Banhu Ransomware?

• Spam email attachments/links should not be opened or clicked.
• Use any official websites for any software download/install and update.
• Third party websites and suspicious should not be trusted.
• Paid software must be activated properly.
• Install reputable antivirus suite and keep them up-to-date.

Remove Banhu Ransomware

Manual malware removal instructions might be lengthy and complicated as it requires lots of advanced computer skills to perform removal process. you can use Spyhunter – an automatic malware removal tool that has the ability to remove Banhu Ransomware and all infiltrated ransomware infections completely and safely from the computer.

Short description of Banhu Ransomware

Type: Ransomware, Cryptovirus

Short Description: Encrypts files on your computer and extorts a ransom fee for their recovery.

Encrypted file extension: .banhu

Ransom demanding message: info.hta, info.txt

Symptoms: Important files are locked and renamed with .banhu extension. You see a ransom message that forces you to contact hackers for a decryption tool.

Distribution Method: Spam Emails, Email Attachments, malicious ads, torrent file downloads, cracked software, unsafe file sharing networks and many more.

Damage: All files are encrypted and cannot be opened without paying money. Other additional malware infiltrated into your system along with ransomware infections.

Removal: Both manual as well as automatic removal instructions have been discussed below under this article.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove Banhu Ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete Banhu Ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove Banhu Ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

For Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Boot the PC in “Safe Mode”. Click on “Start” option and continuously press on F8 during the start process until the “Windows Advanced Option” menu appears on the screen. Choose “Safe Mode with Networking” from the list.

Now, a windows homescreen appears on the desktop and work-station is now working on “Safe mode with networking”.

For Windows 8 Users: Go to the “Start Screen”. In the search results select settings, type “Advanced”. In the “General PC Settings” option, choose “Advanced startup” option. Again, click on the “Restart Now” option. The work-station boots to “Advanced Startup Option Menu”. Press on “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options” button.  In the “Advanced Option Screen”, press on “Startup Settings”. Again, click on “Restart” button. The work-station will now restart in to the “Startup Setting” screen. Next is to press F5 to boot in Safe Mode in Networking.

For Windows 10 Users: Press on Windows logo and on the “Power” icon. In the newly opened menu, choose “Restart” while continuously holding “Shift” button on the keyboard. In the new open “Choose an option” window, click on “Troubleshoot” and then on the “Advanced Options”. Select “Startup Settings” and press on “Restart”. In the next window, click on “F5” button on the key-board.

Step 2: Delete Banhu Ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with Banhu Ransomware. Open the browser and download a legitimate anti-malware tool. Do a full System scanning. Remove all the malicious detected entries.

In case if you cannot start the PC in “Safe Mode with Networking”, Try using “System Restore”

• During the “Startup”, continuously press on F8 key until the “Advanced Option” menu appears. From the list, choose “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and then press “Enter”

• In the new opened command prompt, enter “cd restore” and then press “Enter”.

• Type: rstrui.exe and Press “ENTER”

• Click “Next” on the new windows

• Choose any of the “Restore Points” and click on “Next”. (This step will restore the work-station to its earlier time and date prior to Banhu Ransomware infiltration in the PC.

• In the newly opened windows, press on “Yes”.

Once your PC gets restored to its previous date and time, download the recommended anti-malware tool and perform a deep scanning in order to remove Banhu Ransomware files if they left in the work-station.

In order to restore the each (separate) file by this ransomware, use “Windows Previous Version” feature. This method is effective when “System Restore Function” is enabled in the work-station.

Important Note: Some variants of Banhu Ransomware delete the “Shadow Volume Copies” as well hence this feature may not work all the time and is applicable for selective computers only.

How to Restore Individual Encrypted File:

In order to restore a single file, right click on it and go to “Properties”. Select “Previous Version” tab. Select a “Restore Point” and click on “Restore” option.

In order to access the files encrypted by Banhu Ransomware, you can also try using “Shadow Explorer”. In order to get more information on this application, press here.

Important: Data Encryption Ransomware are highly dangerous and it is always better that you take precautions to avoid its attack on your work-station. It is advised to use a powerful anti-malware tool in order to get protection in real-time. With this help of “SpyHunter”, “group policy objects” are implanted in the registries in order to block harmful infections like Banhu Ransomware.

Also, In Windows 10, you get a very unique feature called “Fall Creators Update” that offer “Controlled Folder Access” feature in order to block any kind of encryption to the files. With the help of this feature, any files stored in the locations such as “Documents”, “Pictures”, “Music”, “Videos”, “Favorites” and “Desktop” folders are safe by default.

It is very important that you install this “Windows 10 Fall Creators Update” in your PC to protect your important files and data from ransomware encryption. The more information on how to get this update and add an additional protection form rnasomware attack has been discussed here.

How to Recover the Files Encrypted by Banhu Ransomware?

Till now, you would have understood that what had happed to your personal files that got encrypted and how you can remove the scripts and payloads associated with Banhu Ransomware in order to protect your personal files that has not been damaged or encrypted until now. In order to retrieve the locked files, the depth information related to “System Restore” and “Shadow Volume Copies” has already been discussed earlier. However, in case if you are still unable to access the encrypted files then you can try using a data recovery tool.

Use of Data Recovery Tool

This step is for all those victims who have already tries all the above mentioned process but didn’t find any solution. Also it is important that you are able to access the PC and can install any software. The data recovery tool works on the basis of System scanning and recovery algorithm. It searches the System partitions in order to locate the original files which were deleted, corrupted or damaged by the malware. Remember that you must not re-install the Windows OS otherwise the “previous” copies will get deleted permanently. You have to clean the work-station at first and remove Banhu Ransomware infection. Leave the locked files as it is and follow the steps mentioned below.

Step1: Download the software in the work-station by clicking on the “Download” button below.

Step2: Execute the installer by clicking on downloaded files.

Step3: A license agreement page appears on the screen. Click on “Accept” to agree with its terms and use. Follow the on-screen instruction as mentioned and click on “Finish” button.

Step4: Once the installation gets completed, the program gets executed automatically. In the newly opened interface, select the file types that you want to recover and click on “Next”.

Step5: You can select the “Drives” on which you want the software to run and execute the recovery process. Next is to click on the “Scan” button.

Step6: Based on drive you select for scanning, the restore process begins. The whole process may take time depending on the volume of the selected drive and number of files. Once the process gets completed, a data explorer appears on the screen with preview of that data that is to be recovered. Select the files that you want to restore.

Step7. Next is to locate the location where you want to saver the recovered files.