Btcware Ransomware Removal Guide

Do you know what Btcware Ransomware is?

Btcware Ransomware is a malicious program dedicated to encrypting your files and demanding you pay money to get them decrypted. Its name is derived from BTC which is an abbreviation for Bitcoins. Bitcoin is a type cryptocurrency, and cyber criminals want ransom to be paid in it because the authorities cannot follow the money trail. However, you should refrain from paying the ransom because its creators might not hold their end of the bargain to give you the decryption tool. In this article, we are going to overview, this program’s dissemination methods, features, and functionality, as well as the means to remove it from your PC safely.

According to our malware analysts, Btcware Ransomware is similar to Crptxxx Ransomware, a malicious program set to encrypt a person’s files and demand money for the decryption key. If your PC were to become encrypted with Btcware Ransomware, then it would start encrypting your files immediately. This ransomware uses an advanced encryption algorithm to encrypt hundreds of file formats that include .docm, .docx, .bmg, .bmp, .mpk, .mpq, .php, .phz and many others. Basically, this ransomware targets nearly all file formats on your PC, but it does not encrypt anything in Windows and Internet Explorer folders, probably to allow you to use the PC to pay the ransom. Researchers say that this ransomware is set to add a ".btcware" extension to all encrypted files.

Once the encryption is finished, this malicious program will drop two files on the desktop and in each folder where a file has been encrypted. These files are "#_HOW_TO_FIX_!.hta," and "#_HOW_TO_FIX_!.inf". Furthermore, this ransomware will inject malicious registry keys to run "#_HOW_TO_FIX_!.inf" on each system startup. This file is actually the ransom note that features information on how to pay the ransom. According to our malware analysts, the note features information that tells you to visit this ransomware’s website and enter a unique code included in the note and then get instructions on how to pay the ransom. However, we want to point out that this ransomware does not specify the exact sum to be paid.Btcware Ransomware Removal GuideBtcware Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions

Researchers believe that Btcware Ransomware should be disseminated in the same way Crptxxx Ransomware was disseminated. They say that this new ransomware should be sent to unwary users in emails. The emails can be disguised as tax return forms or invoices or something of the sort. The ransomware’s executable can be included as a zipped file. If that is the case, then the only way your PC can become infected is if you open the extracted file. Researchers say that the main executable is named biznet.exe, but it might be changed to appear more reliable. Also, the developers might add a second extension to the name and modify the file’s icon to make it look as if it is a document. Unfortunately, there is no concrete evidence for this but, in any case, the facts speak for themselves — Btcware Ransomware is a highly malicious program that can render your files inaccessible.

Therefore, to prevent further damage, we recommend that you delete Btcware Ransomware because there is no telling whether its developers will give you the decryption key. You might lose not only your files but also your money, so if you want to remove it, we advise you to use our guide or an anti-malware application. Our malware analysts suggest using SpyHunter as it is more than capable of detecting and getting rid of this malicious program and protecting your PC from all malware.

Removal Guide

  1. Hold down Windows+E keys.
  2. Enter %APPDATA% in the File Explorer’s address box and hit Enter.
  3. Find biznet.exe, right-click it and click Delete.
  4. Then go to the desktop and delete "#_HOW_TO_FIX_!.hta," and "#_HOW_TO_FIX_!.inf"
  5. Close File Explorer.
  6. Empty the Recycle Bin.
  7. Then, Hold down Windows+R keys.
  8. Type regedit in the box and hit Enter.
  9. Go to SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
  10. Find btcware, right-click it and click Delete.
  11. Then, go to registry keys listed below and delete the registry string “^#_HOW_TO_FIX_!\.inf$
    • %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    • %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    • %USERPROFILE%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    • %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    • %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    • Close the Registry Editor.

In non-techie terms:

Btcware Ransomware is a malicious program whose objective is to encrypt your personal files and demand that you pay a ransom for a decryption program. Researchers say that you cannot trust this program’s developers because they might not give you the program once you have paid. Unfortunately, decrypting the files for free is not possible yet, so we recommend that you remove it using our guide.