The primary aim of this ransomware-type computer menace is to restrict user’s access to one’s own files and force the victim to pay a ransom in exchange for BPTO file decryption tool. Therefore, the threat actors put data encryption to a bad use and lock victim’s files, making it impossible to edit, view or open files in any way.

_readme.txt contains a message from ransomware operators

Ransomware-type viruses usually drop a text note from cybercriminals in order to inform the computer user about what has happened and how locked files can be restored. In this case, the virus creates ransom note called _readme.txt and saves it into each folder that contains some encrypted data. The note asks for victim’s attention, then informs that the data can only be restored using decryption software and private key, both in possession of cybercriminals. The note explains that the user can contact the ransomware operators via provided email: support@freshmail.top or alternative address: datarestorehelp@airmail.cc and ask to decrypt one small file (one that doesn’t contain valuable data). The victim should also send Personal ID that’s included in the _readme.txt note for identification purposes. The criminals then will send a decrypted file version just to prove that they can restore the rest of the data. The note also explains that computer users who contact the attackers within 72 hours will get a 50% discount on the ransom price and will be asked to pay $490 instead of $980 for decryption tools. However, they will later specify that the victim has to purchase cryptocurrency worth the said amount and transfer it to their wallet address. This transaction method is the only accepted way to pay them, since it helps to keep their identity hidden. In general, law enforcement agencies like FBI and cybersecurity experts do not recommend paying a ransom. It hardly solves the issue. Instead, it encourages the crooks to continue their activities. Moreover, the sneaky attackers do not reveal one important fact about the computer infection – the ransomware spreads along information stealers, namely Vidar, Azorult and RedLine, and these aren’t mentioned in the ransom note. However, these dangerous Trojans are capable of stealing all sorts of sensitive information from the computer and sending it to the attacker’s server. Later, such data can be used to blackmail the victim further. If you’re a victim of the described malware, we strongly recommend you to remove BPTO ransomware virus using instructions provided below this article. Our team has prepared a guide on how to boot your computer and run an antivirus safely to neutralize all malicious processes. In addition, if you’re unsure which antivirus to choose, you might want to read reviews on our website or try the one we recommend using INTEGO Antivirus. In addition, you might want to consider downloading RESTORO to identify and repair virus damage to Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

Ransomware distribution in short and ways to stay protected

BPTO ransomware operators typically distribute this malicious software using deceitful techniques, and they tend to hide the dangerous executable file in disguise of a secure-looking file, for example, online download or an email attachment. The most common distribution method known to spread variants of STOP/DJVU is based on illegal online downloads. Computer users stumble upon them while looking for cracked software versions. The downloaded setup is a malicious file, and opening them triggers computer infection. This leads to complete data encryption on the system. Award-winning antivirus solution for your PC. Robust security software that provides robust 24/7 real-time protection, Web Shield that stops online threats/malicious downloads, and Prevention engine that wards off Zero-Day threats. Keep your PC safe and protected against ransomware, Trojans, viruses, spyware and other forms of dangerous programs. Many users have reported downloading this ransomware while searching for cracked Adobe Photoshop, Cubase, VMWare Workstation, Adobe Illustrator, FIFA and other popular software versions. They have also reported discovering the malicious installation files after visiting rogue websites they found in search engine results; therefore, we strongly recommend that you read this article about websites that serve malicious downloads and never visit them. In general, it is not advisable to look for illegal software versions altogether as most of them contain malware of some form, besides, by downloading such content, you infringe copyrights of the respective software developers. To find genuine and secure software versions, you should visit legitimate websites and purchase license key in order to use specific software legally. Another ransomware distribution method is email spam containing some attached files. Cybercriminals often contact hundreds of potential victims via email and pretend to be representatives of online retailers, service providers, or even governmental organizations. They urge the target to open attached files due to an important matter that needs to be addressed. This way, they usually seek to spark victim’s curiosity or fear and make one act without thinking. Users should know that cybercriminals typically send messages containing a lot of grammar mistakes, use generic greeting lines, and use fake or spoofed email addresses to appear in a more convincing way. We advise computer users to stay cautious while checking their email and ignore messages that seem suspicious. In addition, ransomware operators often target people who have already fallen victims to a ransomware attack by uploading fake file decryption tools online. Users who download these files in hopes to restore all of their data can end up getting their files double-encrypted. In general, in order to avoid ransomware attacks, computer users should practice secure browsing habits and install antivirus software on their computers. To be specific, one with a real-time protection should be used.

Remove BPTO ransomware virus and restore your files

If you’re someone who has been attacked by the described computer threat, it is time to clean up your computer from malicious files. To remove BPTO ransomware virus and associated threats, we recommend using instructions provided below. You will need to start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking and then run a reputable AV solution to detect files and components related to malware. Our team recommends using INTEGO Antivirus, and in order to repair virus-altered Windows OS files, we recommend downloading RESTORO. Once BPTO virus removal is completed, do not forget to change all of your passwords since the Trojans that accompany this ransomware may have stolen them. In addition, consider reporting the cybercrime incident to your local law enforcement agency. Finally, use data backups to restore your files, and if you didn’t have any, follow instructions in this guide on repairing/decrypting files locked by STOP/DJVU. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove BPTO Ransomware Virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users Now, you can search for and remove BPTO Ransomware Virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense If you’re looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek’s Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Decrypt BPTO files

Fix and open large BPTO files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. BPTO Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie. Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible. In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt BPTO files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The BPTO decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages: Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID] This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor’s database. No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible. Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future. If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn’t available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your BPTO extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Victims of BPTO Ransomware Virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can’t find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up “[your country name] report cyber crime”. This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities. Another recommendation is to contact your country’s or region’s federal police or communications authority.