I wrote this article to help you remove .b0C File Ransomware. This .b0C File Ransomware removal guide works for all Windows versions.
In case you have been wondering which the absolute worst type of cyber infection is, we have the answer. It`s ransomware. Ransomware programs, together with Trojan horses, are considered the most dreaded and dangerous parasites, and unfortunately, you are now dealing with one. The last version of the X-File ransomware is currently on your machine and you have to take actions. These infections totally deserve the reputation they have. There is no doubt in that. Unsurprisingly, ransomware`s only goal is money. But instead of stealing it from you, it plays smart. It takes something valuable of yours and then blackmails you. It practically forces you to give it money voluntarily. It goes without saying that this is a scam and you shouldn’t do it. Let`s go into details.
First of all, the X-File ransomware enters in complete silence and you only realize that it is in once it is too late. But how does it enter? Well, ransomware pieces are still programs and they need to be properly installed. They need your permission on the installment, so they ask for it. Of course, they don’t do that straightforward because that leaves too much room for denial. Instead, they turn to trickery and deception to dupe you into giving them green light.
For example, spam email messages. Sometimes the crooks send you the infection as an email which is disguised as a legitimate one, like a job application or an invoice. And then, you do the rest by opening this email. This is why you must delete all messages from unknown senders as more often than not, they deliver infections. Other clever tactics include bogus program updates, Exploit Kits, freeware bundles, corrupted pages, etc. A ransomware could even use the help of a Trojan to enter. All these infiltration methods are smart. The pest does, in fact, ask for permission while in disguise. You have to be more careful. None of this would work unless you provide your distraction and carelessness. Be more vigilant and keep your machine safe.
Once in, this file-encrypting parasite doesn’t waste time. It immediately proceeds to step number two – the actual encryption. First, it performs a quick scan on your computer, locating all of your valuable files. Pictures, videos, music, MS Office documents, presentations, work-related files, and so on and so forth. They all fall victims to the pest. It locks them with a strong encryption algorithm, thus making them inaccessible to you. Also, to solidify its hold over your data, the X-File ransomware appends a pesky extension to each encrypted file. If you see one of these two add-ons at the end of your data – “b0c.x” or “.b0c“– this means that your files are no longer usable. Your computer is unable to recognize them due to their new extensions. So, what you are left with are just empty unusable icons. You see them, but you cannot access any of them. Moving them into another folder or renaming them does nothing as well. This is the moment where you may panic.
You probably have some extremely important stuff stored on your machine. Most people do. Try to stay calm as the crooks are praying for your fear. When the encryption process is over, the ransomware drops a note for you. The ransom note. This is a message from the crooks, explaining your current situation and offering you a way out. Ironic, right? Considering that they are the one to blame, they are not trying to help you. How convenient. According to the note, the only way of freeing your data is by obtaining a special decryption tool. Of course, this tool doesn’t come for free. This is the part where the cybercriminals basically make you give them your money. You have to pay a ransom, usually in Bitcoins, which is an intractable online currently. They claim that once you pay, they will send you the decrypter. The ransom note also provides detailed payment instructions. It even says that if you don’t pay right away, the sum will double. Don’t even consider that.
Hackers are not the best people to make deals with. How do you know that they will keep the end of the bargain? You don’t. And frankly, most of the time, they don’t either. They just take your money and don’t send you anything. Or, they send you a tool which doesn’t work. And even if they give you a fully working decrypter, you still lose. Yes, you will be able to unlock your data but for how long? The decrypter only removes the encryption, not the infection. The ransomware remains on your machine ready to strike again.
How many times are you going to pay these people? You do realize that by paying you are practically sponsoring them, don’t you? And, you are exposing your personal information to danger. Don’t be gullible and don’t trust crooks. As we said, they only care for your money. For your data, on the other hand, they couldn’t care less. So, forget about paying. Instead, use our easy to follow removal guide below and get rid of the X-File Ransomware. Also, for future protection, we recommend that you make backups of your most important data as well as getting yourself a reliable anti-malware program.
.b0C File Ransomware Removal
Method 1: Restore your encrypted files using ShadowExplorer
Usually, .b0C File Ransomware deletes all shadow copies, stored in your computer. Luckily, the ransomware is not always able to delete the shadow copies. So your first try should be restoring the original files from shadow copies.
- Download ShadowExplorer from this link: http://www.shadowexplorer.com/downloads.html.
- Install ShadowExplorer
- Open ShadowExplorer and select C: drive on the left panel
- Choose at least a month ago date from the date field
- Navigate to the folder with encrypted files
- Right-click on the encrypted file
- Select “Export” and choose a destination for the original file
Method 2: Restore your encrypted files by using System Restore
- Go to Start –> All programs –> Accessories –> System tools –> System restore
- Click “Next“
- Choose a restore point, at least a month ago
- Click “Next“
- Choose Disk C: (should be selected by default)
- Click “Next“. Wait for a few minutes and the restore should be done.
Method 3: Restore your files using File Recovery Software
If none of the above method works, you should try to recover encrypted files by using File Recovery Software. Since .b0C File Ransomware first makes a copy of the original file, then encrypts it and deletes the original one, you can successfully restore the original, using a File Recovery Software. Here are a few free File Recovery Software programs:
