What is Blower ransomware? And how does it implement its attack?
Blower ransomware is a data-encrypting malware designed to lock valuable data in a targeted machine. It uses the .blower extension in marking its encrypted files. According to security experts, it seems like this new crypto-malware is a new variant of STOP ransomware since there are a lot of similarities in their source code. Like other ransomware threats, Blower demands ransom from its victims. It offers a 50% discount to its victims which does not really make it any better.
The instant its malicious payload is dropped, it implements a series of modifications in the computer. It starts by collecting information from the system using the information gathering module. The information obtained is sent to a remote server controlled by the attackers. After that, it employs another module called stealth protection. This second module is the one that scans the system for any strings of antivirus programs, sandbox environments, security programs and stops them from interrupting the attack by either disabling them or removing them. It then makes alterations in the Windows Registry which allows it to run automatically in every system boot.
This makes Blower ransomware a persistent threat. Once all the system modifications are completed, it scans the computer for user-generated files like documents, databases, audio, video, and many more. After it finds these files, it encrypts them using both the AES and RSA 1024 encryption algorithm. It then drops a file named “_readme.txt” which contains the following message:
“———————————————- ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED ——————————————
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files documents, photos, databases, and other important are encrypted with the strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase a decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees do we give to you?
You can send one of your encrypted files from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information
Don’t try to use third-party decrypt tools because it will destroy your files.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours.
=======================================================
To get this software you need writes on our e-mail:
[email protected]
Reserve an e-mail address to contact us:
[email protected]
Your personal ID:
030GHsgdfT7878YsY9gsafa2aeetLxfdZoulAkTNqXPJl8V0kIPOLEikCi047g
================================================”
How does Blower ransomware spread online?
Blower ransomware may spread using spam emails. This is one of the commonly used distribution methods of ransomware infections. This is why you must avoid opening and downloading attachments from suspicious emails as they could contain the payload file of dangerous cyber threats like Blower ransomware.
Eliminate Blower ransomware from your infected computer with the help of the following removal guide.
Step_1: First, tap the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys on your keyboard to open the Task Manager.
Step_2: After opening the Task Manager, go to the Processes tab and look for any suspicious-looking process that takes up most of your CPU’s resources and is most likely related to Blower ransomware.
Step_3: After that, close the Task Manager.
Step_4: Tap Win + R, type in appwiz.cpl and click OK or tap Enter to open Programs and Features under Control Panel.
Step_5: Under the list of installed programs, look for Blower ransomware or anything similar and then uninstall it.
Step_6: Next, close the Control Panel and tap Win + E keys to launch File Explorer.
Step_7: Navigate to the following locations below and look for Blower ransomware’s malicious components such as _readme.txt and [random].exe and other suspicious files, then delete all of them.
- %TEMP%
- %WINDIR%\System32\Tasks
- %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Templates\
- %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
- %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
Step_8: Close the File Explorer.
Before you proceed to the next steps below, make sure that you are tech-savvy enough to the point where you know exactly how to use and navigate your computer’s Registry. Keep in mind that any changes you make will highly impact your computer. To save you trouble and time, you can just use Restoro, this system tool is proven to be safe and excellent enough that hackers won’t be able to hack into it. But if you can manage Windows Registry well, then by all means go on to the next steps.
Step_9: Tap Win + R to open Run and then type in Regedit in the field and tap enter to pull up Windows Registry.
Step_10: Navigate to the following path:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\
- HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop\
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
Step_11: Delete the registry keys and sub-keys created by Blower ransomware.
Step_12: Close the Registry Editor and empty the Recycle Bin.
Try to recover your encrypted files using the Shadow Volume copies
Restoring your encrypted files using Windows Previous Versions feature will only be effective if Blower ransomware hasn’t deleted the shadow copies of your files. But still, this is one of the best and free methods there is, so it’s definitely worth a shot.
To restore the encrypted file, right-click on it and select Properties, a new window will pop up, then proceed to Previous Versions. It will load the file’s previous version before it was modified. After it loads, select any of the previous versions displayed on the list like the one in the illustration below. And then click the Restore button.
Congratulations, you have just removed Blower Ransomware in Windows 10 all by yourself. If you would like to read more helpful articles and tips about various software and hardware visit fixmypcfree.com daily.
Now that’s how you remove Blower Ransomware in Windows 10 on a computer. On the other hand, if your computer is going through some system-related issues that have to get fixed, there is a one-click solution known as Restoro you could check out to resolve them.
This program is a useful tool that could repair corrupted registries and optimize your PC’s overall performance. Aside from that, it also cleans out your computer for any junk or corrupted files that help you eliminate any unwanted files from your system. This is basically a solution that’s within your grasp with just a click. It’s easy to use as it is user-friendly. For a complete set of instructions in downloading and using it, refer to the steps below
Perform a full system scan using Restoro. To do so, follow the instructions below.
