Terminating Bitshifter Ransomware

What is Bitshifter ransomware? And how does this malware function?

Bitshifter ransomware is a newly developed file-encrypting threat which appears to be under development and created by independent group of con artists. Unlike other similar threats, Bitshifter is quite different since it attacks the virtual community with only a plain HTTP text command instead of its independent GUI. This malware exploits the WebSocket C2 protocol which is employed in browsers. It covertly infiltrates your operating system, launches its processes, scans your computer for important files, and uses AES encryption algorithm to make them inaccessible.
It may seem like a weak infection, however, Bitshifter isn’t one you should underestimate for it is able to steal important credential information, making this virus scarier than it looks. It disguises its infection under a malicious executable file named launcher.exe. Take note that this virus know how to hide well and that its distribution techniques are also well spread. But if you have an excellent antivirus and anti spyware program like SpyRemover Pro, it’ll be able to detect and identify the virus.
As pointed out, the ransomware’s most menacing feature is its ability to steal sensitive information which is unusual for this kind of threat that solely focuses on encrypting files and extort money. Thus, this malware shouldn’t be taken for granted and instead of paying the ransom, you should immediately look for ways to remove this threatening ransomware. Worry not though, for this article will give you complete removal guidelines to be discussed right after.

How is Bitshifter ransomware disseminated online?

Aside from its malicious executable file launcher.exe used in its attack, as well as the WebSocket C2 protocol used in browsers, it is no surprise that this virus makes use of diverse distribution methods in disseminating its infection. According to our researchers, it most likely lurks in the guise of fraudulent browser extensions which is known as browser hijackers. Browser hijackers are known to flood browsers with so much ads and redirects to suspicious websites. That’s why you have to check your browsers for any questionable extensions and remove them.

Terminate the ransomware infection by following the removal guidelines below:
Step 1: Open Windows Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard at the same time.

Step 2: Go to the Processes tab and look for joise.exe and any suspicious processes and then kill them.

Step 3: Open Control Panel by pressing the Windows key + R, then type in appwiz.cpl and then click OK or press Enter.

Step 4: Look for Bitshifter ransomware or the program it is disguised with which is Helper with the description of “Microsoft Helper” and any other suspicious program and then Uninstall it.

Step 5: Hold down Windows + E keys simultaneously to open File Explorer.
Step 6: After that, navigate to the directories listed below and delete everything in it. Or other directories you might have saved the file related to Bitshifter ransomware.

%APPDATA%
%USERPROFILE%\Downloads
%USERPROFILE%\Desktop
%TEMP%

Step 7: Locate any components or files associated with Bitshifter ransomware like its malicious executable file, launcher.exe.
Step 8: Reset your browsers to remove any browser hijackers which could be responsible for the Bitshifter infiltration.
Google Chrome

Launch Google Chrome, press Alt + F, move to More tools, and click Extensions.
Look for Togosearching.com or any unwanted add-on, click the Recycle Bin button, and choose Remove.
Restart Google Chrome, then tap Alt + F, and select Settings.
Navigate to the On Startup section at the bottom.
Select Open a specific page or set of pages.
Click the More actions button next to the hijacker and click Remove.

Mozilla Firefox

Open the browser and tap Ctrl + Shift + A to access the Add-ons Manager.
In the Extensions menu Remove the unwanted extension.
Restart the browser and tap keys Alt + T.
Select Options and then move to the General menu.
Overwrite the URL in the Home Page section and then restart the browser.

Internet Explorer

Launch Internet Explorer.
Tap Alt + T and select Internet options.
Click the General tab and then overwrite the URL under the homepage section.
Click OK to save the changes.

Step 9: Empty the Recycle Bin.
Step 10: Reboot your computer into Safe Mode with Command Prompt by pressing F8 a couple of times until the Advanced Options menu appears.

Navigate to Safe Mode with Command Prompt using the arrow keys on your keyboard. After selecting Safe Mode with Command Prompt, hit Enter.
Step 11: After loading the Command Prompt type cd restore and hit Enter.

Step 12: After cd restore, type in rstrui.exe and hit Enter.

Step 13: A new window will appear, and then click Next.

Step 14: Select any of the Restore Points on the list and click Next. This will restore your computer to its previous state before being infected with the Bitshifter Ransomware.
Step 15: A dialog box will appear, and then click Next.

Step 16: After the system restore process, download SpyRemover Pro to remove any remaining files or residues of the Bitshifter Ransomware.
Step 17: Try to recover your encrypted files.
Restoring your encrypted files using Windows’ Previous Versions feature will only be effective if the malware 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.

Follow the continued advanced steps below to ensure the removal of the Bitshifter ransomware:
Perform a full system scan using SpyRemover Pro.

Turn on your computer. If it’s already on, you have to reboot
After that, the BIOS screen will be displayed, but if Windows pops up instead, reboot your computer and try again. Once you’re on the BIOS screen, repeat pressing F8, by doing so the Advanced Option shows up.

To navigate the Advanced Option use the arrow keys and select Safe Mode with Networking then hit
Windows will now load the Safe Mode with Networking.
Press and hold both R key and Windows key.

If done correctly, the Windows Run Box will show up.
Type in explorer http://www.fixmypcfree.com/install/spyremoverpro
A single space must be in between explorer and http. Click OK.
A dialog box will be displayed by Internet Explorer. Click Run to begin downloading SpyRemover Pro. Installation will start automatically once download is done.