How to remove Bixi Ransomware and decrypt .bixi files

What is Bixi Ransomware

Bixi Ransomware is a malicious program designed to encrypt files on the victim’s system, rendering them inaccessible and demanding a ransom for their decryption. It specifically targets various file types, appending a unique .bixi extension to the original filenames, such as transforming 1.jpg into 1.jpg.bixi and 2.png into 2.png.bixi. The ransomware employs advanced cryptographic algorithms, making it exceptionally challenging to decrypt the files without the actual decryption key, which is held by the attackers. After successful encryption, !_INFO.txt, a ransom note, is automatically generated and placed in numerous directories, including the desktop, to notify the victim of the breach and instruct them on how to pay the ransom, typically in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. The note usually warns against using third-party decryption tools or attempting to rename the encrypted files, as these actions could lead to permanent data loss.

Despite the ominous nature of Bixi Ransomware, decryption tools for it are not currently available to the public, as the decryption keys are tightly controlled by the cybercriminals behind the attack. This makes the direct decryption of .bixi files without paying the ransom virtually impossible. Cybersecurity experts strongly advise against paying the ransom, as there is no guarantee that the attackers will indeed provide the decryption key even after the payment has been made. Instead, victims are encouraged to remove the ransomware from their systems to prevent further encryption. For those who have backups stored offline or in the cloud, restoring the affected files from these backups remains the safest and most effective recovery strategy. Maintaining regular and secure backups, along with robust security measures, is crucial to protect against such ransomware attacks in the future.

How Bixi Ransomware infects computers

Bixi Ransomware primarily infiltrates computers through deceptive methods such as phishing emails, which often contain malicious attachments or links disguised as legitimate content. These emails may appear to be from trusted sources, tricking users into downloading and opening harmful files. Once executed, the ransomware exploits system vulnerabilities to gain control and encrypt vital data. Additionally, Bixi can spread via malicious advertisements, compromised websites, and software downloaded from untrustworthy sources, including pirated content and unofficial updates. Users can also inadvertently introduce the ransomware by using infected removable storage devices or by falling victim to drive-by downloads, where malware is automatically installed when visiting a compromised website. To mitigate these risks, it is crucial to maintain updated security software, exercise caution with email attachments and web downloads, and regularly back up important data.

1. Download Bixi Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .bixi files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like Bixi Ransomware

Bixi Ransomware files:


!_INFO.txt
{randomname}.exe


Bixi Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .bixi files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .bixi files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .bixi files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with Bixi Ransomware and removed from your computer, you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually, you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .bixi files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like Bixi Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Bixi Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro