How to remove BuLock Ransomware and decrypt .bulock16 files

What is BuLock Ransomware

BuLock Ransomware is a type of malicious software, or malware, that encrypts files on a victim’s computer or network, rendering them inaccessible. The attackers then demand a ransom from the victim in exchange for the decryption key to unlock the files. The ransomware is also known as a Crypto Virus or Files Locker due to its encryption capabilities. BuLock Ransomware adds the .bulock16 extension to the files it encrypts. The digit in the extension may vary depending on the ransomware variant. BuLock Ransomware uses a combination of RSA and AES cryptographic algorithms to encrypt files. These are robust encryption methods that make it challenging to decrypt the files without the specific decryption key. BuLock Ransomware creates a ransom note named HOW_TO_BACK_FILES.html. This note informs the victim that their network has been compromised and their files encrypted. It also warns that the attackers have exfiltrated confidential data from the network, which they threaten to sell or leak online if the ransom is not paid. The note also offers the victim the chance to test decryption on 2-3 files before paying the ransom.

Decrypting .bulock16 files is challenging due to the robust encryption used by BuLock Ransomware. Without a specific decryption key, it’s nearly impossible to decrypt the files. The best course of action is to restore the files from a backup if one is available. It’s also recommended to keep backups in multiple different locations, such as remote servers and unplugged storage devices, to ensure data safety.

How BuLock Ransomware infects computers

Ransomware like BuLock can infect computers through various methods. The most common include phishing emails using social engineering, malvertising, fileless attacks, remote desk protocol, drive-by downloads, pirated software, and network propagation. For instance, an attacker might spoof a CEO’s email and trick employees into clicking a link in a fake email, thereby infecting the company’s network. As of the current date, there are no free decryption tools available for BuLock Ransomware. However, it’s always worth checking resources like the No More Ransom Project or Avast’s free ransomware decryption tools for updates.

1. Download BuLock Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .bulock16 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 BuLock Ransomware

BuLock Ransomware files:


HOW_TO_BACK_FILES.html
{randomname}.exe


BuLock Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .bulock16 files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .bulock16 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 .bulock16 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 BuLock 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 .bulock16 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 BuLock 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. BuLock 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