How to remove The Bully Ransomware and decrypt .HAHAHAIAMABULLY files

What is The Bully Ransomware

The Bully Ransomware is a severe malware strain identified by cybersecurity researchers. This ransomware is rooted in the Chaos ransomware variant, and its primary objective is to encrypt files on the victim’s computer and demand a ransom for their decryption. Once inside a system, The Bully Ransomware modifies filenames by appending the .HAHAHAIAMABULLY extension—changing, for example, document.docx to document.docx.HAHAHAIAMABULLY. The ransomware also generates a ransom note named read_it.txt, which typically appears on the desktop or in directories containing encrypted files. This note informs victims that their data has been encrypted and stolen, while warning against using third-party decryption tools under the threat of permanent data loss.

Unfortunately, no decryption tools currently exist for The Bully Ransomware. The encryption algorithm used is robust enough that restoring the data without the attackers’ decryption key is implausible. While cybersecurity experts frequently develop decryptors for various ransomware types, none have yet publicly surfaced for this one. Victims are advised to avoid paying the ransom, as there is no guarantee the criminals will provide the key, and doing so supports their illegal activities. Instead, recovering from backups stored in safe, isolated locations is the most effective solution for retrieving the encrypted .HAHAHAIAMABULLY files. For those without backups, using reputable data recovery tools might provide partial relief, though this is not a guarantee.

How The Bully Ransomware infects computers

The Bully Ransomware primarily infiltrates computers through phishing and social engineering tactics. Cybercriminals often distribute this malware via malicious email attachments, deceptive download links, and compromised websites. Additionally, The Bully can spread through infected software bundles from unreliable third-party download sources or P2P sharing networks. Once a user executes the malicious file, the ransomware begins encrypting valuable data, appending the “.HAHAHAIAMABULLY” extension to affected files. To avoid infection, users should exercise caution with unsolicited emails, avoid downloading from untrusted sources, and ensure their security software is up-to-date.

1. Download The Bully Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .HAHAHAIAMABULLY 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 The Bully Ransomware

The Bully Ransomware files:


read_it.txt
{randomname}.exe


The Bully Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .HAHAHAIAMABULLY files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .HAHAHAIAMABULLY 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 .HAHAHAIAMABULLY 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 The Bully 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 .HAHAHAIAMABULLY 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 The Bully 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. The Bully 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