How to remove .birbb ransomware and recover your files
birbb ransomware
Learn what birbb ransomware is and how to remove the computer virus from your computer and recover files affixed with the .birbb file extension.
What is birbb ransomware?
birbb is a file extension used by Birbware ransomware. Birbware is a computer virus that encrypts files on a computer in order to restrict access to them and then hold them for ransom (ransom of memes?). When birbb ransomware has attacked a computer it will seek to encrypt files and affix the files with the .birbb file extension. birbb ransomware will also change the background and show a ransom note that says you can possibly have your files decrypt if you send then memes on the Discord messaging app.
Here’s an example of a notification shown by this ransomware:
uh-oh you just got urself some birbware
if u wanna get rid of this birbware u can send nxf#3688 some spicy mems on discord and maybe he will give you the encryption key
As you can see, the ransomware uses the message to somewhat explain what happened to the files on the computer and how to make a ransom payment (of possibly memes) in order to allegedly decrypt the encrypted files. In this case, the ransomware author or distributor wants you to message them using Discord, an application used for encrypted messaging. It should be advised that paying the ransom will not guarantee that you will recover your files or that the infection is removed and will not appear again in the future.
How to remove birbb ransomware
1. Download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software to scan your computer and remove malicious files and potentially unwanted programs.
2. To install the program, click the file you just downloaded. It can usually be located in the Download folder.
3. A window that says “Welcome to the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard” will appear. Click Agree and Install to begin the installation. Once complete, click Finish.
4. Now the Malwarebytes is installed, open the program and click the Scan Now button – or go to the Scan tab and click the Start Scan button.
5. When the scan is complete click the Quarantine Selected button.
6. If Malwarebytes says “All selected items have been removed successfully. A log file has been saved to the logs folder. Your computer needs to be restarted to complete the removal process. Would you like to restart now?” click the Yes button to restart your computer.
7. Next, Download HitmanPro to perform a second-opinion scan and remove any remaining malicious trace files.
8. Once installed, open HitmanPro and click Next to start scanning your computer. *If you are using the free version you may chose to create a copy or perform a one-time scan.
9. When the HitmanPro scan is complete click the Next button.
10. To activate the free version of HitmanPro: enter your email address twice and click the Activate button.
11. Click the Reboot button.
File Recovery Software
| NAME | DESCRIPTION | DOWNLOAD |
|---|---|---|
| Shadow Explorer | Restores lost or damaged files from Shadow Copies | Download (Free) |
| Photorec | Recovers lost files | Download (Free) |
| Recuva | Recovers lost files | Download (Free) | Buy |
Troubleshooting
Alternative methods are suggested if there are issues removing birbb ransomware from an infected computer.
How to Restore your computer
If a restore point has previously been established on your machine you will be able to perform a system restore in order to restore your machine to a date and time before it was infected. You will lose files on your computer that were obtained prior to the restore point.
There are several options to restore your computer. Most computers have their own restore software that can be found by performing a search. Additionally, computers that run the Windows Operating System have a default restore program that can also be found by performing a search.
A boot screen that can be used to access options to restore your computer can be reached by rebooting your computer and pressing the F8 key once the manufacture screen is displayed.
How to Recover your computer to factory settings
A system recovery (or reset) will recover your computer to factory settings. You will lose the current programs and files on your computer.
There are several options to recover your computer to factory settings. Most computers have their own recovery software that can be found by performing a search. Additionally, computers that run the Windows Operating System have a default recovery program that can also be found by performing a search.
A boot screen that can be used to access options to restore your computer can be reached by rebooting your computer and pressing the F8 key once the manufacture screen is displayed.
