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BOOT Ransomware (.boot File Extension)

BOOT a strain within the STOP/Djvu Ransomware family, employing the Salsa20 encryption algorithm to encrypt files on compromised systems. Victims are coerced into paying a ransom ranging from $490 to $980 in Bitcoins for the decryption key.

You may be interested in taking a look at our other antivirus tools:
Trojan Killer, and Online Virus Scanner.

About Boot:


NameBoot Virus
Version0167
File Extension.boot
Contact[email protected], [email protected]
FamilySTOP/Djvu Ransomware
Note_readme.txt
Offline IDzZyLTRlsJ8hv1HPF6BPmiyHxTSON3B8vILboott1
Last seenOctober 28, 2023
AlgorithmSalsa20 encryption. If Boot cannot establish a connection to crooks server before starting the encryption process, it uses the offline key. This key is the same for all victims(!), making it possible to decrypt .boot files in the future.
RansomFrom $490 to $980 (in Bitcoins)
Damage
  1. ⮞ Can delete Volume Shadow copies to make victim’s attempts to restore data impossible;
  2. ⮞ Adds a list of domains to HOSTS file to block access to certain security-related sites;
  3. ⮞ Installs password-stealing trojan virus, like Redline Stealer, Vidar Stealer, Smokeloader, Azorult and others;
DistributionThird-party downloaders, installers, peer-to-peer networks, RDP exploits, etc.,
RSA Public Key-----BEGIN PUBLIC KEY----- MIIBIjANBgkqhkiG9w0BAQEFAAOCAQ8AMIIBCgKCAQEA7kIVK3X/6o2yfVGBl34/ sO9AwD7DOI7UGQvqDWh/fx8j7XoQ1o7umKftdegw3+tiagtDGrZHdmza0wU2b/cF bxHi9M67SRx6yLFlBWd/idO7Gm/KOKjgS3gxLKHBY3ZzmrgKL5sb76YBj5DC8qcH DpxB7GcgB9EA6wXQ1C6BNNuG8w27jMnv8YetL/NSpMNUM37CtSzXAR/G9RtJQr6x TCyRg4hWqlNmNqMmBrLuFh3g5/q3mbGWw9xUELeq8FBzMShebFeB/gmSakUEGt10 /yX19twDgqgRGITNnl+FszpCSM+gNMsLzv+SaYEAsPIR+mhzZUwg/4Q6Q+Kbw35L VwIDAQAB -----END PUBLIC KEY-----
Other variants
  • Hlas Ransomware (.hlas encrypted files)
  • Qual Ransomware (.qual encrypted files)
  • Waqa Ransomware (.waqa encrypted files)
  • BOOT Virus Removal Tool

    What is Boot?

    Boot ransomware is a member of the STOP/Djvu ransomware family, utilizing the Salsa20 cipher to encrypt your files and append a .boot extension to them. Such files become inaccessible through conventional means. Beyond encrypting files, this malware also manipulates system settings, undermining security mechanisms. These modifications could potentially cause system instability and complicate routine computer usage.

    The encryption strength of Boot ransomware makes brute force attempts futile, given the impracticality of generating and testing the vast array of possible keys. While certain decryption tools, possessing pre-compromised keys, might offer a slim chance of file recovery, the broader threat lies in the ransomware's system configuration alterations. These changes can severely limit your ability to install new programs or access specific websites, posing a significant problem, particularly for those without critical data backups.

    The most effective defense against ransomware is prevention. Many infections by the Boot virus stem from the use of pirated software and illegal tools. Such programs are often distributed via peer-to-peer networks and third-party "software collector" sites, offered for free after being cracked to bypass license verification. Hackers, compensated for embedding malicious code into these applications, have a clear incentive to continue these practices. Thus, understanding and avoiding the sources of such threats is crucial.

    Boot Encryption process

    The Boot uses the Salsa20 encryption algorithm. That is not the strongest method, but it still provides an overwhelming amount of possible decryption keys. To brute force the 78-digit number of keys, you need 3.5 unvigintillion years (1*10^65), even if you use the most powerful regular PC. Quantum computers can show a bit better results, but it is still too slow to get your files back while you are alive.

    The exact algorithm of encryption is next: malware scans each folder for the files it is able to encrypt. Then, when it finds the target, it makes a copy of your file, removes the original one, encrypts the copy and leaves it instead of the removed original. Such a procedure is done to prevent the situation when you have already opened the file, so ransomware is not able to read it because of the Windows restrictions. To each encrypted copy, the virus adds the specific extension - ".boot". Then, ransomware creates a _readme.txt file in the folder where the encrypted file is located, and goes to the next folder.

    .BOOT Files

    Such an encryption method can be exploited for file recovery. Since the original file is deleted, you may try to recover it using the file recovery tools. The less time is passed - the bigger the chance to get your files back, so hurry up!

    Another specific moment that can help you to use the files even after the encryption is the fact that Boot ransomware encrypts only the first 150KB of each file. Hence, you can try to run a big file, such as video or music, without the encryption. Similar feature also works with other ransomware families - Dharma, Conti and Makop encrypt the same 150KB.

    Boot note:

    Ransom note is the same for the whole STOP/DJVU family. In fact, it is one of the main signs of to which family the certain ransomware belongs. Here is the typical note for STOP/Djvu family:

    ATTENTION!

    Don't worry, you can return all your files!
    All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
    The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
    This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
    What guarantees you have?
    You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
    But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
    You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
    https://we.tl/t-JeLOm18e5g
    Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
    Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
    Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
    Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.


    To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
    [email protected]

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    Indicators of Compromise(IOC)

    File NameMD5File Size
    📜 SAMPLE.EXE708eb8b29ff097cdaef6a7d3db9bb51810477063