BugsFighter

Discovered by a malware researcher named Glacius_, Babuk Locker (a.k.a. Vasa Locker, Babyk Locker, Babuk Locker) is a ransomware-type virus that targets commercial organizations including business ventures with turnovers equal to 4.000.000$. All because it demands a ransom of 60000-85000$ in BTC to be paid in exchange for the encrypted data. To make sure their victims are unable to decrypt them independently, cybercriminals use a combination of SHA252, ChaCha8, and ECDH algorithms to run secure encryption. Babuk Locker developers run extensive distribution campaigns to cover as many victims as possible. This is why users are also likely to witness other versions derived from Babuk Locker (e.g. Babyk, Vasa, etc). Depending on which version attacked the compromised network, victims will see different extensions applied to encrypted files. Normally, it is .__NIST_K571__; .babyk, or .babuk assigned to each data piece. For instance, a file like 1.pdf stored on a malware-affected device, will change its look to 1.pdf.__NIST_K571__, 1.pdf.babyk, or 1.pdf.babuk at the end of encryption. Then, as soon as this stage of infection is done, the virus creates a text note called "How To Restore Your Files.txt" to each folder with encrypted data.

After failing to install new updates, users may see an error code numbered 0x80244022. The issue says there has been a problem whilst updating the system. Unfortunately, it is quite regular for such errors to occur. There is no single reason for its appearance, but yet there are basic issues that tend to cause such errors across multiple users. Usually, users are unlucky to experience missing or corrupted system files, malfunctioned software, incompatibility, and other problems that force such issues to pop. There is no way to identify the problem without running some research. This is why it is necessary to try all the solutions listed in our guidelines below.

Neflim is a ransomware infection that encrypts data stored on the compromised devices. By doing so, cybercriminals have a good occasion to blackmail users into paying the so-called ransom. There are two forms of the Neflim virus known at the moment. First appends the .neflim extension, whilst another uses .f1 to rename the encrypted data. Some experts tend to classify these versions as separate ransomware infections, yet they are both parts of the common family. To illustrate how encrypted files are changed, let's take a look at the original 1.pdf data piece. At the end of encryption, it will change either to 1.pdf.neflim or 1.pdf.f1 depending on which versions captured your data. The same encryption pattern will be applied to the rest of the files stored on your device. As soon as all of the data appears under the lock of swindlers, victims have to read instructions on recovering data inside of the NEFLIM-DECRYPT.txt or f1-HELP.txt notes.

Hive is a malicious program classified as ransomware. Its main purpose lies in running file encryption to blackmail users into paying the ransom. This ransom is a certain amount required in exchange for the blocked data. Users can spot that their files have been encrypted by the change of their names. Specifically, victims are seeing a random string of characters along with the .hive extension assigned to each data piece. Such a change makes files encrypted, which declines access to them. To recover the lost access to data, users are instructed to follow the details stated inside of a text note called HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt. Cybercriminals inform the affected victims that their network has been hijacked, which led to immediate data encryption. To decrypt the compromised files, victims have to contact extortionists via the link attached to the note and purchase the decryption software. The last thing written by cybercriminals is how to avoid irreversible data damage. They say it is forbidden to run any manipulations with your data, e.g. do not shut your PC intentionally, modify or change file names, use third-party software, and many other attempts to erase the encryption.

Easy 2 Convert 4 Me is the name of a browser extension that alters browser settings to impose unreliable changes. This type of software is more known as browser hijackers. Once it gets successfully installed, users will spot a new homepage appearance along with additional features added to the list of unwanted changes. The main feature of Easy 2 Convert 4 Me is easy to find from its actual name - to help people convert files whilst browsing over the web. This is a handy feature indeed, however, Easy 2 Convert 4 Me cannot be trusted in privacy terms. If you check what permissions have been assigned to Easy 2 Convert 4 Me in the extensions panel, you will know that it has access to all data entered by users during the browsing session. This means that it can gather your passwords, IP addresses, geolocations, and more valuable data of such type. Moreover, Easy 2 Convert 4 Me starts showing a pile of different ads right after its installation. Such advertising content is usually suspicious or even dangerous to visit. This is why it is highly recommended to remove Easy 2 Convert 4 Me from your computer as soon as possible. Most users fail to do it on their own as there can be a program installed on your PC, which forces such changes out of the shadow. Thus, make sure you follow our tutorial below to perform full hijacker removal.

Poliex is a ransomware-type virus discovered by a malware hunter from South Korea known as dnwls0719. Likewise other infections of such type, Poliex does encrypt personal data to blackmail users into paying the ransom. Along with encrypting files by military-grade algorithms, the virus also appends the .poliex extension to each of the compromised pieces. To illustrate, a file named 1.pdf will experience a change to 1.pdf.poliex and drops its original icon at the end of encryption. Once such changes have been successfully applied, users will lose access to their data. Instructions on how to return it are stated inside of the README.txt note, which is created after encryption is done. There is not too much written by the developers, yet it is enough to understand what victims should do. As cybercriminals say, the decryption price is 500$. Right after this message extortionists attach their telegram address. To get involved in further conversations with swindlers, users should contact the frauds using the Telegram app. After establishing contact with them, victims will therefore get the necessary payment details to transfer the required amount of money. Unfortunately, there is little data on how cybercriminals behave themselves during private chat. They can offer to test free decryption of some files to elevate the trust of victims who hesitate on their trustworthiness.

m.nearbyme.io is classified as a fake search engine that can be found inadvertently installed in Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and other popular browsers as well. Such engines are run on the basis of browser hijackers, which are unwanted programs meant to configure browser settings. Users infected with such software will see m.nearbyme.io as their default URL address on the homepage. The interface will change as well, yet end up looking barely different from legitimate engines. Some inexperienced users may even take it for granted as there are Google names displayed around. For example, users may see the "Enhanced by Google" title right next to the searching bar. This means Nearbyme.io uses legitimate Google algorithms to generate the searched queries. It is quite a norm for browser hijackers to use legitimate engines to falsify the traffic of visits. By doing so, developers ensure they earn money on ostensibly genuine visits that are redirected through their addresses. It was also observed that m.nearbyme.io has been caused by two suspicious extensions - Custom Engines and SwiftSelect. Unfortunately, in some cases removing unwanted extensions may not be enough as there might be a program installed on your system that forces such changes. If you are the one struggling to delete the m.nearbyme.io hijacker on your own, follow our guidelines below.

0x80240031 is an update-related issue that pops whilst trying to download fresh updates. Most users have seen it appear after attempting to install Windows 10 Insider Preview 14257, 14332, and 14986 updates. Despite this, error 0x80240031 can be linked to other updates as well. As it was reported by users, the update gets stuck at 40% resulting in the corresponding error. Unfortunately, there is no single reason identified for its appearance. However, most cases show that such problems arise due to damaged or missing files, corrupted registry, wrong configuration, malware, and countless others to finish the list. Being unable to update your system may be heartbreaking for users anticipating new features. Although this has been a problem indeed, we are happy to say that 0x80240031 can be eventually solved. Follow our guide below to learn how with the help of detailed instructions.