Bruk Ransomware

Bruk ransomware is a new variant from the Phobos ransomware family, known for encrypting files and appending a .bruk extension. Once inside a system, Bruk swiftly locks your data, leaving behind a ransom note demanding payment in Bitcoin for file recovery. Victims are warned not to rename files or attempt decryption with third-party tools—typical scare tactics used by cybercriminals.

If you’ve been hit by Bruk ransomware, this guide will walk you through how it spreads, what it does to your files, and how to remove it.

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🧨 Bruk Ransomware – Threat Summary

Threat Type	Ransomware (Phobos variant)
Encrypted File Extension	.bruk
Ransom Note Filename	info.txt, info.hta
Email Contact	bruk-support@tuta.io, bruk-support@ctemplar.com
Detection Names	Avast: Win32:Malware-gen, Microsoft: Ransom:Win32/Phobos
Symptoms	Files renamed with .bruk, ransom note on desktop, file inaccessibility
Damage + Distribution Methods	Encrypts all personal files, often spread via malicious email attachments, cracked software, or RDP brute-force attacks
Danger Level	High – causes permanent data loss without backups

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How Did I Get Infected With Bruk Ransomware?

Bruk ransomware doesn’t sneak in by magic—it uses classic infiltration methods:

• Phishing emails with infected attachments (usually disguised as invoices, PDFs, or shipping documents).
• Unpatched RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) ports that are brute-forced by attackers.
• Bundled in cracked software or fake software installers from sketchy websites.
• Malicious web ads or fake updates, especially Flash Player “update” scams.

Once triggered, the ransomware executes silently in the background and begins encrypting your files.

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What Bruk Ransomware Does to Your Files

Once inside, Bruk ransomware does the following:

• Encrypts most file types, including documents, photos, videos, and databases.
• Appends the .bruk extension to all encrypted files (e.g., report.docx becomes report.docx.bruk).
• Drops two ransom notes: a text file (info.txt) and an HTML application (info.hta) demanding payment in Bitcoin.
• Warns against using third-party decryptors, and urges victims to contact the attacker via email.
• May attempt to delete shadow copies and disable recovery features to prevent file restoration.

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Should You Be Worried About Bruk Ransomware?

Absolutely. Bruk ransomware causes severe data loss and poses a serious threat to:

• Personal files – if you have no backup, encrypted data is essentially gone.
• Business operations – downtime and data theft can cripple SMBs.
• System stability – while Bruk doesn’t steal credentials, it damages system integrity.

Paying the ransom is not recommended—there’s no guarantee the attacker will actually decrypt your files. Many victims report being ghosted after paying.

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Ransom Note Dropped by Bruk Ransomware

The typical ransom note (info.txt) looks like this:

All your files have been encrypted!
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
If you want to restore them, write to the email: bruk-support@tuta.io
If you don’t get a reply in 24 hours, write to bruk-support@ctemplar.com
…
You will receive a Bitcoin wallet address for payment.

This message is also echoed in the info.hta file, which may open automatically upon login. It uses intimidation and urgency tactics to scare users into contacting the attacker.

Manual Ransomware Removal Guide

Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users:

1. For Windows 10, 11:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
   • Go to the Boot tab.
   • Check Safe boot and select Network.
   • Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.
2. For Windows 7, 8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
2. Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
3. Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes

For Windows Users:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
3. Right-click on the process and select End Task.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unusual processes.
3. Select the process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Malicious Files

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Windows\System32
4. Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and delete suspicious folders.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/LaunchAgents and remove unknown .plist files.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings

For Windows Users:

Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
4. Right-click and select Delete.

For Mac Users:

1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/Preferences and remove malicious .plist files.

Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
2. Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
3. Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.

Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)

• Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.

Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup

• If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.

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Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter

If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter

Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe).
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
3. Once installed, launch SpyHunter.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click on Start Scan Now.
2. SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.

Step 4: Remove Detected Threats

1. After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.

Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)

If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.

Step 6: Restore Your Files

If your files are encrypted:

• Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
• Restore from cloud storage or external backups.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
• Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
• Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
• Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
• Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.

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Conclusion

Bruk ransomware is part of a dangerous lineage that leaves victims with encrypted files and tough choices. If you’ve been infected, disconnect the machine immediately, avoid contacting the criminals, and start with trusted removal tools. Restoring from a clean backup is your best bet for recovery.

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👉 Remove Bruk Ransomware with SpyHunter
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