Warning: Bitco1n encrypts your files and demands ransom; acting quickly and correctly is critical.
Bitco1n Ransomware Locks Your Files – Here’s What to Do
Imagine turning on your computer only to find your photos, documents, and work files completely unreadable. Every filename ends in .Bitco1n, and a ransom note is staring back at you. That’s the harsh reality for victims of Bitco1n ransomware—a dangerous variant of the Conti family. It spreads quickly, locks down your data, and pressures you into paying for a decryption key that may never arrive.
If you’ve been hit, don’t panic—but don’t delay either. This guide walks you through how Bitco1n works, how to remove it safely, and what steps you can take to possibly recover your files.
Threat Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Threat Type | Ransomware / Crypto‑locker (Conti family) |
| Encrypted File Extension | .Bitco1n |
| Ransom Note Filename | How To Restore Your Files.txt |
| Attacker Contact Info | Email: info@cloudminerapp.com • Telegram: @Decryptor_run |
| Detection Names | Avast: Win32:Conti‑B [Ransom]; ESET: Variant Of Win32/Filecoder.Conti.K; Kaspersky: HEUR:Trojan‑Ransom.Win32.Generic, etc. |
| Symptoms | Files unusable; file extensions changed; ransom note displayed; inability to open files without decryption tool |
| Damage & Distribution | All files encrypted; possible further malware dropped; spread via email attachments, pirated software, fake sites / malvertising, tech support scams, USB drives, etc. |
| Danger Level | High — data loss risk, possible network spread, no known free decryptor currently |
How Did I Get Infected With Bitco1n?
Bitco1n ransomware often arrives through deceptive tactics. The most common entry points include:
- Malicious email attachments disguised as invoices, resumes, or important notices
- Pirated software downloads and fake cracks or key generators
- Malicious websites or online ads (malvertising)
- Fake software updates or bundled installers from shady sites
- Infected USB drives or shared network drives
- Exploits targeting vulnerabilities in outdated software
The attackers count on users to click without thinking—one wrong download is all it takes.
What Bitco1n Ransomware Does to Your Files
Once launched, Bitco1n immediately starts encrypting your personal and work files using military-grade algorithms. Every affected file is renamed with the .Bitco1n extension. So a file like project.docx becomes project.docx.Bitco1n, rendering it useless without a special decryption key.
Then it drops a ransom note: How To Restore Your Files.txt, which appears on your desktop and in affected folders. This message demands that you contact the criminals via email or Telegram, and warns you not to rename files or try third-party decryptors—or risk losing everything.
Worse, some versions of Bitco1n also drop additional payloads like password stealers or backdoors, turning a file loss incident into a full-blown system compromise.
Should You Be Worried About Bitco1n?
Absolutely. Bitco1n isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a serious threat with long-term consequences:
- Your files are locked with no known free decryption tool available.
- Paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee recovery. Victims often pay and get nothing in return.
- It can spread to other machines on the same network or external drives.
- Sensitive data may be stolen and leaked or sold.
- You could be reinfected if the malware isn’t fully removed.
If you rely on your PC for work, family photos, or critical records, this is not the kind of malware you can ignore.
Ransom Note Dropped by Bitco1n
The ransom note file, How To Restore Your Files.txt, contains your unique “System ID” and instructions for contacting the attackers. The note typically includes:
- A demand to email info@cloudminerapp.com or message @Decryptor_run on Telegram
- A warning that using third-party decryption tools or renaming files may damage them
- An offer to decrypt one file for free to prove they have the key
- A vague threat of data leaks or permanent loss if you don’t comply
While the attackers may seem “professional” in tone, don’t be fooled. Their only goal is to extort money, and many victims are ghosted after paying.
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
- 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:
- 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.
- Press Windows + R, type
- 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:
- Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
- Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
- Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.
Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes
For Windows Users:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
- Right-click on the process and select End Task.
For Mac Users:
- Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
- Look for unusual processes.
- Select the process and click Force Quit.
Step 4: Delete Malicious Files
For Windows Users:
- Press Windows + R, type
%temp%, and hit Enter. - Delete all files in the Temp folder.
- Navigate to:
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\RoamingC:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\LocalC:\Windows\System32
- Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.
For Mac Users:
- Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
- Type
~/Library/Application Supportand delete suspicious folders. - Navigate to
~/Library/LaunchAgentsand remove unknown.plistfiles.
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.
- Press Windows + R, type
regedit, and hit Enter. - Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SoftwareHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
- Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
- Right-click and select Delete.
For Mac Users:
- Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
- Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
- Navigate to
~/Library/Preferencesand remove malicious.plistfiles.
Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)
For Windows Users:
- Press Windows + R, type
rstrui, and hit Enter. - Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.
For Mac Users:
- Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
- Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
- 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.
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
- Open the downloaded file (
SpyHunter-Installer.exe). - Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
- Once installed, launch SpyHunter.
Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan
- Click on Start Scan Now.
- SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
- Wait for the scan to complete.
Step 4: Remove Detected Threats
- After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
- 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.
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.
Conclusion
Bitco1n ransomware is a high-risk threat designed to lock your data and scare you into paying. But paying doesn’t guarantee results—and could encourage more attacks. The best approach is to remove the malware, preserve your encrypted files, and focus on backup recovery options. Going forward, secure your system and stay alert to avoid reinfection.
