Bash 2.0 (Bash Red) Ransomware

Bash 2.0—also known as Bash Red—is a file-encrypting ransomware variant based on the Chaos ransomware family. It targets user data by encrypting files and adding a random four-character extension (e.g., 1.jpg.2rf9). After encrypting the victim’s data, it replaces the desktop wallpaper and drops a ransom note titled bashred-reAdmE.txt. Victims are instructed to contact the threat actor via the Tor network or email address bashID72@protonmail.com to receive payment instructions.

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Ransomware Details

Field	Details
Threat type	Ransomware / Crypto-locker
Encrypted file extension	Random 4-character extension (e.g., .2rf9)
Ransom note file name	bashred-reAdmE.txt
Contact address	bashID72@protonmail.com
Detection names	Bash 2.0 / Bash Red; variant of Chaos ransomware
Symptoms of infection	Files encrypted with unknown extension, ransom note displayed, wallpaper replaced
Damage	Permanent file encryption, risk of data loss, financial extortion
Distribution methods	Malicious email attachments, infected executables, cracked software
Danger level	High
Removal tool	SpyHunter (Download Here)

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In-Depth Threat Analysis

How I Got Infected

Most victims are infected through phishing emails that include malicious attachments, compromised software installers, or drive-by downloads. Once the file is executed, Bash 2.0 begins encrypting personal and work-related files across the system.

What Does It Do

Bash 2.0 ransomware searches for and encrypts commonly used file types and adds a unique, random four-character extension to each file. It then places the ransom note (bashred-reAdmE.txt) in affected folders and changes the desktop wallpaper to warn the user. Victims are instructed to either email the attacker or follow a Tor link for payment instructions.

Should You Be Worried for Your System

Yes. Bash 2.0 is part of a sophisticated family of ransomware that renders files completely inaccessible without a decryption key. There is no known free decryptor, and payment does not guarantee file recovery. The encryption algorithm is strong, and system performance may degrade due to resource consumption during the encryption process. The threat also poses a high risk of financial loss and potential identity theft.

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Ransom Note Text

All your files are encrypted by Bash 2.0 ransomware.
To recover them, you must purchase the decryption key.
Do not rename or modify the encrypted files, or they may become irrecoverable.
To proceed, contact us:
Email: bashID72@protonmail.com
Alternatively, visit our TOR site for payment instructions.
You have 72 hours before your decryption key is deleted.

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

Bash 2.0 ransomware is a dangerous and rapidly spreading crypto-threat. Victims often find themselves locked out of critical personal or business files with no free recovery options available. The best course of action is to remove the malware completely using a trusted anti-malware solution such as SpyHunter and recover data from secure backups if available.