How to remove Brick Ransomware and decrypt .brick files

What is Brick Ransomware

Brick ransomware is a crypto-ransomware that encrypts user data using AES encryption, which makes the files unusable for further use, reading or modification. In addition, Brick ransomware can delete shadow copies of files and system restore points, which greatly complicates the independent data recovery. The virus affects the most sensitive categories of files, including video, multimedia, photos, archives and much more, and, of course, not many are ready to lose such data. Looking ahead, we recall that you first need to remove Brick from your system, since it is dangerous only as long as it is on your computer.

The virus was discovered not so long ago, in early February 2020, and its highest activity occurred in the middle of the month. In addition to encryption, the cryptovirus changes the file extension, adding the end of .brick (namely, ..brick). Needless to say, this finally nullifies any use of these files. Brick ransomware also creates a file called ID_GENERATE.TXT, which is a note from cybercriminals. In some cases, the virus may use a lock screen. We presented his image and content below:

Your files got bricked forever!
To have them back, you will need to pay a price. Don’t try to decrypt your files by using stuff like Recuva or System Restore, nothing will work. AES-256 was used, and the encryption key was erased from memory; now, is an ID, that you can use for decryption.
Send 400 USD to the QR Monero code. And, send a mail to the following address (entercritical@prolonmail.com); use as subject “BrickDecrypt” and embed in the body both the “ID_GENERATE.TXT” file; and the payment \ transaction ID code. You will get in >24h an decryption software (EXE format); run it and you will be fine.
QR code for decryption. Use an Android device to use it. Or, use the following public key address:
43dQ9yguiktUxQrQXcVpEvJtMoKsSfjc1CUpgtmrGRoNFBEEMZiSGPgVo75tWfoeBA6W6NudjgH2c84xcoLTx1xVKigk7wR
Is present in the “ID_GENERATE.TXT” file, if you want to Copy & Paste it.
Good luck.

Fraudsters demand a ransom of $ 400, and you need to pay it through QR Monero. The cryptocurrency was not chosen by chance, because such operations are almost impossible to track. At the same time, cybercriminals assure that the use of specialized utilities or standard tools of the system will not help, but will only aggravate the situation. Be that as it may, we strongly discourage you from paying a ransom, since no one can ever give you a guarantee that the files will be truly decrypted. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with our guides to remove Brick ransomware and decrypt .brick files.

Well, there are 2 options for solving this problem. The first is to use an automatic removal utility that will remove the threat and all instances related to it. Moreover, it will save you time. Or you can use the Manual Removal Guide, but you should know that it might be very difficult to remove Brick ransomware manually without a specialist’s help.

Brick Removal Guide

Remember that you need to remove Brick Ransomware first and foremost to prevent further encryption of your files before the state of your data becomes totally useless. And only after that, you can start recovering your files. Removal must be performed according to the following steps:

1. Download Brick Removal Tool.
2. Remove Brick from Windows (7, 8, 8.1, Vista, XP, 10) or Mac OS (Run system in Safe Mode).
3. Restore .Brick files
4. How to protect PC from future infections.

How to remove Brick ransomware automatically:

Download Removal Tool

Norton is a powerful antivirus that protects you against malware, spyware, ransomware and other types of Internet threats. Norton is available for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android devices. We recommend you to try it.

Alternative solution – Malwarebytes
This program will find malicious files, hijackers, adware, potentially unwanted programs and will neutralize it. Also, Norton will help you clean your system properly.
If you’re Mac user – use this.

Manual Brick Removal Guide

Here are step-by-step instructions to remove Brick from Windows and Mac computers. Follow these steps carefully and remove files and folders belonging to Brick. First of all, you need to run the system in a Safe Mode. Then find and remove needed files and folders.

Uninstall Brick from Windows or Mac

Here you may find the list of confirmed related to the ransomware files and registry keys. You should delete them in order to remove virus, however it would be easier to do it with our automatic removal tool. The list:

Brick.dll
_readme.txt
readme.txt

Windows 7/Vista:

1. Restart the computer;
2. Press Settings button;
3. Choose Safe Mode;
4. Find programs or files potentially related to Brick by using Removal Tool;
5. Delete found files;

Windows 8/8.1:

1. Restart the computer;
2. Press Settings button;
3. Choose Safe Mode;
4. Find programs or files potentially related to Brick by using Removal Tool;
5. Delete found files;

Windows 10:

1. Restart the computer;
2. Press Settings button;
3. Choose Safe Mode;
4. Find programs or files potentially related to Brick by using Removal Tool;
5. Delete found files;

Windows XP:

1. Restart the computer;
2. Press Settings button;
3. Choose Safe Mode;
4. Find programs or files potentially related to Brick by using Removal Tool;
5. Delete found files;

Mac OS:

1. Restart the computer;
2. Press and Hold Shift button, before system will be loaded;
3. Release Shift button, when Apple logo appears;
4. Find programs or files potentially related to Brick by using Removal Tool;
5. Delete found files;

How to restore encrypted files

You can try to restore your files with special tools. You may find more detailed info on data recovery software in this article – recovery software. These programs may help you to restore files that were infected and encrypted by ransomware.

Restore data with Stellar Data Recovery

Stellar Data Recovery is able to find and restore different types of encrypted files, including removed emails.

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery
2. Choose drives and folders with your data, then press Scan.
3. Select all the files in a folder, then click on Restore button.
4. Manage export location. That’s it!

Download Stellar Data Recovery

 

Restore encrypted files using Recuva

There is an alternative program, that may help you to recover files – Recuva.

1. Run the Recuva;
2. Follow instructions and wait until scan process ends;
3. Find needed files, mark them and Press Recover button;

How to prevent ransomware infection?

It is always rewarding to prevent ransomware infection because of the consequences it may bring. There are a lot of difficulties in resolving issues with encoders viruses, that’s why it is very vital to keep a proper and reliable anti-ransomware software on your computer. In case you don’t have any, here you may find some of the best offers in order to protect your PC from disastrous viruses.

Malwarebytes

Download Removal Tool

Thor Home is a reliable antivirus application, that is able to protect your PC and prevent the infection from the start. The program is designed to be user-friendly and multi-functional.