What Is BlackByte Ransomware?
BlackByte is malicious software that has been developed by the BlackByte Ransomware Group. A strain that has been detected in the wild is reported to use the .blackbyte extension as a marker for encoded files. The end goal of this threat is to force victims to pay a ransom to the cybercriminals standing behind the attacks. During the infection, BlackByte ransomware disrupts system security and launches a cipher module to encrypt personal files. As a result, every infected PC remains extremely vulnerable to additional malware infection while all personal files are out of reach being damaged by the ransomware.
Read this article to discover the right steps to remove BlackByte ransomware infection from your computer and find alternative ways to recover data encoded by it.
BlackByte ransomware Virus Summary
| Name | BlackByte ransomware |
| File Extension | .blackbyte |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The BlackByte ransomware keeps your files inaccessible. Encrypted files have the .blackbyte extension appended to their original names. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | BlackByte_restoremyfiles.hta |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Torrent Files |
| Detection Tool |
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BlackByte Virus Infection
Let’s first take a look at the distribution techniques that may be utilized by hackers behind the BlackByte virus infection. On the one hand, it might be delivered via harmful web links and infection scripts. On the other hand, the virus may be masqueraded as an e-mail sent by a legitimate service or institution. The harmful elements shown in such e-mail messages are URLs and file attachments. Typically, the attachments pretend to be invoices, receipts, or bank records. The third common way for the distribution of nasty ransomware threats like BlackByte is via torrent files – software cracks, keys for games, movies, free applications, etc.
When you unnoticeably start the ransomware on the system, you may soon notice that all your important files appear as broken files with the extension .blackbyte in their names. This data locker ransomware is capable of corrupting various system settings as well. So, the first thing it will initiate is the creation of a bunch of malicious files that support the infection. Its files could be dropped in the following directories:
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %AppData%
- %Temp%
By establishing malicious files, BlackByte becomes able to carry out various destructive activities on your computer system including:
- Modify the Run or RunOnce Windows registries.
- Interfere with system data.
- Create mutexes that prevent its discovery.
- Obtain administrative rights to read and create/modify legitimate files.
- Acquire information about your computer system and the apps installed on it.
- Transfer information to remotely connected servers.
The main infection stage is data encryption. After it has infected your PC, the BlackByte virus begins scanning your computer system for different types of files. To encrypt target files, BlackByte utilizes a strong hardly crackable cipher. At the end of the encryption process, you may identify that access to all of the following file types is restricted:
- Documents.
- Pictures.
- Audio files.
- Archives.
- Videos.
Like the majority of data locker ransomware programs, the BlackByte virus leaves its ransom note (BlackByte_restoremyfiles.hta) on every system it infects. other examples of vicious ransomware infections that are currently lurking around the web to harass online users are Rigd Virus, Spydr Virus and Udacha Virus.
BlackByte: “Hello!”
Your network has been hackedYour documents, and databases encrypted
To decrypt your files, you need to purchase our decryptor.
To decrypt files, follow the instructions below.1) Email us: blackbyte1@onionmail.org
2) Your domain should be in the email header
3) The body of the letter should contain the key given to you in the note.
4) If you do not write to us within the next 3 days, your details will be posted on our auction.
5) To prove that we can decrypt files, we can decrypt 2 files for free, it should be no more than 3 MB and should not contain important information.
6) Don’t use 3rd party software to try decrypt your files, you can cause damage and even we won’t be able to restore them.
Our auction is available here: 6iaj3efye3q62xjgfxyegrufhewxew7yt4scxjd45tlfafyja6q4ctqd.onion , for access use Tor Browser
Your key
There is no doubt that the recovery of your .blackbyte files is of paramount importance. Still, we highly suggest that you DO NOT pay any kind of ransom. Paying the demanded ransom suggests that you lay your trust on the exact same people that encoded your data and this is not a good idea.
Remove BlackByte Virus and Try to Recover Data
To remove BlackByte virus from your computer, we highly advise that you read the steps underneath. If you want a fast and effective elimination, you could consider the use of the professional malware removal software shown in the instructions. The program will help you to locate and remove all traces of the BlackByte Virus. Then your computer system will be secured and you will be able to use it securely.
As to the recovery of .blackbyte files, there are a few approaches that may be useful to some degree. Please, note that keeping your encoded files on an external drive is the only way to prevent their total loss.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Step 1: Scan for BlackByte ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall BlackByte ransomware and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by BlackByte ransomware on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by BlackByte ransomware there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove BlackByte ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by BlackByte ransomware.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and BlackByte ransomware aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
BlackByte ransomware-FAQ
What is BlackByte ransomware Ransomware?
BlackByte ransomware is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does BlackByte ransomware Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does BlackByte ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.BlackByte ransomware Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of BlackByte ransomware is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .BlackByte ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .BlackByte ransomware files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .BlackByte ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".BlackByte ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .BlackByte ransomware files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of BlackByte ransomware Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate BlackByte ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .BlackByte ransomware files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can BlackByte ransomware Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the BlackByte ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this BlackByte ransomware how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the BlackByte ransomware ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
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