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Black Hunt Ransomware [.Black Files Virus] – Remove + Restore Guide

What Is Black Hunt Virus?

Black Hunt ransomware is a malicious computer virus that encrypts the data on a victim’s computer and demands a ransom payment from the user in order to unlock the data. It targets Windows operating systems, and it is spread through malicious emails, malicious websites, and drive-by downloads.

Once installed, the virus will encrypt the data on the victim’s system, and then display a message demanding a ransom payment. The payment must be made in Bitcoin, and the ransom amount typically increases over time.

Read this guide to find out more about this virus and how to remove it completely.

Black Hunt virus

Black Hunt Virus – Details

Name Black Hunt.
File Extension .Black
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 Black Hunt Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .Black Hunt extension to them.
Ransom Demanding Note #BlackHunt_ReadMe.txt, #BlackHunt_ReadMe.hta
Distribution Method Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Detection Tool See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware

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Malware Removal Tool

Virus – Why Is My Windows Infected?

Black Hunt virus is typically spread through malicious links or email attachments, and once installed through an obfuscator, it prevents users from accessing their files until a ransom is paid. It is important to ensure your Windows computer is updated regularly and that you are running an anti-virus program to protect yourself from this type of attack.

Black Hunt Virus – How Did I Get Infected?

The Black Hunt virus is a malicious computer virus that can spread through email attachments, downloads, and malicious websites:

  • If it is sent to you as an e-mail attachment or a URL.
  • By being downloaded from a shady site.

It is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with downloading content from unknown sources and to ensure you have up-to-date anti-malware software installed on your computer.

Black Hunt Virus – What Does It Do?

Black Hunt Ransomware is a malicious virus that targets computers. It encrypts files on the infected computer and demands a ransom payment in order to decrypt them. It can also steal sensitive information and spread to other computers on the network, making it a serious threat to businesses and individuals.

Upon infection, the virus downloads its payload files on the victim PC. They may exist in the following directories:

  • %Local%
  • %Temp%
  • %Windows%
  • %SystemDrive%
  • %LocalLow%
  • %AppData%
  • %System%
  • %system32%

Black Hunt virus may create multiple different value entries in Windows Registries as well.

The main ransom notes this virus creates are known as #BlackHunt_ReadMe.txt and #BlackHunt_ReadMe.hta and they have the following content:

As you can see we have penetrated your whole network due some critical network insecurities
All of your files such as documents, dbs and… Are encrypted and we have uploaded many important data from your machines,
and believe we us we know what should we collect.

However you can get your files back and make sure your data is safe from leaking by contacting us using following details :

Primary email :sentafe@rape.lol

Secondary email(backup email in case we didn’t answer you in 24h) :justin@cyberfear.com , magicback@onionmail.org

Your machine Id : –
use this as the title of your email

(Remember, if we don’t hear from you for a while, we will start leaking data)

The virus also changes your wallpaper with its logo and along with it the file icon becomes its logo as well:

black hunt ransomware wallpaper

What Are .Black Files

The .Black files are encrypted using a cipher. The virus may scan for the following files for encryption:

  • Videos (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
  • Audio (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
  • Picture file kinds (.jpg, .png, .etc).
  • Archive file formats (.zip, .rar, etc).
  • Documents of different types (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
  • Others.

After encryption, the files may look similar to the image below, but with the file icon of the Black Hunt virus:

.black extension encrypted files

How to Open .Black Files

To open .black encrypted ransomware files, you need to use a reliable data recovery tool to recover the original data by scanning your drive sectors. Alternatively, you can use a decryptor tool to decrypt the ransomware-encrypted files.

What To Do If My Files Are .Black?

If your files are encrypted with the .Black extension, the first step is to not contact the cyber-criminals and try to negotiate a ransom payment as you can’t trust them. Instead, you should seek professional help from a cybersecurity specialist, who can help you to restore access to your files without paying a ransom.

How To Protect Windows from Black Hunt In The Future?

To learn better protection, we advise reading the official STF guide on how to safely store your files to protect them from ransomware.

How to Remove Black Hunt Ransomware?

To remove Black Hunt ransomware, you should use a reliable anti-malware software to scan and delete the malicious files from your system in combination with the steps below. Additionally, you should delete any suspicious emails and attachments, back up your data regularly, and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unfamiliar files.

Ventsislav Krastev

Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.

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  • Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3
  • Step 4
  • Step 5

Step 1: Scan for Black Hunt with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.


It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.


2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 2


3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 3


4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 4

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide

Step 2: Uninstall Black Hunt 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:


1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
delete ransomware from windows step 1


2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
delete ransomware from windows step 2


3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
delete ransomware from windows step 3Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.


Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Black Hunt 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 Black Hunt there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
delete ransomware virus registries step 1


2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
delete ransomware virus registries step 2


3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
delete ransomware virus registries step 3 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.

IMPORTANT!
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 Black Hunt

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows Key + R.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 1


2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 2


3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
remove ransomware in safe mode step 3
Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.


4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 4


5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 5


Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Black Hunt.

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:

stop ransomware decryptor step 1

2. Agree with the license terms:

stop ransomware decryptor step 2

3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:

stop ransomware decryptor step 3

4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.

stop ransomware decryptor step 4

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 Black Hunt 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.

1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

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.


Black Hunt-FAQ

What is Black Hunt Ransomware?

Black Hunt 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 Black Hunt 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 Black Hunt Infect?

Via several ways.Black Hunt 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 Black Hunt 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 .Black Hunt files?

You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Black Hunt 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 .Black Hunt files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.

Can I Restore ".Black Hunt" Files?

Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Black Hunt 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 Black Hunt 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 Black Hunt ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Black Hunt 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 Black Hunt 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 Black Hunt Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Black Hunt 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 Black Hunt 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.


As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.

How to recognize trustworthy sources:

  • Always check "About Us" web page.
  • Profile of the content creator.
  • Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
  • Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.

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