This article will help you remove Blackout ransomware absolutely. Follow the ransomware removal instructions at the bottom.
Blackout is the name of a newly-found ransomware cryptovirus. The ransomware is a variant of open-source ransomware and will encrypt your files. The Blackout virus displays a ransom note inside a text file called README_1183339_23654.txt with a demanded ransom to be paid in Bitcoin. Keep reading below to see how you could try to potentially restore some of your files.
Threat Summary
| Name | Blackout |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer and displays a ransom message afterward. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files and put up a ransom note inside a text file called README_1183339_23654.txt. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by Blackout Download Malware Removal Tool | User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Blackout. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
Blackout Ransomware – Update May 2018
Right with the start of the month of May, a new sample of the Blackout ransomware has emerged. Malware researchers report that multiple security program engines detect the new sample and below you can see a screenshot with proof from the VirusTotal site:
The new version of the Blackout ransomware features changes in the ransom note. You can preview the new message down here:
The ransom note states the following:
Hello. All your files have been encryted!!
Your personal Id:
[redacted]
Download video decryption: https:/screencast.com/t/DTQwRyaM
To decrypt your files, write to email: blackzd@safe-mail.net or decrypted8@bigmir.net
In the letter, send your personal Id and 2 small encrypted files for trial decryption.If you don’t get answer from blackzd@safe-mail.net or decrypted8@bigmir.net in 72 hours,
you need to install tor browser, you can download it here:
https://www.torproject.org/download/download.html.en
After installation, open the tor browser to website: http://6ksho3v2o34lsvi2.onion and follow the instructions.Do not try restore files without our help, this is useless, and can destroy you data permanetly.
However, the files can be recovered even after the removal of our program and even after reinstalling the operating system.
If you try to load the TOR network page listed from the ransom note instructions, the following page will open:
Entering your Id will give you access to additional payment instructions, but it is not recommended to follow them.
Blackout Ransomware – Spread
Blackout ransomware could spread its infection with various methods. A payload dropper which initiates the malicious script for this ransomware is being spread around the World Wide Web, and researchers have gotten their hands on a malware sample. If that file lands on your computer system and you somehow execute it – your PC will become infected. You can see the detections of such a file on the VirusTotal service right here:
Blackout ransomware might also distribute its payload file on social media and file-sharing services. Freeware which is found on the Web can be presented as helpful also be hiding the malicious script for the cryptovirus. Refrain from opening files right after you have downloaded them. You should first scan them with a security tool, while also checking their size and signatures for anything that seems out of the ordinary. You should read the tips for preventing ransomware found in our forums.
Blackout Ransomware – Overview
Blackout is a virus that could encrypt your files and extort you to pay a ransom to get them back to normal. Inside its extensive ransom note it is stated that the ransomware is coded on open-source.
Blackout ransomware might make entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence, and could launch or repress processes in a Windows environment. Such entries are typically designed in a way to launch the virus automatically with each start of the Windows Operating System.
That ransom note is inside a file called README_1183339_23654.txt as seen below:
That note reads the following:
Your files have been encrypted
ransomware! Your personal Id:
ZiaDEo7y1ozgwP2TPZEfcJI1qT9LhkW4fzw3x99f8dzcyHS/8qh5T48JPJms43R5px+4F+fM103pbs2pVArVrb
+6LgFwO1EaT0ymfwDTvljHCG4/Dtdqrh3o9yIunXGquFhv+Tlntj3i170Fg238FjlLjlxPB+5p6eCD6JDTeKBrlq
+9kQLxoHyPQ75HBxztchmYiYy4hf5bJQjzpqnIJP7mX/HDVWz09WeYvYR8jdRb0YRWLGpR8jn9fymdfGNhDfivzticdix
+BE/8dtg/bPTA1hD3TuJa/iGGzVVnsmFx2mdT71A80fkj8o4CY9jFXkoQS1RN7IOMpIfo/iEIg+
+ZnItRlJfMTE4MzMzOV8xMC4WLjIuMTVfymx1dDFfMTI5M22iZjE4ZjgwODJjOWFhYTVhOTVkMzljzju0Y2ELICENSE AGREEMENT
Blackout ransomware is a free open source software.
The program is designed to test the protection of OS Windows against ransomware.
The developer of this software is not responsible for any damage caused by the program.
The program is experimental and the entire responsibility for use lies with the user.HOW TO USE:
To decrypt your files, you need the program blackout_decryptor.exe
If you do not have it, write to email: blackzd@derpymail.org or blackzd@xmail.net
In the letter, send your personal id and two small encrypted files for trial decryption.If you dont get answer from blackzd@derpymail.org or blackzd@xmail.net in 72 hours,
you need to install tor browser, you can download it here:
https://www.torproject.org/download/download.html.en
After installation, open the tor browser to website:
http://mail2tor2zyjdctd.onion/register.php
Register on the site a new email address and write to us with his letter to our address:
blackoutsupport@mai12tor.comNN: 506358115267996
The note of the Blackout ransomware states that your files are encrypted. No particular ransom sum is demanded as payment for potentially unlocking your files. Instead, you are asked to contact the cybercriminals through various outlets for the payment details. You should NOT under any circumstances pay anything. Your files may not get restored, and nobody could guarantee it. Moreover, giving money to cybercriminals will likely motivate them to create more ransomware viruses.
Blackout Ransomware – Encryption
Little is known about the encryption process of the Blackout ransomware. It will encrypt your files and maybe place an extension to all of them, after which it will create the above-mentioned ransom note with detailed instruction and want you to write to one of the following e-mail addresses:
- blackzd@derpymail.org
- blackzd@xmail.net
Every single file will get encrypted with the AES encryption algorithm.
The Blackout cryptovirus could be set to erase all the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system with the help of the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
In case the command stated above is executed that would make the encryption process more efficient as it will eliminate one of the ways for restoring your data. If your computer device was infected with this ransomware and your files are locked, read on through to find out how you could potentially recover your data.
Remove Blackout Ransomware and Restore Files
If your computer got infected with the Blackout ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
How to Remove Blackout from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Blackout
Step 2: Uninstall Blackout and related software 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 uninstall most programs.Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Blackout 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 Blackout 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: Scan for Blackout with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Blackout.
Ransomware infections and Blackout 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.
If the above link does not work for you and your region, try the other two links below, that lead to the same product:
Get rid of Blackout from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Blackout and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Blackout via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove Blackout files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Blackout, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. Combo Cleaner offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Blackout on your Mac.
Ransomware for Mac Blackout aims to encode all your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decode, unless you pay money. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files, but only in some cases. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
