Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.
Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.
Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.
Note! Your computer might be affected by Blackout and other threats.
Threats such as Blackout may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.
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.
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: [email protected] or [email protected] In the letter, send your personal Id and 2 small encrypted files for trial decryption.
If you don’t get answer from [email protected] or [email protected] 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:
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: [email protected] or [email protected] In the letter, send your personal id and two small encrypted files for trial decryption.
If you dont get answer from [email protected] or [email protected] 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: [email protected]
NN: 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:
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.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by Blackout and other threats. Scan Your PC with SpyHunter SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as Blackout. 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.
To remove Blackout follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Blackout files and objects
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
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
For Windows XP, Vista and 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu. 2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Step 1: Open up the Start Menu.
Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
2. Find files created by Blackout on your PC
Find files created by Blackout
1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
Step 1:
On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
Step 2:
Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
Step 3:
Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
Step 1:
Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
Step 2:
After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
Step 3:
After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
IMPORTANT! Before starting the Automatic Removal below, 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.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Scan your PC and Remove Blackout with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Blackout and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove Blackout. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
Step 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.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup.
4. Try to Restore files encrypted by Blackout
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 several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software. Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors. If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:
Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.
Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Blackout and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
