BlackRouter virus is a malware strain that has been reported by the security community. It encrypts personal data with the .BlackRouter or .pay2me extensions and blackmails the victims into paying a ransom fee. Continue reading to learn how to remove the threat from infected computers.
Threat Summary
| Name | BlackRouter |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts sensitive information on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files with a strong encryption algorithm. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss BlackRouter. |
| 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. |
BlackRouter Virus – Distribution Ways
Computer hackers are currently orchestrating an attack campaign carrying it as the primary payload.
One of the main strategies employed by criminals is the use of email messages. They are devised in a spam-like manner and contain social engineering schemes in order to coerce the targets into interacting with the malware element. There are two primary methods used by the hackers — they may either hyperlink the malware instances in the body contents or directly attach them to the messages. Email messages are also the main source of payloads that can lead to the BlackRouter virus infections. There are two types:
- Documents — The hackers behind the BlackRouter virus can embed the code into different file types: documents, presentations or spreadsheets. As soon as they are opened a notification prompt is opened which asks the users to enable the scripts (macros). If this is done the virus is downloadede from a remote server and executed on the local machine.
- Software Installers — This method relies on the combination of legitimate software installers with the BlackRouter virus code. The criminals typically choose popular applications such as system utilities, creativity solutions or even computer games.
One of the primary distribution ways associated with the strain has been found to be a remote desktop application called AnyDesk. This is legitimate software that is used widely used by system administrators. Using the malware tactics of embedding the virus code in the application installers. Once the application is installed the virus engine will run in the background. The malware runs under the name of the software which is used to mask its activity.
The dangerous files can also be distributed via browser hijackers. They represent dangerous web browser pluginst that have the primary task of redirecting the victim users to a hacker-controlled site. This is done by changing the default web browser settings (home page, new tabs page and search engine). After this is done the BlackRouter virus is delivered to the infected machines.
The criminals may also employ various web scripts that can be integrated into web contents such as pop-ups, banners, ads and etc. Through various affiliate networks and other such groups the BlackRouter virus can be delivered to legitimate sites as well.
BlackRouter Virus – In-Depth Analysis
The available source code analysis shows that the BlackRouter virus is a descendant of the Spartacus virus. It is very likely that one of the hackers behind it has created this new strain. The other explanation for the malware’s genesis is the possibility that the code has been bought on the underground hacker markets.
If its malware engine is made in a modular way it can be modified with each attack campaign. If configured so the attacks may begin with an information gathering component. It is able to harvest sensitive data about the infected computers which is usually categorized into two types:
- Personal Data — It can directly expose the victims identity. The engine harvests strings such as the user’s name, address, phone number, location, interests, software preferences, passwords and account credentials.
- Anonymous Metrics — The data consists primarily of hardware components information and certain values taken from the operating system.
The harvested data can be used by the stealth protection component if such is built-in. It scans the system for signatures of applications and services that can interfere with its execution. Examples include anti-virus products, sandbox environments and virtual machine hosts. In certain cases it can delete itself if it is unable to overcome the security measures.
After this part of the infection is complete the BlackRouter virus may continue with further system changes. One of the most common tactics is to modify the Windows Registry entries related to the operating system or user installed applications or services. This can result in the inability to start certain software or Windows functions. Overall performance is usually affected.
Other modifications may include the boot options. The made changes can make it impossible to boot into the recovery boot menu, especially if the virus has attained a persistent state of execution.
Follow-up modifications can initiate a network connection with the hacker-controlled servers. This can result in a Trojan-like behavior — the hackers can overtake control of the victim machines and spy on the activities in real-time. Such connections also make it possible to deploy additional threats to the machines.
BlackRouter Virus – Encryption Process
The ransomware engine is started once all previous components have finished execution. It uses a powerful cipher in order to encrypt a predefned list of target file types. An example list includes data of the following types:
- Archives
- Databases
- Backups
- Images
- Music
- Videos
All victim files are renamed with the BlackRouter or .pay2me extension. The ransomware note is crafted in a file called ReadME-BLackHeart.txt:
All your data has been locked us. You want to return? Contact to:
vahidkhazl23@qmail.com Your Personal key:
Vz**********************************************q==
It also institutes a lockscreen instance that reads the following:
Personal Key: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXx
Warning: Pleasae Don’t Restart or Shutdown Your PC, if do it Your Personal Files Permanently Crypted.
For Decrypt Your Personal Just Pay 200$ or 0.024 BTC. After Pay You Can send personal key to EMail: vahidkhaz123@gmail.com
BTC Transfer Address: XXXXXXXX
Remove BlackRouter Virus and Restore .encrypted Files
If your computer system got infected with the BlackRouter 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.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for BlackRouter with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall BlackRouter 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 BlackRouter 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 BlackRouter 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 BlackRouter
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by BlackRouter.
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 BlackRouter 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.
BlackRouter-FAQ
What is BlackRouter Ransomware?
BlackRouter 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 BlackRouter 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 BlackRouter Infect?
Via several ways.BlackRouter 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 BlackRouter 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 .BlackRouter files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .BlackRouter 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 .BlackRouter files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".BlackRouter" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .BlackRouter 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 BlackRouter 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 BlackRouter ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .BlackRouter 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 BlackRouter 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 BlackRouter Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this BlackRouter 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 BlackRouter 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.
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- Always check "About Us" web page.
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