What Is BLOCKY Virus?
BLOCKY virus is a ransomware virus. It’s main goal is to extort you by encrypting your files and adding the .locked file extension. The virus then demands a ransom payment in exchange for a decryption key that will allow you to unlock your files. It is important to never pay the ransom as there is no guarantee that the perpetrators will actually provide you with the key. It is best to remove the virus and attempt to restore your files from a backup.
Keep reading this article to learn more about BLOCKY virus and how to remove it plus try to fix your files.
BLOCKY Virus – Details
Name | BLOCKY virus, also known as UDS:Trojan.Win32.Chapak.gen, Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.KM!MTB, Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], A Variant Of Win32/GenKryptik.FHJB – more detections of this virus on VirusTotal |
File Extension | .locked |
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 BLOCKY Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .BLOCKY extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | READ_IT.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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BLOCKY Virus – Why Is My Windows Infected?
BLOCKY virus may use an obfuscator in order to evade your computer protection. It may cause a silent infection on Windows and then proceed to drop its files. These files can be detected by anti-virus software, although some versions of BLOCKY may be able to evade detection. The virus may also modify the Windows registry to ensure its files are loaded on startup. It may also create a malicious service that runs in the background and can communicate with a command-and-control server. BLOCKY is also capable of downloading and executing additional malicious files, as well as modifying system settings and injecting malicious code into other running processes. Finally, it can spread to other computers on the network.
BLOCKY Virus – How Did I Get Infected?
BLOCKY virus may use methods, like the following to get installed on your computer:
- If it is sent to you as an e-mail attachment or a URL.
- By being downloaded from a shady site.
If sent via e-mail, the BLOCKY virus may pretend to be the following types of files:
- Invoices.
- Work-related files.
- Receipts.
- E-Tickets for events or flights.
The ransomware may also cause an infection via files downloaded from the web, which pose as:
- Fake installation files.
- Software patches.
- Self extracting archives or regular archives.
- Cracked portable versions of apps.
- Software or game cracks.
- Key generator (or Keygen).
BLOCKY Virus – What Does It Do?
BLOCKY ransomware may perform a wide range of malware activities on Windows. It may create multiple files, modify system settings, delete or encrypt user files, and display a ransom note. Its payload files may first be dropped in the following directories:
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %Windows%
- %SystemDrive%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %System%
- %system32%
BLOCKY virus may also attack your registries, where it may create value entries. These entries may be used to launch the virus when the computer is restarted. They may also be used to modify system settings, such as disabling Windows Firewall or disabling certain security features. In addition, the virus may modify existing registry entries, which can cause system instability.
The virus may target the Run and RunOnce sub-keys:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
What Are .locked Files
The .locked files are encrypted using the AES encryption algorithm. The virus scans for files to encrypt, like the following types:
- 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.
How to Open .locked Files
The .locked files are encrypted using an encryption algorithm. They are usually used to protect sensitive files from unauthorized access. They cannot be opened without the correct encryption key and are often used for file storage and transmission.
They appear like the following:
Picture.jpg.locked
What To Do If My Files Are .BLOCKY?
encrypted. cipher
do not touch them
How To Protect Windows from BLOCKY In The Future?
To protect your system from BLOCKY ransomware, make sure to keep your operating system and applications up to date, use strong passwords, and install anti-malware software. Additionally, regularly back up your data and make sure to store it offline in a secure location.
safely store your files to protect them from ransomware
How to Remove BLOCKY Virus?
There are several ways to remove BLOCKY ransomware virus from Windows. For more information, keep reading this article. It contains manual and automatic removal steps.For the best removal, we recommend using a professional anti-malware software. Such a software is created to scan your device automatically and get rid of ransomware viruses, like BLOCKY thoroughly, plus protect your device in the future.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for BLOCKY with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall BLOCKY 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by BLOCKY 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 BLOCKY there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 BLOCKY
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by BLOCKY.
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 BLOCKY 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.
BLOCKY-FAQ
What is BLOCKY Ransomware?
BLOCKY 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 BLOCKY 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 BLOCKY Infect?
Via several ways.BLOCKY 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 BLOCKY 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 .BLOCKY files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .BLOCKY 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 .BLOCKY files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".BLOCKY" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .BLOCKY 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 BLOCKY 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 BLOCKY ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .BLOCKY 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 BLOCKY 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 BLOCKY Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this BLOCKY 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 BLOCKY 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.