What Is BlackByte Ransomware?
BlackByte is malicious software that has been developed by the BlackByte Ransomware Group. A strain that has been detected in the wild is reported to use the .blackbyte extension as a marker for encoded files. The end goal of this threat is to force victims to pay a ransom to the cybercriminals standing behind the attacks. During the infection, BlackByte ransomware disrupts system security and launches a cipher module to encrypt personal files. As a result, every infected PC remains extremely vulnerable to additional malware infection while all personal files are out of reach being damaged by the ransomware.
Read this article to discover the right steps to remove BlackByte ransomware infection from your computer and find alternative ways to recover data encoded by it.
BlackByte ransomware Virus Summary
| Name | BlackByte ransomware |
| File Extension | .blackbyte |
| 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 BlackByte ransomware keeps your files inaccessible. Encrypted files have the .blackbyte extension appended to their original names. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | BlackByte_restoremyfiles.hta |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Torrent Files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
BlackByte Virus Infection
Let’s first take a look at the distribution techniques that may be utilized by hackers behind the BlackByte virus infection. On the one hand, it might be delivered via harmful web links and infection scripts. On the other hand, the virus may be masqueraded as an e-mail sent by a legitimate service or institution. The harmful elements shown in such e-mail messages are URLs and file attachments. Typically, the attachments pretend to be invoices, receipts, or bank records. The third common way for the distribution of nasty ransomware threats like BlackByte is via torrent files – software cracks, keys for games, movies, free applications, etc.
When you unnoticeably start the ransomware on the system, you may soon notice that all your important files appear as broken files with the extension .blackbyte in their names. This data locker ransomware is capable of corrupting various system settings as well. So, the first thing it will initiate is the creation of a bunch of malicious files that support the infection. Its files could be dropped in the following directories:
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %AppData%
- %Temp%
By establishing malicious files, BlackByte becomes able to carry out various destructive activities on your computer system including:
- Modify the Run or RunOnce Windows registries.
- Interfere with system data.
- Create mutexes that prevent its discovery.
- Obtain administrative rights to read and create/modify legitimate files.
- Acquire information about your computer system and the apps installed on it.
- Transfer information to remotely connected servers.
The main infection stage is data encryption. After it has infected your PC, the BlackByte virus begins scanning your computer system for different types of files. To encrypt target files, BlackByte utilizes a strong hardly crackable cipher. At the end of the encryption process, you may identify that access to all of the following file types is restricted:
- Documents.
- Pictures.
- Audio files.
- Archives.
- Videos.
Like the majority of data locker ransomware programs, the BlackByte virus leaves its ransom note (BlackByte_restoremyfiles.hta) on every system it infects. other examples of vicious ransomware infections that are currently lurking around the web to harass online users are Rigd Virus, Spydr Virus and Udacha Virus.
BlackByte: “Hello!”
Your network has been hackedYour documents, and databases encrypted
To decrypt your files, you need to purchase our decryptor.
To decrypt files, follow the instructions below.1) Email us: blackbyte1@onionmail.org
2) Your domain should be in the email header
3) The body of the letter should contain the key given to you in the note.
4) If you do not write to us within the next 3 days, your details will be posted on our auction.
5) To prove that we can decrypt files, we can decrypt 2 files for free, it should be no more than 3 MB and should not contain important information.
6) Don’t use 3rd party software to try decrypt your files, you can cause damage and even we won’t be able to restore them.
Our auction is available here: 6iaj3efye3q62xjgfxyegrufhewxew7yt4scxjd45tlfafyja6q4ctqd.onion , for access use Tor Browser
Your key
There is no doubt that the recovery of your .blackbyte files is of paramount importance. Still, we highly suggest that you DO NOT pay any kind of ransom. Paying the demanded ransom suggests that you lay your trust on the exact same people that encoded your data and this is not a good idea.
Remove BlackByte Virus and Try to Recover Data
To remove BlackByte virus from your computer, we highly advise that you read the steps underneath. If you want a fast and effective elimination, you could consider the use of the professional malware removal software shown in the instructions. The program will help you to locate and remove all traces of the BlackByte Virus. Then your computer system will be secured and you will be able to use it securely.
As to the recovery of .blackbyte files, there are a few approaches that may be useful to some degree. Please, note that keeping your encoded files on an external drive is the only way to prevent their total loss.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
Follow Me:
Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
- Guide 1: How to Remove BlackByte ransomware from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of BlackByte ransomware from Mac OS X.
How to Remove BlackByte ransomware from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove BlackByte ransomware
Step 2: Uninstall BlackByte ransomware 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 BlackByte ransomware 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 BlackByte ransomware 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 BlackByte ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by BlackByte ransomware.
Ransomware infections and BlackByte ransomware 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of BlackByte ransomware from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall BlackByte ransomware 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 BlackByte ransomware 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 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by BlackByte ransomware.
Ransomware infections and BlackByte ransomware 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
BlackByte ransomware FAQ
What is BlackByte ransomware ransomware and how does it work?
BlackByte ransomware 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 algorithm how 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.
How does BlackByte ransomware ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.BlackByte ransomware Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of BlackByte ransomware 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 .BlackByte ransomware files?
You can't. At this point the .BlackByte ransomware files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .BlackByte ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by BlackByte ransomware ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".BlackByte ransomware" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .BlackByte ransomware files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of BlackByte ransomware ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate BlackByte ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .BlackByte ransomware files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like BlackByte ransomware ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.
