Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Note! Your computer might be affected by BlackShades and other threats.
Threats such as BlackShades 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
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
A very dangerous RAT(Remote Access Trojan) has been reported to have capabilities to hold the computers of its victims for ransom. The Trojan has been reported to be spread primarily in North America and the UK. It has been the reason for over 100 arrests conducted by the law enforcement agencies, seizing over 1000 storage devices, SC Magazine reports. Users who have had their computers locked by BlackShades ransomware Trojan are strongly advised not to pay any ransom money and to seek alternative methods, such as the ones in this article to remove this Trojan and Restore the encrypted files.
Threat Summary
Name
BlackShades
Type
Remote Access Trojan with file encryption capability.
Short Description
The ransomware encrypts files with a strong cipher and asks a ransom payment for decryption. Also steals information and may perform remote control activities on the infected machine.
Symptoms
Files are encrypted and become inaccessible. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom may show as a text file or a wallpaper.
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.
BlackShades Ransom Trojan – Distribution
This Trojan is remote access, which means that it uses an active connection by opening up a port and establishing a connection to the cybercriminal’s control server. To infect users and establish this connection, the Trojan uses the following malicious executable, detected by ESG researchers:
Researchers believe that this executable may be distributed along fake setups of programs downloaded from shady third-party locations. However, another scenario suggests that the file may be in an obfuscated form and could be distributed in an archive uploaded online or via spam e-mail messages. Either way, users are strongly advised to follow the usual security tips to protect themselves against ransomware in the future.
BlackShades Ransom Trojan In Detail
Once activated on the computer, the WinSecurity.exe file may establish a connection to the C&C server of the cyber-criminals. From there, the Trojan may send the following information to them:
Operating system installed.
Hardware specs.
Browsing history.
Network information.
Passwords.
After this has been completed, the Trojan may disable any antivirus or anti-malware software that might be actively running. In addition to that the Trojan may provide the cyber criminals administrative access to your computer. Most RATs have even options which they give to the crooks, such as encrypting files. If the people behind the BlackShade Crypter Ransomware decide it is time to encrypt your files, they may execute a remote command that will make the malicious file to scan for different files to encrypt, for example:
The encrypted files may have various file extensions added to them, and they are unable to be opened. In addition to that, the ransomware may lock the user out of his computer completely by modifying settings in the Windows Registry Editor.
Besides encrypting possibilities, the Trojan has been reported to be associated with the following files:
dos_sock.bss
nir_cmd.bss
pws_cdk.bss
pws_chro.bss
pws_ff.bss
pws_mail.bss
pws_mess.bss
In addition to that, users may notice the Trojan’s presence by the following symptoms:
The cursor of the mouse moves without being moved.
The light of the web camera of the user becomes active.
The monitor of the user turns off during usage.
The usernames and passwords on the infected PC are changed.
The files are unable to be opened, and a ransom note has been left for the unlocking of the files.
Researchers have reported that BlackShades is a very nasty cyber-threat because, besides having the ability to hold your files locked until you pay a hefty “fee,” the virus can also steal all of the information from infected PCs. If you become a “lucky winner” of the ransomware, bear in mind that you should immediately switch of your internet connection.
Remove BlackShades Ransomware Trojan and Restore the Encrypted Files
To remove this ransomware in full from your computer, you need to isolate it first. This means that you should boot your computer into safe mode to disable any third-parties running and from there, start the removal process. We suggest that you follow the removal instructions below, to delete the Trojan. Due to the complicatedness of the situation, experts advise using an advanced anti-malware tool to help you with the detection of all the registry entries and the files s this ransomware has dropped and modified on your computer.
If you have had your files encoded by the ransomware, we advise you to try using the file restoration alternatives In step “3. Restore files encrypted by BlackShades” while you wait for a decryptor to be released. Once a decryptor has been released, we will update this article with a download URL.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by BlackShades 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 BlackShades. 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 BlackShades follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove BlackShades 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 BlackShades on your PC
Find files created by BlackShades
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 BlackShades with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for BlackShades and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove BlackShades. 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 BlackShades
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by BlackShades
Ransomware infections and BlackShades 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:
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
A very dangerous RAT(Remote Access Trojan) has been reported to have capabilities to hold the computers of its victims for ransom. The Trojan has been reported to be spread primarily in North America and the UK. It has been the reason for over 100 arrests conducted by the law enforcement agencies, seizing over 1000 storage devices, SC Magazine reports. Users who have had their computers locked by BlackShades ransomware Trojan are strongly advised not to pay any ransom money and to seek alternative methods, such as the ones in this article to remove this Trojan and Restore the encrypted files.
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 BlackShades and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
