This article aims to help you remove the Blackzd ransomware virus and then show you how to restore renamed files encrypted by this ransomware virus.
A new ransomware virus, that renames the files on the computers infected by it has been reported by malware researchers. The infection, called Blackzd aims to perform numerous modifications on the computers of victims, among which is to drop it’s distinctive ransom note on the victims’ computers,
named README_{RANDOM}.txt, which aims to get users to write to the e-mail blackzd@derpymail.org or blackzd@xmail.net. The ransomware infecion’s end goal is to get victims to pay a hefty sum to the cyber-criminals and they threaten to destroy the data in 72 hours If a payoff has not yet been made.
Threat Summary
| Name | Blackzd |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Encrypts the files on the computers that have been infected by it after which gets victims to pay a hefty ransom fee in order to decrypt them. |
| Symptoms | The files on the infected computer are renamed with random names and the virus leaves behind a README_{random}.txt ransom note with demands to contact the crooks via e-mail. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Blackzd. |
| 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. |
Blackzd Ransomware – How Did I Get Infected
Among the primary methods of infection, the Blackzd ransomware uses is the malspam. This is essentially the massive spam of e-mails to the addresses of the victims with a pretext that the messages sent are legitimate and they have an important e-mail attachment that has to be opened. This very attachment may be a loader or a dropper or any other infection malware which may download the malicious payload of Blackzd Ransomware on your computer system.
Other methods of infection include uploading the malicious files of Blackzd ransomware as fake setups, game cracks, key generators or any other executable files that may look legitimate and fool the victim, they are such.
Inspection of Blackzd Ransomware
The Blackzd ransomware is your typical ransom malware. The virus causes an infection to your computer after which drops it’s malicious files on it. These malicious files consist of the main executable of Blackzd ransomware as well as several support files, all of which may be located in the following Windows directories:
- %AppData%
- %Roaming%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Temp%
- %SystemDrive%
After the virus drops it’s files, Blackzd ransomware may begin to interfere with the Windows processes, gaining itself administrative privileges which are later used to encrypt the files on your computer. The virus may also modify the Windows Registry Editor, attacking the following registry sub-keys which make it possible for Blackzd to run on Windows boot:
→ 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
After adding value strings in those registry sub-keys the Blackzd ransomware virus may also delete the shadow-volume copies of the infected computer. This is achieved by running the following commands in a hidden manner, without you noticing it:
→ process call create “cmd.exe /c
vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet
bcdedit.exe /set {default} recoveryenabled no
bcdedit.exe /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
After doing so, the Blackzd ransomware may begin encrypting your important files and drop it’s ransom note file, which is named README_{random}_{random}.txt and has the following message:
Your files have been encrypted!
{Unique Key}
Download video decryption: https://www.screencast.com/t/DTQwRyaMTo decrypt your files, write to email: blackzd@derpymail.org or b1ackzd@xmai1 net
In the letter, send your personal Id and 2 small encrypted files for trialdecryption.If you dont get answer from b1ackzd@derpymai1.org or b1ackzd@xmail.net in 72 hours,
you need to install tor browser, you can download it here:
https://www.torproject.org/download/download.html.enAfter installation, open the tor browser to website:
https://maithor22yjdctd.onion/register.php
Register on the site a new email address and write to us with his letter to our
address: blackoutsupport@ma112tor.com
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.
The Encryption of Blackzd Ransomware
In order to encrypt your files, the Blackzd ransomware virus may use different types of encryption algorithms. Their primary goal is to make it possible for the files to be no longer openable, but also so that a unique key is generated which can unlock those files with the proper software. Naturally, this software is only available to the cyber-criminals, which is the main reason why they ask money for it. The Blackzd ransomware is very careful to not encrypt important Windows files, since it may damage your operating system. The virus however may encrypt files on your computer that may be important to your, for example:
- Documents.
- Pictures.
- Videos.
- Music files.
- Archived files.
- Others.
After doing so, Blackzd ransomware may completely rename those files, which results in them having random names, like the following:
Usually the first couple of symbols and letters are the same for each file, but the second part of the name is random for each single file.
Remove Blackzd Ransomware and Restore Renamed Files
Before beginning the removal process of Blackzd ransomware virus, we strongly suggest that you backup your encrypted files before the removal process begins. Then, it is suggestible to remove Blackzd’s malicious files from your computer preferably by following the instructions below. They are specifically designed so that you go through a smooth removal process. If manual instructions fail to remove the threat or you feel uncertain that you will be able to handle this virus manually, experts always advise to choose an advanced ransomware-specific removal tool. Such will ensure that Blackzd ransomware is fully deleted and your computer is protected in the future as well.
If restoring your files is your main concern, do not pay the ransom and save your files – a decrypter may be released in the future which could help you restore your encrypted files for free. In the meantime, you can try our alternative methods for file recovery from step “2. Restore files encrypted by Blackzd” below. They may not be 100% guarantee that you will recover your files, but may restore some of your files, depending on how they are encrypted.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Step 1: Scan for Blackzd with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Blackzd 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 Blackzd 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 Blackzd 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 Blackzd
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Blackzd.
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 Blackzd 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.
Blackzd-FAQ
What is Blackzd Ransomware?
Blackzd 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 Blackzd 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 Blackzd Infect?
Via several ways.Blackzd 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 Blackzd 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 .Blackzd files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Blackzd 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 .Blackzd files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Blackzd" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Blackzd 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 Blackzd 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 Blackzd ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Blackzd 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 Blackzd 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 Blackzd Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Blackzd 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 Blackzd 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.