Black Shades ransomware (Free Instructions)
Black Shades virus Removal Guide
What is Black Shades ransomware?
Black Shades virus: is it really so dangerous?
If you use the Internet daily and read IT news from time to time, you might be aware of the current boom of ransomware. Among the new “celebrities” – Black Shades virus. Like other ransomware, CryptXXX, Green_Ray, this virus is also set to encrypt personal data and coax out money for it. Though it employs an exquisite algorithm, the virus asks for a small amount of money. However, this might be an omen for latter severe outcomes. Thus, do not waste time and start preparing for Black Shades removal. For that purpose, FortectIntego is a useful tool.
The most striking feature of Black Shades ransomware is that it asks for a surprisingly small amount of ransom – only 30$ dollars. However, if your files are of great importance, you might instantly fall into the trap of hackers and pay the money. Instead, you should try to use data recovery tools, such as PhotoRec or R-studio, and think how to remove Black Shades.
Moving on, the threat uses the same encryption method as other infamous viruses – RSA-4096. There are suspicions that the malware is just an experiment released by inexperienced hackers. It might explain why the ransom is so ridiculously small in comparison with other greedy ransomware which demand several hundreds of dollars. After finishing its misdeed, Black Shades malware creates YourID.txt and hacked.txt. They are presented in the English and Russian languages. Regarding the language style of the former version, the cyber criminals do not seem to be native English speakers. On the other hand, such manner of addressing victims might be deliberate.
When you read the text file with the instructions, Black Shades urges you to contact silentshade@protomail.com. Afterward, you are advised to enter http://daftoraytg.com and follow further payment instructions. After the money is transferred, hackers ensure the return of the files. After you access the web page, you are redirected to the domain containing Black Shades File Decrypter. It is supposed to decode the files. Summing up, you should not play along with hackers and remain vigilant and concentrate on the elimination process instead.
How did the virus invade the system?
It is likely that menacing trojan, called Blackshades, which struck thousands of users worldwide back in 2010, has been revived. There is a probability that the ransomware used the disguise of this malware. Originally, the malware was used as a tool to control victims’ computers remotely. Therefore, due to the technical characteristics, the trojan comes in handy in hiding Black Shades or any other ransomware. After sneaking into the computer, the trojan releases its terrifying content – the ransomware. In addition, the virus may attempt to infect computers via spam email attachments. If you receive an email which asks you to fill a certain governmental form or take a look at the attached invoice, despite how official it may look, do not open the email nor the attached file. Hackers have become really good at deceiving users with false invoices, emails from a post office, etc.
Black Shades removal method
Taking into account the complex algorithm used by Black Shades virus, the most effective way to deal with Black Shades virus is to terminate it using an anti-spyware program. It is specifically programmed to delete malware, trojans, worms and ransomware. You can be sure that it will locate all scattered files of this menace. We would like to remind you that in order to remove Black Shades completely, it is important to download the newest version of the software so that it could obtain latest virus definitions. If by any chance, you struggle to monitor your computer, and it seems that it is fully overtaken by the virus, use the recovery guidelines displayed below.
Getting rid of Black Shades virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
Remove Black Shades using System Restore
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
- Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
- Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
- Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
- When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Black Shades. After doing that, click Next.
- Now click Yes to start system restore.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Black Shades and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important – recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.