BlackBit ransomware (virus) - Recovery Instructions Included

What is BlackBit ransomware?

BlackBit ransomware developers threaten to delete encrypted data if the ransom is not paid

Ransomware infections can result in permanent data loss

Ransomware is a dangerous virus that can lock users' personal files, like photos, videos, and documents using complicated encryption algorithms. Such infections can result in permanent data loss because decryption is rarely possible without cybercriminals' help.

Malware researchers recently discovered BlackBit ransomware which is identical to another ransomware called Loki Locker. It changes the desktop wallpaper and modifies the affected files by attaching them with the .BlackBit extension, spystar@onionmail.org email address, and victim's IDs.

If a file was previously named picture.jpg, after encryption it would look something like this – [spystar@onionmail.org][victimID]picture.jpg.BlackBit. Shortly after, two ransom notes are generated on the machine: “info.hta” and “Restore-My-Files.txt.”

The ransom note

A ransom note is a message from cyber criminals. Typically they explain in writing what happened to users' data and what they should do to recover them. The full info.hta ransom note reads as follows:

BLACK BIT

All your files have been encrypted by BLACKBIT!

29d,23:45:51 LEFT TO LOSE ALL OF YOUR FILES

All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC.
If you want to restore them, please send an email spystar@onionmail.org

You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoin. The price depends on how fast you contact us.
After payment we will send you the decryption tool.
You have to 48 hours(2 Days) To contact or paying us After that, you have to Pay Double.
In case of no answer in 24 hours (1 Day) write to this email spystar1@onionmail.com
Your unique ID is : –

You only have LIMITED time to get back your files!
•If timer runs out and you dont pay us , all of files will be DELETED and you hard disk will be seriously DAMAGED.
•You will lose some of your data on day 2 in the timer.
•You can buy more time for pay. Just email us.
•THIS IS NOT A JOKE! you can wait for the timer to run out ,and watch deletion of your files 🙂

What is our decryption guarantee?
•Before paying you can send us up to 3 test files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 2Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)

Attention!
•DO NOT pay any money before decrypting the test files.
•DO NOT trust any intermediary. they wont help you and you may be victim of scam. just email us , we help you in any steps.
•DO NOT reply to other emails. ONLY this two emails can help you.
•Do not rename encrypted files.
•Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
•Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

The file-locking malware also drops a shorter note Restore-My-Files.txt:

!!!All of your files are encrypted!!!
To decrypt them send e-mail to this address: spystar@onionmail.org
In case of no answer in 24h, send e-mail to this address: spystar1@onionmail.com
You can also contact us via Telegram: @Spystar_Support
All your files will be lost on Thursday, October 20, 2022 9:51:06 AM.
Your SYSTEM ID : –
!!!Deleting “Cpriv.BlackBit” causes permanent data loss.

Cybercriminals try to pressure victims into paying them as soon as possible in any way they can. They have created a timer that counts down. Users are given two days to pay. After two days, the price for the decryption key^[1] doubles. The ransom amount is not specified in the note which means it is negotiated privately.

After two days, they threaten to delete some of the data if they are not contacted. If the timer runs out, they say they will delete all data and severely damage the hard disk. Although this may be very scary, we strongly advise against contacting the threat actors because they cannot be trusted.

They want the ransom to be paid in cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin) because they provide anonymity. However, it is very risky for you. Many previous ransomware attack victims say that they never received the promised decryption tools after sending the payment. Even though decryption is almost impossible without the cybercriminals' help. we suggest you first try a third-party recovery solution that helps in some cases.

Follow security experts' guidelines to avoid malware infections

Distribution methods

Ransomware can be spread using several methods. Most of the time, users get infected because they install “cracked” software^[2] from Torrent websites or peer-to-peer file-sharing platforms. This activity is illegal so it is unregulated. It is impossible to know if the packages you are downloading do not contain any malicious files.

It is best to use official web stores and developer websites. It may get costly, but you may save in the long run by keeping your system running smoothly. Besides, there are plenty of free apps to choose from so you should find something that suits your needs.

Another common channel cybercriminals use is email. They typically use social engineering to create letters that look like urgent and important messages from well-known companies. They include infected attachments or embed malicious links. It is recommended to only open email attachments from senders you know.

Finally, many do not think about the importance of keeping the operating system and software updated. Hackers can use software vulnerabilities to deliver their malicious programs. Developers regularly release security patches which should be installed immediately to prevent this from happening.

Remove the intruder from your machine

If you try to recover your data first, it can result in permanent loss. It can also encrypt your files the second time. It will not stop until you remove the malicious files causing it first. You should not attempt removing the malicious program yourself. Use anti-malware tools like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes to scan your system.

This security software should find all the related files and entries and remove them automatically for you. Automatic removal is the best option because there is less risk of leaving some of the traces behind. Malware could prevent you from using antivirus software by turning it off. In that case, you should proceed with accessing Safe Mode first:

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.

2. 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.

3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Windows 10 / Windows 8

1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
   
2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
5. Click Restart now.
6. Select Troubleshoot.
7. Go to Advanced options.
8. Select Startup Settings.
9. Click Restart.
10. Press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

File recovery using third-party software

Only hackers hold the decryption key, which can unlock your files, so if you did not back them up previously, you possibly lost your files forever. You can try using data recovery software, but third-party programs cannot always decrypt the files. We suggest at least trying this method. Before proceeding, you have to copy the corrupted files and place them in a USB flash drive or another storage. And remember – only do this if you have already removed BlackBit ransomware.

1. Download Data Recovery Pro.
2. Double-click the installer to launch it.
   
3. Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
4. As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
5. Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
6. Press Next.
7. At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
8. Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
9. You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
10. Press Recover to retrieve your files.

The operating system is left damaged after an attack

Performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a full Windows reinstall is required, are expected after a malware infection. These types of infections can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software is not able to repair it.

This is why FortectIntego was developed. It can fix a lot of the damage caused by an infection like this. Blue Screen errors,^[3] freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc., can make your computer completely unusable. By using this maintenance tool, you could avoid Windows reinstallation.

• Download the application by clicking on the link above
• Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
  
  
• If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
• Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
• The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
• Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
• You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
• If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.