BlackRuby ransomware (Removal Guide) - Apr 2018 update

What is BlackRuby ransomware?

Black Ruby ransomware – dangerous virus that adds coinminer to the system right after infecting it

Black Ruby is not a typical ransomware-type virus which seeks to encrypt valuable information for extortion purposes. After encrypting users' files with hybrid RSA and AES encryption, marking them with .BlackRuby extension and dropping the how-to-decrypt the-files.txt ransom note on the desktop, this malware infects the system with coinminer and uses its resources for mining Monero. The last interesting fact related to Black Ruby ransomware is that it avoids Iranian users by identifying them with the help of their IP addresses.^[1]

Users who got infected with this crypto-virus are demanded to pay $650 in BTC for the decryption key and contact the crooks via TheBlackRuby@Protonmail.com email. A full ransom note reads:

We are always your backers and guardian of your information at this multi-day banquet and be sure that no one in the world can take it from you except for us who extracts this precious stone.

We need a two-sided cooperation in developing cybersecurity knowledge. The background to this cooperation is a mutual trust, which will result in peace and tranquility, you must pay $ 650 (USD) worth of Bitcoins for restore your system to the previous state and you are free to choose to stay in this situation or return to the normal.

Do not forget that your opportunity is limited . From these limits you can create golden situations . Be sure we will help you in this way and to know that having a black ruby does not always mean riches. You and your system are poor, poor knowledge of cybersecurity and lack of security on your system!

Criminals also have mentioned that they are the only ones who can help their victims and give Black Ruby decryptor. Even though desperate people might fall for these promises, we can assure you that there are alternative ways how you can get back the access to your files. Thus, do NOT pay the ransom!

The ransom note of Black Ruby ransomware claims that its developers are trustworthy people seeking to lure people into making the transaction. However, experts have found that they secretly deliver Monero miner called XMRig on every infected system. As a result, the malware exploits computer's resources to mine cryptocurrency and leaves no CPU power for completing other vital system processes. This can permanently damage your PC if appropriate actions are not taken!

BlackRuby ransomware is not only designed for extortion purposes but also delivers XMRig to mine Monero cryptocurrency.

For this reason, we encourage you to remove Black Ruby ransomware right now. As it is mentioned before, this ransomware has additional malicious programs which can disguise as legitimate system processes and trick you into damaging your computer during the elimination.

Therefore, the safest option would be to perform the automatic Black Ruby removal. FortectIntego is perfect for people who seek for easy-to-use security software. Download it and scan your system thoroughly. After the elimination, you will be able to proceed to data recovery. Check the alternative ways on how to retrieve your files without paying the ransom at the end of this article.

Ransomware is delivered with the help of spam emails

Over the years, methods of ransomware distribution have significantly evolved. Now criminals have skills to develop email letters which disguise as invoices from well-known companies. Be aware that they look incredibly convincing and legitimate. For this reason, many people are tricked to open the malicious attachment it holds and infiltrate ransomware on their systems.

Since criminals have noticed the success in using deceptive techniques for ransomware distribution, they found another, similarly successful method — fake software updates or cracks. Experts from NoVirus.uk^[2] warn that peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing sites and intrusive ads might be potentially dangerous.

Hackers take advantage of people who aim to get legitimate software for free and place the same-looking file of ransomware on shady websites. This way people are tricked to download a file-encrypting virus by thinking that he/she is getting an original program illegally.

Also, there are numerous legitimate-looking ads online which try to deceive naive users that their programs are outdated and they must update it by clicking the button directly on the pop-up. However, this is a common attempt to infiltrate malware by taking advantage of gullible people.

It is important to understand that ransomware-type infections are highly dangerous computer threats. Likewise, people should take every precautionary measure to avoid them. We advise you to download software only from official websites and stay away from all types of adverts online. Additionally, remember that spam emails are also a common attack vector and should be opened with caution.

Safely eliminate BlackRuby virus from your system

If your attempts to avoid ransomware were unsuccessful, do not run to the criminals for help^[3]. They are not the people who you should trust. There are many reports where victims of file-encrypting viruses were left without the decryption key after making the payment. For this reason, we say the best option would be to remove BlackRuby in the first place.

Please, do not panic. You will be able to try to recover your information using alternative ways. Since there is more than one option, it is highly possible that you will get back most of your files. You can find the decryption steps at the end of this article. However, you must first get rid of BlackRuby.

Be aware that this computer threat delivers a crypto-mining malware. Therefore, experts believe that it might infiltrate other high-risk computer infections as well. For this reason, we strongly advise you to employ a professional antivirus for BlackRuby removal. Our top choices would be FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, and Malwarebytes.