BlackSuit
BlackSuit is one of the latest ransomware cryptovirus variants. BlackSuit locks victim users out of their files by means of encrypting said files and thus making them inaccessible.
Ransomware like BlackSuit, Qore, Gash is capable of infiltrating pretty much all types of operating systems. And what’s worse, it targets all the most popular file types, meaning every from photos and videos to documents and archives can be encrypted by this treacherous malware. What happens is that the virus will first scan your PC for the file types that it’s after, and then it will begin to create encrypted copies of these files – one by one. At the same time, it will also be deleting the originals of the files. And once all is said and done, the victim user will be notified about what has happened via a ransom note that is placed on the screen of the computer.
The ransom note typically also includes payment details by means of which the user is meant to transfer money as ransom for their locked data. To be more specific, the ransom is actually for a decryption key which the hackers say is the only way you can regain access to your data.
Luckily, however, that is not the only existing solution to this terrible problem. In the removal guide bellow we’ve listed a whole series of suggestions that you can try in order to restore your files without having to pay ransom. But before you head over to those, it’s crucial that you follow the instructions in the first part of our guide. With their help you will be able to remove BlackSuit and thus prevent it from encrypting any files that you manage to restore.
The BlackSuit virus
The BlackSuit virus is highly skilled in remaining unnoticed while it’s at work. In fact, most antivirus programs on the market will not even detect the BlackSuit virus and other variants like it.
This is mainly due to the simple fact that the encryption process in and of itself is not malicious. Quite on the contrary, encryption is used as a means to protect sensitive information and we rely on it pretty much every day of our lives. However, cybercriminals have come with an ingenious way to use this process for evil purposes and as a way to line their pockets at the expense of others. Hence, how ransomware has come to be.
The .blacksuit file distribution
Hackers usually rely on spam messages and such things as malvertisements for the .blacksuit file distribution. And especially in the case of spam, usually a Trojan horse virus is also employed to ensure the successful .blacksuit file distribution.
With this knowledge, you can take the necessary precautions to protect your system from any such attacks in the future. Simply avoid interacting with any suspicious incoming emails or other messages, and certainly don’t open any links or attachments. And also avoid coming into contact with any of the ads you come across online. Last but not least, once you’ve dealt with BlackSuit, it might be a good idea to scan your system for Trojans as well.
SUMMARY:
| Name | BlackSuit |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Danger Level | High (Ransomware is by far the worst threat you can encounter) |
| Symptoms | Very few and unnoticeable ones before the ransom notification comes up. |
| Distribution Method | From fake ads and fake system requests to spam emails and contagious web pages. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Not Available |
| Detection Tool |
Remove BlackSuit Ransomware
Some of the steps will likely require you to exit the page. Bookmark it for later reference.
Reboot in Safe Mode (use this guide if you don’t know how to do it).
WARNING! READ CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING!
Press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC at the same time and go to the Processes Tab. Try to determine which processes are dangerous.
Right click on each of them and select Open File Location. Then scan the files with our free online virus scanner:
After you open their folder, end the processes that are infected, then delete their folders.
Note: If you are sure something is part of the infection – delete it, even if the scanner doesn’t flag it. No anti-virus program can detect all infections.
Hold the Start Key and R – copy + paste the following and click OK:
notepad %windir%/system32/Drivers/etc/hosts
A new file will open. If you are hacked, there will be a bunch of other IPs connected to you at the bottom. Look at the image below:
If there are suspicious IPs below “Localhost” – write to us in the comments.
Type msconfig in the search field and hit enter. A window will pop-up:
Go in Startup —> Uncheck entries that have “Unknown” as Manufacturer.
- Please note that ransomware may even include a fake Manufacturer name to its process. Make sure you check out every process here is legitimate.
Type Regedit in the windows search field and press Enter. Once inside, press CTRL and F together and type the virus’s Name.
Search for the ransomware in your registries and delete the entries. Be extremely careful – you can damage your system if you delete entries not related to the ransomware.
Type each of the following in the Windows Search Field:
- %AppData%
- %LocalAppData%
- %ProgramData%
- %WinDir%
- %Temp%
Delete everything in Temp. The rest just check out for anything recently added. Remember to leave us a comment if you run into any trouble!
How to Decrypt BlackSuit files
We have a comprehensive (and daily updated) guide on how to decrypt your files. Check it out here.
If the guide doesn’t help, download the anti-virus program we recommended or try our free online virus scanner. Also, you can always ask us in the comments for help!
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