How to remove BlackByte Ransomware and decrypt .blackbyte files

What is BlackByte Ransomware

BlackByte is the name of a data-locker that encrypts files stored on a device. Such malware is more known as ransomware because it extorts money from victims for the recovery of data. Even though BlackByte is new and little observed, there are enough details to differ it from other infections. One of them is the .blackbyte extension that is appended to each encrypted file. For instance, a piece like 1.pdf will change its extension to 1.pdf.blackbyte and reset the original icon. The next step after encrypting all available data is ransom note creation. BlackByte generates the BlackByte_restoremyfiles.hta file, which displays recovery details.

Within, victims are instructed to contact cyber criminals by e-mail. This action is mandatory to receive further instructions on how to purchase a file decryptor. This decryptor is unique and held only by cybercriminals. The price of ransom can vary from person to person reaching hundreds of dollars. Keep in mind that paying the ransom is always a risk to lose your money for nothing. Many extortionists tend to fool their victims and not send any decryption instruments even after receiving the requested money. Unfortunately, there are no third-party decryptors that can guarantee 100% decryption of BlackByte files. You can try them but bear in mind that third-party decryptors can damage the files unless they knew how to approach them. The best solution, in this case, would be deleting the virus and recovering data from backup copies. If you had them saved on external devices prior to the infection, then your files can be restored safely. Otherwise, you should read our guide below and learn some other recovery methods along with BlackByte removal.

How BlackByte Ransomware infected your computer

BlackByte and other infections of this type are usually installed via script files distributed in various ways. These files can be received in fake messages sent by e-mail. Such messages are usually categorized as spam, making their content even more suspicious. Unfortunately, this does not stop most users from opening such content. Usually, malicious letters contain .docx, .pdf, .exe, .rar, .zip, or .js files that, once opened, may initiate the installation of malware like Blackbyte. Sometimes ransomware developers attach links leading to fake software asking users to download it. The installation of software may be disguised as something legitimate, but install completely different stuff like trojans or direct infections eventually. This is why it is advised to avoid downloading unfamiliar software from landing pages promoted by suspicious figures. Before closing this section, it is worth mentioning some other channels abused by extortionists to deliver malware. This list includes distribution via unprotected RDP configuration, botnets, keyloggers, backdoors, fake software cracking tools, and forged updates promoted via malicious ads. If you are careful and wary enough whilst surfing the web, you will likely avoid all kinds of malware. In addition to that, you can equip yourself with antimalware software that runs live protection against potential threats from the web. Learn more about important preventative measures down below.

1. Download BlackByte Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .blackbyte files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like BlackByte Ransomware

BlackByte Ransomware files:


BlackByte_restoremyfiles.hta
{randomname}.exe


BlackByte Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .blackbyte files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .blackbyte files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .blackbyte files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with BlackByte Ransomware and removed from your computer you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .blackbyte files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there is no items in the list choose alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the DropBox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like BlackByte Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. BlackByte Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro