How to remove BlackLock Ransomware and decrypt your files

What is BlackLock Ransomware

BlackLock Ransomware is a highly destructive malware that infects systems by encrypting files and demanding a ransom in exchange for their decryption. Upon infection, it appends a random character string to both the filenames and their extensions, which can make it exceedingly difficult for victims to identify their original files. Utilizing sophisticated cryptographic algorithms, BlackLock ensures that only it holds the key capable of restoring access to the encrypted data. This encryption complexity not only makes unauthorized decryption virtually impossible but also underscores the severe impact this ransomware can have on businesses and individuals alike. Once the encryption process is complete, a ransom note titled HOW_RETURN_YOUR_DATA.TXT is created within the affected directories. This note bluntly informs victims of the network breach, the theft and encryption of their files, and the cybercriminals’ demand for payment in Bitcoin as the only way to retrieve a decryption key.

Currently, no free decryption tools are available for BlackLock Ransomware, which significantly limits victims’ options for file recovery without succumbing to ransom demands. This absence of decryption tools often leaves victims with one viable option – relying on secure backups that were made prior to the infection. To attempt decryption of the encrypted files, victims are urged to contact the attackers via the details provided in the ransom note, although this approach is strongly discouraged by cybersecurity experts due to the lack of guarantee that paying the ransom will result in file recovery. Alternatively, victims should report the incident to law enforcement and seek assistance from cybersecurity professionals who might employ other data recovery strategies or negotiate potential alternatives. It is crucial for individuals and organizations to have preemptive security measures and secure data backups to mitigate the risk and impact of such infections.

How BlackLock Ransomware infects computers

BlackLock Ransomware typically infiltrates computers through a combination of phishing and social engineering tactics. Cybercriminals often disguise the ransomware as legitimate software or media files, which are distributed via malicious email attachments, dubious download channels, and fake software updates. Once a user inadvertently downloads and executes the malicious file, the ransomware begins its encryption process. BlackLock can also propagate itself through network-shared folders, increasing its reach within interconnected systems. The ransomware’s ability to exploit vulnerabilities in network security protocols further enables it to spread swiftly and stealthily. To mitigate the risk of infection, users should exercise caution with email attachments, only download software from trusted sources, and maintain updated antivirus defenses.

1. Download BlackLock Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for encrypted 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 BlackLock Ransomware

BlackLock Ransomware files:


HOW_RETURN_YOUR_DATA.TXT
{randomname}.exe


BlackLock Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore encrypted files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt encrypted 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 encrypted 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 BlackLock 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 encrypted 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 are no items in the list choose an 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 an 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 BlackLock 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. BlackLock 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