How to remove Blue Ransomware and decrypt .blue files

What is Blue Ransomware

Blue Ransomware is a malicious program that belongs to the Phobos ransomware family, notorious for encrypting victims’ files and demanding a ransom for their release. Upon infection, it affects various file types by appending the .blue extension to them, rendering them inaccessible to the user. The encryption mechanism employed by Blue Ransomware is advanced and employs strong algorithms, which make it nearly impossible to decrypt files without the unique decryption key held by the attackers. As part of its modus operandi, the ransomware creates ransom notes in the form of info.hta and info.txt files. These notes typically appear in multiple locations on the infected system, aiming to ensure that the victim has multiple opportunities to read the demands made by the cybercriminals.

Recommended best practices include avoiding contact with the attackers and refraining from paying the ransom, as this does not guarantee a recovery of the encrypted files. Regrettably, currently available public decryption tools do not support the decryption of files encrypted by the Blue Ransomware, making recovery exceedingly challenging without the payment of a ransom. However, victims are encouraged to check resources like the No More Ransom Project for updates on potential decryption tools and assistance. In the event that no decryption tools are available, users can attempt file recovery using specialized software, although this may not restore all files, particularly if they have been fully overwritten. Long-term prevention strategies, such as regular backups and maintaining an updated antivirus solution, could mitigate the devastating impact of ransomware infections, ensuring that data loss is minimized.

How Blue Ransomware infects computers

Blue Ransomware, a variant of the Phobos family, typically infiltrates computers through several common attack vectors, making it a significant threat to users. One of the primary methods of infection is through exploiting vulnerable Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) services, where attackers utilize brute force and dictionary attacks on poorly secured account credentials to gain unauthorized access. Additionally, Blue Ransomware can spread via malicious email attachments, often disguised as legitimate files, enticing users to open them without suspicion. Cybercriminals may also employ deceptive advertisements on compromised websites or utilize peer-to-peer (P2P) networks to distribute the malware. Furthermore, vulnerabilities in outdated software can serve as entry points for the ransomware, allowing it to bypass security measures and execute its payload. To mitigate these risks, users must maintain robust security practices, including regular software updates and employing reliable antivirus solutions.

1. Download Blue Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .blue 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 Blue Ransomware

Blue Ransomware files:


info.hta
{randomname}.exe


Blue Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .blue files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .blue 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 .blue 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 Blue 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 .blue files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the 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 a 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 a 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 Blue 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. Blue 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