How to remove BlueSky Ransomware and decrypt .bluesky files

What is BlueSky Ransomware

BlueSky Ransomware is a devastating file encryptor. It restricts access to data and requests victims to pay a fee for its return. While running encryption of system-stored data, the virus also assigns the .bluesky extension to each affected sample. For instance, a file named 1.pdf will change to 1.pdf.bluesky and reset its original icon. Since then, files will be no longer accessible. To make victims pay the ransom, cybercriminals layout identical decryption instructions in both # DECRYPT FILES BLUESKY #.html and # DECRYPT FILES BLUESKY #.txt text notes, which are created after encryption.

Inside, extortionists say the only case when files can be recovered is if victims purchase a special decryption key and software. They also say that any third-party attempts to decrypt files without the help of cybercriminals may result in permanent damage to data. Victims are thereafter instructed to download Tor Browser and visit the provided web link. After following that, victims will be able to see the price for decryption and additional information such as how to create a wallet and purchase cryptocurrencies as well. The decryption price is set at 0.1 BTC ≈ $2,075 and is said to double in 7 days after the ransomware attack. Cybercriminals also offer to test decryption, as victims can send one blocked file and get it decrypted for free. Ransomware developers tend to do this in order to validate their trustworthiness and boost victims’ confidence in paying the ransom. Despite this, it is still strongly advised not to pay the ransom and collaborate with cybercriminals. Many fool their victims and do not send any promised decryption set of tools afterward. We should also warn you that decrypting data without the help of cybercriminals is almost impossible due to the strong encryption algorithms and keys the ransomware creates. The only best option to avoid paying the ransom is to use backup copies of data. If such are available on external devices, you can easily use them for restoration. You can also make a backup of already encrypted data and try some third-party tools presented in our article, however, they might not have enough capacity to help with BlueSky decryption. Note that prior to trying any recovery methods that exclude ransomware developers, it is important to prevent virus operation by deleting it from your system. Do this in our guide below and choose which recovery method fits you the most.

How BlueSky Ransomware infected your computer

Infections like ransomware have multiple distribution methods. Users may get them through malicious email messages, fake software updates or installers, trojans, network vulnerabilities, backdoors, keyloggers, and so forth. Cybercriminals often refer to spreading malware via e-mail spam messages, as mentioned above. They attach maliciously-modified files (.DOCX, .PDF, .EXE, .JS, .RAR, . ZIP, etc.) and ask users to open them up. The biggest reason why so many users fall into this trap is that such messages are disguised as something legitimate (DHL, FedEx, DPD, IRS, Banks, etc.). Therefore, inexperienced and inattentive users become victims of such distribution techniques. It is important to download software only from verified resources, visit trustworthy pages, and do not follow any questionable content. We also advise you to read our tutorial below as there will be some useful information about malware protection to capitalize on.

1. Download BlueSky Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .bluesky 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 BlueSky Ransomware

BlueSky Ransomware files:


# DECRYPT FILES BLUESKY #.txt
{randomname}.exe


BlueSky Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .bluesky files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .bluesky 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 .bluesky 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 BlueSky 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 .bluesky 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 BlueSky 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. BlueSky 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