BlackByte Ransomware: Everything You Need To Know 

BlackByte ransomware is a type of malicious software that is causing trouble for organizations worldwide. This cyber thread first showed up in July 2021, and it’s become famous for being a tricky and organized type of ransomware. The gang behind BlackByte is financially motivated. BlackByte is a RaaS – Ransomware as a Service, where different groups can use its algorithm to infect computers and networks by paying the developers.

While BlackByte ransomware can affect anyone, its main targets are big companies. It goes after sensitive and critical data on their computer systems and encrypts these files. Then the attackers demand a ransom in exchange for the decryption key. BlackByte actors also threaten to leak stolen data in a tactic known as double extortion.

SalvageData experts recommend proactive data security measures, such as regular backups, strong cybersecurity practices, and keeping software up to date, to protect against ransomware attacks. And, in case of a ransomware attack, contact our ransomware recovery experts immediately.

What kind of malware is BlackByte?

BlackByte is ransomware, a type of malware that encrypts and locks the victims’ files and then requests a ransom in exchange for the decryption key.

It is classified as a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) operation, meaning that the group behind BlackByte provides the ransomware to other cybercriminals who carry out the attacks. BlackByte targets organizations with unpatched vulnerabilities in their infrastructure and aims to extort money from its victims by encrypting their files and demanding a ransom for their release.

It has gained notoriety for its use of double extortion, where sensitive data is also stolen and threatened to be released if the ransom is not paid.

Everything we know about BlackByte Ransomware

Confirmed Name

• BlackByte virus

Threat Type

• Ransomware
• Crypto Virus
• Files locker
• Double extortion

Encrypted Files Extension

• .blackbyte

Ransom Demanding Message

• BlackByte_restoremyfiles.hta

Is There a Free Decryptor Available?

Yes, BlackByte ransomware has a decryptor. However, this is an old decryptor that may not work with the ransomware strain that infected your machine.

Detection Names

• Avast Win32:RansomX-gen [Ransom]
• Emsisoft Gen:Trojan.Malware.@VW@aGfbAIni (B)
• Malwarebytes Generic.Malware/Suspicious
• Kaspersky HEUR:Trojan.Win32.DelShad.gen
• Sophos Mal/Generic-S
• Microsoft Ransom:Win32/Prerans.GG!MTB

Distribution methods

• Phishing emails
• ProxyShell Vulnerability

Consequences

• Files are encrypted and locked until the ransom payment
• Data leak
• Double extortion

What is in the BlackByte ransom note

The BlackByte ransom note, named BlackByte_restoremyfiles.hta, informs victims that their files have been encrypted and provides instructions on how to make a ransom payment for their release.

While the exact wording may vary, here is an example of the content commonly found in the BlackByte ransom note:

If you realize you’re a ransomware victim, contacting SalvageData ransomware removal experts provides you with a secure data recovery service and ransomware removal after an attack.

How does BlackByte ransomware infect a machine?

BlackByte ransomware is distributed mostly via two methods: phishing emails and exploiting vulnerabilities in systems.

It’s important to note that cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics, so it’s crucial to stay vigilant and follow best practices to protect against ransomware attacks. This includes being cautious of suspicious emails, keeping software and systems up to date with the latest security patches, and implementing robust cybersecurity measures.

• Phishing Emails. BlackByte has been observed using phishing emails to trick individuals into clicking on malicious links or downloading infected attachments. These emails may appear legitimate and often employ social engineering techniques to convince recipients to take action.

• Exploitation of unpatched internet-exposed Microsoft Exchange Servers. BlackByte has also been known to exploit the ProxyShell vulnerability for initial access. The ProxyShell vulnerability is a set of three Microsoft Exchange Server vulnerabilities that were discovered in 2021. By exploiting these vulnerabilities, attackers can gain unauthorized access to the target system and deploy ransomware like BlackByte.

How does BlackByte ransomware work

The BlackByte ransomware attack typically involves several steps that occur over a period of time. The entire process, as observed in a specific case study, has been reported to span approximately five days.

However, it’s important to note that the duration can vary depending on various factors, including the complexity of the network, the speed of response from the victim, and the actions taken by cybersecurity professionals to mitigate the attack.

Here is an overview of each step involved in the BlackByte ransomware process:

Initial Access and Privilege Escalation

The attackers gain initial access to the target system by exploiting vulnerabilities, such as through phishing emails or known vulnerabilities like the ProxyShell vulnerability. Once inside, they escalate their privileges to gain administrative control and move deeper into the network.

Persistence

To maintain access to the compromised system, the attackers establish persistence mechanisms, such as creating backdoors or modifying system settings. This ensures that they can maintain control even after system reboots or security measures are implemented.

Reconnaissance

The attackers conduct reconnaissance activities to gather information about the compromised network. They explore the network infrastructure, identify valuable targets, and locate critical data that can be encrypted or exfiltrated.

Credential Access

Once inside the network, the attackers attempt to obtain privileged credentials to gain broader access to systems and resources. This can involve methods like password cracking, keylogging, or exploiting weak authentication mechanisms.

Lateral Movement

With acquired credentials, the attackers move laterally across the network, hopping from one system to another, aiming to find high-value targets and spread the ransomware to as many devices as possible. This allows them to maximize the impact of the attack.

Data Exfiltration

BlackByte ransomware employs a double extortion technique, where sensitive data is exfiltrated before encryption. The attackers steal valuable information, such as intellectual property or personally identifiable information (PII), which they threaten to publish if the ransom is not paid.

Data Encryption and Destruction

After achieving their objectives, the attackers initiate the encryption process, locking the victim’s files and rendering them inaccessible.

They use advanced encryption algorithms like AES to prevent easy decryption without the encryption key. If the ransom is not paid within the specified timeframe, the attackers may choose to destroy the encrypted data altogether.

Do not pay the ransom! Contacting a ransomware removal service can not only restore your files but also remove any potential threat.

How to handle a BlackByte ransomware attack

The first step to recovering from a BlackByte attack is to isolate the infected computer by disconnecting from the internet and removing any connected device. Then, you must contact local authorities. In the case of US residents and businesses, it is the local FBI field office and the Internet Crime Complaint Centre (IC3).

To report a ransomware attack you must gather every information you can about it, including:

• Screenshots of the ransom note
• Communications with threat actors (if you have them)
• A sample of an encrypted file

However, if you prefer to contact professionals, then do nothing. Leave every infected machine the way it is and ask for an emergency ransomware removal service. Restarting or shutting down the system may compromise the recovery service. Capturing the RAM of a live system may help get the encryption key, and catching a dropper file, i.e. file executing the malicious payload, might be reverse-engineered and lead to decryption of the data or understanding how it operates.

You must not delete the ransomware, and keep every evidence of the attack. That’s important for digital forensics so experts can trace back to the hacker group and identify them. It is by using the data on your infected system that authorities can investigate the attack and find the responsible. A cyber attack investigation is not different from any other criminal investigation: it needs evidence to find the attackers.

1. Contact your Incident Response provider

A Cyber Incident Response is the process of responding to and managing a cybersecurity incident. An Incident Response Retainer is a service agreement with a cybersecurity provider that allows organizations to get external help with cybersecurity incidents. It provides organizations with a structured form of expertise and support through a security partner, enabling them to respond quickly and effectively during a cyber incident.

An incident response retainer offers peace of mind to organizations, offering expert support before and in the aftermath of a cybersecurity incident. An incident response retainer’s specific nature and structure will vary according to the provider and the organization’s requirements. A good incident response retainer should be robust but flexible, providing proven services to enhance an organization’s long-term security posture.

If you contact your IR service provider, they can take over immediately and guide you through every step in the ransomware recovery. However, if you decide to remove the ransomware yourself and recover the files with your IT team, then you can follow the next steps.

2. Identify the ransomware infection

You can identify which ransomware infected your machine by the file extension (some ransomware uses the file extension as their name), using a ransomware ID tool, or it will be on the ransom note. With this information, you can look for a public decryption key.

You can also check the ransomware type by its IOCs. Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) are digital clues that cybersecurity professionals use to identify system compromises and malicious activities within a network or IT environment. They are essentially digital versions of evidence left at a crime scene, and potential IOCs include unusual network traffic, privileged user logins from foreign countries, strange DNS requests, system file changes, and more. When an IOC is detected, security teams evaluate possible threats or validate its authenticity. IOCs also provide evidence of what an attacker had access to if they did infiltrate the network.

3. Remove the ransomware and eliminate exploit kits

Before recovering your data, you must guarantee that your device is ransomware-free and that the attackers can’t make a new attack through exploit kits or other vulnerabilities. A ransomware removal service can delete the ransomware, create a forensics document for investigation, eliminate vulnerabilities, and recover your data.

4. Use a backup to restore the data

Backups are the most efficient way to recover data. Make sure to keep daily or weekly backups, depending on your data usage.

5. Contact a ransomware recovery service

If you don’t have a backup or need help removing the ransomware and eliminating vulnerabilities, contact a data recovery service. Paying the ransom does not guarantee your data will be returned to you. The only guaranteed way you can restore every file is if you have a backup of it. If you don’t, ransomware data recovery services can help you decrypt and recover the files.

SalvageData experts can safely restore your files and prevent BlackByte ransomware from attacking your network again.

Contact our experts 24/7 for emergency recovery service.

Prevent the BlackByte ransomware attack

Preventing ransomware is the best solution for data security. is easier and cheaper than recovering from them. BlackByte ransomware can cost your business’s future and even close its doors.

These are a few tips to ensure you can avoid ransomware attacks:

• Antivirus and anti-malware
• Use cybersecurity solutions
• Use strong passwords
• Updated software
• Updated operating system (OS)
• Firewalls
• Have a recovery plan in hand (See how to create a data recovery plan with our in-depth guide)
• Schedule regular backups
• Don’t open an email attachment from an unknown source
• Do not download files from suspicious websites
• Don’t click on ads unless you’re sure it’s safe
• Only access websites from trustworthy sources