How to remove Blackoutware Ransomware and decrypt .blo files

What is Blackoutware Ransomware

Blackoutware is a type of ransomware, a malicious software designed to encrypt data and demand ransoms for its decryption. This article will provide a comprehensive understanding of Blackoutware Ransomware, its infection methods, the file extensions it adds, the encryption it uses, the ransom note it creates, and the potential decryption tools available. Blackoutware Ransomware is a crypto virus that encrypts files on a victim’s computer and appends their filenames with a .blo extension. For instance, a file initially titled 1.jpg would appear as 1.jpg.blo. After the encryption process, a ransom note titled !!!WARNING!!!.txt is dropped into the C:\Users[username] folder. The ransom note states that the victim’s files have been encrypted and that decryption requires payment. The ransom is typically demanded in cryptocurrencies, such as Litecoin (LTC) or Bitcoin (BTC), with the amount often listed as 5000 euros. The victim is usually given 72 hours to comply, and the note warns against modifying the encrypted files or using third-party decryption tools, as this could result in permanent data loss.

Ransomware typically uses strong encryption algorithms, such as AES or RSA, to lock the victim’s files. Once encrypted, the files can only be unlocked by a decryption code known only to the attacker. As of the current date, there are no specific decryption tools available for Blackoutware ransomware. However, organizations like Avast, AVG, Emsisoft, Kaspersky, and Trend Micro offer free ransomware decryption tools for some of the most common types of ransomware. It’s important to note that these tools may only work with specific ransomware versions and may not work with versions released after a tool was created

Since there are no specific decryption tools for Blackoutware, decrypting .blo files can be challenging. However, anti-malware designers are constantly working on creating decryption tools, and an effective countermeasure may soon be available. In the meantime, victims are advised not to pay the ransom, as this does not guarantee the recovery of the encrypted files and only encourages the attackers. Instead, victims should report the incident to their local authorities and seek professional help.

How Blackoutware Ransomware infects computers

Ransomware like Blackoutware is primarily spread using phishing and social engineering techniques. Malicious programs are often disguised as or bundled with ordinary software or media files, such as archives (RAR, ZIP), executables (.exe, .run), documents (Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, PDF), JavaScript, and more. Once such a file is opened, the infection chain is triggered. Some malicious programs can even self-spread via local networks and removable storage devices, such as USB flash drives and external hard drives.

1. Download Blackoutware Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .blo 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 Blackoutware Ransomware

Blackoutware Ransomware files:


!!!WARNING!!!.txt
{randomname}.exe


Blackoutware Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .blo files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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

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 .blo 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 Blackoutware 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 .blo 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.

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 Blackoutware Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Dashboard

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Alert

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Blocked

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.

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. Blackoutware 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.