How to remove BlackSkull Ransomware and decrypt .BlackSkull files

What is BlackSkull Ransomware

In the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats, BlackSkull Ransomware emerges as a formidable adversary targeting Windows PCs. This malicious program encrypts a wide array of data, including photos, text files, excel tables, audio files, and videos, effectively holding them hostage. This article delves into the intricacies of BlackSkull Ransomware, exploring its infection mechanisms, the nature of its encryption, the ransom notes it generates, and the possibilities for decryption. Upon successful infection, BlackSkull Ransomware initiates a comprehensive encryption process, appending the .BlackSkull extension to every affected file. For instance, photo.jpg becomes photo.jpg.BlackSkull, and table.xlsx is transformed into table.xlsx.BlackSkull. This renaming serves as a stark indicator of the ransomware’s presence and the encryption of the files. The ransomware leaves behind a Recover_Your_Files.html file in every folder containing encrypted files. This ransom note is crucial for the attackers to communicate with their victims. It provides instructions on contacting the attackers via theshadowshackers@gmail.com to negotiate the ransom payment. The note typically outlines how to purchase a decryption tool from the attackers, promising the restoration of the encrypted files upon payment.

As of the information available, there are no specific decryption tools for BlackSkull Ransomware that can guarantee the recovery of encrypted files without engaging with the attackers. The encryption algorithms employed by ransomware are often sophisticated, making unauthorized decryption without the unique key nearly impossible. However, victims are advised to explore reputable sources like the No More Ransom Project for potential decryption tools that may emerge. For those affected, the immediate steps include removing the ransomware using legitimate antivirus software and then exploring recovery options. If backups are available, restoring the encrypted files from these backups is the most reliable method of recovery. Unfortunately, without backups or a decryption tool, the options for recovering the encrypted files remain limited.

How BlackSkull Ransomware infects computers

BlackSkull Ransomware infiltrates systems through a variety of channels, exploiting the unsuspecting nature of users and the vulnerabilities of systems. The primary vectors include:

Email Spam: Masquerading as legitimate notifications from utility services, delivery agencies, or internet providers, these emails contain malicious attachments or links.
Trojan Files: Disguised as necessary software or updates, these files reveal themselves as harmful agents upon execution.
Peer-to-Peer Networks: The trust-based nature of these networks makes them a fertile ground for ransomware dissemination, as users cannot verify the contents of a download until it’s too late.

1. Download BlackSkull Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .BlackSkull 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 BlackSkull Ransomware

BlackSkull Ransomware files:


Text presented in the pop-up window and Recover_Your_Files.html
{randomname}.exe


BlackSkull Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .BlackSkull files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .BlackSkull 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 .BlackSkull 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 BlackSkull 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 .BlackSkull 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 BlackSkull 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. BlackSkull 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