BlackMist ransomware - How to remove

BlackMist ransomware virus is one of the infections that are considered to be still in development. This means that the malware does not properly function and probably does not do any damage to the files. However, hackers could have distributed their software as a test-run and might introduce an improved version later on. The same thing happened to RedBoot crypto-virus. At first, researchers found it to be an in-dev sample, but it returned as a fully-functioning ransomware.

BlackMist crypto-virus targets files that are in C:\Users\Owner

However, there are also infections like BlackMist threat that are never renewed, like CryForMe or Koolova viruses. The newly-detected ransomware has a payload of BlackMist.exe (Analysis) and it is detectable by many reliable security programs. One odd detail about this infection is that it appends Blackmist extension without a . (dot).

Nevertheless, the encrypted data is programmed to be marked with an addition to indicate which digital files have been encoded with AES algorithm. As we have mentioned before, the BlackMist crypto virus is not currently operable and sometime during the file-encryption is expected to crash. However, if you happen to notice this extension and your files have become encoded, then ransomware becomes a real threat. Then, all of the information stored in C:\Users\Owner will be encoded with the cryptography (What) technique.

BlackMist malware infection demands 100 US dollars as a ransom note. As usual, this transaction is required to be made via anonymous Bitcoin payment system (Bitcoin). According to the current exchange rates, it is expected to equal 0.02354 Bitcoin. This is relatively small ransom since encrypters like BTCWare Aleta requires users to give away 2 BTC.

Furthermore, it is expected that BlackMist crypto-virus will show instructions in a screen-locker which will contain the essential information. It is explained that victims have only 48 hours to pay the ransoms before all of the encrypted data ends up being deleted. During the initial 24 hours, no harm will be done digital files. However, after this period of times passes, the next 24hours will result in loss of data. Hackers threaten to delete portions of files every hour, until all of the data will be gone. If you files have been encrypted, we hope you will contact security researchers and attempt to find the best solution. Deadlines are given very frequently by ransomware (Ransomware) authors. The fear of losing digital data might be the encouragement users need pay the fees for file-decryption.

Data-decryption, removal of ransomware and other helpful tips

When it comes to data-encryption, security researchers probably won’t try to generate special tools for ransomware infections that are considered to be still in development. However, if you happen to be infected with an improved version, it is important to inform researchers about this. Then, they will try to examine the new sample and find ways how the files could be restored.

Paying the ransom is never the right way to go. If you do make a transaction, you will be supporting hackers and giving them the idea that their vicious plans are working perfectly. Please consider different file-recovery options that are enumerated at the end of this article. If you are afraid of losing your files, it is usually best to try to reboot operating systems in a SafeMode and copy all valuable data in a safer location. Mostly all newer ransomware infections initiate commands to remove Shadow Volume Copies and complicate file-recovery.

The best ways to avoid ransomware viruses is to store important data in backup storages. In this way, no crypto-virus will gain the leverage they need to require ransoms. If you do not like to backup data in storages, you can upload them in USB flash drives or other secure locations you find appropriate. Before any file-recovery methods are attempted, it is important to remove the infection. Scan operating systems with Spyhunter to get rid of the malicious files in your device.

How to recover BlackMist ransomware encrypted files and remove the virus

Step 1. Restore system into last known good state using system restore

1. Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt:

for Windows 7 / Vista/ XP

• Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
• Press F8 key repeatedly until Advanced Boot Options window appears.
• Choose Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

for Windows 8 / 10

• Press Power at Windows login screen. Then press and hold Shift key and click Restart.
• Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings and click Restart.
• When it loads, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list of Startup Settings.

 

2.Restore System files and settings.

• When Command Prompt mode loads, enter cd restore and press Enter.
• Then enter rstrui.exe and press Enter again.
• Click “Next” in the windows that appeared.
• Select one of the Restore Points that are available before BlackMist ransomware has infiltrated to your system and then click “Next”.
• To start System restore click “Yes”.

 

Step 2. Complete removal of BlackMist ransomware

After restoring your system, it is recommended to scan your computer with an anti-malware program, like Spyhunter and remove all malicious files related to BlackMist ransomware . You can check other tools here.  

Step 3. Restore BlackMist ransomware affected files using Shadow Volume Copies

If you do not use System Restore option on your operating system, there is a chance to use shadow copy snapshots. They store copies of your files that point of time when the system restore snapshot was created. Usually BlackMist ransomware tries to delete all possible Shadow Volume Copies, so this methods may not work on all computers. However, it may fail to do so. Shadow Volume Copies are only available with Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. There are two ways to retrieve your files via Shadow Volume Copy. You can do it using native Windows Previous Versions or via Shadow Explorer. a) Native Windows Previous Versions Right-click on an encrypted file and select Properties → Previous versions tab. Now you will see all available copies of that particular file and the time when it was stored in a Shadow Volume Copy. Choose the version of the file you want to retrieve and click Copy if you want to save it to some directory of your own, or Restore if you want to replace existing, encrypted file. If you want to see the content of file first, just click Open.

b) Shadow Explorer It is a program that can be found online for free. You can download either a full or a portable version of Shadow Explorer. Open the program. On the left top corner select the drive where the file you are looking for is a stored. You will see all folders on that drive. To retrieve a whole folder, right-click on it and select “Export”. Then choose where you want it to be stored.

Step 4. Use Data Recovery programs to recover BlackMist ransomware encrypted files

There are several data recovery programs that might recover encrypted files as well. This does not work in all cases but you can try this:

• We suggest using another PC and connect the infected hard drive as slave. It is still possible to do this on infected PC though.
• Download a data recovery program.
• Install and scan for recently deleted files.

Note: In many cases it is impossible to restore data files affected by modern ransomware. Thus I recommend using decent cloud backup software as precaution. We recommend checking out Carbonite, BackBlaze, CrashPlan or Mozy Home.