BlackSheep ransomware - How to remove

BlackSheep ransomware virus is one of those file-encrypting infections that get immediately assigned to poorly-structured samples. StupidDecrypter tool has been adjusted to successfully recover digital data which could become corrupted by this brand-new variant. Developers of ransomware included the title “BlackSheep” into the ransom note and named the payload after it.

As for the extension that separates encrypted data from the remaining executables, a mark of .666 is appended. During the next 54 hours after this ransomware reveals its existence, people are expected to pay 500 dollars (approximately 0.21821 BTC). However, the consequences of refusing to pay are not clearly indicated, but they are probably making threats to delete all of the encrypted data or the private decryption key.

The lock-screen that victims face shortly after encoding of files is concluded functions as the ransom note. After analyzing the presented text, we presume that hackers do not speak English fluently as the language appears quite messy. There are also buttons of “MORE DETAILS” and “CONTACT US” which are probably included to provide more details. However, there is no need to reward victims with the money they request. Security researchers have already made this infection harmless by providing a free program for the purpose of restoring files.

Before the ransomware actually reveals its malicious side, its payload will pretend to be a completely legitimate procedure. A blue screen will presumably load up and indicate that Windows Update is being currently installed and the user should wait for it to end. In reality, the file-encryption process is happening behind this screen. After the alleged update is fully installed, your files will be revealed to be unusable. Following this discovery, the lock-screen with ransom instructions will be loaded.

Before trying to restore files with the Stupid Decrypter, it is recommended to remove the ransomware first. This procedure can either be done manually, or be supported by anti-malware tools. The second option sounds safer as no malicious procedures will be left to influence your operating system. What is more, if you have never eliminated malware manually before, it would be best to choose the alternative. Spyhunter or Malwarebytes will help you keep your operating system malware-free.

Protect yourself from ransomware infections

This ransomware variant is only one sample among thousands of others. Therefore, it is crucial to secure your files from these infections. One of the best ways to do this is to upload files in a backup storages. By having more than one version of your valuable information, you are sure to be able to restore them even if something happens to files in one of the locations. USB flash drives can also serve a purpose of storing your data. Since BlackSheep virus is decryptable, there is no necessity to discuss other methods of decryption. However, if you happen to be compromised by other variants, you are to remember to check Shadow Volume Copies and try universal tools for file-recovery.

If you are worrying about your cybersecurity and fearing that your virtual files will be influenced by a ransomware, we advise you to stay away from certain online content. For your own good, avoid domains that provide dubious services, like adult-oriented material. It is possible that some infectious websites will initiate automatic removal when dangerous file are inserted into operating systems without authorization.

Another menace that you could face is malicious spam campaigns. Hackers will aim to transmit email messages that deliver payloads of ransomware as attachments. Even a seemingly harmless file ending with .doc could be hiding malicious macros, all ready to be enabled. Furthermore, we are to remind you that by downloading programs via peer-to-peer systems, you could accidentally download a Trojan.

How to recover BlackSheep 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 BlackSheep ransomware has infiltrated to your system and then click “Next”.
• To start System restore click “Yes”.

 

Step 2. Complete removal of BlackSheep 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 BlackSheep ransomware. You can check other tools here.  

Step 3. Restore BlackSheep 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 BlackSheep 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 BlackSheep 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.