How to Remove .aBMfTRyjF Ransomware and Restore Encrypted Files?
Introduction to the Ransomware Variant
This malware appends a randomized, nine-character suffix (for example .aBMfTRyjF) to all encrypted files and places a corresponding ransom note named aBMfTRyjF.README.txt in every folder. Inside the note is a unique 32‑hexadecimal-character Decryption ID. These patterns are nearly identical to those seen in LockBit 3.0 Black attacks or its closely related strains such as CriptomanGizmo or DoNex.
Related article: How to Recover Files Encrypted by BOBER Ransomware (.random-extension)?
Recommended Response Actions After an Attack
Immediate Containment and Evidence Preservation
Disconnect infected systems immediately to prevent further spread, and retain all encrypted files and the ransom note intact.
Avoid altering or removing any encrypted files or the ransom note itself. It’s also important to preserve shadow copies, logs, and any captured network traffic for future analysis.
Submit both the ransom note and a sample encrypted file to trusted sources like the No More Ransom project or Avast to determine the variant and check for available decryptors.
Never pay attackers blindly—without proof—when official tools or verified solutions may enable safer recovery.
Also read: How to Decrypt Tiger Ransomware (.Tiger4444) Files Safely and Easily?
Ransom Note + Contact Details
The ransom note typically reads:
If your data is accidentally encrypted, please contact us and we can help you decrypt it so that your data will not be leaked. Otherwise, you may suffer further losses due to data leakage.
You can contact me via email.
>>>>Your personal DECRYPTION ID: 93AC52D2DEDC53F4266B2E7329C73D2B
E-mail: rcgoodluck@tutamail.com
E-mail2: goodluckmail@onionmail.org
You only need to pay a small fee, and we will decrypt it for you within 24 hours.
>>>>We only accept virtual currency USDT transactions. You need to prepare a virtual currency wallet in advance, and we will provide you with the payment address.
>>>>Suggest contacting us for free decryption of a file before completing the payment to prove that we can help you decrypt it.
>>>>After the payment is completed, send the payment photo to email: rcgoodluck@tutamail.com
>>>>The payment has been completed and sent via email. We will provide you with a decryption program.
>>>>What guarantee will we not deceive you?
We are not a politically motivated group, we just need money.
If you make the payment, we will thank you and provide you with a decryption program, and your data will not be disclosed.
After payment, we will immediately send you the decryption program. Our reputation is very important to us.
>>>>Warning! Do not DELETE or MODIFY any files, it can lead to recovery problems!
Key Milestones on the Timeline
- Late June 2022: LockBit 3.0 is unveiled, introducing the signature random nine-character file extension and matched README ransom-note pattern.
- February 2024: As part of Operation Cronos, global law enforcement disrupts LockBit servers, seizes encryption keys, and publishes a legitimate decryptor via the No More Ransom platform.
- March 2025: A new Fork named “SuperBlack”—built on the LockBit 3.0 foundation with enhanced exfiltration methods—emerges on the ransomware landscape.
Full Range of Recovery Paths for .aBMfTRyjF Attacks
Free Tools for Early Variants
If your system was infected by earlier strains such as DoNex, CriptomanGizmo, Muse, or DarkRace—variants that utilize the same extension logic—Avast offers a free decryptor. Researchers identified underlying flaws in those versions and published a tool that can potentially restore encrypted files without any ransom payment.
Official LockBit 3.0 Decryptor
Confirmed LockBit 3.0 infections require a different solution. After the February 2024 takedown, law enforcement-backed keys enabled the release of an official decryptor available through the No More Ransom initiative. It’s capable of reliably decrypting systems infected with LockBit 3.0, provided files are undamaged and fully intact.
Paid Recovery Alternatives if No Free Option Works
Direct Payment to Attackers
When no viable decryptor exists, some victims resort to paying the ransom. The attackers then (allegedly) provide a decryptor tied to the Decryption ID in the ransom note, limiting use to the specific victim’s encrypted data.
Risks with Attacker-Provided Tools
Even when tools are delivered post-payment, success is not guaranteed. Victims might receive corrupted or partially functional software, or tools embedded with telemetry/backdoors. Reliability depends on the attackers’ internal systems and history of honesty.
Legal and Ethical Risks of Paying Ransom
Some regions—especially sectors like healthcare and finance—have laws forbidding ransom payments, and demands may violate broader sanctions. Paying also perpetuates criminal economies and is discouraged by many regulatory bodies.
Engaging a Ransom Negotiation Firm
Professional Intermediaries
Third-party negotiators act as go-betweens, handling all communication securely (often over TOR) and attempting to reduce ransom demand amounts while speeding up resolution.
Verification Safeguards
Reputable negotiators insist on proof of decryption capability and have expertise distinguishing fake decryptors or scams from genuine tools.
Costs and Limitations
Service fees are usually a percentage of the ransom or flat-rate retainer based on complexity. Though often effective, negotiation delays plus charges can extend downtime and overall costs.
About Our Exclusive Decryptor for .aBMfTRyjF Attacks
Tailored Recovery Built on Real Analysis
After in-depth reverse engineering of multiple samples, our team developed a custom decryptor explicitly built to tackle this random nine-character extension variant. Supporting Windows, Linux, and ESXi, it includes AI-assisted encryption logic, blockchain-based integrity validation, and secure cloud recovery.
Mechanics of Our Decryption Process
- Reverse-Engineering Foundation
We decompiled active samples, identified common encryption flows, and reconstructed decryption routines that function across many variants. - Secure Cloud-Based Decryption
Files are uploaded into a secure cloud sandbox. Our method ensures safe recovery operations without risking corruption, and blockchain ledgering confirms integrity at each stage. - Decryption Matched to Victim ID
The tool binds to the unique Decryption ID from the ransom note to generate precise decryption logic, preventing misapplied or cross-target decryption attempts. - Offline-Mode Support
For environments with strict data governance, we provide an air-gapped version. We transfer encrypted files via controlled media and run the tool entirely offline in a secure sandbox.
Recovery Workflow Using Our Decryptor
Step 1: Gather Required Artifacts
Collect a copy of the ransom note (e.g., aBMfTRyjF.README.txt) along with a few encrypted files. These items are essential for variant identification and matching the decryptor logic.
Step 2: Submit Files for Verification
Upload your samples via our encrypted portal or, for air-gapped clients, transfer files manually. Our analysts confirm the ransomware strain and prepare a customized recovery profile.
Step 3: Run the Custom Decryptor
After confirmation, we provide a dedicated decryptor build. Execute it with admin privileges, inputting your Decryption ID. The tool initiates the restoration of your encrypted files.
Also read: How to Recover Data from Vatican Ransomware (.POPE Extension)?
Deployment Scenarios: Online vs. Offline
Online Decryption Mode
Designed for speed and real-time support, online recovery uses cloud infrastructure to expedite operations and offers monitoring until completion.
Offline Decryption Mode
Ideal for sensitive or regulated networks with no internet access. You receive encrypted media and run the tool within your secure environment—no outbound data required.
LockBit 3.0’s Operational Tools & Tactics
Initial Access Techniques
Attackers commonly use phishing messages, brute-forcing RDP or VPN credentials, and exploiting vulnerabilities like CVE‑2023‑4966 (Citrix Bleed). Some gains originate from buying access or compromised login data.
Payload Deployment Frameworks
Delivery typically involves tools such as Cobalt Strike, Metasploit, Empire, or custom loaders like SocGholish to maintain stealth, persistence, and stable command channels.
Credential Theft Methods
Threat actors use Mimikatz to extract system credentials, LaZagne for credential retrieval across applications, and Process Hacker to manipulate protected processes for privilege escalation.
Reconnaissance Tools
Lightweight network discovery tools like SoftPerfect Network Scanner and Advanced IP Scanner help identify live hosts, open ports, and vulnerable systems for next-stage execution.
Data Exfiltration Prior to Encryption
Before locking files, operators often exfiltrate sensitive data using RClone, Mega.nz, FileZilla, WinSCP, Ngrok, or their proprietary module StealBit. This enables data theft and double extortion.
Hybrid Encryption and Destruction Activities
Files are encrypted using ChaCha20 or AES, with RSA/ECC securing decryption keys. After encryption, the malware deletes shadow copies (vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet), erases logs and backups, and sometimes self-removes executable traces to avoid detection.
System Modifications for Coercion
To heighten impact, the ransomware drops a matching .ico icon, replaces the desktop wallpaper with ransom messaging, and prints ransom notes on network printers—intended as psychological leverage to force payment.
Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) to Monitor
Encrypted file suffixes typically follow the same pattern—random nine-character strings like .aBMfTRyjF. Ransom notes have identical names prefixed by that suffix. The 32-character hex Decryption ID appears within notes. Victim systems may exhibit custom .ico files in %PROGRAMDATA%, changed wallpapers, newly created services linked to LockBit execution, printed notes in directories, and attempted exploitation of known vulnerabilities like CVE‑2023‑4966.
Why Timely and Thoughtful Response Matters
LockBit 3.0 is a highly sophisticated Ransomware-as-a-Service operation, enabling widespread attacks via affiliates. Although disrupted in early 2024, many affiliates have continued similar tactics under new variant names. Prompt identification of the variant and use of verified tools—rather than untrusted forums or fake decryptors—is critical to increasing recovery chances and minimizing further damage.
Victim Statistics: Geographic & Sectoral Trends
Countries Most Affected
Top Sectors Targeted
Conclusion
This .aBMfTRyjF‑style ransomware—marked by its random extension, matched ransom note, and Decryption ID—mirrors the signature fingerprint of LockBit 3.0 Black or its derivatives such as DoNex. Infiltration occurs via phishing, brute-risk access, or vulnerability exploitation, while data theft and file locking are executed using sophisticated exfiltration and encryption tools. Recovery may be achieved using the Avast decryptor for early variants or the official No More Ransom tool for confirmed LockBit infections. Alternatively, our custom decryptor solution offers secure, reliable, and environment-flexible recovery processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
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