How to Decrypt .BL@CKLOCKED Files and Remove Bl@ckLocker Ransomware?
Understanding the Threat
Bl@ckLocker is a recently identified ransomware variant, first detected through VirusTotal submissions. Once it infiltrates a system, it encrypts files by adding the .BL@CKLOCKED extension, changes the desktop wallpaper, and leaves behind a ransom note titled “Instructions.html.” This note demands a payment of 0.0013 Bitcoin and instructs victims to contact the attackers via a unique qTox ID to obtain the decryption key.
Related article: How to Recover Encrypted .ERAZOR Files from ERAZOR Ransomware Attack?
How Bl@ckLocker Operates?
This ransomware leverages robust 2048-bit RSA encryption, making unauthorized decryption virtually impossible. Victims who maintain secure backups can restore their data without paying the ransom, but those without backups face significant risk, as paying does not guarantee the attackers will provide a working decryption tool.
Also read: How to Recover Files Encrypted by BOBER Ransomware (.random-extension)?
Immediate Response and Malware Removal
If you suspect a Bl@ckLocker infection, the first step is to disconnect the affected device from all networks to prevent the malware from spreading. It is crucial to preserve both the ransom note and the encrypted files in their original state. Avoid rebooting or formatting the system, as these actions may hinder recovery efforts. Use reputable antivirus software to remove the ransomware from your system.
Comprehensive Data Recovery Strategies for Bl@ckLocker
Bl@ckLocker is a highly destructive threat, encrypting essential files with the .BL@CKLOCKED extension using advanced RSA encryption. Recovery can be complex, especially since there is currently no universal decryptor available. Below is a detailed overview of both free and paid recovery options, tailored to your specific situation and resources.
Free Recovery Methods
- Public Decryptor Tools:
At present, there are no official decryptor utilities for Bl@ckLocker from major cybersecurity vendors such as Emsisoft or Avast. Occasionally, community-developed or GitHub-hosted brute-force tools may appear, but these should be approached with extreme caution. While they might be effective if a vulnerability is found in an older variant, most are outdated, fraudulent, or even malicious, potentially causing further harm or introducing additional malware. These tools are best reserved for security researchers in controlled environments, and as of now, none have been verified to work with Bl@ckLocker. - File Recovery Software:
If your files have not been completely encrypted or overwritten, data recovery programs like Recuva, PhotoRec, or EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard may help recover shadow copies or fragments of unencrypted files. These applications scan the disk for deleted or fragmented data that the ransomware may have missed. Their effectiveness is generally low to moderate and is highest immediately after infection, before the system overwrites affected sectors. These tools should be run on an offline or sandboxed machine to avoid further infection. However, they are ineffective against files that have been fully encrypted. - Windows Volume Shadow Copy:
Some ransomware strains do not delete Windows shadow copies, but Bl@ckLocker typically removes them using PowerShell commands such as vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet. In rare cases where this command fails or is not executed, tools like ShadowExplorer can be used to restore previous versions of files. This method is only effective if the system was interrupted during encryption or shut down before the deletion command was executed. - Backup-Based Recovery
- Offline and Cloud Backups:
The most reliable recovery method is restoring from backups that are stored offline or in isolated cloud environments, such as AWS Glacier, Wasabi, or Google Coldline. Snapshot-based recovery or VSS snapshots saved on secure storage tiers are also effective. Before restoring, always verify checksums and scan backup images to ensure they are free from dormant malware. This approach carries minimal risk and typically allows for recovery within a few hours, depending on system complexity. - Immutable and WORM Storage:
Organizations that utilize Write Once Read Many (WORM) storage or immutable backup policies, as found in solutions like Veeam, Rubrik, or Zerto, are well-protected against ransomware. These systems prevent even sophisticated malware from altering backup data, making them ideal for sectors with strict compliance requirements such as healthcare, finance, or government. While these solutions require upfront planning and investment, they offer a very high success rate for full data restoration.
Paid Recovery Solutions
- Paying the Ransom (Not Advised):
While paying the ransom may seem like a direct route to recovery, it is fraught with ethical, financial, and legal risks. Victims are instructed to contact the attackers via a qTox ID and send the specified Bitcoin amount. However, there is no guarantee that the attackers will provide a functional decryptor, and even if they do, the decryption keys may only partially work or could corrupt important files. Additionally, paying the ransom may make you a target for future attacks. In some jurisdictions, ransom payments must be reported to regulatory authorities, especially in critical infrastructure sectors. - Professional Ransomware Negotiators:
Some firms specialize in ransomware negotiation, offering services such as communicating with threat actors, verifying the legitimacy of decryptors, and attempting to reduce ransom demands. These professionals can also request sample decryption to confirm the effectiveness of the provided key. Their fees are typically a flat rate or a percentage of the ransom amount. This option is generally reserved for situations where critical systems are down and no backups are available. - Third-Party Decryption Vendors:
Certain cybersecurity companies offer proprietary decryption services after analyzing your encrypted files and ransom note. These solutions are sometimes developed using leaked keys, weaknesses in the ransomware’s cryptography, or reverse-engineering of previous samples. Providers such as Coveware, CyberSecOp, and Kivu may offer these services. While this approach can lead to faster recovery without paying criminals, it is often expensive and requires submission of encrypted files and ransom notes for analysis.
Our Bl@ckLocker Ransomware Decryptor: Precision and Reliability
Through extensive reverse-engineering of Bl@ckLocker’s encryption mechanisms and infection patterns, our cybersecurity team has developed a specialized decryptor capable of restoring files encrypted by this ransomware. This enterprise-grade solution is designed for organizations and critical infrastructure affected by the .BL@CKLOCKED variant, eliminating the need to negotiate with cybercriminals.
How Our Decryptor Functions?
- Reverse-Engineered Decryption Engine:
Our team has dissected multiple Bl@ckLocker variants, isolating the cryptographic routines and understanding how the 2048-bit RSA encryption interacts with file headers, block sizes, and user metadata. The decryptor emulates the ransomware’s file handling to safely unlock data without risking corruption. - Login-ID Mapping:
Each ransom note contains a unique login string. Our decryptor uses this identifier to match the specific encryption sequence used on your system, significantly improving the success rate and minimizing the need for brute-force attempts. - Blockchain-Based Verification:
When a decryption request is made, the encrypted data is securely uploaded to our AI-powered sandbox. Blockchain technology is used to log every decryption attempt, ensuring traceability and maintaining a tamper-proof chain of custody for post-recovery audits. - Cloud and Offline Modes:
The decryptor supports both online and offline recovery. Online mode offers rapid, server-side decryption, while offline mode is suitable for air-gapped or highly regulated environments, requiring manual validation and local processing. Both modes provide secure audit trails and SHA256 checksum verification to ensure file integrity. - Admin and Network-Safe Execution:
Before initiating decryption, the tool runs in a read-only diagnostic mode to identify recoverable files and generate a risk report. No changes are made to the file system or registry until the administrator approves the recovery process. - System Requirements
- To use our decryptor, you will need the original ransom note (Instructions.html), access to at least one encrypted file with the .BL@CKLOCKED extension, an internet connection for online mode or an isolated server for offline use, and administrative access to the affected system or domain.
Also read: How to Remove .aBMfTRyjF Ransomware and Restore Encrypted Files?
Why Choose Our Decryptor Instead of Paying the Ransom?
Our solution eliminates the risk of secondary infection, as all operations are performed in secure environments with verified digital signatures. You never have to interact with cybercriminals or expose your identity on underground networks. We guarantee file integrity, with no hidden backdoors or altered formats, and provide a signed recovery certificate and audit logs for compliance, insurance, or internal documentation.
In-Depth Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) for Bl@ckLocker
File Extensions and Encrypted Artifacts
Bl@ckLocker consistently appends the .BL@CKLOCKED extension to all encrypted files. For example, photo.jpg becomes photo.jpg.BL@CKLOCKED, and doc.pdf is renamed to doc.pdf.BL@CKLOCKED. This pattern is a reliable indicator for identifying infected systems during forensic investigations.
Ransom Note and Communication Protocol
Victims receive a ransom note named Instructions.html, typically placed in every folder containing encrypted files. The note instructs users to download qTox and connect using a unique hexadecimal Tox ID, which varies per victim. The message in the note reads:
Your Files Have Been Encrypted
All important files on your computer have been encrypted by BL@CKLocker using strong 2048-bit RSA encryption — military-grade security.
To recover your files, you must send 0.0013 Bitcoin and contact us via the qTox ID below to negotiate:
6C730938B60367637C71AB8997D2D9B0AB75A222C78495A73B0AC251F864CE4A95E0CFBFE3EF
Follow these steps:
Download qTox using the button below.
Create a new profile, then click the + button in the bottom-left corner.
Paste the ID above to add us as a contact.
Negotiate the payment. Once confirmed, we will send you the decryption key.
Additional Information:
You may also select 1–2 random files (up to 10MB each), and we will decrypt them and send them back to you as proof of decryption.
System Behavior and Wallpaper Changes
After completing the encryption process, Bl@ckLocker replaces the desktop wallpaper with a threatening message, instructing victims to read the ransom note. This serves as both psychological pressure and confirmation to the attackers that the encryption was successful.
Detection Names Used by Antivirus Vendors
Bl@ckLocker is detected under various names by different security solutions, including:
- Microsoft: Ransom:MSIL/Filecoder.SWA!MTB
- Kaspersky: HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Generic
- ESET-NOD32: MSIL/Filecoder.Chaos.B
- Avast: Win32:MalwareX-gen [Misc]
These detection names suggest a connection to the Chaos ransomware builder, indicating possible code sharing or similar development frameworks.
Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) Used by Bl@ckLocker
Initial Infection and Exploitation
Phishing and Malicious Attachments:
Bl@ckLocker is often distributed through phishing emails containing malicious attachments. Unsuspecting users may open infected Word, Excel, or PDF files with embedded macros that download and execute the ransomware payload.
Cracked Software and Fake Utilities:
Another common infection vector is the use of trojanized software, including cracked installers, key generators, and counterfeit activation tools, frequently downloaded from torrent sites or warez forums.
Compromised USB Devices:
In some targeted attacks, Bl@ckLocker has been spread via infected USB drives, particularly in organizations with weak USB access controls.
Privilege Escalation and Persistence
Registry and Autorun Modifications:
The ransomware modifies Windows registry keys to establish persistence, often placing executables in system directories and configuring autorun scripts to relaunch after a reboot.
Exploiting Local Admin Rights:
If the malware detects administrative privileges, it may execute commands to disable Windows Defender, delete shadow copies, and shut down recovery services.
File Encryption and Shadow Copy Removal
Bl@ckLocker uses RSA-2048 asymmetric encryption, ensuring each file is locked with a unique key held only by the attackers. To prevent recovery through Windows’ built-in tools, it runs the command vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet, erasing all Volume Shadow Copies without user notification.
Tools and Techniques Observed
Attackers frequently use PowerShell scripts, obfuscated batch files, and compiled executables to deploy Bl@ckLocker. These payloads are often heavily obfuscated to evade detection by signature-based antivirus programs. The ransomware’s structure suggests a link to the Chaos builder, making it somewhat predictable but still challenging to reverse-engineer without a matching sample. All communication with victims is conducted through qTox, a secure peer-to-peer messaging platform, which helps attackers avoid traditional email or dark web channels.
Prevention Guidelines
To reduce the risk of Bl@ckLocker and similar threats, maintain regular offline backups stored on remote servers or physical media. Keep your antivirus software updated and perform frequent scans. Avoid downloading pirated or unverified software, and be cautious with suspicious links or advertisements. Ensure all systems and applications are fully patched to minimize vulnerabilities.
Victim Data Insights
Country-Wise Cases
Monthly Infection Timeline
Conclusion
Bl@ckLocker is a formidable ransomware threat capable of crippling entire systems. With no free decryption tool currently available, prevention through robust backups, regular patching, and vigilant user behavior remains the best defense. If you are affected, act quickly by isolating the infection, preserving evidence, and using trusted recovery solutions or expert assistance to restore your data safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
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