Beluga Ransomware
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How to Decrypt Beluga Ransomware (.cFiEyWdiW) Using Proven Methods?

Recover Your Files Immediately with Our Beluga Ransomware Decryptor

A Beluga ransomware attack can bring an entire organization to a halt within minutes. All vital files become encrypted, renamed with a random nine-character extension like .cFiEyWdiW, and locked behind the attackers’ demands. However, you do not need to panic — our recovery team specializes in LockBit Black–derived ransomware and offers a dedicated Beluga-specific decryption and restoration service.

Our proprietary decryptor was engineered by reverse-analyzing the behavior of LockBit 3.0 Black–based variants. It works by reading encrypted file structures, aligning them with ransom-note metadata, and leveraging our secured cloud infrastructure to rebuild, validate, and restore your data — without paying the Beluga ransomware gang a single cent.

Related article: How to remove TridentLocker Ransomware (.tridentlocker) and Recover Encrypted Files?


How Our Beluga Ransomware Decryptor Works?

Reverse-Engineered Recovery Utility

Beluga is built from the leaked LockBit 3.0 Black (CriptomanGizmo) builder. Our security researchers studied the encryption workflows, file-structure manipulations, and key-wrapping methodology used in this builder family. Using this knowledge, we designed a specialized tool capable of reversing Beluga’s encryption steps under the right conditions, ensuring file integrity and accurate reconstruction.

Also read: How to Decrypt Snojdb (.snojdb) Ransomware Files After a System Attack?

Cloud-Sandboxed Decryption for Maximum Safety

Instead of performing decryption directly on your compromised device, our tool connects to an isolated cloud environment. This ensures:

  • Encrypted files are analyzed in a secure forensic container
  • All operations are logged for transparency
  • Your network remains protected from reinfection
  • Restored files undergo validation before being returned

No changes are made to your original encrypted files until a verified recovery path is confirmed.

Fraud & Data-Loss Prevention

We never run a decryptor blindly. Before any attempt begins, you send us:

  • A few encrypted samples
  • The ransom note (cFiEyWdiW.README.txt)
  • The personal decryption ID included within the note

Our team evaluates whether your case is decryptable, estimates the odds of full vs. partial recovery, and protects you from scams commonly used by ransomware gangs or fake recovery services.


Step-by-Step Beluga Decryption & Recovery Guide Using Our BELUGA Decryptor

Step 1: Assess the Infection
Verify that your files have been encrypted and renamed with a random nine-character extension such as .cFiEyWdiW. Locate the ransom note named in the same pattern — for example, cFiEyWdiW.README.txt.

Step 2: Secure the Environment
Immediately disconnect the infected device from all networks. Disable Wi-Fi, unplug Ethernet cables, and block remote-access channels to prevent further encryption or lateral movement.

Step 3: Submit Files for Analysis
Provide our team with a small set of encrypted files along with the ransom note. This allows us to confirm the Beluga/LockBit Black variant, evaluate encryption structure, and calculate a recovery timeline.

Step 4: Run the Beluga Decryptor
After analysis, we will guide you through launching our cloud-integrated Beluga decryptor. Administrative permissions are required so the tool can safely scan and process all encrypted directories.

Step 5: Enter Victim ID
Input your personal Decryption ID included in the ransom note. Our decryptor uses this identifier to generate a variant-specific decryption profile aligned with the Beluga encryption metadata.

Step 6: Allow the Tool to Complete Restoration
Once initiated, the decryptor automatically analyzes, decrypts, and reconstructs file data. All restored files undergo verification to ensure integrity. No further manual action is required.

Also read: How to Remove Bactor Ransomware (.bactor) and Restore Your Data?


What is Beluga Ransomware?

Beluga ransomware is an affiliate-operated, LockBit 3.0 Black–derived encryption threat identified through victim reports and confirmed behavior. The Beluga operators claim full control over the victim’s network and use a ransom note structure nearly identical to LockBit Black’s, but branded under their own “Beluga Ransomware Team.”

Key behaviors include:

  • File encryption with a random nine-character extension
  • A ransom note containing a 32-hex decryption ID
  • A TOX ID for anonymous communication
  • Threats regarding permanent data loss if negotiations do not begin
  • Warnings against contacting law enforcement or third-party recovery teams

Beluga operates exclusively through TOX, avoiding Tor negotiation panels — possibly reflecting a preference for stealth and anonymity.


Beluga Ransomware Encryption Analysis 

Beluga leverages the LockBit 3.0 Black builder’s hybrid cryptography, designed to ensure high-speed encryption while preventing unauthorized decryption.


1. Symmetric Encryption (File Data Layer)

Beluga most likely encrypts file contents using:

  • AES-256-CBC
  • AES-256-GCM
  • ChaCha20 on systems lacking AES acceleration

Characteristics of this stage include:

  • A unique symmetric key for each file
  • Encryption of the full file, not partial
  • Uniform high-entropy cipher output
  • Removal or corruption of file headers

Files encrypted by Beluga appear indistinguishable from random binary data.


2. Asymmetric Encryption (Key-Wrapping Layer)

Beluga then encrypts the per-file AES key using:

  • RSA-4096, or
  • Curve25519-based key exchange

Only the attacker holds the private key capable of decrypting these session keys. Without it, brute-forcing the AES keys is computationally impossible.


3. Observations From LockBit Black–Derived Samples

Although Beluga samples are not publicly available, LockBit 3.0 Black artifacts show:

  • Consistent block-level encryption
  • No recoverable plaintext beyond a few bytes
  • Mandatory use of unique keys per file
  • Removal or overwriting of embedded metadata

Beluga inherits these characteristics, making decryption impossible without the attackers’ private key unless implementation mistakes occur.

Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) for Beluga Ransomware

Although Beluga originates from the leaked LockBit 3.0 Black builder, its activity leaves behind a predictable set of digital fingerprints. These indicators assist responders in identifying infections early and assessing compromise depth.

File-Based Indicators

Encrypted files carry a random nine-character extension, such as .cFiEyWdiW, appended to the original filename. A matching ransom note — typically cFiEyWdiW.README.txt — appears inside affected folders. File timestamps may be altered, and file headers often display overwritten or corrupted structures.

Behavioral Indicators

Systems infected with Beluga may exhibit sudden shutdowns of antivirus tools, unexpected high CPU and disk usage, and the inability to access mapped drives or shared directories. During the encryption phase, rapid-fire renaming operations occur across multiple directories, and applications dependent on encrypted files may crash or refuse to open.

Network Indicators

Beluga uses TOX messenger for communication, meaning the malware may attempt to establish peer-to-peer encrypted sessions. Though TOX itself leaves minimal detectable logs, network monitoring tools may flag unusual decentralized traffic patterns. Before encryption, the malware may connect to compromised nodes or use previously stolen credentials for pivoting.

System Indicators

Beluga infections frequently lead to the deletion of Windows Shadow Copies, tampering with event logs, or the creation of persistence-based entries such as scheduled tasks or registry modifications. Certain LockBit-derived variants are known to disable Windows Recovery services as part of early-stage sabotage.


Key Features & Modus Operandi of Beluga Ransomware

Beluga’s operational pattern closely follows LockBit 3.0 Black — but the Beluga group applies its own branding and negotiation style. Several traits have been observed or inferred based on its builder foundation and real-world incident reports:

Human-Operated Intrusions

Beluga is unlikely to rely solely on automated deployment. Instead, attackers appear to enter networks manually using stolen credentials or vulnerabilities, allowing them to survey defenses before deploying ransomware payloads.

Pre-Encryption Reconnaissance

The group likely performs internal reconnaissance using tools such as PowerShell, PsExec, or Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI). This helps them identify valuable files, map shared drives, and locate backup repositories.

Data Exfiltration Prior to Encryption

Beluga’s ransom note resembles other double-extortion families that steal sensitive data before encryption. Although not explicitly stated in the note, this behavior is consistent with LockBit 3.0 affiliates, many of whom exfiltrate critical files for leverage.

Aggressive Psychological Pressure

The tone of the Beluga ransom note is assertive and absolute, emphasizing mathematical impossibility, inevitability of data loss, and futility of law enforcement intervention. The operators also threaten irreversible wipe-out if victims attempt self-restoration.

Encrypted Messaging via TOX

Beluga’s use of TOX ensures fully anonymous two-way communication into a decentralized, hard-to-block network — making negotiations difficult to track.

These tactics align with seasoned ransomware groups who favor intimidation, stealth, and high-pressure communication strategies.


Beluga Ransomware Attacks on Windows, Linux & Remote Access (RDP) Environments

Windows Systems

Windows environments remain Beluga’s primary target due to their prevalence in enterprise networks. Attack vectors likely include phishing attachments, drive-by downloads, and exploitation of misconfigured services.

Attack Entry Points

  • Compromised RDP credentials
  • Exploit-based attacks against outdated Windows services
  • Malicious documents containing macro-based loaders
  • Dropped payloads from infostealer malware

Post-Entry Activity

Beluga operators typically disable Windows Defender, terminate EDR processes, and attempt to delete shadow copies using administrative commands. Lateral movement across a Windows domain can occur through PsExec, remote WMI execution, or remote PowerShell sessions.

Impact on Windows Infrastructure

Once encryption begins, domain controllers, file servers, and user endpoints experience rapid lockouts. Shared drives become inaccessible and essential workflows break down almost instantly.


Linux Servers

While Beluga is built on LockBit 3.0 Black, which can run Linux payloads via modified binaries, Beluga’s direct Linux activity has not yet been confirmed. Nevertheless, LockBit-related affiliates have historically targeted web servers, database systems, and developer environments.

Possible Linux Attack Paths

  • SSH brute-force attacks
  • Exploitation of unpatched CMS platforms or control panels
  • Abuse of stolen SSH keys
  • Deployment via existing Linux trojans

Post-Compromise Behavior

If Beluga executes on Linux, it may encrypt mounted directories, database files, web assets, and backup configurations. Some payloads may attempt to kill active processes for MySQL or PostgreSQL to avoid access conflicts.


RDP Gateways & Remote Access Paths

Beluga, like LockBit 3.0 Black, heavily exploits misconfigured remote-access systems.

Common Weaknesses Exploited

  • Open RDP ports exposed directly to the internet
  • Weak or default administrator passwords
  • Lack of MFA for privileged user accounts
  • Unpatched vulnerabilities in remote-access tools

After Access

Attackers pivot laterally through remote desktop sessions, dropping payloads on servers and endpoints, disabling Windows Volume Shadow Copy Service, wiping logs, and deploying ransomware at the domain level.


Emergency DO & DON’T Actions After a Beluga Infection

A SafePay-level article requires a strong, practical action block, so here it is — rewritten properly, without excessive bulleting:

What You Should Do Immediately?

As soon as you detect Beluga, disconnect the affected system from all networks — wired, wireless, or cloud-based. This stops ongoing encryption and protects additional systems from compromise. Preserve ransom notes, encrypted samples, logs, and recent emails, as they are essential for forensic triage. Notify internal cybersecurity stakeholders and prepare for a controlled shutdown of critical servers if encryption is still active.

What You Should Not Do?

Victims must avoid contacting the attackers directly, as this often leads to heightened ransom demands or manipulation. Do not rename encrypted files or attempt to unlock them using online tools or random decryptors; Beluga’s underlying encryption can be permanently corrupted by such actions. Do not reboot servers that appear partially encrypted, as this may interfere with recovery records or encryption logs needed for detailed analysis.


Keep Calm – Our Expert Team Is Here to Help

Beluga ransomware attacks can feel catastrophic, especially given its connections to the LockBit 3.0 Black builder and the intimidating tone used in its ransom note. But you are not alone. Our ransomware response specialists — consisting of forensic investigators, cryptographic analysts, and incident response engineers — are available around the clock.

We offer:

  • Immediate triage and classification of your Beluga infection
  • No-charge preliminary decryptability testing
  • End-to-end guidance on forensics and recovery
  • Fully encrypted communication channels for privacy

Our sole objective is to help you restore your environment safely, recover encrypted data, and minimize operational downtime.


Beluga Ransom Note Overview

Beluga ransomware delivers a ransom message that closely follows the structure of LockBit 3.0 Black–derived variants. The note asserts complete control over the victim’s network and emphasizes that all files have been encrypted beyond the reach of conventional recovery tools. It warns that modifying encrypted files or attempting unauthorized restoration methods will permanently destroy data.

The ransom note states:

 Gentlemen, your network is under our full control.

All your files are now encrypted and inaccessible.

1. Any modification of encrypted files will make recovery impossible.

2. Only our unique decryption key and software can restore your files.

Brute-force, RAM dumps, third-party recovery tools are useless.

It’s a fundamental mathematical reality. Only we can decrypt your data.

3. Law enforcement, authorities, and “data recovery” companies will NOT help you.

They will only waste your time, take your money, and block you from recovering your files — your business will be lost.

4. Any attempt to restore systems, or refusal to negotiate, may lead to irreversible wipe of all data and your network.

TOX CONTACT – RECOVER YOUR FILES

Contact us (add via TOX ID): ECA7D8C2ECDF498A2F4E375BA17FE6341DE638A7A8DEC4F826061187DF901B277665A2B9A0E3

Download Tox messenger: https://tox.chat/download.html

Your personal DECRYPTION ID: 479C209DBBA786596093263E238C5853

BELUGA Ransomware Team

Beluga Ransomware Statistics & Behavioral Insights 

Beluga Ransomware — Victim Growth Timeline (2025)

Beluga Ransomware — Average Data Exfiltrated Per Incident (GB)

Beluga Ransomware — Initial Access Vector Distribution

Beluga Ransomware — Industry Targeting Breakdown


Conclusion: Defend, Detect, Recover — Effectively and Safely

Beluga ransomware represents one of many LockBit 3.0 Black derivatives circulating since the builder leak, but its aggressive messaging, TOX-based negotiation, and use of randomized extensions make it especially disruptive. While Beluga encrypts thoroughly and communicates with certainty, the path to recovery remains possible through careful containment, expert guidance, and the correct restoration workflow.

Long-term security depends on disciplined authentication policies, continuous monitoring, proactive patching, and robust offline backup strategies. Organizations that practice these fundamentals significantly reduce the likelihood and severity of Beluga infections.


Frequently Asked Questions

Beluga is derived from the leaked LockBit 3.0 Black builder and uses strong hybrid encryption. At this time, no free decryptor exists. However, forensic analysis can determine whether partial or complete recovery is possible, especially if the encryption process was interrupted, corrupted, or misconfigured.

Paying the Beluga operators is not recommended. Many LockBit Black–derived affiliates fail to provide reliable decryptors even after receiving payment. Payment can also lead to further extortion attempts and may violate regulatory requirements depending on the victim’s region and industry.

A reboot does not necessarily eliminate the possibility of recovery. However, it may disrupt encryption logs or metadata needed to evaluate the infection. Victims should stop using the system immediately and contact professionals to assess what remains recoverable.

Law enforcement agencies encourage reporting ransomware incidents but do not provide technical decryption support. Their role is investigative rather than operational. They may help with cybercrime tracking, insurance documentation, or breach notifications, but not with unlocking encrypted data.

Our decryptor operates exclusively within an isolated cloud environment built to handle high-risk ransomware cases. It uses modeled LockBit decryption logic, applies AI-supported pattern recognition, and works only on copied encrypted files — ensuring originals remain untouched until recovery is validated.

Once our team confirms that your Beluga variant is decryptable, initial testing typically finishes within 1–3 hours. Full-scale restoration may range from 10 to 48 hours, depending on data size, encryption consistency, and the number of affected systems. Larger enterprise networks may require additional time.


Contact Us To Purchase The Beluga Decryptor Tool

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