How to Decrypt .BLK, .DEV, and .Darkness Files from Darkness Ransomware (2025 Guide)?
Our proprietary Darkness Decryptor is built on forensic-grade reverse engineering and powered by supervised threat intelligence. Compatible with Windows and virtualized environments, it prioritizes integrity and precise recovery.
Related article: How to Decrypt .ANOCRYPT Files After an AnoCrypt Ransomware Attack?
How It Works?
We process encrypted samples and ransom note data in a secure cloud sandbox, using a blockchain-backed audit trail. The victim ID extracted from the note (e.g., in HelpDecrypt.txt) guides variant mapping and recovery. Our variant‑adaptive engine supports .BLK, .DEV, and .Darkness file types. Prior to any decryption attempt, file integrity is assessed using entropy and checksum validation.
Also read: How to Remove Dev Ransomware and Restore .DEV Encrypted Files?
Requirements
You’ll need the original ransom note, several encrypted files (ideally under 5 MB each), administrator access on the affected system, and an internet connection for secure cloud processing.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Darkness Ransomware Attack
First, disconnect infected devices from your network to halt further encryption or data theft. Preserve the ransom note, original encrypted files, and system logs for forensic review. Avoid rebooting or formatting—these actions can trigger additional encryption or erase recoverable data. Finally, engage certified cybersecurity professionals early to improve recovery chances.
Free Recovery Options
1. Offline Backups or System Snapshots
The most effective and cleanest recovery route involves restoring from offline backups or virtual machine snapshots that were not encrypted or deleted during the attack. If your backup system used immutable storage (like WORM-enabled NAS or cloud vaults), the probability of complete recovery is high.
Before restoration:
- Ensure the infected system is completely isolated and scanned.
- Validate backup integrity with cryptographic checksums or mounting tests.
- Restore only to a freshly formatted and secured environment to prevent reinfection.
2. Windows Shadow Copies & File Versioning
On systems where ransomware failed to delete shadow copies, Windows Previous Versions can sometimes be used to restore encrypted files. This involves right-clicking the file or folder and selecting the “Restore previous versions” option.
Success depends on:
- Whether Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) was enabled.
- If the ransomware deleted shadow copies using commands like vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet.
This method is only viable if encryption was partial or file access was delayed during the attack.
3. Generic Decryption Tools for Known Variants
Although there is currently no confirmed universal decryptor for .BLK, .DEV, or .Darkness ransomware extensions, certain tools developed for similar or legacy ransomware families may still help under specific circumstances. These decryptors exploit flaws in early or weak encryption implementations and could work on hybrid or misconfigured infections—particularly when the underlying ransomware shares code with known strains.
It is strongly recommended to test these tools in an offline sandbox environment first, as misuse could result in corrupted data.
ID-Ransomware – Ransomware Identification Tool
Before using any decryptor, always identify the ransomware strain using this tool:
Upload your ransom note and an encrypted file to get identification results. If a match exists, the platform will suggest a decryptor if available.
NoMoreRansom Crypto Sheriff – Variant Matching
This tool compares your samples against a known database of ransomware families.
Submit an encrypted file and the ransom note. If your case matches a decryptable variant, it will redirect you to a compatible decryption tool.
Avast Ransomware Decryption Tools
Avast offers a collection of decryptors for ransomware variants like Apocalypse, TeslaCrypt, Bart, and more.
While .BLK and .DEV are not directly supported, if the ransomware shares components with older variants, Avast’s tools could be useful.
Emsisoft Decryptor Library
Emsisoft maintains a wide range of decryptors, especially for STOP/Djvu, Maze, and others.
Their decryptors include detailed usage instructions and regular updates based on emerging threats.
Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor
Kaspersky offers the RakhniDecryptor for ransomware strains like Rakhni, Agent.iih, and some versions of Dharma.
Look for RakhniDecryptor or the all-in-one Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool, which includes built-in ransomware scanning.
Bitdefender Decryption Tools
Bitdefender has created decryptors for GandCrab, REvil, and DarkSide among others.
These tools are well-documented and developed in collaboration with law enforcement partners.
Paid & Premium Services
When free methods fail or when backup snapshots are corrupted or deleted, professional recovery tools and services offer the best shot at full restoration.
1. Proprietary Darkness Decryptor
We have developed an advanced decryptor tailored specifically for Darkness ransomware strains, including .BLK, .DEV, and .Darkness. This tool was created by reverse engineering encrypted file samples and ransom note structures to identify variant-specific traits. It is designed for forensic-safe execution in enterprise-grade environments.
How It Works:
- Victim ID Mapping: Extracts the unique victim ID from your ransom note (HelpDecrypt.txt) and matches it with our internal mapping system to align with known encryption routines.
- AI + Blockchain Analysis: Files are uploaded to our secure sandbox cloud where they are analyzed using machine learning models and blockchain-stamped for integrity verification. This ensures recovery authenticity.
- Variant-Adaptive Decryption Engine: Uses logic trees for different ransomware mutations based on how .BLK, .DEV, or .Darkness encryption manifests. This includes entropy checks, structural heuristics, and code sequencing analysis.
- Secure Execution Environment: Our decryptor runs in read-only safe mode and performs non-destructive assessments before attempting any changes. Every action is logged and returned with forensic audit trails.
- Dual-Mode Support:
- Offline Mode: Ideal for air-gapped systems or high-security data centers. Encrypted files are scanned locally after transferring via secure drive.
- Online Mode: Leverages faster cloud processing and real-time expert support. Requires encrypted upload channel and verified system access.
- Offline Mode: Ideal for air-gapped systems or high-security data centers. Encrypted files are scanned locally after transferring via secure drive.
Requirements:
- Original ransom note (for ID mapping)
- Several encrypted files for sample testing (≤5MB)
- System access with administrator privileges
- Active internet connection (for cloud scanning)
Platform Compatibility:
- Windows XP to Windows Server 2022
- Virtual Machines (VMware, Hyper-V)
- Secure boot environments and cloud-hosted VMs
2. Third-Party Negotiation & Vendor Coordination
In extreme cases where no decryptor or backup is viable, our certified incident response partners can engage with ransomware operators directly. These negotiators act as secure intermediaries, minimizing risk and potentially lowering ransom demands.
They:
- Request proof-of-life samples to verify decryptor legitimacy.
- Manage all TOR-based communication securely.
- Coordinate ransom payment on behalf of clients using crypto escrow services.
- Ensure payment does not fund sanctioned cybercrime entities (via OFAC screening).
This is only used as a last resort and always follows legal guidance based on jurisdictional laws and data sensitivity (e.g., HIPAA or GDPR).
Our Decryptor: Built by Experts, Verified in the Field
This decryptor is the culmination of our extensive work on reverse engineering ransomware logic across 100+ enterprise environments. Designed for reliability and safety, it integrates features like:
- Reverse-Engineered Utility: Built from scratch using encryption pattern discovery, seed key analysis, and memory segment isolation. We map how Darkness generates keys and reverse that sequence to rebuild unlock tokens.
- Secure Cloud Architecture: Encrypted file uploads go through a multi-stage sandbox environment. A blockchain ledger verifies every recovery, ensuring chain-of-custody compliance for enterprise audits.
- Fraud-Resistant Vendor Model: Our software doesn’t rely on third-party code, nor does it require upfront fees. Full sample analysis is provided before recovery timelines are committed.
- Live Expert Support: You’re not left to troubleshoot alone. From malware triage to decryptor deployment, our support team provides live walkthroughs, remote assistance, and post-recovery system hardening recommendations.
What We Know About Darkness Ransomware?
Darkness ransomware appends .BLK, .DEV, or .Darkness to encrypted files and drops a ransom note (e.g., HelpDecrypt.txt) with contact emails such as decryptinformations@gmail.com or decryptinformations@protonmail.com. It offers free decryption of two small files as proof, and doubles ransom if not contacted within 48 hours. This variant is currently not supported by ID‑Ransomware or NoMoreRansom, making its public footprint very limited.
How Darkness Ransomware Works: Tools, TTPs & MITRE ATT&CK Mapping
Although Darkness ransomware is relatively new and lacks extensive public documentation, early analysis indicates that it adopts many core techniques seen in Conti-derived and Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) toolkits. The attackers follow a classic multi-stage cyber kill chain, aligning with MITRE ATT&CK tactics for initial access, lateral movement, credential access, and exfiltration before encryption.
Encryption Methods
Darkness uses a hybrid encryption technique, combining:
- ChaCha20 for fast symmetric file encryption
- RSA-2048 or RSA-4096 for securely encrypting the session keys
This approach allows attackers to encrypt large volumes of data quickly while maintaining strong cryptographic barriers to prevent brute-force decryption. The ransomware deletes Windows Volume Shadow Copies using commands like vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet to block native recovery options.
Initial Access Vectors
Phishing Emails (T1566.001 – Spearphishing Attachment)
Phishing remains the primary delivery method for Darkness ransomware. The emails often contain malicious attachments such as .docx, .zip, or .iso files embedded with scripts that download the payload after user interaction.
RDP Brute Forcing (T1110.001 – Password Guessing)
Insecure or publicly exposed Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) ports are scanned and brute-forced using automated tools. Attackers often gain entry via weak passwords or misconfigured firewalls.
Exploitation of Public-Facing Applications (T1190)
Although not yet linked to specific CVEs, Darkness operators may exploit vulnerabilities in VPN gateways, firewall appliances, or remote access tools, similar to tactics used by Akira, BlackBasta, and Royal ransomware.
Execution & Persistence Techniques
Malicious Batch or PowerShell Scripts (T1059.003)
Once access is gained, scripts are dropped to disable defenses and launch the encryption module. These may be disguised as legitimate administrative tasks.
Scheduled Tasks or Registry Run Keys (T1053.005 / T1547.001)
For persistence, the ransomware registers itself in registry keys or as a scheduled task to auto-run at startup or after system reboot.
Living Off the Land Binaries (LOLBins)
Darkness may abuse native tools like certutil, bitsadmin, and mshta to avoid detection, a hallmark of stealth-focused ransomware strains.
Credential Access and Privilege Escalation
Mimikatz / Lazagne (T1003.001 – LSASS Memory Dumping)
To escalate privileges and move laterally, attackers use Mimikatz or Lazagne to extract saved credentials, especially from browsers and LSASS memory.
Token Impersonation & SAM Dumping (T1003.002)
Darkness campaigns may include tools that dump the Security Account Manager (SAM) or impersonate valid Windows tokens to pivot across systems with elevated rights.
Lateral Movement
RDP, PsExec, SMB (T1021 Series)
The ransomware spreads laterally using PsExec or RDP, exploiting trust relationships and open shares within internal networks.
AnyDesk, RClone, and Remote Admin Tools
Operators may install or abuse remote management tools like AnyDesk (for command-and-control persistence) or RClone (to exfiltrate files to cloud storage like Mega.nz, Dropbox, or Google Drive).
Data Exfiltration & Impact
FileZilla, WinSCP, Ngrok (T1048.002, T1567.002)
Exfiltration is performed quietly before encryption using FTP clients or tunneling services like Ngrok, sometimes alongside compression tools like 7zip to bundle stolen data.
Shadow Copy Deletion (T1490)
After exfiltration, the ransomware destroys shadow copies and disables recovery services using commands such as:
vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet
bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No
File Encryption & Locking
Finally, the ransomware encrypts documents, images, databases, archives, and even configuration files using multithreaded routines. Files are appended with extensions like .BLK, .DEV, or .Darkness, and a ransom note (HelpDecrypt.txt) is dropped in each directory.
MITRE ATT&CK Mapping Summary
| Tactic | Technique |
| Initial Access | Phishing (T1566), Exploiting Public Services (T1190) |
| Execution | Script Execution (T1059), Scheduled Tasks (T1053.005) |
| Persistence | Registry Keys (T1547.001), Remote Tools (T1219) |
| Credential Access | Mimikatz, Lazagne (T1003), Token Theft (T1134) |
| Lateral Movement | PsExec, RDP, SMB (T1021) |
| Defense Evasion | LOLBins, AV Bypass, Shadow Deletion (T1490) |
| Exfiltration | RClone, FileZilla, WinSCP (T1048.002, T1567.002) |
| Impact | Data Encryption (T1486), Recovery Inhibition (T1490) |
Indicators of Compromise (IOCs)
IOCs: Encrypted file extensions .BLK, .DEV, .Darkness; victim‑specific login ID in ransom note; use of email addresses in the note.
Step‑by‑Step Recovery Process Using Our Decryptor
Your encrypted samples and ransom note are uploaded securely. We map your unique victim ID to known behavioral patterns, then run our decryptor in read‑only safe mode. Successful sample recovery is provided before full decryption proceeds. Decrypted files are exported separately and audit logs report every action for compliance.
Also read: How to Decrypt .RTRUE Files Infected by RTRUE Ransomware Safely and Fast?
Online vs Offline Recovery Methods
Online methods offer faster turnaround via cloud analytics and live expert support. Offline, isolated recovery is slower but preferred for air‑gapped systems or high security environments. Both methods are supported by our service, depending on your infrastructure and compliance needs.
Ransom Note: “HelpDecrypt.txt” – Message, Format, and Psychological Impact
After encryption, Darkness ransomware drops a ransom note titled HelpDecrypt.txt in every affected directory. This note is a key artifact—it contains communication instructions, a unique victim ID, and warnings intended to pressure the victim into compliance.
Ransom Note Content (“HelpDecrypt.txt”)
Your files have been locked.
To restore access to your data please contact us via the email addresses below:
Primary Email: Decryptinformations@gmail.com
Secondary Email: decryptinformations@protonmail.com
Do NOT change the file extensions. Doing so may result in permanent data loss.
To verify that decryption is possible, you may send two encrypted test files (each smaller than 1MB) to the email addresses above.
We will decrypt one of them and return it to you as proof.
Victim Data & Timeline
Industry sectors involved:
Timeline of attacks (Apr 2025 – Jul 2025):
Conclusion: Act Swiftly and Safely
Darkness ransomware is evolving, but with prompt isolation, preservation of evidence, and expert-led recovery, data restoration is achievable. Avoid unreliable tools or payment to unknown parties. Focus on verified recovery strategies: backups, forensic tools, and trusted decryptors. Let us evaluate your case promptly and guide you toward secure data recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us To Purchase The Darkness Decryptor Tool
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