Blackout Ransomware

If you ever come across a program that goes by the name of Blackout Ransomware, make sure to do everything that you can to avoid it. It is critical to do so because the application in question functions in an extremely malicious manner. If you are not familiar with programs classified as ransomware, you must know that they are capable of locking vast amounts of data on the affected computer. As you can imagine that can have devastating outcomes, to put it lightly. In our report, we present detailed information about the malicious inner workings of this malware gathered by our researchers. Also, we provide paramount virtual security tips that will allow you to keep your computer safe and secure from any potentially harmful programs. If unfortunately, you already have Blackout Ransomware fully active on your personal computer, make sure to follow the comprehensive removal instructions that we provide below.

Blackout Ransomware starts functioning as soon as the user launches its executable file. Overall it works in a rather simple manner, mimicking a lot of other malicious applications of this classification. It firstly kills your Task Manager, so you could not interfere with the devious inner workings. The encryption does not take long and is completely silent. That is an intentional design feature. Due to it, most users do not even realize that their files are being locked away. Since all the data is encrypted using a strong algorithm known as AES to encrypt your data manual decryption is out of the equation. During the research, our malware experts have discovered that the ransomware in question mostly targets files located in %USERPROFILE%, %ALLUSERSPROFILE%, %PUBLIC% folders and its subfolders. That means that data essential for your operating system's functionality will not be affected. However, it does encrypt .exe files; it means that most of your program will no longer work. Unlike other ransomware programs, this one does not append the affected files with an extension; instead, it encodes the name using the Base 64 algorithm, so the whole file name changes. For example, a file called picture.jpg might be renamed into something like VW5wYWNrZXIteDY0LmV4ZQ==. The ransom note appears right after encryption. It firstly tells you that it is an open source software designed to test the projection of your operating system; it is quite obvious that this statement cannot be trusted. Further on it asks you to contact the developers of this malware for instructions on how you can regain access to your data. We highly advise you not to do so because cyber crooks will try to lure money from you in return for decryption services, which could turn out to be a hoax as they are not legally bound to do that. It goes without saying that a complete removal of Blackout Ransomware is a must and it should not be delayed under any circumstances.

To avoid Blackout Ransomware and maintain a fully secure operating system at all times, make sure to take precautionary measures. Firstly and most importantly, you must install a professional antimalware tool if you still do not have one. Such a tool is imperative to your overall system security because it can detect and delete any virtual threat automatically. Besides such a tool, you also must practice safe browsing habits which will additionally improve your overall system security. This means that you need to refrain yourself from all email attachments that come your way from unknown sources because cyber crooks tend to use spam email campaigns as means of distribution. Also, we advise you to download your programs only from their official developer's websites as unauthorized third-party distribution web pages are infamous for hosting bundled installers. Such setup files can contain numerous unwanted and even malicious programs. Finally, you should always learn as much as possible about any program that you want to have active on your PC before actually obtaining it. That is important since malware developers tend use misleading and otherwise manipulative marketing strategies to trick unsuspecting users. These seeming simple preventative steps will make your operating system virtually unbreakable.

Under no circumstances delay the removal of Blackout Ransomware as leaving it active on your personal computer could have devastating outcomes. Follow the instructions that we present below carefully since a single mistake could lead to an incomplete removal. That means that due to traces of this malware it could continue to function. Also, leftovers of Blackout Ransomware might be enough to restore it silently. Avoid finding yourself in such a situation by simply rechecking your entire operating system for anything related to the malware in question. If you happen to be a user that finds manual analysis of your PC for leftover a bit too complicated, simply use a professional antimalware tool because it can detect and delete anything linked to Blackout Ransomware automatically.

How to remove Blackout Ransomware from your computer

1. Open your File Explorer.
2. Go to C:\Users\[your username]\Downloads.
3. Select a malicious .exe file and tap Delete on your keyboard.
4. Right-click your Recycle Bin and select Empty Recycle Bin.