Blm ransomware virus threatens to keep your data encrypted
Contents
Blm ransomware virus is a type of malicious software which belongs to the Dharma ransomware group. Known for its harmfulness, the developers of this virus aim at one goal – encrypting your personal data and make profit from it. There are various ways which are used to intrude into victims’ systems. Once the encryption is carried out, all of the affected files get renamed – unique ID, cyber criminals’ email addresses and .blm extensions are added. For example, a file named a.jpeg after getting encoded by this software might appear like this: a.jpg.id-M214F249.[blacklivesmatter@qq.com].blm. After the encryption, a ransom note called FILES ENCRYPTED.txt appears in every affected folder as well as in a pop-up window.
Since this malware is expanding and threatening more internet users, we feel the urge to acknowledge it and briefly inform you of its contents, its behavior, and the precautions you should take to avoid it.
The extortion scheme explained
As previously mentioned, the virus creates a file named FILES ENCRYPTED.txt which is dropped in every single folder touched by the former. The ransom note contains specific details on what has happened to user’s PC system. The note clarifies that victim’s files have been encrypted, although, unlike ransom notes from other malware it does not specify the ransom size. However, it is stated that ransom must be paid by Bitcoin (the pop-up contains links and information on how and where to buy Bitcoins). In addition, they say that the victim has to resend the letters to provided hacker’s email (blacklivesmatter@qq.com) if they do not get a response within 24 hours.
Moreover, the user is urged to test the decryption system – a small, encrypted file (up to 1MB) which does not contain any valuable information (like back-ups, passwords, Excel files, etc.), could be sent to the hacker in order to receive it back decoded, which would prove the hypothetical ability to retrieve access to your files. The note also contains a warning, saying that if you were up to use some sort of third-party software to decrypt files or try another method to resolve this situation, it could end in permanent data loss.
Unfortunately, in most cases it is almost impossible to decrypt corrupted files without hacker’s interference. This is due to the fact, that most of ransomwares (KASP, OGDO, PHOBOS), as well as Blm ransomware, use high-grade encryption ciphers which generate a unique decryption key for every individual case. Obtaining that key is merely impossible, since most of these cybercriminals take sufficient precautions to remain anonymous and protect the data they possess. For this reason, the only theoretical possibility to regain access to your files is to contact the hackers and pay the ransom. However, we strongly advice against it.
There are numerous cases in which even after the money transaction, hackers do not provide the tools to recover your data. In fact, they are not obliged or regulated in any way to keep their promises. For this reason, the most reckless thing a person could do facing this situation is contacting them and paying the ransom, which is most likely going to end in meaningless financial loss.
That said, consider performing BLM ransomware removal and protect your system against further attacks. Moreover, we recommend fixing virus damage on the operating system using RESTORO.
Threat Summary
Name | BLM ransomware |
Type | Ransomware; Crypto-virus; File coder |
File marker extension | id-[ID].[blacklivesmatter@qq.com].blm |
Cyber criminal email | blacklivesmatter@qq.com |
Family | DHARMA |
Symptoms | Cannot open personal files which now have .blm extensions and blank icons. There are FILES ENCRYPTED.txt notes in every folder. |
Damage | Data corruption, loss, installation of additional malware such as password-stealing Trojans |
Distribution | Spreads via malicious email spam, illegal downloads and fake online pop-ups suggesting software updates |
Removal | Remove the ransomware using trustworthy anti-malware software. To repair virus damage on computer, scan with RESTORO. |
Scan your system for FREE to detect security, hardware and stability issues. You can use the scan results and try to remove threats manually, or you can choose to get the full version of software to fix detected issues and repair virus damage to Windows OS system files automatically. Includes Avira spyware/malware detection & removal engine.
How did ransomware infect my computer?
If you have a suspicion that you have been infected by Blm virus, or any other ransomware (OGDO, STOP/DJVU) for that matter, it is most likely that you got it by downloading from shady websites, file-sharing platforms or spam campaigns. When downloading illegal software, whether it would be a crack, keygen, activation tool or some other program, you are at high risk getting a Trojan. Trojan is a type of malicious software which can trigger chain infections (downloading additional malware) and performing series of other unauthorized actions such as theft of login credentials.
The second most common way by which ransomware finds its way to victim’s computers is through spam email campaigns. Usually this is a scheme, where a large amount of deceitful emails is sent to ordinary internet users. These emails ostensibly appear as some sort of business offer, invitation, CV etc. which would provoke recipient to interact with files attached to it.
Once the victim tries to download the file (which may come in various formats, even .pdf or .docx) the intrusion action is carried out. For this reason, we advise you to do not download from unverified, unofficial sites and do not open or interact with suspicious-looking emails in order to avoid these kinds of threats.
Steps to complete Blm ransomware removal
It is important to note, that the only logical way to deal with this kind of situation is to remove Blm ransomware from your system completely, since the more time passes before you take any action, the more probability of further damage grows. Our geeks recommend using trustworthy and robust RESTORO software alongside traditional antivirus to make sure that your system is free of malicious programs.
Lastly, once you are done with BLM virus removal, you should recover your files from a back-up (provided that you have it) but do not do it unless you are sure of it. To remove the virus, follow the steps given below.
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BLM ransomware virus Removal Guidelines
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Step 1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove the virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, see a video tutorial on how to do it:
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
- First of all, turn off your PC. Then press the Power button to start it again and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. This launches the Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Use arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate down to Safe Mode with Networking option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users
- Open Windows Start menu, then press down the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then select Restart option.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Networking. In this case, it is the F5 key.
Step 2. Remove files associated with the virus
Now, you can search for and remove BLM ransomware virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable malware removal program. In addition, we suggest trying a combination of INTEGO Antivirus (removes malware and protects your PC in real-time) and RESTORO (repairs virus damage to Windows OS files).
Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically.
Step 1. Boot Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
- Shut down your PC. Start it again by pressing the Power button and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. You will see Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Using arrow keys on the keyboard, navigate down to Safe Mode with Command Prompt option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users
- Launch Windows Start menu, then click the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then choose Restart option with the mouse cursor.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Command Prompt. In this case, press F6 key.
Step 2. Start System Restore process
- Wait until system loads and command prompt shows up.
- Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter. Or you can just type %systemroot%system32restorerstrui.exe in command prompt and hit Enter.
- This launches System Restore window. Click Next and then choose a System Restore point created in the past. Choose one that was created before ransomware infection.
- Click Yes to begin the system restoration process.
After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won't be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.
Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
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Matt Corey is passionate about the latest tech news, gadgets and everything IT. Matt loves to criticize Windows and help people solve problems related to this operating system. When he’s not tinkering around with new gadgets he orders, he enjoys skydiving, as it is his favorite way to clear his mind and relax.
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