What is BlackPink ransomware? And how does it implement its attack?

BlackPink ransomware is a file-encrypting virus designed to lock important data in a targeted computer. This newly discovered crypto-malware uses a “.BlackPink” extension in marking the files it encrypts. It seems to be targeting Korean-speaking users as its ransom note is written in the Korean language. At the time of writing, it isn’t clear yet if this new ransomware belongs to any ransomware group.
Once the payload file of BlackPink ransomware is executed, it will start to implement its attack by performing a series of modification in the system. It also establishes a connection to a remote server controlled by cyber crooks behind this crypto-virus. This is where BlackPink ransomware downloads its malicious components which are placed on several system folders allowing BlackPink ransomware to repress or launch system processes. It generates a victim’s ID by collecting data from the infected system using a data gathering module. It also scans the computer for certain programs like firewall, sandbox environments, virtual hosts and antivirus programs that might interfere with the attack and if it finds them, it either removes or disables them.
Moreover, BlackPink also modifies some registry keys and sub-keys in the Windows Registry allowing it to run automatically in every system boot, making it a persistent attack. Once it completes modifying system settings, BlackPink ransomware will start to encrypt its targeted files using AES 256 encryption algorithm. After the encryption, it opens a text file named “how_to_recover_files.txt” which contains the following message:
“——————————
BEGIN KOREAN
——————————
조언을 받으십시오 :
모든 파일, 사진 문서 데이터는 군용 등급 암호화 RSA AES-256으로 암호화되어 있습니다.
귀하의 정보는 손실되지 않습니다. 그러나 암호화.
파일을 복원하려면 Decrypter 구입해야합니다.
단계에 따라 파일을 복원하십시오.
1 * Tor 브라우저를 다운로드하십시오. (구글에 “Tor 다운로드 입력하면됩니다.)
2 * URL 찾아보기 : http://www.google.com
3 * 파일을 복원하려면 Decryptor 구입하십시오.
그것은 매우 간단합니다. 파일을 복원 있다고 생각지 않으면 이미지 형식의 파일 1 개를 무료로 복원 있습니다.
시간이 똑딱 거리고 있다는 것을 알아 두십시오. 가격은 96 시간마다 배가되므로 현명하게 사용하십시오.
고유 ID : injection
주의:
암호화 파일을 수정하거나 삭제하지 마십시오. 복원하기가 어려울 있습니다.
지원하다:
지원 센터에 문의하여 파일의 암호를 해독하는 도움을받을 있습니다.
——————————
END KOREAN
——————————”
How does BlackPink ransomware proliferate?
Since BlackPink ransomware is relatively new, its distribution method is still unknown. However, it may proliferate using common distribution methods like malicious spam email campaigns. Cyber criminals usually attack infected link or file in emails. And once the infected link is clicked or once the infected file is opened, it will launch BlackPink ransomware in the system.
Obliterate BlackPink ransomware from your computer with the help of the removal guide below.
Step 1: You have to terminate the malicious processes of BlackPink ransomware first using the Task Manager and to open it, tap Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys.
Step 2: Go to the Processes tab and look for any malicious processes that could be related to BlackPink ransomware and then right click on each one of them and select End Process or End Task.

Step 3: Close the Task Manager and open the Programs and Features section in Control Panel by pressing the Windows key + R, then type in “appwiz.cpl” and then click OK or press Enter.
Step 4: Look for dubious programs that might by related to BlackPink ransomware and then Uninstall it/them.

Step 5: Close Control Panel and then tap Win + E to launch File Explorer.
Step 6: After opening File Explorer, navigate to the following directories below and look for BlackPink ransomware’s malicious components such as how_to_recover_files.txt, and [random].exe, as well as other suspicious-looking files and then erase them all.

  • %TEMP%
  • %APPDATA%
  • %DESKTOP%
  • %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
  • C:\ProgramData\local\

Step 7: Close the File Explorer.
Before you proceed to the next steps below, make sure that you are tech savvy enough to the point where you know exactly how to use and navigate your computer’s Registry. Keep in mind that any changes you make will highly impact your computer. To save you the trouble and time, you can just use [product-name], this system tool is proven to be safe and excellent enough that hackers won’t be able to hack into it. But if you can manage Windows Registry well, then by all means go on to the next steps.
Step 8: Tap Win + R to open Run and then type in regedit in the field and tap enter to pull up Windows Registry.

Step 9: Navigate to the listed paths below and look for the registry keys and sub-keys created by BlackPink ransomware.

  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\
  • HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop\
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI\Background
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Personalization
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\ScreenSaveTimeOut
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop

Step 10: Delete the registry keys and sub-keys created by BlackPink ransomware.
Step 11: Close the Registry Editor.
Step 12: Empty your Recycle Bin.
Try to recover your encrypted files using their Shadow Volume copies
Restoring your encrypted files using Windows’ Previous Versions feature will only be effective if BlackPink ransomware hasn’t deleted the shadow copies of your files. But still, this is one of the best and free methods there is, so it’s definitely worth a shot.
To restore the encrypted file, right-click on it and select Properties, a new window will pop-up, then proceed to Previous Versions. It will load the file’s previous version before it was modified. After it loads, select any of the previous versions displayed on the list like the one in the illustration below. And then click the Restore button.

Once you’re done executing the steps given above, you need to continue the removal process of BlackPink ransomware using a reliable program like [product-name]. How? Follow the advanced removal steps below.

  1. Turn on your computer. If it’s already on, you have to reboot it.
  2. After that, the BIOS screen will be displayed, but if Windows pops up instead, reboot your computer and try again. Once you’re on the BIOS screen, repeat pressing F8, by doing so the Advanced Option shows up.

  1. To navigate the Advanced Option use the arrow keys and select Safe Mode with Networking then hit
  2. Windows will now load the Safe Mode with Networking.
  3. Press and hold both R key and Windows key.

  1. If done correctly, the Windows Run Box will show up.
  2. Type in the URL address, [product-url] in the Run dialog box and then tap Enter or click OK.
  3. After that, it will download the program. Wait for the download to finish and then open the launcher to install the program.
  4. Once the installation process is completed, run [product-code] to perform a full system scan.

  1. After the scan is completed click the “Fix, Clean & Optimize Now” button.

 

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