Darkness Ransomware

Darkness Ransomware

Darkness ransomware is a newly identified malicious strain designed to encrypt user files and demand payment for their restoration. This dangerous variant is part of the Phobos ransomware family and uses advanced encryption techniques to lock important data on infected systems. Darkness appends a custom extension to targeted files and drops a ransom note to extort victims. Like most ransomware operations, it aims to coerce users into paying for decryption tools while offering little guarantee of actual recovery.

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Overview of the Darkness Ransomware Threat

Darkness ransomware is particularly threatening due to its capability to evade detection and its reliance on asymmetric cryptography. Upon infection, it encrypts files using a .id[xxxxxxxx-xxxx].[attacker_email].darkness extension, rendering them inaccessible without a unique decryption key. Victims are instructed to contact the attackers via email, often through anonymized services, to negotiate the ransom payment.

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Darkness Ransomware Summary

Threat Type	Ransomware
Encrypted File Extension	.id[unique_id].[supportcrypt24@oandora.com].darkness
Ransom Note File Name(s)	info.hta, info.txt
Associated Email Addresses	supportcrypt24@oandora.com, supportcrypt24@onionmail.org
Detection Names	Avast: Win32:Trojan-gen, Microsoft: Trojan:Win32/Phobos
Symptoms of Infection	Inaccessible files, modified file extensions, ransom notes on desktop
Damage & Distribution Methods	Encrypts all personal data, spreads via phishing emails, malicious attachments, RDP brute force
Danger Level	Critical
Removal Tool	SpyHunter – Download Now

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In-Depth Evaluation of Darkness Ransomware

How Did I Get Infected?

Most users unknowingly download ransomware like Darkness through deceptive phishing emails, malicious attachments (often ZIP or DOC files with macros), or software cracks from untrusted sources. Another major infection vector is poorly secured Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections, which attackers brute-force to gain system access.

What Does It Do?

Once inside the system, Darkness ransomware begins by identifying and encrypting a wide range of file types—documents, images, archives, and databases. It renames each file with a unique ID and appends the .darkness extension, making them unreadable. It then creates a ransom note (info.hta and info.txt) that informs the user how to contact the attackers to allegedly recover the encrypted data.

It also modifies system settings to ensure persistence and can disable recovery options to prevent users from restoring files without the decryption key.

Should You Be Worried for Your System?

Yes. Darkness ransomware poses a critical risk to personal and enterprise-level data. Once files are encrypted, recovering them without the decryption key is virtually impossible unless backups exist. Paying the ransom is strongly discouraged as it fuels criminal activity and does not guarantee recovery.

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Ransom Note Text

The following is the full content of the info.txt ransom note dropped by Darkness ransomware:

kotlinCopyEdit!!!All of your files are encrypted!!!
To decrypt them send e-mail to this address: supportcrypt24@oandora.com.
If we don’t answer in 24h., send e-mail to this address: supportcrypt24@onionmail.org

Free decryption as guarantee.
Before paying you can send us up to 3 files for free decryption.
Total size of files must be less than 3Mb (non-archived), and files should not contain valuable information (databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc.).

How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click ‘Buy bitcoins’, and select the seller by payment method and price.
https://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
http://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/

Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

Manual Ransomware Removal Guide

Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users:

1. For Windows 10, 11:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
   • Go to the Boot tab.
   • Check Safe boot and select Network.
   • Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.
2. For Windows 7, 8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
2. Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
3. Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes

For Windows Users:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
3. Right-click on the process and select End Task.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unusual processes.
3. Select the process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Malicious Files

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Windows\System32
4. Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and delete suspicious folders.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/LaunchAgents and remove unknown .plist files.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings

For Windows Users:

Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
4. Right-click and select Delete.

For Mac Users:

1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/Preferences and remove malicious .plist files.

Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
2. Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
3. Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.

Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)

• Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.

Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup

• If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.

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Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter

If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter

Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe).
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
3. Once installed, launch SpyHunter.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click on Start Scan Now.
2. SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.

Step 4: Remove Detected Threats

1. After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.

Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)

If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.

Step 6: Restore Your Files

If your files are encrypted:

• Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
• Restore from cloud storage or external backups.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
• Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
• Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
• Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
• Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.

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Conclusion

Darkness ransomware is a highly dangerous threat capable of rendering critical files completely inaccessible. With its links to the Phobos ransomware family, it utilizes complex encryption methods and social engineering tactics to manipulate victims into paying a ransom. If you find your files renamed with a .darkness extension and ransom notes present, your system is likely compromised.

Immediate action is crucial. Do not attempt to pay the ransom. Instead, isolate the infected system, scan with a reputable malware removal tool like SpyHunter, and consult cybersecurity professionals for data recovery and future protection.