DarkMystic (BlackBit) Ransomware

Overview of the Threat

DarkMystic is a newly discovered variant of the BlackBit ransomware family, identified by cybersecurity researchers during routine analysis of malware submissions on VirusTotal. This ransomware variant is particularly dangerous, employing sophisticated file encryption tactics and psychological pressure to extort money from victims. Once installed, it locks a victim’s files, alters their names, and demands payment in Bitcoin to restore access.

DarkMystic appends the .darkmystic extension to encrypted files and modifies filenames by prepending the attackers’ email address and a unique system ID. For instance, a file named photo.jpg becomes [darkmystic@onionmail.com][9ECFA84E]photo.jpg.darkmystic.

Infected users will also find that their desktop wallpaper has been changed, and two ransom notes are dropped: a pop-up HTA file named info.hta, and a text file named Restore-My-Files.txt.

Ransom Note Behavior

Both ransom notes alert the victim that their data has been encrypted and provide instructions for recovery. The info.htafile includes a countdown timer and warns that if payment isn’t made within 48 hours, the ransom will double. It further claims that data will be deleted, and the hard disk damaged if the timer expires.

Victims are allowed to decrypt three files for free (under 2MB, and not backups or databases) to prove that decryption is possible. The attackers provide two contact emails and a Telegram support handle.

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Threat Summary

Attribute	Details
Threat Name	DarkMystic (BlackBit)
Threat Type	Ransomware, File Locker, Crypto Virus
File Extension	.darkmystic
Filename Modification	Prepended with email and unique ID
Ransom Notes	info.hta (pop-up), Restore-My-Files.txt (text), Desktop wallpaper
Ransom Demand	Bitcoin payment within 48 hours or ransom doubles
Associated Emails	darkmystic@onionmail.com, darkmystic@tutamail.com
Telegram Handle	@DarkMystic_support
Detection Names	Avast: Win32:MalwareX-gen, Combo Cleaner: Gen:Variant.Ransom.LokiLocker.24, ESET-NOD32: MSIL/Filecoder.LokiLocker.D, Kaspersky: UDS:DangerousObject.Multi.Generic, Microsoft: Trojan:Win32/ClipBanker.MR!MTB
Symptoms	Files can’t be opened, new file extension .darkmystic, ransom note shown, altered wallpaper
Damage	Data loss, potential hard disk damage, additional malware installation
Distribution Methods	Infected email attachments, torrents, malicious ads, fake updates, cracks
Danger Level	Severe
Removal Tool	SpyHunter

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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.

Conclusion

DarkMystic (BlackBit) ransomware is a severe threat capable of rendering your files completely inaccessible. It combines encryption with psychological extortion techniques, attempting to panic victims into making payment. Unfortunately, even paying the ransom does not guarantee file recovery, as many ransomware operators disappear after receiving funds.

It is crucial to eliminate the ransomware using a trusted malware removal tool such as SpyHunter. While this won’t decrypt your files, it will stop the ransomware from continuing to encrypt more data or spreading further.

To avoid similar infections in the future, consider maintaining regular offline backups, staying alert to suspicious emails or downloads, and always using up-to-date security software.