DarkMystic (BlackBit) Ransomware

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The DarkMystic ransomware, a dangerous variant of the BlackBit ransomware family, has emerged as a potent cyber threat. Discovered through the VirusTotal platform, this malware encrypts users’ files and demands a ransom in Bitcoin for decryption. Once active, DarkMystic not only locks important files but also displays intimidating messages via a pop-up window, desktop wallpaper, and ransom notes to coerce victims into paying.

How DarkMystic Works

Once deployed on a victim’s system, DarkMystic appends a custom extension “.darkmystic” to encrypted files and prepends the filenames with the attacker’s email and a unique victim ID. For instance, a file originally named 1.jpg is transformed into:
[darkmystic@onionmail.com][9ECFA84E]1.jpg.darkmystic

The ransomware delivers two main ransom notes:

• A pop-up window titled info.hta
• A text file called Restore-My-Files.txt

Additionally, the malware changes the desktop wallpaper to further reinforce the urgency of its demands.

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Ransom Note Messages

From info.hta (Pop-up Window):

pgsqlCopyEditAll your files have been encrypted by BLACKBIT!

29d,23:55:54 LEFT TO LOSE ALL OF YOUR FILES

All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC.
If you want to restore them, please send an email darkmystic@onionmail.com

You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoin. The price depends on how fast you contact us.
After payment we will send you the decryption tool.
You have 48 hours(2 Days) to contact or pay us. After that, you have to pay double.

In case of no answer in 24 hours (1 Day) write to this email darkmystic@tutamail.com
Your unique ID is : -

You only have LIMITED time to get back your files!
• If timer runs out and you don’t pay us, all of files will be DELETED and your hard disk will be seriously DAMAGED.
• You will lose some of your data on day 2 in the timer.
• You can buy more time for payment. Just email us.
• THIS IS NOT A JOKE! You can wait for the timer to run out, and watch deletion of your files :)

What is our decryption guarantee?
• Before paying you can send us up to 3 test files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 2Mb (non-archived), and files should not contain valuable information (databases, backups, large Excel sheets, etc.).

Attention!
• DO NOT pay any money before decrypting the test files.
• DO NOT trust any intermediary.
• DO NOT reply to other emails. ONLY these two emails can help you.
• Do not rename encrypted files.
• Do not try to decrypt your data using third-party software. It may cause permanent data loss.

From Restore-My-Files.txt (Text File):

pgsqlCopyEdit!!!All of your files are encrypted!!!
To decrypt them send e-mail to this address: darkmystic@onionmail.com
In case of no answer in 24h, send e-mail to this address: darkmystic@tutamail.com
You can also contact us on Telegram: @DarkMystic_support

All your files will be lost on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 8:44:45 AM.
Your SYSTEM ID : -
!!!Deleting "Cpriv.darkmystic" causes permanent data loss.

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Threat Summary

Parameter	Details
Name	DarkMystic (BlackBit)
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, File Locker
Encrypted File Extension	.darkmystic (with prepended email and victim ID)
Ransom Note Files	info.hta, Restore-My-Files.txt, and modified desktop wallpaper
Contact Emails	darkmystic@onionmail.com, darkmystic@tutamail.com
Telegram Contact	@DarkMystic_support
Detection Names	Avast (Win32:MalwareX-gen), ESET (MSIL/Filecoder.LokiLocker), Kaspersky (UDS:DangerousObject.Multi.Generic), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/ClipBanker.MR!MTB), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Ransom.LokiLocker.24)
Symptoms	Inaccessible files, altered file names, ransom messages on screen
Damage	File encryption, potential disk corruption, risk of additional malware
Distribution Methods	Malicious email attachments, torrents, cracked software, fake updates
Danger Level	Severe – High risk of permanent data loss and system compromise

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.