BlackKnight2020 Ransomware
Threat Scorecard
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Ranking: The ranking of a particular threat in EnigmaSoft’s Threat Database.
Severity Level: The determined severity level of an object, represented numerically, based on our risk modeling process and research, as explained in our Threat Assessment Criteria.
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See also Threat Assessment Criteria.
| Threat Level: | 100 % (High) |
| Infected Computers: | 2 |
| First Seen: | January 19, 2011 |
| Last Seen: | September 9, 2020 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
The BlackKnight2020 Ransomware is a cryptolocker threat that 'locks' the screen of the compromised system and prevents the user from opening anything else. To restore access to the device, victims are expected to send money, usually as cryptocurrency and in most cases Bitcoin, to the hackers in exchange for the unlocking code.
Users who have been infected bythe BlackKnight2020 Ransomware should remember one simple rule - never pay attention to the threats presented on the screen. Indeed, the Black Knight2020 has some seriously sounding warning - victims have just 2 hours to send $100 to the provided addresses or have their drives wiped out. A timer displayed on the locked screen count down how much time remains. Despite the dire-sounding threat, it should be noted that as most cryptolockers, the BlackKnight2020 Ransomware doesn't encrypt any of the files stored on the system. It just locks the user's screen.
This leaves users with several options that could free their computers without the need to even contact the hackers behind the malware threat. The most convenient method is to use a legitimate anti-malware program loaded on an external device and then connect to the compromised system to remove BlackKnight2020 Ransomware completely.
The text displayed by BlackKnight2020 Ransomware is as follows:
Your Computer has been locked !
Your Computer has been locked and functions disabled, this is because you accessed
a bad file or you accessed a bad link. Which ever be the case click
the button “Get me Outta Here”[Get me Outta Here]
Getting Out is Pretty Easy….
— Make a payment of $100 using any of the mentioned payment portal
** Perfect Money (U24482992)
** BTC CONTACT US (3816945@protonmail.com)
— Send payment confirmation to email 3816945@protonmail.com— After confirmation the unlock code will be sent to you
DONT BE A SMART A**. The lockscreen has a timer and this is set to drive wipe after 2 hours.
As it stands your drive is currently unaccessible.Enter the code you received from us [Unlock]
The ransom note lays out some clear and straightforward instructions for the victim, so they know what has happened and what they apparently have to do. Unfortunately, only a select few options are available for people attacked by this kind of ransomware. The best thing to do if you are hit by ransomware like this is to remove it with an antivirus program to prevent further damage.
Victims are given two hours to respond to motivate people to send the money immediately. Experts recommend against paying ransomware actors, however. Criminals are known to disappear after receiving the money, leaving their victims with no recourse to get their files back. They never send the code or password they promise, so the data remains useless anyway.
You should never trust criminals, especially criminals that demand money. It’s best to remove the virus as soon as you can and try to recover your data using a backup.
Table of Contents
Malicious Macros Can Spread Ransomware
There are a few different ways that ransomware like this can get on your system. One of the most common is the use of malicious scripts on Microsoft files like Word documents and PDF files. The malicious files are attached to spam emails that appear legitimate. The emails claim to be about shipping, shopping, or a failed delivery. The attached file contains further information about the situation. People download and open the attached file, leading to an infection on their computer.
Criminals send these spam emails far and wide, infecting people around the world with a malicious script. The script gets to work quickly, often without the victim noticing. People can be infected before they know it. You must double-check where the emails you get come from, especially with unsolicited emails.
Remove BlackKnight2020 From Your Computer
You should use an anti-malware tool to remove the virus from your computer. Removing the virus prevents further changes to your computer. Every program and file related to the ransomware should be deleted, too, as these files could cause damage and trigger another infection.
Remember to scan for any additional malware on your computer that may have been installed. Remove the virus altogether from your computer and then work on repairing the damage. Restore lost data from a backup and pay more attention in the future to avoid further infections.
How to Protect Against Ransomware Attacks
One of the most important things you can do to protect against malicious programs is not to download and install software through unofficial websites and installers, third-party downloaders, and peer-to-peer networks such as torrent sites. You should always use official channels to get your software and avoid using pirated software. Illegal software is packed with “cracks” that activate the software. More often than not, these tools install malware instead of, or along with, activating the software. Programs and operating systems should be updated whenever possible, but make sure these updates come from official channels.
You should avoid interacting with website links and attachments in emails sent from suspicious and unknown addresses. There is the chance that these emails have been sent by cybercriminals to spread their malicious programs and catch you in a trap.
Last but not least, you should keep an antivirus program on your computer. Make sure this program is updated regularly with all the latest virus databases, detection, and removal methods. Be sure to run a virus scan regularly to detect infections like BlackKnight2020 to keep your computer safe.
