BlackZluk Ransomware

By Mezo in Ransomware

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Safeguarding your devices from malware threats like ransomware cannot be overstated. Ransomware attacks have grown in complexity, posing significant risks to individuals, businesses, and even critical infrastructure. One such sophisticated ransomware threat recently identified by cybersecurity researchers is the BlackZluk Ransomware. This malware can cause extensive damage, from encrypting valuable data to threatening to leak sensitive information. Protecting your devices and implementing best practices is essential to avoid becoming a victim of such attacks.

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The BlackZluk Ransomware: A New and Injurious Threat

The BlackZluk Ransomware is a recent discovery in the world of cybercrime, designed to target compromised systems and encrypt vital files. Once the ransomware infiltrates a system, it inserts the filenames of the encrypted files with the extension '.blackZluk,' making them inaccessible without the decryption key. For instance, a file originally named 1.png would become 1.png.blackZluk, and 2.pdf would transform into 2.pdf.blackZluk.

Alongside this encryption process, BlackZluk delivers a ransom note titled '#RECOVERY#.txt.' The note serves as a grim reminder to victims that their corporate network has been compromised, and both their data and sensitive information have been exfiltrated. The attackers often threaten to publicly release harvested data if their ransom demands are not met, adding a layer of extortion to the attack.

BlackZluk’s Tactics: From Encryption to Extortion

In addition to encrypting files, BlackZluk's ransom note explicitly warns victims against seeking help from anti-malware software, attempting manual decryption, or contacting third parties. The threat of permanent data loss looms large if the victim refuses to comply with the attacker's demands. However, paying the demanded ransom does not guarantee file recovery in any way, as there is no assurance that the attackers will provide the necessary decryption keys.

Victims are cautioned that engaging with these criminals not only funds further illegal activities but also leaves them vulnerable to additional attacks. Cybersecurity professionals consistently advise against paying the ransom, emphasizing the importance of removing the ransomware from infected systems instead.

How BlackZluk Spreads: Common Attack Vectors

BlackZluk, like many ransomware variants, is primarily distributed through phishing attacks and social engineering techniques. Cybercriminals trick victims into downloading malicious files or clicking on harmful links disguised as legitimate content. The most common formats for such malware-laden files include:

Compressed files (e.g., RAR, ZIP)
Executables (.exe, .run)
Documents (Microsoft Office, PDF, etc.)
Scripts (JavaScript, VBScript)

Fraudulent files can be delivered via phishing emails, deceptive ads, or fake software updates. Once the victim opens or interacts with these files, the malware activates and begins the encryption process.

Backdoor Trojans and loader-type malware are other popular methods attackers use to infiltrate networks, allowing them to install ransomware remotely. Furthermore, BlackZluk may propagate through local networks or removable devices like USB drives, infecting multiple systems in one attack.

Best Security Practices to Defend against Ransomware

Protecting your devices and networks from ransomware attacks like BlackZluk requires proactive measures and continuous vigilance. Here are some key security practices to implement:

Use Strong Passwords: Ensure that you and your organization use complex and unique passwords for all acco

Regular Backups: Maintain frequent backups of your data on an external device or secure cloud storage. In case of an attack, having backups allows you to recover your data without paying the ransom. Ensure these backups are stored offline and inaccessible from your main system.

Enable Strong Anti-Malware Tools: Install and keep updated with a reputable anti-malware solution. Modern security software can detect ransomware before it executes and prevent it from causing damage.

Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Strengthen your accounts by implementing MFA, which requires a second form of authentication beyond just a password. Even if credentials are compromised, MFA adds a critical layer of security.

Educate and Train Employees: Conduct regular cybersecurity training for employees and staff. Train them to recognize phishing attempts, avoid suspicious links, and practice safe browsing habits. Human mistakes are often the weakest link in security.

Keep Software and Systems Updated: Ensure that your applications and operating systems are consistently updated with the latest patches. Many ransomware attacks exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated software.

Email and Web Filtering: Implement email filtering tools to block phishing emails and malicious attachments. Additionally, use web filtering solutions to prevent access to harmful websites known for distributing malware.

Segment Your Network: By segmenting your network, you can isolate critical systems from the rest of the network. This reduces the risk of ransomware spreading throughout the entire infrastructure.

Disable Macros in Office Documents: Cybercriminals often use macros embedded in Office documents to deliver ransomware. Disabling macros by default prevents these fraudulent scripts from running.

Use Strong Passwords: Ensure that you and your organization use complex and unique passwords for all accounts. Consider the advantages of using a password manager to generate and store them securely.

Incident Response Plan: Set up and regularly update an incident response plan. This will ensure that you can quickly and effectively respond to a ransomware attack, minimizing downtime and data loss.

Final Thoughts

The threat of ransomware like BlackZluk is ever-evolving, with attackers continually refining their methods to breach even the most secure systems. As such, it's essential to remain vigilant and proactive in defending against these threats. By adhering to the best security practices specified above, your vulnerability to ransomware attacks can be significantly reduced, and your critical data can be safeguardeded from compromise.

The ransom note generated by the BlackZluk threat is:

'Hello my dear friend (Do not scan the files with antivirus in any case. In case of data loss, the consequences are yours)
Your data is encrypted

Unfortunately for you, a major IT security weakness left you open to attack, your files have been encrypted
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
Download the (Session) messenger (hxxps://getsession.org) in messenger: 0569a7c0949434c9c4464cf2423f66d046e3e08654e4164404b1dc23783096d313 You have to add this Id and we will complete our converstion
In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to this backup e-mail: blackpro.team24@onionmail.org
Our online operator is available in the messenger Telegram: @Files_decrypt or hxxps://t.me/Files_decrypt
Check your e-mail Spam or Junk folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.
Contact us soon, because those who don't have their data leaked in our press release blog and the price they'll have to pay will go up significantly.

Attention

Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software - it may cause permanent data loss.
We are always ready to cooperate and find the best way to solve your problem.
The faster you write - the more favorable conditions will be for you.
Our company values its reputation. We give all guarantees of your files decryption.

What are your recommendations?

Never change the name of the files, if you want to manipulate the files, be sure to back them up. If there are any problems with the files, we are not responsible for them.

Never work with intermediary companies because they charge you more money.Don't be afraid of us, just email us.

Sensitive data on your system was DOWNLOADED.
If you DON'T WANT your sensitive data to be PUBLISHED you have to act quickly.

Data includes:

Employees personal data, CVs, DL, SSN.

Complete network map including credentials for local and remote services.

Private financial information including: clients data, bills, budgets, annual reports, bank statements.

Manufacturing documents including: datagrams, schemas, drawings in solidworks format

And more…
What are the dangers of leaking your company's data.
First of all, you will receive fines from the government such as the GDRP and many others, you can be sued by customers of your firm for leaking information that was confidential. Your leaked data will be used by all the hackers on the planet for various unpleasant things. For example, social engineering, your employees' personal data can be used to re-infiltrate your company. Bank details and passports can be used to create bank accounts and online wallets through which criminal money will be laundered. On another vacation trip, you will have to explain to the FBI where you got millions of dollars worth of stolen cryptocurrency transferred through your accounts on cryptocurrency exchanges. Your personal information could be used to make loans or buy appliances. You would later have to prove in court that it wasn't you who took out the loan and pay off someone else's loan. Your competitors may use the stolen information to steal technology or to improve their processes, your working methods, suppliers, investors, sponsors, employees, it will all be in the public domain. You won't be happy if your competitors lure your employees to other firms offering better wages, will you? Your competitors will use your information against you. For example, look for tax violations in the financial documents or any other violations, so you have to close your firm. According to statistics, two thirds of small and medium-sized companies close within half a year after a data breach. You will have to find and fix the vulnerabilities in your network, work with the customers affected by data leaks. All of these are very costly procedures that can exceed the cost of a ransomware buyout by a factor of hundreds. It's much easier, cheaper and faster to pay us the ransom. Well and most importantly, you will suffer a reputational loss, you have been building your company for many years, and now your reputation will be destroyed. Do not go to the police or FBI for help and do not tell anyone that we attacked you.
They won't help and will only make your situation worse. In 7 years not a single member of our group has been caught by the police, we are top-notch hackers and never leave a trace of crime. The police will try to stop you from paying the ransom in any way they can. The first thing they will tell you is that there is no guarantee to decrypt your files and delete the stolen files, this is not true, we can do a test decryption before payment and your data will be guaranteed to be deleted because it is a matter of our reputation, we make hundreds of millions of dollars and we are not going to lose income because of your files. It is very beneficial for the police and the FBI to let everyone on the planet know about the leak of your data, because then your state will receive fines under GDPR and other similar laws. The fines will go to fund the police and FBI. The police and FBI will not be able to stop lawsuits from your customers for leaking personal and private information. The police and FBI will not protect you from repeat attacks. Paying us a ransom is much cheaper and more profitable than paying fines and legal fees.

If you do not pay the ransom, we will attack your company again in the future.
Start messaging with your unique ID an incident file #RECOVERY#.txt
your unique ID'