DarkHack Ransomware

DarkHack ransomware is a new crypto-virus discovered in mid-June 2025, designed to encrypt users’ files and demand payment for decryption. Victims find their documents, images, and other valuable data locked behind a .darkhackextension and are instructed to contact the attackers via email to retrieve a decryption key.

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Threat Type Overview

Feature	Details
Threat Type	Ransomware / Crypto-Virus
Encrypted File Extension	.darkhack
Ransom Note File Name	README.TXT
Associated Email	blackandwhite@cock.li
Detection Names	Avast: Win32:MalwareX-gen [Ransom]; Combo Cleaner: Dump:Generic.Ransom.BlackLockbit.A.0147F4F2; ESET-NOD32: A Variant Of Win32/Filecoder.OOW; Kaspersky: HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Generic; Microsoft: Trojan:Win32/FileCoder.ARAE!MTB
Symptoms of Infection	Files changed to .darkhack; inability to open documents; ransom note displayed
Damage & Distribution	Encrypts all files; may install additional trojans. Delivered via email attachments, pirated software downloads, fake tech-support, torrents, malicious ads
Danger Level	High – all personal and work files encrypted with no free decryptor available
Removal Tool	SpyHunter – Download here

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Ransom Note Content

YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED

Your files, documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted.
You are not able to decrypt it by yourself. The only method of recovering files is to purchase an unique private key. Only we can give you this key and only we can recover your files.

To be sure we have the decryptor and it works you can send an email: blackandwhite@cock.li and decrypt one file for free. But this file should be of not valuable.
Do you really want to restore your files? Write to email: blackandwhite@cock.li

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 or you can become a victim of a scam.

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Detailed Threat Evaluation

How I Got Infected

Attackers likely used deceptive methods such as malicious email attachments, pirated software installers, fake tech-support pop-ups, torrent downloads, or exploit-laden ads and compromised websites.

What It Does

Once executed, DarkHack encrypts files across local and networked drives, changing filenames to include a victim-specific ID and the .darkhack suffix. It leaves a README.TXT note instructing you to contact the criminals via the provided email and warns against renaming files or attempting tools that could further corrupt your data. It may also plant secondary malware components.

Should You Be Worried?

Yes. This threat locks all your important files without available decryptors. Unless you have a recent backup, data recovery isn’t possible without paying attackers, and even then, there’s no guarantee. The encryption used is strong, and the threat actors have control over the decryption process.

Manual Ransomware Removal Process

Important: Manual removal is recommended only for experienced users, as incorrect actions can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of the ransomware. If unsure, consider the SpyHunter Removal Method for a guided, automated solution.

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Immediately disable Wi-Fi or unplug the Ethernet cable to prevent the ransomware from communicating with remote servers.
2. This can prevent additional encryption or further infections.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users

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

For Mac Users

1. Restart your Mac and hold the Shift key immediately after the startup chime.
2. Release the key when the Apple logo appears.
3. Your Mac will boot in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Identify and Terminate Malicious Processes

Windows

1. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Look for unusual processes consuming high CPU or memory.
3. Right-click on the suspicious process and select End Task.

Mac

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unknown or high-resource-consuming processes.
3. Select the suspicious process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Ransomware Files

Windows

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Windows\System32
2. Identify and delete suspicious files (randomly named or recently modified items).
3. Clear temporary files:
   • Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
   • Delete all files in the Temp folder.

Mac

1. Open Finder and select Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and check for unfamiliar files or folders.
3. Remove unknown .plist files from ~/Library/LaunchAgents.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware Entries from Registry or System Settings

Windows

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Identify and delete ransomware-related registry entries.

Mac

1. Open System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Select the Login Items tab and remove any unknown startup programs.
3. Check ~/Library/Preferences for malicious settings.

Step 6: Restore System Using a Backup or Restore Point

Windows

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and press Enter.
2. Choose a restore point from before the infection and proceed.

Mac

1. Restart your Mac and enter macOS Utilities by holding Command + R.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup and restore a safe backup.

Step 7: Attempt to Decrypt Files

• Check No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for available decryption tools.
• If unavailable, restore files from backups.

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Automated Ransomware Removal with SpyHunter

If manual removal is too complex or risky, SpyHunter offers a safer, automated method for detecting and removing ransomware.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

• Get SpyHunter from the official Enigma Software website.

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe or .dmg for Mac users).
2. Follow the installation prompts.
3. Launch SpyHunter upon completion.

Step 3: Run a Full System Scan

1. Click Start Scan Now to detect malware and ransomware.
2. Wait for the scan to complete and review detected threats.

Step 4: Remove Detected Ransomware

1. Click Fix Threats to remove identified ransomware components.
2. SpyHunter will clean your system automatically.

Step 5: SpyHunter’s Custom Malware HelpDesk

1. If ransomware persists, use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk for custom malware fixes.

Step 6: Restore Files

• Use backups stored on external drives or cloud storage.
• If no backup is available, check No More Ransom for decryption tools.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups: Use cloud storage or an external hard drive.
• Install a reliable security tool: SpyHunter offers real-time protection against malware.
• Enable Windows Defender or Mac security features for additional protection.
• Avoid phishing emails and unknown attachments.
• Regularly update Windows, macOS, and installed applications.

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Conclusion

DarkHack ransomware is a dangerous and evolving threat that targets both personal and professional data. Its distribution tactics are deceptive, and the encryption it applies is designed to force victims into paying a ransom. Users are strongly advised to remove the malware with a reputable tool like SpyHunter and never engage with cybercriminals.