Remove DarkMystic (BlackBit) Ransomware

DarkMystic is a newly discovered variant of the BlackBit ransomware family, a dangerous strain of file-locking malware that encrypts users’ files and extorts victims into paying ransom demands in Bitcoin. Identified by cybersecurity researchers via the VirusTotal platform, DarkMystic exhibits classic ransomware behavior: encrypting personal and business-critical data, altering filenames, and creating ransom notes that push victims into compliance under the threat of data loss.

Once active on a system, DarkMystic ransomware modifies all encrypted file names by prepending the attacker’s email and a unique victim ID, and appending the “.darkmystic” extension. For instance, a file originally named photo.jpg becomes [darkmystic@onionmail.com][9ECFA84E]photo.jpg.darkmystic. Additionally, it changes the desktop wallpaper to reflect the attack and creates two ransom notes:

• info.hta – a pop-up window with a live countdown
• Restore-My-Files.txt – a plain text document dropped into affected folders

These notes demand that victims email the cybercriminals and pay a ransom in Bitcoin, warning that if the payment isn’t made within 48 hours, the ransom will double and files will begin to be permanently deleted. The threat actors allow a free test decryption of up to three non-sensitive files under 2MB in size.

Below is a quick summary of this ransomware’s technical and behavioral profile:

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DarkMystic (BlackBit) Ransomware — Threat Summary

Category	Details
Threat Name	DarkMystic (BlackBit)
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files Locker
Encrypted File Extension	.darkmystic with attacker email + unique ID prepended
Associated Emails	darkmystic@onionmail.com, darkmystic@tutamail.com
Telegram Handle	@DarkMystic_support
Ransom Notes	info.hta (pop-up), Restore-My-Files.txt (text), desktop wallpaper change
Symptoms of Infection	Unreadable files, renamed files, ransom message, desktop wallpaper change
Damage Level	High – permanent data loss, system destabilization, financial extortion
Distribution Methods	Phishing emails, infected attachments, torrent downloads, fake updates
Detection Names	Avast: Win32:MalwareX-gen [Ransom]  Combo Cleaner: Gen:Variant.Ransom.LokiLocker.24  ESET-NOD32: MSIL/Filecoder.LokiLocker.D  Kaspersky: UDS:DangerousObject.Multi.Generic  Microsoft: Trojan:Win32/ClipBanker.MR!MTB
Free Decryptor Available?	No
Recommended Removal Tool	SpyHunter – Automated Malware Detection & Removal

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

DarkMystic (BlackBit) is a severe ransomware threat targeting unsuspecting users and organizations alike. Its encryption techniques, ransom urgency tactics, and fear-inducing warnings make it especially dangerous. Unfortunately, there is no free decryption tool available at this time, and paying the ransom does not guarantee file recovery.

The most effective course of action is immediate malware removal to prevent further file encryption or system damage. We recommend using a reliable tool like SpyHunter to detect and eliminate DarkMystic and related threats from your system. However, note that while removal stops the malware’s activity, it will not decrypt your files—restoration from safe backups remains the only reliable method of file recovery.