Remove Black (Prince) ransomware (.black virus)

Black (Prince) ransomware, or .black virus, is a type of malware that encrypts files. These types of infections take files hostage by encrypting them and demanding a payment for their recovery. The ransomware targets all personal files, encrypts them, and adds the .black extension to them. The ransomware operators will offer you a decryptor, though the price is not specified. Whatever it is, paying is not a good idea as it does not guarantee file decryption. Only users who have backups can recover files for certain.

 

 

Black (Prince) ransomware specifically targets personal files, including photos, videos, and documents. Once you open a malicious file, the ransomware activates and begins encrypting your files. Encrypted files are easily identifiable as they will have the .black extension added to their names; for instance, a 1.txt file would be changed to 1.txt.black. Unfortunately, opening these files without the correct decryptor is not possible.

After the encryption is complete, a “Decryption Instructions” ransom note is dropped. This note outlines the steps victims must take to obtain the decryptor, which involves paying a ransom. While the exact amount isn’t specified, it is typically hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Victims are requested to contact the malicious actors via Telegram to initiate the payment process.

Below is the full Black (Prince) ransomware ransom note:

———- Black Ransomware ———-
Your files have been encrypted using Black Ransomware!
They can only be decrypted by paying us a ransom in cryptocurrency.

Encrypted files have the .black extension.
IMPORTANT: Do not modify or rename encrypted files, as they may become unrecoverable.

Contact us on telegram to discuss payment.
@williamwestcoast
———- Black Ransomware ———-

Before deciding on your next steps and whether to pay the ransom, it’s essential to recognize that paying a ransom is never a good idea. It should be mentioned that even if you choose to pay, there’s no assurance that you’ll receive the decryptor. You’re dealing with cybercriminals who have no obligation to uphold their end of the deal after the payment is made. Furthermore, the money you give these cybercriminals will go towards further criminal activities that may even target you again.

When dealing with Black (Prince) ransomware, it’s crucial not to attempt manual removal; instead, use a reputable anti-malware program to eliminate it. After you successfully remove .black virus, you can safely access your backups to begin recovering your files. If you haven’t backed up your data, your options for recovery become quite limited. Your only remaining choice may be to back up the encrypted files and hope a free decryptor for Black (Prince) ransomware becomes available, though there’s no assurance that such a decryptor will be released. If it does get released, it would be on NoMoreRansom.

Ransomware distribution methods

Black (Prince) ransomware spreads using methods typical of other forms of malware. Users often inadvertently infect their systems by opening harmful email attachments, downloading infected torrents, clicking on dangerous links, and more. Users who have poor browsing habits are at increased risk of malware infections. Improving your online habits can significantly reduce the chances of these infections occurring.

A primary method of ransomware distribution is through email attachments. If your email address has been leaked by a service you use, you may be at a higher risk of receiving malicious emails, as your details might be sold on hacker forums. Luckily, many of these malicious emails tend to be generic and can be easily identified. They often contain numerous spelling and grammar mistakes, which are particularly obvious because cybercriminals impersonate legitimate companies. For instance, a malicious email might be disguised as a parcel delivery notification or an order confirmation, but will be riddled with mistakes. This should raise a red flag since legitimate emails typically maintain a professional tone and rarely have any mistakes in them.

Another red flag in potentially dangerous emails is when the sender, whose services you use, addresses you as “User,” “Member,” or “Customer” instead of using your name. Legitimate order confirmation emails usually greet customers with their registered names. Generic greetings can indicate a scam or malware phishing attempt, as malicious senders often lack access to personal information.

It’s also worth mentioning that when attackers specifically target an individual, the emails tend to be more sophisticated. Thus, always scan unsolicited email attachments with anti-virus software or a service like VirusTotal before opening them.

Torrents also serve as a common channel for malware distribution. Many torrent sites have inadequate moderation, making it easy for harmful content to be uploaded. Malware is particularly prevalent in popular entertainment torrents, such as movies, TV shows, and video games. While the decision to download pirated content is yours, it’s vital to understand that it’s not only content theft but also seriously compromises the security of your device and data.

How to remove Black (Prince) ransomware

Black (Prince) ransomware is a highly advanced type of malware, which is why trying to eliminate it manually is not a good idea. If you incorrectly perform the removal, you could inadvertently cause further damage to your system. For this reason, using anti-malware software is strongly advised to remove Black (Prince) ransomware. It’s important to note that just removing the ransomware won’t restore your files; you’ll need a specific decryptor for that task.