*.*.*[email protected]*.blm

[Content by Gemini 2.5]

This resource provides a detailed analysis and strategic guidance for combating the ransomware variant identified by the file extension *.*.*[email protected]*.blm. Based on the distinct file renaming pattern, this variant is almost certainly a new iteration of the STOP/Djvu ransomware family, known for its pervasive and continuously evolving nature.

Technical Breakdown:

1. File Extension & Renaming Patterns

  • Confirmation of File Extension: The exact file extension used by this ransomware is .blm.
  • Renaming Convention: The *.*.*[email protected] portion is part of the filename modification, typically preceding the final .blm extension.
    • The general renaming pattern for STOP/Djvu ransomware is original_filename.[ID_string].[email_address].final_extension.
    • For this specific variant, it would look like: original_filename.[random_characters][email protected].
    • For example, a file named document.docx might be renamed to [email protected].
    • The [random_characters] part is a unique user ID generated for each victim.
    • The [email protected] string is embedded within the filename itself as a contact point, and often, an additional text file (e.g., _readme.txt) containing the full ransom note is dropped in every affected directory.

2. Detection & Outbreak Timeline

  • Approximate Start Date/Period: Variants of the STOP/Djvu ransomware family are among the most active and continuously updated ransomware threats. While a precise “start date” for the blm variant is difficult to pinpoint without specific threat intelligence reports directly naming it, new STOP/Djvu extensions emerge almost daily or weekly. The blm extension likely appeared sometime in late 2023 or early 2024, following the established pattern of this ransomware group’s continuous development and deployment of new variants. The use of a politically charged term like “blacklivesmatter” is likely an arbitrary identifier chosen by the threat actors to make the file extension distinctive, rather than indicating any specific political affiliation of the attackers.

3. Primary Attack Vectors

STOP/Djvu ransomware, including this .blm variant, primarily targets individual users and small businesses through highly deceptive methods. Its propagation mechanisms are typically:

  • Bundled Software / Crack Software: This is the most prevalent method. Users unknowingly download and execute cracked software, key generators, software activators, or pirated content from untrusted websites. The ransomware payload is often hidden within these executables.
  • Fake Software Updates: Malicious websites or pop-ups prompting users to install “critical updates” for legitimate software (e.g., Flash Player, Java, web browsers) that are, in fact, ransomware installers.
  • Deceptive Downloads: Links embedded in spam emails, malicious advertisements (malvertising), or compromised legitimate websites leading to direct downloads of the ransomware.
  • Malicious Websites: Drive-by downloads from compromised or malicious websites that silently install the ransomware when a user visits them, often exploiting outdated browser or plugin vulnerabilities.
  • Phishing Campaigns (Less Common for Djvu, but Possible): While less common as a primary vector for Djvu compared to other ransomware families targeting organizations, basic phishing emails with malicious attachments (e.g., seemingly legitimate documents with embedded macros) can also be used.
  • Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Exploits (Rare for Djvu): While some ransomware groups heavily rely on brute-forcing weak RDP credentials, STOP/Djvu is less frequently associated with this method, typically focusing on end-user compromise.

Remediation & Recovery Strategies:

1. Prevention

Proactive measures are crucial to prevent infection by *.*.*[email protected]*.blm and similar ransomware variants:

  • Regular Backups: Implement a robust 3-2-1 backup strategy:
    • 3 copies of your data.
    • 2 different media types.
    • 1 copy offsite or offline.
    • Ensure backups are regularly tested for integrity and are stored securely, ideally disconnected from the network to prevent them from being encrypted.
  • Use Reputable Antivirus/Anti-Malware Software: Keep your security software updated with the latest definitions. Enable real-time protection.
  • Software and Operating System Updates: Keep your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) and all software applications (browsers, plugins, office suites) fully patched. Many ransomware variants exploit known vulnerabilities.
  • User Education: Educate users about phishing, social engineering, and the dangers of downloading software from unofficial sources. Emphasize vigilance regarding suspicious emails, links, and pop-ups.
  • Strong Password Policy & MFA: Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) wherever possible, especially for critical services and remote access.
  • Disable Unnecessary Services: Disable SMBv1 and other services if not required. Limit RDP access and ensure it’s protected by strong passwords and MFA.
  • Firewall Configuration: Configure firewalls to block outbound connections to known malicious IP addresses and prevent unauthorized inbound connections.
  • Application Whitelisting: Implement application whitelisting to allow only approved applications to run, preventing the execution of unauthorized or malicious programs.

2. Removal

If infected, prompt and thorough removal is essential to prevent further damage. Disconnect the infected device from the network immediately to prevent lateral movement.

  • Identify and Isolate:
    1. Disconnect the infected computer from the internet and any local networks (Wi-Fi, Ethernet).
    2. If possible, identify other potentially infected systems.
  • Boot into Safe Mode: Restart the computer and boot into Safe Mode with Networking (if you need to download tools from another device). This can prevent the ransomware from fully loading.
  • Run Full System Scans:
    1. Update your reputable antivirus/anti-malware software (if not already done via another device).
    2. Perform a full, deep scan of the entire system. Tools like Malwarebytes, Emsisoft Anti-Malware, or Windows Defender (updated) are effective.
    3. Multiple scans with different tools are recommended for thoroughness.
  • Remove Detected Threats: Allow the security software to quarantine or remove all detected threats.
  • Check Startup Items and Scheduled Tasks: Manually review and remove any suspicious entries in Task Manager’s Startup tab, msconfig (for Windows), and Task Scheduler that might re-launch the ransomware.
  • Restore System (If Possible): If you have a recent system restore point created before the infection, you can attempt to revert to it. Be aware this might not remove all traces and won’t decrypt files already encrypted.
  • Delete Shadow Volume Copies: Ransomware often deletes Shadow Volume Copies to prevent easy recovery. However, in some cases, if this step failed, you might be able to use tools like ShadowExplorer to recover files.

3. File Decryption & Recovery

  • Recovery Feasibility: Decrypting files encrypted by STOP/Djvu variants like .blm is highly challenging and often depends on whether an “offline key” or “online key” was used during encryption.
    • Offline Key: If the ransomware failed to connect to its command-and-control (C2) server during encryption, it might use a static, “offline” key. For such cases, the Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/Djvu is the primary hope. You will need at least one pair of encrypted and original (unencrypted) files to allow the tool to potentially identify the offline key.
    • Online Key: If the ransomware successfully connected to its C2 server, it generated a unique “online” key for your specific infection. This key is stored on the attacker’s server and is practically impossible to obtain without paying the ransom. In this scenario, decryption without the attacker’s key is generally not possible.
  • Methods/Tools Available (Limited):
    • Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/Djvu: This is the most crucial tool. Download it from the official Emsisoft website. Follow their instructions carefully. It attempts to match your encrypted files against known offline keys.
    • Data Recovery Software: In some rare cases, if the ransomware merely encrypted the original files and then deleted them (leaving the encrypted version), data recovery software (e.g., PhotoRec, Recuva) might be able to recover some of the original, unencrypted files that were not overwritten. This is a long shot and highly dependent on disk usage after infection.
  • Essential Tools/Patches:
    • Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/Djvu: For decryption attempts.
    • Reputable Antivirus/Anti-Malware: (e.g., Malwarebytes, ESET, Windows Defender) for removal and ongoing protection.
    • Operating System Updates: Keep Windows up-to-date.
    • Backup Software: Solutions for reliable data backup and restoration.

4. Other Critical Information

  • Additional Precautions:
    • Do Not Pay the Ransom: While tempting, paying the ransom does not guarantee decryption and funds criminal activities. There’s no assurance the attackers will provide a working key, and it marks you as a potential future target.
    • Beware of Fake Decryptors: Many websites claim to offer universal decryptors for STOP/Djvu. These are almost always scams and may contain additional malware. Only trust tools from reputable cybersecurity firms like Emsisoft.
    • Forensic Analysis: For businesses, consider engaging cybersecurity professionals for forensic analysis to understand the breach’s root cause and prevent recurrence.
  • Broader Impact: The .blm variant, as part of the STOP/Djvu family, contributes to a massive volume of ransomware attacks globally, primarily targeting individual users and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
    • Financial Loss: Direct loss from data inaccessibility, potential ransom payments, and costs associated with recovery and IT remediation.
    • Data Loss: Permanent loss of encrypted data if no viable decryption or backups are available.
    • Operational Disruption: For businesses, downtime and loss of productivity can be severe.
    • Psychological Stress: Significant stress and frustration for individuals and organizations affected.
    • Reinforces Criminal Economy: Each successful attack, especially if a ransom is paid, reinforces the financial viability of these criminal enterprises, driving further attacks.

Combating the *.*.*[email protected]*.blm ransomware, like all STOP/Djvu variants, requires a multi-layered approach emphasizing prevention through robust security practices and swift, decisive action upon detection.