Blackheart Ransomware

Blackheart is a ransomware that is distributed with the legitimate program AnyDesk to mask the activities of Blackheart from the user.

Threat ID:: CC-2335
Category:: Ransomware
Threat Severity:: Low
Threat Vector:
Published:: 3 May 2018 12:00 AM

Report a cyber attack: call 0300 303 5222 or email [email protected]

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Summary

Blackheart is a ransomware that is distributed with the legitimate program AnyDesk to mask the activities of Blackheart from the user.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows - All versions

Threat details

At the time of publication, it is unclear how the ransomware is delivered, however there are unconfirmed reports that users can unknowingly download the ransomware when visiting malicious websites. When both Blackheart and AnyDesk have been downloaded, AnyDesk will run in the background while Blackheart runs an encryption routine on all files in the system, changing file extensions to '.Blackrouter'. When the routine is has finished, it will display a ransom note.

Remediation steps

Type	Step
	If a device on your network becomes infected with ransomware it will begin encrypting local machine files and files on any network the logged-in user has permission to access. For system administration accounts this may include backup storage locations. To avoid becoming infected with ransomware, ensure that: A robust program of education and awareness training is delivered to users to ensure they don’t open attachments or follow links within unsolicited emails. All operating systems, anti-virus and other security products are kept up to date. All day to day computer activities such as email and internet are performed using non-administrative accounts and that permissions are always assigned on the basis of least privilege. Your organisation adopts a holistic all-round approach to Cyber Security as advocated by the 10 Steps to Cyber Security.

Type

Step

If a device on your network becomes infected with ransomware it will begin encrypting local machine files and files on any network the logged-in user has permission to access. For system administration accounts this may include backup storage locations.

To avoid becoming infected with ransomware, ensure that:

A robust program of education and awareness training is delivered to users to ensure they don’t open attachments or follow links within unsolicited emails.
All operating systems, anti-virus and other security products are kept up to date.
All day to day computer activities such as email and internet are performed using non-administrative accounts and that permissions are always assigned on the basis of least privilege.
Your organisation adopts a holistic all-round approach to Cyber Security as advocated by the 10 Steps to Cyber Security.

Last edited: 17 February 2020 12:38 pm