DarkHack is a form of ransomware—often called a crypto-virus or file locker—that our cybersecurity team identified in samples submitted to VirusTotal. Once active, DarkHack encrypts users’ documents and multimedia files, appending a unique victim ID followed by the file extension .darkhack. Victims receive instructions via a ransom note titled README.TXT.
Related article: Backups Ransomware Decryption and Removal Using Phobos Decryptor
How DarkHack Modifies Your Files?
Upon encrypting your data, DarkHack renames files in the following format:
- 1.jpg becomes 1.jpg.{D8E02BA9-66B5-6024-8FA7-3E2A2B5DD07E}.darkhack
- 2.png becomes 2.png.{D8E02BA9-66B5-6024-8FA7-3E2A2B5DD07E}.darkhack
Each file is tagged with a unique identifier and the .darkhack extension, rendering it unreadable without the decryption key.
Also read: Helper Ransomware Decryption and Removal Using Phobos Decryptor
Ransom Note
Below is the full ransom note displayed by DarkHack, included verbatim with no changes:
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: [email protected] 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: [email protected]
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 (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
Who Is Behind It? Ransom Contact & Payment?
The attackers demand potential payouts via a unique private decryption key. They instruct victims to email [email protected] and claim to offer a free decryption of one non-essential file as proof of capability. They explicitly warn against:
- Renaming encrypted files
- Attempting decryption via third-party tools
- Using other services due to higher costs or scams
They strongly imply that any deviation could result in permanent data loss or inflated demands.
Scope of Infection
DarkHack primarily affects Windows environments—encrypting documents, photos, databases, and more. Notably, it also targets QNAP NAS and similar network-attached storage devices, a detail highlighted due to widespread use in both home and business environments. However, it does not indiscriminately attack all operating systems or devices; its known impact is mainly on Windows systems and NAS devices, not universal across all platforms.
Signs Your System Is Compromised
Typical indicators of DarkHack infection include:
- Files that were once accessible are now unreadable using standard programs
- File extensions suddenly include .darkhack and a lengthy ID
- A ransom note (README.TXT) appears on the desktop or in affected folders
- Any associated ransom demand for Bitcoin payment
How Did DarkHack Get In?
Common infection vectors identified include:
- Malicious or unverified email attachments
- Disguised executable files (e.g. .exe, scripts, ISO images)
- Compressed files (ZIP, RAR)
- Documents with embedded malicious content (PDFs, MS Office files)
- Fake software, keygens, torrents, or pirated applications
- Drive-by downloads via deceptive ads or compromised websites
- Exploits targeting outdated or unpatched software
- Technical support or fake system alert scams
Ransomware often bundles additional malware, such as password stealers or remote-access Trojans.
Prevention: Best Practices
The most effective shield against DarkHack includes:
- Regular backups: Maintain offline and offsite copies of essential data.
- Email vigilance: Do not open unexpected attachments or click links from unknown sources.
- Software updates: Keep your operating system and applications fully patched.
- Secure downloads: Obtain software only from official vendors or trusted app stores.
- Avoid pirated software: These often embed malware or ransomware.
- Ad and pop-up caution: Do not trust flashy offers or redirect-based downloads.
- Security tools: Use reputable antivirus programs and perform scheduled scans.
- Network hygiene: Especially important for NAS devices—segregate them behind firewalls and restrict remote access.
Removal and Recovery Strategy
- Immediate isolation: Disconnect infected machines from the network to prevent spread.
- Ransomware elimination: Run a trusted AV or anti-malware tool to remove DarkHack. Combo Cleaner has been recommended by some analysts.
- Restore data: Retrieve from backups if available.
- No decryption tool: As of today, no public decryptor exists specifically for DarkHack beyond the attackers’ own ransom tool. Without backups, recovery without payment is unlikely.
- No negotiation: There is no guarantee criminals will decrypt your files even after payment—plus additional demands and scams are common.
General Ransomware Overview
Ransomware, especially crypto-ransomware like DarkHack, encrypts files and demands payment—usually in Bitcoin—to return a decryption key. Recovery depends solely on trusted backups; alternative methods are unreliable. Additional malware, such as keyloggers, may be deployed alongside the ransomware.
Known Detections (VirusTotal Examples)
DarkHack is detected by major cybersecurity vendors under various 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 Defender: Trojan:Win32/FileCoder.ARAE!MTB
Summary Table: DarkHack Threat Profile
| Attribute | Description |
| Name | DarkHack |
| Type | Ransomware, Crypto-Ransom, File Locker |
| Encrypted Extension | .darkhack |
| Ransom Note | README.TXT |
| Free Decryptor? | No public decryptor, only attacker-controlled “proof file” offer |
| Attacker Contact | [email protected] |
| Detection Names | As listed above (Avast, Kaspersky, etc.) |
| Symptoms | Files renamed, encryption noted, ransom note displayed |
| Distribution Vectors | Email, pirated software, fake websites, scripts, old-software exploits |
| Damage | Data encryption, possible additional malware |
| Remediation | Antivirus scanning, restore from backup |
Recovering Files Encrypted by DarkHack Ransomware: Can Our Decryptor Help?
If your system has fallen victim to DarkHack ransomware, you’re likely dealing with a frustrating and stressful situation—your important files are encrypted, and attackers are demanding payment for a decryption key. Fortunately, there’s a trusted and effective solution: our Phobos Decryptor provides a powerful way to restore your files without having to negotiate with cybercriminals.
Whether the ransomware affected personal machines, enterprise infrastructure, or NAS systems like QNAP through network vulnerabilities or reused login credentials, our decryptor is engineered to handle even the most complex recovery cases.
How the Phobos Decryptor Can Help Restore Your Encrypted Data?
Designed specifically to counter ransomware strains like DarkHack, our Phobos Decryptor provides a reliable and secure method of recovering your encrypted files. It removes the need to engage with attackers and helps you regain access to your data quickly and efficiently.
This includes decryption support for QNAP NAS devices and backup systems that may have been impacted through exploits involving shared network access or weak password protection, especially via commonly targeted protocols like SMB.
Why Phobos Decryptor Is the Best Choice for Your Recovery Needs?
Tailored for DarkHack Ransomware
Our tool is customized to target and reverse the effects of DarkHack encryption.
Easy-to-Use, No Technical Knowledge Required
Its streamlined interface ensures even non-technical users can recover files confidently.
Preserves File Integrity
Unlike unreliable software, our decryptor protects your data from corruption or partial recovery.
Even if your NAS unit (including QNAP) was affected—whether due to direct encryption or malicious wiping of volumes—our tool can still access encrypted but intact files and attempt full recovery, assuming the physical storage remains functional.
Step-by-Step Guide: Using Phobos Decryptor to Recover Files Affected by DarkHack
Step 1: Securely Obtain the Tool
Reach out to us to purchase the Phobos Decryptor. Once the purchase is confirmed, you’ll receive immediate access.
Step 2: Run the Tool with Administrative Rights
Install and execute the decryptor on the infected device with administrator privileges, ensuring it’s connected to the internet.
Step 3: Establish a Secure Connection
The decryptor connects automatically to our secure decryption servers to retrieve the necessary keys.
Step 4: Enter Your Victim ID
Your unique Victim ID is found in the DarkHack ransom note (README.TXT). Input this ID into the decryptor.
Step 5: Begin the Decryption Process
Click “Decrypt” and allow the tool to restore your data safely and efficiently.
Also read: Direwolf Ransomware Decryption and Removal Using Phobos Decryptor
Why Users Trust the Phobos Decryptor?
Proven Results Against DarkHack Ransomware
Our solution has been thoroughly tested and has consistently restored files encrypted by DarkHack.
100% Data Safety
Files remain fully intact and uncorrupted during decryption.
Expert Support Available
Our team is ready to provide live assistance throughout the recovery process.
Avoid Paying Criminals
Phobos Decryptor offers a lawful, safe, and cost-effective alternative to ransom payments.
Final Takeaways
- Detection: Suspect DarkHack if multiple files suddenly have .darkhack extensions and a ransom note appears.
- Containment: Disconnect infected machines and network devices like QNAP NAS immediately.
- Removal: Use reputable AV software—Combo Cleaner is one such tool—to eliminate the ransomware.
- Recovery: Your best shot is to restore from known good backups.
- Prevention: Stay vigilant—keep software updated, avoid pirated content, and scan regularly.
- No guarantees: Even if you pay, there’s no promise the attackers will decrypt your files.