What is known about the HolyCrypt ransomware?
HolyCrypt virus is a new ransomware-type infection which has been recently released to the wild. This virus is not novel considering the techniques it uses to hijack computers or encrypt the containing files, but the already acknowledged methods seem to serve the virus creators well. A more interesting detail about this virus is that its malicious script is written in Python, and the program itself is 64-bit. Otherwise, the virus uses an RSA and AES encryption keys to lock the victim’s files and demand to pay up for their decryption. Most of the ransomware programs give the victims a deadline to complete the payment, and it often ranges up to a week. The creators of this virus are not willing to waste their time and threaten to destroy the data decryption key as quick as 24 hours after the encryption. Under the pressure of losing their files, the users often pay the demanded money, but in many cases are left with a locked computer. The criminals simply vanish as soon as they have money in their pockets. No matter how precious your files may be, we suggest not to throw your money away and proceed with the HolyCrypt removal instead. For this purpose, use reliable antivirus software such as FortectIntego and after that you can try recovering at least some of your files using special data recovery tools addressed below.
As soon as the virus gets on the targeted computer, the infection will be recognizable from the prefix (encrypted) added to every infected file. After that, the files become inaccessible. Also, the virus spreads copies of documents, containing a ransom note throughout the computer, to shed some light on the whole situation:
YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN LOCKED!
Your documents, photos, databases and other important files have been locked with strongest encryption and unique key, generated for this computer. Private decryption key is stored on a secret Internet server and nobody can decrypt ypur files until you pay and obtain the private key.
The server will eliminate the key after 24h.
Open http://test_ransonware.onion.link and follow the instruction for the payment
As it is evident from the note, it is written quite carelessly, features a typo and again suggests that the ransomware creators are in this illegal business because of the quick money. What is more, the virus also creates an image file called alert.jpg in order to place the ransom note on the infected computer’s desktop as well. If the victim decides to regain the encrypted files, he/she has to send 3 encrypted files to HolyCrypt@aol.com email and receive further instructions. As we have already mentioned, following these demands and paying up only benefits the criminals, so it is more advisable to remove HolyCrypt and find some other ways to get your data back.
How you get infected with this virus?
HolyCrypt is a complex virus so there are multiple different ways your computer can be infected. For example, you may find it on your computer after you accidentally open a corrupted email. In fact, spreading ransomware through spam emails is the most common technique the ransomware creators use to get their evil creations on users computers. It should go without saying that unfamiliar e-mails and, especially, suspicious attachments are completely off the table and you should beat your temptation of opening them. Also, keep away from insecure domains. If the site is full of flickering ads, download buttons, notifications about lottery winnings, etc., it is probably best you leave it immediately because such sites create perfect conditions for the HolyCrypt virus to infect your computer.
What are my options with the HolyCrypt removal?
You can easily remove HolyCrypt virus with an anti-malware software, such as SpyHunter. But manual virus removal is highly unadvisable. HolyCrypt is a complex and dangerous program, and its files may be hidden throughout various computer folders. So, it might be really difficult to locate all of them manually. Scanning your computer with a trusted anti-malware scanner, on the other hand, will detect and delete these components automatically. Unfortunately, even the most sophisticated antivirus software is powerless against the strong encryption the virus uses to lock the files. However, you may try other utilities to retrieve your files after the HolyCrypt removal is done. You can take a look at PhotoRec, R-Studio or Kaspersky virus-fighting utilities.
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