How to remove Help50 ransomware virus

 Help50 ransomware is a virus that can permanently damage your files

Help50 is a ransomware virus that uses Logical OR operation or simply XOR encryption^[1] to render victim’s files unreadable. It targets 54 types of files, including archives, media files, images, documents and other data that typically contains victim’s personal data. After the encryption is done, the hackers drop an additional document called DECRYPT_FILES.txt on the infected computer in which they ask victims to contact them via help50(@)yandex.ru email. In the middle of June 2018 came the new version of this virus. Bearing the same .dat file extension this version added blackmagic8@yandex.com contact email to the mix. It is now known that the latter version of ransomware uses RSA-2048 encryption algorithm.

The victims are supposed to contact the criminals via this address to receive further instructions and recovery key. Reportedly, though, paying the extortionists brings no results and files remain permanently encrypted. Experts urge the victims to refuse to make any payments and remove Help50 ransomware from their computers to prevent further damage. FortectIntego can be a helpful tool when it comes to computer cleanup and further recovery, so we recommend giving it a try.

Upon our investigation, we have found some interesting information that may link Help50 to the CryptoLocker and its open-source builder called Encoder Builder v2.4^[2]. Wannabe hackers can use this tool to create a virus version of their own, choosing between XOR and TEA algorithms, types of files they wish to encrypt and extensions they wish their virus to append to the locked files. Nevertheless, since this information is not yet confirmed, we should not make untimely propositions and stick to what we already know.

And one of most obvious things are the already mentioned extensions. Currently, Help50 ads .dat extension next to every file it encrypts, but we should point out that every virus version may use a different extension. Another thing that malware experts managed to dig up is the files setup.exe and Project1.exe which might be related to the virus deployment and execution on the computer. These files are probably delivered to the victim’s computer by Trojans ^[3] disguised as regular applications.

Regardless of how these malicious files get in, there is only one way to remove them from the infected system. You should scan your computer with automatic malware scanner as soon as possible and destroy the virus. If Help50 ransomware removal is interfered by the virus trying to block your antivirus applications from launching, you should complete the steps at the end of this article and try scanning the computer again.

The new version of Help50 ransomware virus came to light on June 2018. The same .dat file extension is added to the encrypted files, but now the contact email address is blackmagic8@yandex.com. This variant uses the RSA-2048 encryption algorithm, but there is not much information regarding this new variant. Though, you should still get rid of this cyber threat.

Ways that ransomware infiltration could happen

The most common ransomware spreading method is spam emails and their insecure attachments. Those attachments can contain safe-looking Word or Exel documents filled with actually malicious macro viruses. Also, those attachments might be advertisements that trick you into purchasing dubious software or optimization tools. Developers often use legitimate company names for these scams. 

We have already mentioned that this virus may travel around as Trojan which can be hidden inside software packages pretending to be a regular program; arrive in your inbox as phishing^[4] emails carrying a supposed image, Word or PDF file or get downloaded to your computer as a drive-by download. There are too many ways for the hackers to deliver malware on the computers.

Thus, it is very difficult to determine where and when exactly the virus is going to hit. A better option is to create data backups ^[5] and be sure that you will be able to recover them in case there is an emergency such as ransomware attack. Whenever you create new files, back them up and keep the storage device disconnected from the computer at all times.

Delete Help50 ransomware virus and try to recover files

The best way to remove Help50 is using professional anti-malware tools. You need to do this because these tools can detect and get rid of most of the cyber infections on your computer. Then you can recover encrypted files with backups. If you have no backups saved whatsoever, things become more difficult. It might be that you may not get your files back at all. Nevertheless, you can always give it a try. We can recommend FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, MalwarebytesMalwarebytes for the job. 

Of course, automatic anti-malware software is the option you should go for when executing Help50 removal. This will ensure the user that the system is safe again and file restoring can be done safely. If you plug in any device to your computer before cleaning those files can be corrupted again. So firstly, focus on the elimination part and only then worry about file recovery. there is a guide below that can help you find best solutions.