How to remove Hacking ransomware virus

Hacking ransomware: another version of HiddenTear targets French computer users

Hacking ransomware possesses similar features as any other crypto-malware — encrypts valuable information on the victimized computer and demands to pay a ransom in return to recover the data. In fact, this virus is classified as an offspring of the infamous HiddenTear since its source code is used to develop the latter infection^[1]. IT experts have analyzed a sample of the file-encrypting virus and detected that it adds .hacking file extension to the corrupted data and drops a Message_Important.txt ransom note.

According to the latest reports, Hacking virus spreads as a .zip file which supposedly contains 6 pictures with an adult content. Typically, victims are offered to download pornographic images on various suspicious adult-only websites and the executable file of the malware is named as video.exe to trick gullible people into opening it.

Once they double-click on the .exe file, the Hacking ransomware infiltrates on the system and starts data encryption. Furthermore, it provides instructions on how to recover the compromised data in French^[2]. Victims are asked to send Neosurf coupons for 100 euros and contact cybercriminals via fbi-cybercrimedivision@hotmail.com. Hackers promise to respond with the decryption key soon.

The translated text from the ransom note:

To recover encrypted files, you have to obtain the decryption key and send an email to: fbi-cybercrimedivision@hotmail.com
1) Buy Neosurf coupons of 100 €, euros.
2) You can buy Neosurf coupons here https://www.recharge.fr/neosurf-card
3) You can also buy Neosurf coupons here https://www.neosurf.com/en_US or at tobacconists
4) As soon as I receive the Neosurf coupons, I send you the decryption key by email.
Contact Email: fbi-cybercrimedivision@hotmail.com

Security experts do not recommend paying the ransom. Criminals may not have the working decryption key, or they might blackmail you into transferring more money. Besides, the Hacking malware is based on HiddenTear which is a decryptable virus. Thus, files encrypted by this virus might be recovered too. You can check the official decryptor which is attached at the end of this article.

After ransomware attack, you should focus on Hacking removal. The cyber threat is capable of modifying Windows Registry, installing malicious components and affecting legit processes. For this reason, your computer is no longer safe to use. In addition, you might suffer from system slowdowns and other computer-related problems.

To remove Hacking ransomware virus entirely, you have to reboot the computer to the Safe Mode with Networking and run a full system scan with malware removal software. We recommend using FortectIntego. However, you can choose any other preferred tool as well.

Distribution methods employed to spread the file-encrypting virus

As mentioned above, the latest research found out that the ransomware spreads as a deceptive .zip with pornographic images. However, note that the hackers employ many techniques to distribute the infection. Thus, cybersecurity experts warn about other possible ways to get infected with ransomware:

• malicious ads placed on legit and high-risk websites;
• Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) brute force attacks;
• exploitation of software or system vulnerabilities;
• bogus software downloads;
• fake update downloads;
• illegal downloads.

Additionally, you should stay away from malicious spam emails, since many criminals choose is as the primary ransomware distribution strategy^[3]. Also, users are reminded to be careful and avoid clicking, opening or downloading questionable content. Installing reputable antivirus also helps to reduce chances to catch a cyber infection. However, you should be prepared for the worst and backup your files as well as to update them regularly!

Learn how to terminate Hacking ransomware

Be aware that ransomware is the most harmful type of the virus. It can not only corrupt your data, but infiltrate additional high-risk computer infections to increase the damage as well. In this case, Hacking removal can be performed either by certified IT technicians or by a professional security software.

We recommend you to save your time and choose to use FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner. These anti-malware programs are designed to safely remove Hacking virus from the system and protect your computer from the future threats. It is a wise decision to opt for automatic elimination since it is not a one-time investment — security software will serve you for years.

Note that manual ransomware removal is not an option, because it may have injected malicious components to legit system processes. To terminate them manually is a hard and complicated task that might end up bad for the inexperienced computer users. Thus, it’s highly recommended to invest in legit antivirus tool and clean the device with it.