How to remove H0lyGh0st ransomware

H0lyGh0st ransomware is a North Korean threat that targets businesses

H0lyGh0st ransomware virus is the infection that came out in 2021 but has reached new attack levels right now. This threat, also known as HolyGhost, is designed to encode files and demand payment, promising to offer a decryption tool for the victim. This and other claims are false and created just to fake trust and legitimacy. This threat is known for using the double extortion method that is popular among this cryptocurrency extortionists.^[1]

H0lyGh0st file virus is the threat making headlines due to the particular relation to state-sponsored hackers and their common target – small to medium-sized businesses.^[2] These campaigns have been spreading since September 2021.

H0lyGh0st ransomware virus is the file-locker threat that finds a way on the system where it can check for valuable files and decode them, modify the original code, change the name and alter the character string that is the name of the file. It completely alters file names and adds the .h0lyenc appendix. This is how all the affected files get altered.

More about the ransomware

H0lyGh0st ransomware virus starts the attack by finding valuable files that can get locked. The encryption process helps this threat to make the changes to the original code of the file. The threat affects various pieces that can be needed for the victim and then can demand money from the person directly.

Criminals behind the infection release the FOR_DECRYPT.html file with the particular instructions on the payment. H0lyGh0st ransomware relies on these scare tactics and claims that there are no other options for file recovery besides payment transfers. The file opens a browser window with information like contact email and the link to the Tor site.

Removing the infection with AV tools

H0lyGh0st ransomware is the virus that tries to trick people into paying the sum asked for the alleged decryption tool that can never reach the victim, however. These messages state that the victim can get a decryption key and restore files to the perfect stage. Do not fall for these tricks and do not contact criminals.

Any communication between hackers and victims can lead to issues with the machine. These threat actors demand money if victims do not pay still, so it is never a good idea to talk to criminals. Experts^[3] offer to stay away from them. The best way to fight the H0lyGh0st ransomware is to remove the active virus completely from the machine.

The best tool for this procedure is an anti-malware program and a full system scan. The system can be thoroughly checked, and all the potential threats get removed this way. Applications like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes can detect^[4] and remove the infection properly from the system to stop ransomware processes from running.

Restoring normal system processes

Altering settings on the machine helps to keep the ransomware running on the system. HolyGhost virus does various things to affect the machine further. For example, an infection can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software is not capable of doing anything about it, leaving it just the way it is.

Therefore, we highly recommend using a one-of-a-kind, patented technology of FortectIntego repair. Not only can it fix virus damage after the infection, but it is also capable of removing malware that has already broken into the system thanks to several engines used by the program. Besides, the application is also capable of fixing various Windows-related issues that are not caused by malware infections, for example, Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc.

• Download the application by clicking on the link above
• Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
  
  
• If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes`
• Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
• The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
• Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
• You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
• If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.

Eliminating the malware 

H0lyGh0st ransomware virus targets various organizations like banks, schools, events, and meeting planning companies but can affect everyday user computers too. It acts as a standard encryption virus that damages files and uses the unique file extension to indicate which data is affected by the encoding procedure. 

There are a lot of processes this threat alters to keep the machine damaged and keep users from accessing helpful tips for file recovery. It can disable various features and programs that potentially help with recovery procedures. H0lyGh0st ransomware is a serious threat but can be removed.

It is not decryptable because researchers need more time to create applications deciphering viruses like this, so you are left with alternate methods for data recovery. Those include the Safe Mode on the PC that helps to find and eliminate the H0lyGh0st ransomware.

Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking

Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment. 

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Windows 10 / Windows 8

1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
   
   
2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
   
3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
5. Click Restart now.
6. Select Troubleshoot.
7. Go to Advanced options.
8. Select Startup Settings.
9. Press Restart.
10. Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes

Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
2. Click on More details.
   
3. Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
4. Right-click and select Open file location.
   
5. Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
   
6. Delete the contents of the malicious folder.

Step 3. Check program Startup

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
2. Go to Startup tab.
3. Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
   
   

Step 4. Delete virus files

Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:

1. Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
   
   
2. Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
3. Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
   

   Temporary Internet Files
   Downloads
   Recycle Bin
   Temporary files

4. Pick Clean up system files.
   
   
5. You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
   

   %AppData%
   %LocalAppData%
   %ProgramData%
   %WinDir%

After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.

As for the file recovery after the proper H0lyGh0st ransomware virus removal process, your best option is to use backups on the external device with the copies of these files that got affected by the virus. It should be common to keep your backups up to date, but people sometimes do not keep those copies.

There are some automatic options for the removal like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, MalwarebytesMalwarebytes and repair of the damaged system files like FortectIntego, but file recovery can also be an automatic process if you rely on data recovery tools that we list in the H0lyGh0st ransomware termination and file recovery guide below.