How to remove .harditem file virus

.harditem is a ransomware-type virus that demands bitcoin in exchange for a decryption tool

.harditem is a Windows virus that can be particularly damaging. Once it breaks into the system, it encrypts all pictures, documents, databases, videos, and other important personal files, with a few exceptions. For this job, a sophisticated encryption algorithm is used, so that once it's complete, all files lose their regular icons and are replaced by black ones, and they also receive .hard extension. These symptoms mean that data can no longer be used, as it is locked by a uniquely generated key, which is only accessible to the malware authors.

After the encryption process is finished, ransomware drops a note titled RESTORE_FILES_INFO.txt, which can be found on the desktop and other locations on the system. According to the note, users are meant to contact ransomware authors via one of the two emails (harditem@firemail.cc or harditem@hitler.rocks) or Jabber account harditem@xmpp.jp. We recommend not communicating with malicious actors and instead, attempting to recover .hard files in alternative ways – we provide all details about below.

How ransomware spreads and how to avoid it

It is evident that users don't install ransomware intentionally, as they don't want to compromise access to their files. Instead, they are usually tricked into doing so, thanks to social engineering^[1] used by cybercriminals. For example, a cleverly written spam email might contain an attachment with the malware payload, which, once executed, would deploy ransomware and encrypt all files on the system.

In other cases, users might be fooled by a fake update that encourages them to install the newest version of Flash or other well-known software. Please never download anything from websites that claim that the system has infections that need to be removed or that a software update is ready to be installed. Always visit official websites in this case.

Software cracks and malicious installers are one of the main reasons why users get infected with ransomware such as .harditem. Low-security levels of pirated software distributor sites are a perfect environment for malicious actors to spread various malware, and ransomware is no exception.

Ransom note

.harditem virus does not seem to stem from any previously-known malware strain. It is not surprising, as many groups of people are trying to monetize on something that's extremely successful. Regardless of its roots, it operates in a relatively regular manner as it is common for malware of such type.

Upon encrypting all files, ransomware delivers a ransom note which serves as the main means for communication between hackers and victims. For its accessibility, these notes are usually sent in TXT format so that all users can open them without problems. Here's the message from the attackers:

Your files are secured…    
Contact emails:  harditem@firemail.cc  and  harditem@hitler.rocks (spare) or jabber harditem@xmpp.jp     
Send me your ID in the first email to all specified addresses     

Key Identifier:

Unsurprisingly, the message is relatively brief, which is extremely common for strains that are not yet fully developed. What crooks want is to establish the first contact with victims, so they can communicate the price of the decryptor to be paid in bitcoin cryptocurrency.

Communicating with crooks is not recommended due to numerous reasons, for example, they can't be trusted with their promises. You might never receive the promised decryptor and end up losing money along with your files. Thus, follow the instructions below to remove malware correctly and then attempt to recover files in alternative ways.

Malware removal steps

Users who get infected with ransomware are usually first-time victims, and that's why they know little – if anything – about it. The first important thing here is not to panic, as incorrect steps might even make the whole situation even worse. That being said, it is important to know how and when to remove .harditem virus and when to begin the data recovery.

Upon infiltration, ransomware may establish a remote connection to Command & Control^[2] server, which is in control by cybercriminals. Thanks to these connections, they can send malicious commands, update malware, or even infect the system with additional malware. Thus, the first step is to remove any networked connections from the affected PC:

• Type in Control Panel in Windows search and press Enter
• Go to Network and Internet
• Click Network and Sharing Center
• On the left, pick Change adapter settings
• Right-click on your connection (for example, Ethernet), and select Disable
• Confirm with Yes.

Once you are completely sure that the connection with any kind of network has been terminated, you can begin .harditem file virus removal. It is evident that you should use SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, MalwarebytesMalwarebytes, or another powerful anti-malware software for this job, as manual elimination, can be extremely problematic. If the virus is tampering with the removal process, you can always access Safe Mode and perform the scan from there. Please check the instructions below if you need help with that.

Data recovery

Some users believe that their files would return to normal right after they get rid of the infection. Unfortunately, this is not true, and files will remain encrypted; this is precisely why ransomware is considered to be one of the most devastating malware types out there. It is also important to note that data is not corrupted and can be recovered under special circumstances.

Before you attempt data recovery, you should make copies of encrypted files, or they might be lost forever so that even a working decryptor would not help. Simply use a USB stick or upload files to a cloud storage area somewhere on the internet. Once the preparations are complete, you can attempt to restore .harditem files as follows:

• Download Data Recovery Pro.
• Double-click the installer to launch it.
  
• Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
• As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
• Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
• Press Next.
• At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
• Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
• You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
• Press Recover to retrieve your files.

Decryption tools might also be created for certain ransomware strains thanks to the efforts of security researchers. In some cases, law authorities seize the servers of malicious actors,^[3] which allows the keys to be released by the public – reputable security vendors usually do this. Here are a few links you might find helpful:

• No More Ransom Project
• Free Ransomware Decryptors by Kaspersky
• Free Ransomware Decryption Tools from Emsisoft
• Avast decryptors

Repair system files

If your system is crashing or delivering errors after a malware infection, 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.