How to remove hc7 ransomware

Hc7 ransomware started adding .PLANETARY file extension to the targeted data

Hc7 is a ransomware-type cyber threat that is a version of the decryptable hc6 virus. However, this cyber threat was updated several times too. Currently, malware applies a combination of AES-256 CBC and SHA256 encryption ciphers and appends .GOTYA, .QUILT, .DS335 or PLANETARY file extensions.

Due to the appended file extension, malware is also known as GOTYA ransomware virus. Malware is written in Python and has been noticed spreading via Remote Desktop services that can be accessed publicly. After infiltration, hc7 ransomware starts data encryption and provides data recovery instructions in RECOVERY.txt file.

The ransom note tells to contact hackers via m4zn0v@keemail.me and choose one of the two recovery options:

• restore files on one computer from $700 in Bitcoins;
• decrypt the whole network for $5.000 in Bitcoins.

The previous version of the virus did not offer a possibility to decrypt files on only one computer. Additionally, the sum of network’s decryption was doubled as well. Further instructions did not change.

Once the payment is made, victims have to send their unique ID number to m4zn0v@keemail.me. However, security experts do not recommend following such orders.^[1] Ransomware is already decryptable for free.^[2] Thus, users can restore files as soon as they eliminate the virus. 

ALL YOUR FILES WERE ENCRYPTED.
ORDER, TO RESTORE THIS FILE, YOU MUST SEND $700 BTC for MASCHINE OR $5,000 BTC FOR ALL NETWORK
[Bitcoin wallet address] AFTER PAYMENT SENT EMAIL m4zn0v@keemail.me.
FOR INSTALLATION FOR DECRIPT
NOT TO TURN OFF YOUR COMPUTER, UNLESS IT WILL BREAK

Even though crooks in the ransom note tell not to turn off the computer, you should still reboot to Safe Mode with Networking in order to perform the hc7 removal. Restarting the PC helps to disable the virus and install malware removal software. We recommend cleaning your computer and whole network with FortectIntego.

HC7 Planetary ransomware allows paying the ransom in Bitcoins, Monero or Ethereum

Collecting ransoms in Bitcoins is a traditional strategy used by the developers of ransomware. However, the recent version of Hc7 malware expanded possibilities to pay in other cryptocurrencies, such as Monero or Ethereum.

.Planetary file virus has been noticed in January 2018 spreading via hacked networks. Thus, authors of the hc7 virus did not change their distribution strategy yet. Just like the name of the crypto-malware suggests, it adds .PLANETARY file extension to make files inaccessible.

Data recovery instructions are provided in the RECOVER.txt file where criminals provide the same contact email address – m4zn0v@keemail.me:

ALL FILES ARE ENCRYPTED.
TO RESTORE, YOU MUST SEND $700 EQUIVALENT FOR ONE COMPUTER
OR $5,000 FOR ALL NETWORK
PAYMENTS ACCEPTED VIA BITCOIN, MONERO AND ETHEREUM
BTC ADDRESS: [bitcoin_address]
MONERO (XMR) ADDRESS: [monero_address]
CONTACT US WHEN ETHEREUM PAYMENT INFORMATION
BEFORE PAYMENT SENT EMAIL m4rk0v@tutanota.de
ALONG WITH YOUR IDENTITY: [base64_encoded_computer_name]
INCLUDE SAMPLE ENCRYPTED FILE FOR PROOF OF DECRYPT

NOT TO SHUT OFF YOUR COMPUTER, UNLESS IT WILL BREAK

Security experts recommend not to follow these orders and do not pay the ransom. Instead of them, remove Planetary ransomware from the computer with reputable malware removal software and try to recover files using other more secure methods.

Malware spread via compromised networks

As you already know, the cyber attack is held by hacking poorly protected or public remote desktop services. Once it is hacked, criminals use PsExec^[3] to download ransomware executable hc7.exe.bin.

Therefore, in order to avoid the attack,^[4] it’s important to strengthen networks’ protection:

• setting a firewall;
• using VPN connection instead of direct connection to the Internet;
• installing professional security software.

In addition, security specialists from SenzaVirus^[5] suggest, investing in employees education. Teaching about cyber security, social engineering and giving tips on how to spot malicious email attachments help to minimize the risk of the ransomware attack.

Additionally, ransomware might also be spread via malicious spam emails.  The latter method is widely used by cyber criminals to aim at companies or organizations to compromise their networks.

Clever social engineering techniques allow tricking users into opening a malicious email attachment that might look like invoice, statement or other serious documents. Due to ransomware’s operation, if one computer gets infected, malware starts spreading via the whole network. 

Delete Hc7 ransomware from the computer and recover your files

The only correct and safe way to remove hc7 ransomware is to use reputable malware removal software, such as FortectIntego, MalwarebytesMalwarebytes or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner. Security software is capable of identifying and deleting all malware-related components, files and processes. Meanwhile, to do this task manually is really hard and not recommended if you are not an experienced IT specialist.

However, hc7 removal might require booting the system into Safe Mode with Networking. This step is needed if ransomware blocks access to security software and you cannot run the system scan. You can find the detailed guide below.