HellsRansomware virus (Removal Guide) - Improved Instructions

HellsRansomware virus Removal Guide

What is HellsRansomware virus?

HellsRansomware hackers try to earn users’ trust with empty promises

The image displaying Hells'Uefi ransomware

HellsRansomware virus, or alternatively called as UEFI ransomware, is another file-encrypting threat ready to lock sensitive users’ data. To IT security specialists’ amusement, the developers claim the virus to be “the only legit ransomware which will give you your files back unlike the others which do not.”

At the moment, the ransomware is detectable as Win32:Malware-ge, Trojan.Ransom.Uefi (A), Ransom_HELLSCRYPT.A, etc. It still happens to be in the development stage as it does not launch its own GUI, but leaves the ransom note incorporated in the binary of decrypt.txt message.

Interestingly, the threat still manifests the capability to encode files. It spreads with the assistance of malicious ok.exe file. Its distribution rate is still low, however, several samples of it already wander on the cyber space. If you happen to get infected with the malware, it is time for you to remove Hells/UEFI malware.

Envying the success of WannaCry

Though this Windows infection still needs improvement to call itself a full-fledged crypto-malware, the hackers leave references to the notorious WannaCry attack[1]:

Oops Your files Have Been Encrypted With Strong Encryption.
In Order to Get Your Files Back, Please send 350$ worth of Bitcoin to this address: 1Hp8VBKehCPvArm6VRUNzPCte3EgdjYiY.
Once You Have Paid You will receive a special decryption software with which you can easily decrypt your files.

They also mention http://paxful.com website to help users buy bitcoins in case one has not had the experience of buying bitcoins. Besides the mentioned decrypt.exe file, the malware also leaves memes.jpg. For some this threat may seem to be a joke. However, you should not meddle with the malware if you got already infected. Initiate HellsRansomware removal right away. FortectIntego or Malwarebytes will come in handy.

Enumerating transmission tendencies

Like other samples of this category, the malware may target users via multiple distribution channels. Besides spam emails, weak remote desktop protocols happen to be another channel for distribution.

Do not forget exploit kits[2] and infected software updates. In relation to this note that HellsRansomware threat happens to function via ok.exe file. As you have heard, Adobe Flash Player happened to serve hackers’ malicious misdeeds.

Thus, arming yourself up with a couple of security applications may not be sufficient. Pay attention to the spam folder and the features as well as apps you are about to download.Likewise, you will be able to decrease the risk of HellsRansomware hijack. The sample of Hells virusHells virus ransom note is more amusing rather than persuasive.

HellsRansomware termination options

HellsRansomware removal may take less time than the elimination process of a full file-encrypting threat. Note that manual elimination is not recommended as the virus may have spread its files among the registry files.

Entrust the process to malware elimination utility. Update it before scanning the system. In case you encounter any difficulties and cannot remove HellsRansomware virus from the first attempt, check below guidelines. Note that even if you reside in the country with a supposedly lower cyber crime rate such as Sweden[3], you should still be vigilant not to encounter this threat.

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What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of HellsRansomware virus. Follow these steps

Manual removal using Safe Mode

Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.

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

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.
    Open task manager
  3. Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
  4. Right-click and select Open file location.
    Open file location
  5. Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
    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.
    Startup

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.
    Disk cleanup
  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.
    Delete temp 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.

Remove HellsRansomware using System Restore

In case you cannot launch an anti-spyware tool and the first method is not convenient, you may perform System Restore. Then you will be able to run the security app and delete the infection.

  • Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
    Windows 7 / Vista / XP
    1. Click Start Shutdown Restart OK.
    2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
    3. Select Command Prompt from the list Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'

    Windows 10 / Windows 8
    1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
    2. Now select Troubleshoot Advanced options Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
    3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window. Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
  • Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
    1. Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter. Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    2. Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again.. Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    3. When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of HellsRansomware. After doing that, click Next. When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next' Select your restore point and click 'Next'
    4. Now click Yes to start system restore. Click 'Yes' and start system restore
    Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with FortectIntego and make sure that HellsRansomware removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove HellsRansomware from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.

If your files are encrypted by HellsRansomware, you can use several methods to restore them:

The benefits of Data Recovery Pro

Besides this app ability to restore damaged data, you may also find its manual quite easy and practical.

  • Download Data Recovery Pro;
  • Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
  • Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by HellsRansomware ransomware;
  • Restore them.

What is Windows Previous Versions feature?

It is likely that you may restore some of the files using this method even though it is more time-consuming.

  • Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
  • Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
  • Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.

ShadowExplorer option

Though the software does not actually decrypt files, its essence lies in restoring locked or damaged files with the help of volume shadow copies. Since HellsRansomware is still at its early stage of development, it is unlikely to delete the copies beforehand. 

  • Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
  • Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
  • Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
  • Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from HellsRansomware and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes

How to prevent from getting ransomware

Protect your privacy – employ a VPN

There are several ways how to make your online time more private – you can access an incognito tab. However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of Private Internet Access VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise. Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and Private Internet Access VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals. 

No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool

If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers – human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence. In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.

If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. Data Recovery Pro is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market – it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.

About the author
Gabriel E. Hall
Gabriel E. Hall - Passionate web researcher

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