How to remove Hermes837 ransomware

Hermes837 ransomware is a crypto-malware which changes Windows registry and performs other system modifications

Hermes837 ransomware is a type of malware that enters host machines in deceptive ways and alters the structure of all personal files like pictures, documents, music, videos, etc., to prevent victims from opening them. For that, a robust encryption algorithm is used, and each of the affected files receives a .hermes837 marker.

At that point, users are also presented with a ransom note !!!READ_ME!!!.txt which is dropped into each of the affected files' folder. This message from the hackers behind Hermes837 virus explains that all the personal files got encrypted and allegedly the only way to recover the access to them is by retrieving a unique key that is in malware authors' control. For communication purposes, users are provided a contact email – Hermes837@aol.com.

However, victims should avoid contact with cybercriminals as they might not provide the necessary decryption tool – users will end up losing files and money. Thus, if you noticed your data is not accessible, you should listen to experts' advice^[1] and avoid contacting threat actors behind Hermes837 ransomware.

Ransomware is among the most devastating computer infections in the wild, as even Hermes837 ransomware removal will not bring the locked files back. The truth is, data is not actually corrupted in any way – it is simply locked by a unique password which is generated during the encryption process and send to the Command and Control server to hackers. As of now, it is not known whether symmetric or asymmetric encryption^[2] is used by Hermes837 file virus.

To retrieve access to Hermes837 ransomware-locked files, victims need to get hold of the key which is created for each host individually. Therefore, file decryption using a key designed for another victim won't work. Besides, the malware is programmed to delete Shadow Volume Copies – and automatic Windows file backup system. Due to this scheme, Hermes837 and other ransomware viruses are so efficient.

How much will cyber criminals ask for the decryptor is unknown, although they always ask for the Bitcoins or another digital currency to be transferred to a specific wallet which is emailed via the contact address. The sums sometimes go as high as few thousands of dollars, although experts observed samples of ransomware that only ask for relatively low sums.

To convince users to pay, Hermes837 ransomware developers also offer a free test decryption option, as stated in the ransom note:

ALL YOUR DATA WAS ENCRYPTED
Whats Happen?
Your files are encrypted, and currently unavailable. You can check it- all files on your computer has extension .hermes
By the way, everything is possible to restore, but you need to follow our instructions. Otherwise, you cant return your data (NEVER).
<…> 
Free decryption as guarantee!
Before paying you send us up to 2 files for free decryption.
Send pictures, text files. (files no more than 1mb)
If you upload the database, your price will be doubled

While the Hermes837 virus authors may indeed send you they required decryptor, do not forget that you will be funding cybercriminal activities in the process – it will only make confirm that ransomware works as intended, and more victims will be infected.

Instead, remove Hermes837 ransomware and use alternative recovery methods we provide below if you had no backups ready. You should use reputable anti-malware software and scan your system in Safe Mode with Networking if the virus is interfering with a security program. For best results, make sure you scan the device with FortectIntego to repair Windows system files after the infection.

Precautionary measures against ransomware is a worthy investment

The main reason why users get infected with ransomware and other severe malware is carelessness. In most of the cases, malware can be avoided if the correct prevention methods are used when browsing the web, opening emails, and performing other actions on the computer.

As a general rule, most of the infections appear when a computer is connected to the internet or a network, and most machines are nowadays. Therefore, follow these security tips to ensure that you avoid the deadly consequences of ransomware infection:

• Make sure your machine is protected with comprehensive security software that uses real-time scanning feature;
• Update your operating system and installed applications on a regular basis to avoid software vulnerabilities from being abused – malware can be installed automatically in such a case, without any interaction;
• Install additional applications for more security. For example, a browser extension that prevents ads from being shown is a great solution to prevent JavaScript from being executed on malicious websites;
• Never open email attachments that ask you to enable the macro feature (unless you know precisely why this type of file is sent to you via the email) or click on links provided inside spam emails. Also, don't forget that email spoofing^[3] can be used in order to make the message seem legitimate;
• Backup your files regularly to avoid the ramifications of ransomware infection.

Enter Safe Mode if Hermes837 ransomware prevents its removal

Once infected with Hermes837 virus, you should not panic, as not everything is lost. In the worst-case scenario, you could try buying the decryptor from the hackers, but, this option should only be used only as an absolute last resort. Remember, these people are cybercriminals and do not care about your well-being – they only want your money and might never provide the required tool after the payment.

Regardless if decide to pay or not, you need to remove Hermes837 ransomware before attempting file recovery, as all the decoded data will be immediately locked once again. To do that, you should employ anti-malware software and perform a full system scan. If the virus is tampering with anti-malware tools, make sure you access Safe Mode with Networking as explained below.

Note that manual Hermes837 ransomware removal is possible, but it requires advanced computer knowledge and is not recommended for any regular users.

Once you delete Hermes837 ransomware, you can then proceed with file recovery – there should be no troubles if you had backups ready. Alternatively, you can make use of third-party recovery tools which might be able to retrieve at least some of your data. Finally, you can make copies of all the encrypted files and wait till security experts create a tool specifically designed for this ransomware strain.