Hi Buddy virus is ready to destroy your files:
Hi Buddy virus may have a cheerful and innocent-sounding name, but this cyber infection actually belongs to the especially dangerous category of viruses called ransomware. The popularity of ransomware has been steadily growing among the creators of malware programs, simply because it does not take much skill to make them, while the outcomes are highly profitable. All it takes is a strong encryption algorithm and a couple of adjustments. After the program is released, the criminals can sit back and start counting the dirty income. Hi Buddy is no different. It seems to be an improved version of the Buddy virus we have already discussed in our previous articles. Once it sneaks into the computer, it runs a system scan, looking for files which are predetermined for encryption. These might be your working files, such as Word and Excel documents, video and audio material, pictures and other data. If you did not take the time to backup these files before, it might be that you won’t be able to retrieve them. The virus deletes volume shadow copies of your data, so there is virtually no way of recovering it. In fact, the encrypted files can only be unlocked using a private key which, unfortunately, is the control of the cyber criminals. For the recovery of a single computer, the crooks demand 0.40347888 BitCoin (~$170), which is a relatively small sum compared to what other ransomware usually call for. However, even the slightest profit the criminals receive from their malicious creations can motivate them to keep on developing even more dangerous cyber infections in the future. That is why the computer security experts suggest not play by their rules and remove Hi Buddy from the computer without paying the ransom. The virus elimination can be carried out with the help of professional anti-malware utilities, such as FortectIntego.
An interesting fact about this virus is that it is displayed through a full-screen interface which does not allow the program to be disabled or closed. This means that you will not be able to use your device at all, once you are infected. Also, besides locking your files, the Hi Buddy also interferes with the operation of antivirus software already installed on the computer and does not allow new virus-fighting utilities to be installed either. It also deprives the users of accessing the web through Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Edge browsers and provides a special “Search Google” button in its own interface. The virus encourages the victim to find out more about BitCoin system because this is exactly how they demand the ransom to be paid. Remember that often virus analysts find ways to decrypt ransomware, so you do not necessarily have to pay the criminals for your files. Besides, there is no guarantee that your data will be decrypted as promised after you pay up. That is why we recommend to wave the virus goodbye and carry out the Hi Buddy removal instead.
How can I protect my PC from this ransomware?
If you browse online, you will find numerous anti-virus software and other computer protection solutions, offering you a reliable protection against cyber threats. Most of them might be professional and trustworthy tools, but you should remember that none of them can provide a 100% protection if you do not take additional action to safeguard your data. Of course, combining different software and layering your computer’s defence is crucial and it is a good barrier against a large variety of viruses. But it is also important to keep backups of your files in case a virus manages to sneak through the protection. We suggest storing your files on external drives, USB, CDs or DVDs because these are the only places your data can truly be safe. Since these drives are disconnected from the computer, there is no way a virus can reach them. Consequently, you can recover them in the case of an emergency.
What is important to know about the Hi Buddy removal:
Even though the Hi Buddy removal can be carried out automatically, using professional antivirus utilities, it does not mean that your interaction will not be necessary. A number of problems may arise in the elimination process since this virus is especially aggressive towards antivirus software and may block it from working. In such a case, you should follow the special guide provided below which will allow you to tame the infection and, hopefully, initiate the full system scan. When you remove Hi Buddy from the system completely, there are several file recovery software you can try to retrieve your data. You can use PhotoRec, R-Studio or Kaspersky virus-fighting utilities.
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