How to remove Hofos ransomware

Hofos ransomware is the type of cryptovirus that offers free decryption and a discount for ransom to lure people into paying the demanded sum

Hofos ransomware is a cryptovirus that belongs to STOP virus family which makes the malware more persistent and dangerous. This ransomware family is well-known for its many versions that get released every other day since the beginning of 2019. Djvu ransomware is the initial version of Hofos files virus, and this particular variant is one of the more recent ones. It has a few common features from other versions: the offered 50% discount, ransom note named _readme.txt, contact email that many versions before this one have already used as the primary – vengisto@firemail.cc. 

This malware got discovered by malware researchers like Michael Gillespie that has been updating the decryption tool of STOP virus. You may need to wait for the specific update that helps decrypt Hofos ransomware virus and affected files, but keep on waiting. Other versions like .hrosas, .grovat, .moresa, .norvas can be decrypted already, but since there are many of them, researches haven't renewed the tool yet.

Hofos ransomware encodes your pictures, documents, video and audio files, databases. Various files stored on the computer get altered using an encryption method that employs an army-grade algorithm. Then there is a purpose of extorting money from victims.

Money is the primary goal of such criminals, so do not trust them and don't consider paying the demanded sum. Although, these malicious actors try to create legitimacy and trust by offering the test decryption and discount for the ransom, paying for ransomware developers cannot give positive results.^[1]

All these claims get delivered in the Hofos ransomware ransom note named _readme.txt that reads the following:

Don’t worry my friend, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-pPLXOv9XTI
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.
Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.

To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
gorentos@bitmessage.ch
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
gorentos@bitmessage.ch

When Hofos ransomware gets on the system, it scans the machine and chooses particular files for the encoding process. Once the data gets locked and made useless, .hofos file marker gets added to every affected file. This way the victim sees which files got encrypted.

However, Hofos ransomware virus also affects system files and data associated with programs or security applications, system reboot processes. Due to these alterations virus can run on the system after each reboot and disable malware detecting tools and features.

What makes Hofos ransomware one of the most dangerous cyber threats is the fact that the virus gets access to files stored on the machine and involves money. When valuable data like passwords or banking logins get stored on a file on the PC, criminals can use those credentials and steal more money directly from the victim. This activity is an addition to the direct ransom demanding that happens immediately after encryption.

Employ a reputable anti-malware tool and remove Hofos ransomware from your device entirely during a system scan. Choose a reliable tool and download that from the official provider or a software developer directly. This is a step that experts^[2] often recommend because of the possible PUP infiltration.

Since this is a version of known malware, Hofos ransomware installation cannot be noticed when it happens initially. This virus fakes installation of Windows updates window and shos that process pop-up on your screen to hide the malicious virus download.

This is why you notice the existence of the crypto malware only after the encryption and when the ransom gets demanded. Hofos ransomware removal requires professional tools and thorough system cleaning, for this reason. When you sure that ransomware is terminated, get FortectIntego, fix possible virus damage and rely on your data backups for file recovery. 

Ransomware comes with the help of maliciously infected files 

The infection gets executed each time the computer gets rebooted and processes run on the machine until the threat gets properly removed. This executable comes on the PC via spam emails and other malware like trojans or worms. Spam email, phishing campaigns^[3] deliver various files on devices while users pay less than enough attention.

Received email can contain file attachments and hyperlinks or even buttons that trigger automatic downloads of malware or infected files in general. Malicious macros get triggered once the file attached on the email gets downloaded and opened on your computer.

You should be able to avoid such installations if you pay close attention to emails you receive and open on the PC. Avoid opening them and delete the email when the sender is unfamiliar or suspicious; when the email contains attached files; when notification states about orders that you haven't placed.

Terminate Hofos ransomware with reliable anti-malware tools and clean the machine further to restore the security 

Remember that Hofos ransomware virus may be installed by other malware or even launch malicious processes on your device added to the initial malware infection. You cannot find all those programs and files yourself. This is why manual malware elimination is not recommended.

The automatic Hofos ransomware removal is the way to go. When you rely on anti-malware programs and scan your device fully various cyber intruders get detected and can be removed. FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes can also fix additional virus damage or issues with system files and applications too.

Remember to remove Hofos ransomware from your computer completely before any data recovery. No matter if you use a data backed up on the cloud, an external device or the software designed to restore files, it is crucial to clean the system entirely before adding any files on the PC.