How to remove HPE iLO ransomware

HPE iLO Ransomware – malicious crypto-malware that encrypts hard drives

HPE iLO virus is a severe crypto-ransomware that is capable of encrypting data in HPE iLO 4 server^[1] systems. It alters iLO 4 Login Security Banner configuration setting and renders RSA 2048 encryption algorithm to lock the hard drive. Following the encryption, it generates a Security Note on HPE iLO 4 login screen indicating the fact that hard disk has been encrypted and the victim has to pay 2 BTC for the decryptor.

Detected at the end of April 2018 by a ransomware researcher M. Shahpasandi,^[2] the ransomware appears to be exclusive if compared to other ransomware viruses. HPE iLO ransomware targets HPE Integrated Lights-Out (HPE iLO 4) – a management interface allowing HP servers that allow managing devices under administrative privileges remotely.

To lock the hard drive, HPE iLO ransomware virus takes advantage of HPE iLO 4 servers, which instead of using a secure VPN are connected directly to the Internet. Once crooks gain access to iLO, they compromise Login Security Banner to display a “Security Note,” which stands for a ransom note.

Once the screen is locked, HPE iLO virus escalates an ISO file via Virtual Media Management and restarts the HPE iLO 4 servers. Consequently, the ISO positioned on a virtual CD encrypts (or wipes out) the data stored on a hard drive. Once the server is rebooted again, the victim can no longer access the OS. The screen displays a “No boot device found” error message followed by a ransom note, which says:

Security Notice
Hey. Your hard disk is encrypted using RSA 2048 asymmetric encryption. To decrypt files, you need to obtain the private key.
It means We are the only ones in the world to recover files back to you. Not even god can help you. Its all math and cryptography.
If you want your files back, Please send an email to 15fd9ngtetwjtdc@yopmail.com.
We don't know who are you, All that we need is some money, and we are doing it for a good cause.
Don't panic if we don't answer you during 24 hours. It means that we didn't receive your letter and write us again.
You can use that bitcoin exchangers for transferring bitcoin.
https://localbitcoins.com
https://www.kraken.com
Please use the English language in your letters. If you don't speak English, then use https://translate.google.com to translate your letter into the English language.
Process:
1) Pay some BTC to our wallet address.(negotiations almost impossible unless you are a Russian citizen)
2) We will send you private key and instructions to decrypt your hard drive
3) Boom! You got your files back.
—
Demands 2 BTC
Send to 19ujGd4zqwoHitT2D1hF3BVf73vYVCvxcm

Criminals demand to pay a 2 BTC ransom in Bitcoins. Thus, currently, people attached by HPE iLO malware are expected to transfer more than 18,000 USD within 24 hours to 19ujGd4zqwoHitT2D1hF3BVf73vYVCvxcm Bitcoin wallet. Before that, extortionists ask to send an email to 15fd9ngtetwjtdc@yopmail.com for more information. As pointed out, any negotiations are possible if the victim is Russian citizen. 

Please, do not fall for believing that this ransomware has been developed for a good purpose. Although the Security Note states that criminals “are doing it for a good cause,” all they want to collect as much money as possible to initiate further crimes and increase their income on behalf of other people's misfortune. Not to mention, most probably Russian hackers are responsible for this attack.

Unfortunately, there's no way to decrypt hard drive encrypted by HPE iLO ransomware. Cyber researchers from NoVirus.uk^[3] claim that such ransomware was never seen before, so it may take a while for IT specialists to develop a decryptor.

Until that happens, you should remove HPE iLO ransomware from your OS asap using FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes security tool. Otherwise, you won't be able to use the system at all. To get rid of it, restart your PC into Safe Mode with Networking and launch anti-virus scanner.

Before HPE iLO removal, make sure that the anti-virus you are using is up-to-date. Afterward, we would recommend trying third-party data recovery tools to unlock the data.

Ransomware distribution peculiarities

Ransomware is the most dangerous cyber infection that is being actively distributed on the web. Hackers are wise enough to invent deadly hazardous viruses by rendering advanced mathematical scripts and cryptography.

In most of the cases, these viruses are distributed via spam, rogue software updates, Remote Desktop services connected directly to the Internet, exploit kits, JavaScript infected websites and similar media.

In this particular case, the ransomware exploits an HPE iLO service, which is not protected by a secure VPN. Criminals access the iLO, compromises the Login Security Banner configuration settings, and the drops a remote ISO image, which furthermore starts functioning as one of the OS drivers.

The only way to protect yourself from this ransomware attack is to make sure that the HPE iLO service is connected to the Internet via secure VPN. Besides, be careful with malicious spam emails, questionable software updates, software installers and other content on the web. It's always useful to have a robust security tool with real-time protection enabled all the time.

HPE iLO ransomware removal options

In fact, there's only one way to remove HPE iLO virus. It requires a professional security software, such as FortectIntego or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner. It's not possible to get rid it manually without damaging the content of the hard drive unless you're a professional IT.

Since you may not be allowed to access OS due to malicious scrips enabled, switch to the safe PC's environment. For this purpose, restart the system and enable Safe Mode with Networking available at boot.

Upon HPE iLO removal, render professional third-party data recovery tool to unlock the content stored on your hard drive. Although we cannot guarantee that all the data will be decrypted, the options listed below are worth trying.