HrHr ransomware is a deadly crypto-virus which encrypts users’ files
HrHr ransomware is a crypto-virus which locks up users’ files and demands ransom for the decryption key. The ransom is usually demanded in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. The deadly ransomware affixes “.leenapidx@snakebite.com.hrhr” extension to each file and renders them unusable. Additionally, a help.txt file is generated and placed on users’ desktop.
Cybercriminals urge users to contact them via email created via Tor network since other emails are not accepted at all. Hence, a user is encouraged to download Tor browser and follow the link provided. If user proceeds, HrHr virus creators might give the instruction for file decryption.
The .txt file states the following:
Hello. Your files have been encrypted. For help, write to this e-mail: leenapidx@snakebite.com Attach to the letter 1-2 files (no more than 3MB) and your personal key. If within 24 hours you have not received a response, you need to follow the following instructions: a) Download and install TOR browser: easy.ktml.en b) From TOR browser, follow the link: torbox3uiot6wchz.onion c) Register your e-mail (Sign Up) d) Write us on e-mail: rikkibarker@torbox3uiot6wchz.onion
ATTENTION: e-mail (rikkibarker@torbox3uiot6wchz.onion) accepts emails, only with e-mail registered in the TOR browser at torbox3uiot6wchz.onion. Your personal key:
HrHr ransomware encrypts a variety of files, such as .jpg, .gif, .exe, .mpeg, .mp3, .doc, .html and similar. Each victim is assigned a different decryption key which is stored on a remote server. Hence, unlocking files without it becomes almost impossible. Crooks are also offering victims to email them few files (up to 3MB) and allow them to show that data decryption is possible.
However, we do not recommend contacting these culprits. Ransomware creators are known to ignore users, even after the demanded ransom is paid.[1] Therefore, you are risking not only losing your files but money too. Additionally, you would encourage attacks developing more viruses which infect other innocent users. Instead, you should remove HrHr ransomware and then proceed with file recovery procedure.
Unfortunately, there are very few options to recover encrypted files. It can be done via backup or using alternative programs which might help (please check the instructions below this article). You should pick FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes for HrHr ransomware removal as this security software is designed to overcome even the most dangerous malware.
Sometimes security experts manage to crack the code and create a decrypter. However, there is no known decrypter for HrHr ransomware available yet. Thus, there is a good reason to keep regular backups on an external database (or Cloud). Local backups are not that helpful – data on them is encrypted too.
Additionally, ransomware renders your computer vulnerable to additional infections as system files are compromised. You might obtain spyware[2] which records every keystroke and steal your personal information, such as personal banking details, social network passwords, email passwords, etc.
HrHr ransomware is a crypto-virus which corrupts personal files and makes them unusable. Do not carelessly open spam emails and avoid ransomware attacks
The most prevalent ransomware distribution method is via spam emails. Email providers typically have built-in security software which recognizes and marks up suspicious emails. Therefore, you should never ignore these warnings as they can disclose malicious file content.
Typically, the phishing email is sent out to hundreds if not thousands of users. Therefore, it is critical to recognize these emails and delete them immediately.
The email author usually presents himself as a representative of the influential organization, such bank or government and urges the user to open the attachment which is usually in the form of .doc, .txt or .pdf files. Never open these attachments as they instantaneously start file encryption process! Alternatively, the criminal might provide a link to unknown web address – do not click on it.
We highly advise you not to visit websites of dubious content and torrent sites. Some illegal software might have malware embedded directly into the installer. Therefore, you should download only legitimate applications.
Never attempt to eliminate HrHr ransomware manually
Security experts[3] warn that ransomware is a particularly dangerous attack which corrupts system files. Thus, we do not advise you to remove HrHr virus manually as the procedure is exceedingly complicated (you might damage system files in the process and break the whole system). You should always choose professional software which was designed to deal with most persistent viruses.
Therefore, we suggest you pick FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes for HrHr ransomware removal. Do not forget that the virus might prevent anti-malware software from being started. Hence, you should reboot your PC in Safe Mode with Networking and start the program from there.
Compatible with Microsoft Windows
Compatible with macOS
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.
HrHr ransomware might block your security software from starting. Thus, you should restart your PC and enable Safe Mode with Networking.
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
Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
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.
Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
Click Restart now.
Select Troubleshoot.
Go to Advanced options.
Select Startup Settings.
Press Restart.
Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
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:
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
Click on More details.
Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
Right-click and select Open file location.
Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
Go to Startup tab.
Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
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:
Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
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).
Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files Downloads Recycle Bin Temporary files
Pick Clean up system files.
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 HrHr using System Restore
If the above-mentioned does not work, you can try System Restore function:
Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt Windows 7 / Vista / XP
Click Start→Shutdown→Restart→OK.
When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8
Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
Now select Troubleshoot→Advanced options→Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of HrHr. After doing that, click Next.
Now click Yes to start system restore.
Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with FortectIntego and make sure that HrHr removal is performed successfully.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove HrHr from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.
Never pay ransom to attackers as you might end up without your files AND money. Instead, we recommend trying these alternative methods, which might be able to help you with data recovery.
If your files are encrypted by HrHr, you can use several methods to restore them:
Data Recovery Pro is a professional software which was created to restore corrupted files. In some cases, it might be useful while trying to recover files affected by ransomware.
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.
HrHr decryptor is not available yet
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from HrHr and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.
Alice Woods
- Likes to teach users about virus prevention
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