Hudf ransomware (virus) - Decryption Steps Included
Hudf virus Removal Guide
What is Hudf ransomware?
Hudf virus is the ransomware that encodes files that later can be tracked with .hudf appendix
Hudf file virus is the ransom demanding threat developed by criminals motivated by money. Gathering information about the machine and file encryption with army-grade algorithm stars immediately after the infection. However, infiltration is not immediately noticed by the victim, in most cases, because the main methods used for distribution include spam emails, pirating platforms, and other methods allowing the malicious files to silently spread the malware payload.
Virus developers can use various vulnerabilities to deploy malware.[1] There are many issues that can be triggered by the ransomware, in addition, to file locking, but the main issue is the encoded data that is marked with the unique file marker.
The _readme.txt file appears on the desktop and in other folders with particular encrypted files, so the victim can know what happened and what to do next. However, the only solution that criminals claim there is cannot help you. Paying the $980 in Bitcoin that virus developers demand does not guarantee full file recovery. The ransom note is created to encourage people, so payments can be made and criminals make their fortune.
The ransom note file _readme.txt from Hudf ransomware virus developers reads:
ATTENTION!
Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like pictures, 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:
hxxps://we.tl/t-NONb1QT9nD
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:
manager@mailtemp.chReserve e-mail address to contact us:
helprestoremanager@airmail.ccYour personal ID:
Cybercriminals might not keep their promises, resulting in financial losses or permanent damage to your data. This is why experts[2] recommend NOT paying the ransom and instead finding a way to remove the malware yourself, recovering files from the backup, or through alternative methods for data recovery!
More about the infection and its developers
The Hudf virus is demanding payment for a decryption key, but there are some conditions first. First, you must initiate contact with criminals via emails manager@mailtemp.ch, helprestoremanager@airmail.cc, and make sure to provide your ID, so the attackers can identify your files and machine. However, this communication can lead to other issues with the machine if the additional malware is sent instead of the decryption tool.
| Name | Hudf virus |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware, file-locking threat, cryptocurrency extortionist |
| Family | STOP virus/ Djvu ransomware |
| File extension | .hudf appears at the end of every encrypted file |
| Distribution | Files with the virus payload get attached to the email or pirating software packages |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom amount | First 72 hours – $490, then it doubles to $980 |
| Contact information | manager@mailtemp.ch, helprestoremanager@airmail.cc |
| Elimination | Antivirus tools are required because the active virus can cause major issues with the system. Anti-malware tools are based on detection[3] that ensures proper removal |
| Repair | Recovering the system and its functions can be crucial here, so rely on FortectIntego for the virus damage repair |
The cryptovirus is malware from a family known as Djvu ransomware that has been active since 2018. Developers do release new versions weekly to this day, with the latest one being released just days ago. In their ransom note that hasn't been altered for years, criminals claim to offer a discount of 50%, so people are more eager to pay up. This is never a good idea.
If your computer got infected with one of the Djvu variants, you should try using Emsisoft decryptor for Djvu/STOP. It is important to mention that this tool will not work for everyone – it only works if data was locked with an offline ID due to malware failing to communicate with its remote servers.
Even if your case meets this condition, somebody from the victims has to pay criminals, retrieve an offline key, and then share it with security researchers at Emsisoft. As a result, you might not be able to restore the encrypted files immediately. Thus, if the decryptor says your data was locked with an offline ID but cannot be recovered currently, you should try later. You also need to upload a set of files – one encrypted and a healthy one to the company's servers before you proceed.
- Download the app from the official Emsisoft website.
- After pressing Download button, a small pop-up at the bottom, titled decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe should show up – click it.
![Hudf ransomware]( "Hudf ransomware")
- If User Account Control (UAC) message shows up, press Yes.
- Agree to License Terms by pressing Yes.
![Hudf ransomware]( "Hudf ransomware")
- After Disclaimer shows up, press OK.
- The tool should automatically populate the affected folders, although you can also do it by pressing Add folder at the bottom.
![Hudf ransomware]( "Hudf ransomware")
- Press Decrypt.
![Hudf ransomware]( "Hudf ransomware")
From here, there are three available outcomes:
- “Decrypted!” will be shown under files that were decrypted successfully – they are now usable again.
- “Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID:” means that the keys for this version of the virus have not yet been retrieved, so you should try later.
- “This ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible” – you are unable to decrypt files with this tool.
Removing the Hudf ransomware virus
Hudf ransomware is a virus that attacks Windows computers by using various infiltration methods. The most common for this family are related to pirating platforms and files with malicious code, but some versions also have been spotted using spam email attachments. The method where malware tries to get downloaded onto your machine when the attachments are opened. It's always advised by experts who advise staying away from opening any kind of attachment if possible!
The removal is best when performed using proper detection-based tools like anti-malware tools. Antivirus programs can properly scan the machine and find all possible malware files, but they are not able to repair any damaged system files or unlock encrypted data. So do not treat the virus termination as file decryption.
You should use SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes for the proper system check during which virus-related files get detected and removed from the system. All files and programs potentially posing risk to the machine can be detected and terminated, so the computer is no longer infected. If you skip this process, Hudf ransomware can damage the remaining files and encrypt any newly added data.
Once a computer is infected with malware, its system is changed to operate differently. For example, an infection can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software is not capable of doing anything about it, leaving it just the way it is. Consequently, users might experience performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a full Windows reinstallation is required.
Therefore, we highly recommend using a one-of-a-kind, patented technology of FortectIntego repair. Not only can it fix virus damage after the infection, but it is also capable of removing malware that has already broken into the system thanks to several engines used by the program. Besides, the application is also capable of fixing various Windows-related issues that are not caused by malware infections, for example, Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc.
- Download the application by clicking on the link above
- Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
- If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
- Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
- The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
- Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
- You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
- If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.
![Reimage results]( "Reimage results")
By employing FortectIntego, you would not have to worry about future computer issues, as most of them could be fixed quickly by performing a full system scan at any time. Most importantly, you could avoid the tedious process of Windows reinstallation in case things go very wrong due to one reason or another.
Options for file recovery
Hudf virus is a scary thing to think about, but there are ways you can protect yourself. When your computer gets infected with ransomware and ransom note keeps popping up on every reboot, the machine is no longer useful. Ransomware is just one more piece in an intricate scam created by cybercriminals who want nothing more than financial gain at whatever expense necessary
Money is the only goal of these people, and nothing else is important to them, including your belongings! So make sure to get those threats removed before they wreak havoc internally while also sabotaging any chance at the recovery of these encrypted files.
The first step in the process of file recovery requires that you have access to an internet connection. The second requirement is having software capable of accessing those affected files on your computer or mobile device with proper permissions.
Another option could include tools or features provided by the operating system. However, Hudf ransomware as any other cryptovirus is capable of disabling some of the functions, so these recovery options are affected. You might need to repair those issues and then try to restore files encoded by the ransomware.
Since many users do not prepare proper data backups prior to being attacked by ransomware, they might often lose access to their files permanently. Paying criminals is also very risky, as they might not fulfill the promises and never send back the required decryption tool.
While this might sound terrible, not all is lost – data recovery software might be able to help you in some situations (it highly depends on the encryption algorithm used, whether ransomware managed to complete the programmed tasks, etc.). Since there are thousands of different ransomware strains, it is immediately impossible to tell whether third-party software will work for you.
Therefore, we suggest trying regardless of which ransomware attacked your computer. Before you begin, several pointers are important while dealing with this situation:
- Since the encrypted data on your computer might permanently be damaged by security or data recovery software, you should first make backups of it – use a USB flash drive or another storage.
- Only attempt to recover your files using this method after you perform a scan with anti-malware software.
Install data recovery software
- Download Data Recovery Pro.
- Double-click the installer to launch it.
- Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
![Install program]( "Install program")
- As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
- Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
![Select what to recover]( "Select what to recover")
- Press Next.
- At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
![Select Deep scan]( "Select Deep scan")
- Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
![Scan]( "Scan")
- You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
- Press Recover to retrieve your files.
Unfortunately, it may be difficult to remove the Hudf file virus. This could be because your settings or programs were altered by the ransomware so that you cannot use security features related to anti-malware tools such as firewall protection or shadow explorer anymore.
There are two ways you can go about removing this type of malware: one is with SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes, or a different anti-malware tool that has been designed specifically for Windows machine scans. This way you can locate and eliminate any trojans, malware, worms besides the main Hudf ransomware. The anti-virus tool is the best solution, but you should note that other damage can still cause issues. Run FortectIntego to take care of that.
Getting rid of Hudf virus. Follow these steps
Important steps to take before you begin malware removal
File encryption and ransomware infection are two independent processes (although the latter would not be possible without the former). However, it is important to understand that malware performs various changes within a Windows operating system, fundamentally changing the way it works.
IMPORTANT for those without backups! →
If you attempt to use security or recovery software immediately, you might permanently damage your files, and even a working decryptor then would not be able to save them.
Before you proceed with the removal instructions below, you should copy the encrypted files onto a separate medium, such as USB flash drive or SSD, and then disconnect them from your computer. Encrypted data does not hold any malicious code, so it is safe to transfer to other devices.
The instructions below might initially seem overwhelming and complicated, but they are not difficult to understand as long as you follow each step in the appropriate order. This comprehensive free guide will help you to handle the malware removal and data recovery process correctly.
If you have any questions, comments, or are having troubles with following the instructions, please do not hesitate to contact us via the Ask Us section.
IMPORTANT! →
It is vital to eliminate malware infection from the computer fully before starting the data recovery process, otherwise ransomware might re-encrypt retrieved files from backups repeatedly.
Restore Windows "hosts" file to its original state
Some ransomware might modify Windows hosts file in order to prevent users from accessing certain websites online. For example, Djvu ransomware variants add dozens of entries containing URLs of security-related websites, such as 2-spyware.com. Each of the entries means that users will not be able to access the listed web addresses and will receive an error instead.
Here's an example of “hosts” file entries that were injected by ransomware:
In order to restore your ability to access all websites without restrictions, you should either delete the file (Windows will automatically recreate it) or remove all the malware-created entries. If you have never touched the “hosts” file before, you should simply delete it by marking it and pressing Shift + Del on your keyboard. For that, navigate to the following location:
C:\\Windows\\System32\\drivers\\etc\\
Create data backups to avoid file loss in the future
One of the many countermeasures for home users against ransomware is data backups. Even if your Windows get corrupted, you can reinstall everything from scratch and retrieve files from backups with minimal losses overall. Most importantly, you would not have to pay cybercriminals and risk your money as well.
Therefore, if you have already dealt with a ransomware attack, we strongly advise you to prepare backups for future use. There are two options available to you:
- Backup on a physical external drive, such as a USB flash drive or external HDD.
- Use cloud storage services.
The first method is not that convenient, however, as backups need to constantly be updated manually – although it is very reliable. Therefore, we highly advise choosing cloud storage instead – it is easy to set up and efficient to sustain. The problem with it is that storage space is limited unless you want to pay for the subscription.
Using Microsoft OneDrive
OneDrive is a built-in tool that comes with every modern Windows version. By default, you get 5 GB of storage that you can use for free. You can increase that storage space, but for a price. Here's how to setup backups for OneDrive:
- Click on the OneDrive icon within your system tray.
- Select Help & Settings > Settings.
- If you don't see your email under the Account tab, you should click Add an account and proceed with the on-screen instructions to set yourself up.
- Once done, move to the Backup tab and click Manage backup.
- Select Desktop, Documents, and Pictures, or a combination of whichever folders you want to backup.
- Press Start backup.
After this, all the files that are imported into the above-mentioned folders will be automatically backed for you. If you want to add other folders or files, you have to do that manually. For that, open File Explorer by pressing Win + E on your keyboard, and then click on the OneDrive icon. You should drag and drop folders you want to backup (or you can use Copy/Paste as well).
Using Google Drive
Google Drive is another great solution for free backups. The good news is that you get as much as 15GB for free by choosing this storage. There are also paid versions available, with significantly more storage to choose from.
You can access Google Drive via the web browser or use a desktop app you can download on the official website. If you want your files to be synced automatically, you will have to download the app, however.
- Download the Google Drive app installer and click on it.
- Wait a few seconds for it to be installed.
- Now click the arrow within your system tray – you should see Google Drive icon there, click it once.
- Click Get Started.
- Enter all the required information – your email/phone, and password.
- Now pick what you want to sync and backup. You can click on Choose Folder to add additional folders to the list.
- Once done, pick Next.
- Now you can select to sync items to be visible on your computer.
- Finally, press Start and wait till the sync is complete. Your files are now being backed up.
Manual removal using Safe Mode
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.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Hudf and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
If this free guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be appreciated.
- ^ Kyle Alspach. Microsoft confirms new ransomware family deployed via Log4j vulnerability. Venturebeat.Knowledge on digital security.
- ^ Virusai. Virusai. Spyware related news.
- ^ Virus detection rate. VirusTotal. Online malware scanner.