Djvu VirusRansomwareRemoval Guide

Hgfu Virus Removal Guide (+Decrypt .hgfu files)

Hgfu Virus – Details

Hgfu is a destructive software working as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the widely known malware researcher, very first found this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.

Hgfu was developed for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Rationally, as quickly as the encryption is effectively achieved, the users are unable to get access to them. Hgfu virus includes its own “.hgfu” to all the encrypted files. For example, the file “price_list.xls”, as soon as crypted by Hgfu, will be titled as “price_list.xls.hgfu”. When the file encryption is achieved, Hgfu puts its own unique text file (_readme.txt) into all the folders that save the encrypted files.

The message specified by document requesting the random os really similar to the notifications provided by other ransomware threats belonging to the DJVU family. The warning generally indicates that the information has been encrypted and the only solution to get access to it is to use a special standalone key. Regretfully, this statement is definitely real.

The approach to secure the files used by Hgfu is not totally looked into. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that each computer system owner might be released an unique decryption key, which is definitely distinct. It is incredibly tough to recover the data without the proper type in location.

“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from _readme.txt message:

Don't worry, you can return all your files! virus

One more peculiarity of the Hgfu infection is that the users are unable to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on an unique server under the complete control by the criminals who have actually released the Hgfu ransomware into the web. In order to obtain the key and bring back the essential data, the users are informed to contact the scams via e-mail or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the amount of $980.

The message likewise states that the people should call the Hgfu authors within 72 hours upon the moment of the information file encryption. The alert indicates that by doing so individuals will obtain a 50% discount, therefore, the ransom amount falls to $490.

No matter what the amount of the ransom is, we strongly encourage that you do not pay the ransom. There is no assurance that these online crooks will keep their pledges, so they might not care at all what the victims feel about the file encryption, even when the amount of the ransom is received into their accounts. For this reason, paying ransom frequently does not result in a successful healing. So, the users may merely lose their money for absolutely nothing.

Similarly, we prompt you not to contact the scams as they instruct. Do not transfer money into their wallets. There are no applications that might split the Hgfu ransomware or bring back the data at no cost. Therefore, the only appropriate choice is to restore the data from possible backups (if readily available).

Virus Summary

NameHgfu Ransomware
File Extensionhgfu
TypeRansomware
FamilyDJVU
Short DescriptionThe ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files.
SymptomsFile encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES-256 algorithm (CFB mode) encryption algorithm. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special .hgfu extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodAdware bundles and software cracks
Similar InfectionsLokas, Besub, Nusar
Hgfu Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware
Hgfu Decryption Tool   Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor

Do not forget that the Internet is now loaded with infections comparable to the Hgfu ransomware. For instance, this particular threat is essentially similar to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These damaging utilities have actually been developed in order to secure the important information and reveal the need for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the identical algorithm to produce the specific key for effective data decryption.

Unless the Hgfu ransomware is still under the development process or has actually got some concealed bugs, it is not possible to bring back the information by hand. Thus, the only working service to prevent the loss of your crucial data is to routinely maintain current backups of all your crucial data.

Another essential piece of recommendations is to save the backups on unique storage not linked to your primary PC. For example, you might keep it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external drive, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your routine drive is very risky, considering that the backup may also be encrypted by the Hgfu ransomware.

Leakages for the Hgfu ransomware attack.

Hgfu uses numerous courses to infiltrate the susceptible computers. It is not certain what particular method was used in your case, nevertheless, the invasion might happen by means of the following channels:

  • bundling with third-party programs, primarily free software;
  • spam emails from the unknown senders;
  • websites supplying complimentary hosting;
  • P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent downloads.

There are times when the Hgfu ransomware might camouflage itself as some authentic application, for instance, through the deceptive informs demanding installation of some software update. This is the most common technique utilized by the scams to inject the Hgfu infection files into the system. This way users partly take part in its setup, without plainly understanding the danger.

Furthermore, the scams might send unsolicited spam email with tricky signals encouraging the people to open suspicious accessories or click some download links, for example, those motivating individuals to open particular images, text files, tax files and other info.

No doubt, opening these files or clicking on the harmful links may essentially damage the system. Fake Media Player upgrade alerts may result in the Hgfu ransomware infiltration. Likewise, downloading the cracked software application may in addition contain the ransomware installer. The last however not the least, installation of Hgfu may occur through some Trojan horses that might be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct consent or perhaps consent.

Preventing the Hgfu ransomware injection.

Of course, there is no absolute warranty that your computer system will be always free of any malware attacks, nevertheless, we want to share some useful pointers with you to make it much safer. Make sure to pay really close attention while browsing the web and particularly while downloading cost-free programs. Do not open any suspicious email accessories, particularly if the sender is not known to you.

Do not forget that certain freeware installer might also contain some other extra apps in the bundle. These extra applications might be very destructive. It is of utmost value to keep your anti-virus software and your operating system in general to be always correctly upgraded.

It is quite rational that downloading pirated apps is illegal, however, in addition, such unauthorized software application usage may also bring major damage to your computer. Hence, do not download any broken programs. Plus, the reality that your existing anti-virus did not secure the system from the Hgfu ransomware is a good factor for you to reassess your choices and switch to another program that can render the protecting functions on a far better level.

Below please find the quotation from the Hgfu text file:

ATTENTION!

 Don't worry, 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-2P5WrE5b9f
 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:
 restorealldata@firemail.cc

 Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
 gorentos@bitmessage.ch

 Our Telegram account:
 @datarestore

Screenshot of files with “.hgfu” extension added by the virus:”

Hgfu Ransomware - encrypt files with .hgfu extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Hgfu ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can get GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

2. Double-click on the setup file.

When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware
An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Setup

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Install

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware  Start

4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan

5. Click on “Clean Now”.

When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan Result

Use Emsisoft Decryptor for restore hgfu files

You can get Emsisoft Decryptor by clicking the button below:

  Emsisoft Decryptor

  1. Run the decryptor as an administrator. The license terms will show up, which you have to agree to by clicking the “Yes” button.
  2. Once the license terms are accepted, the primary decryptor user interface opens.
  3. By default, the decryptor will pre-populate the locations to decrypt with the currently connected drives and network drives. Additional locations can be added using the Add” button.
  4. Decryptors typically offer various options depending on the particular malware family. The available options are located in the Options tab and can be enabled or disabled there. You can find a detailed list of the available Options below.
  5. After you have added all the locations you want to decrypt to the list, click the “Decrypt” button to start the decryption process. The screen will switch to a status view, informing you about the current process and decryption status of your files
  6. The decryptor will inform you once the decryption process is finished. If you require the report for your personal records, you can save it by clicking the “Save log” button. You can also copy it straight to your clipboard to paste it into emails or forum posts if you are asked to.
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Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann has been writing on security and malware subjects for many years and has been working in the security industry for over 10 years. Daniel was educated at the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany and currently lives in New York.

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