Hgkd – Ransomware
Hgkd is a harmful software application working as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the widely known virus researcher, very first found this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Hgkd was created for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Rationally, as soon as the file encryption is successfully accomplished, the users are not able to get access to them. Hgkd ransomware includes its own “.hgkd” to all the encrypted files. For example, the file “price_list.xls”, when modified by Hgkd, will be entitled as “price_list.xls.hgkd”. Once the file encryption is achieved, Hgkd puts its own distinct text file (_readme.txt) into all the folders that store the encrypted files.
The alert mentioned by _readme.txt asking for the random os very comparable to the notices given by other ransomware threats coming from the DJVU family. The caution essentially indicates that the data has been encrypted and the only option to get access to it is to use a distinct standalone key. Regretfully, this statement is definitely true.
The technique to secure the files utilized by Hgkd is not completely looked into. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that each computer owner may be issued an unique decryption key, which is definitely unique. It is extremely difficult to recover the information without the appropriate type in place.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from _readme.txt message:
One more peculiarity of the Hgkd ransomware is that the users are not able to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on an unique server under the total control by the scoundrels who have actually launched the Hgkd ransomware into the internet. In order to acquire the key and restore the important information, the users are told to connect with the frauds through email or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the quantity of $980.
The message likewise says that individuals need to contact the Hgkd authors within 72 hours upon the minute of the information file encryption. The alert indicates that by doing so individuals will obtain a 50% discount, for that reason, the ransom quantity drops down to $490.
Hgkd modified your files, however, it might not be the only risk on your computer. Plus, the ransomware may be hidden deep in the system. To discover and delete the threat entirely, we suggest you to refer to the aid of GridinSoft Anti-Malware app.
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No matter what the amount of the ransom is, we highly advise that you do not pay the ransom. There is no guarantee that these online scoundrels will keep their guarantees, so they might not care at all what the victims feel about the file encryption, even when the amount of the ransom is gotten into their accounts. For this reason, paying ransom typically does not lead to a successful recovery. So, the users might simply lose their money for nothing.
Likewise, we advise you not to get in touch with the scams as they instruct. Do not transfer money into their wallets. There are no applications that might crack the Hgkd virus or restore the data at no cost. Therefore, the only appropriate decision is to bring back the data from possible backups (if readily available).
Virus Summary
| Name | Hgkd Ransomware |
| File Extension | hgkd |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Family | DJVU |
| Short Description | The 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. |
| Symptoms | File 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 .hgkd extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Lokas, Besub, Nusar |
| Hgkd Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
| Hgkd Decryption Tool | Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor |
Do not forget that the Internet is now filled with infections comparable to the Hgkd virus. For example, this specific danger is generally identical to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These damaging energies have been established in order to encrypt the essential data and reveal the need for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections use the similar algorithm to generate the specific key for effective files decryption.
Unless the Hgkd ransomware is still under the advancement procedure or has got some concealed bugs, it is not possible to bring back the information manually. Thus, the only working option to avoid the loss of your important information is to frequently keep up-to-date backups of all your important data.
Another crucial piece of advice is to keep the backups on unique storage not connected to your primary device. For example, you may store it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external hard disk, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your regular drive is really risky, since the backup may also be secured by the Hgkd virus.
Leaks for the Hgkd ransomware attack.
Hgkd uses lots of paths to infiltrate the susceptible computer systems. It is not particular what particular technique was utilized in your case, however, the intrusion might happen by means of the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, mainly freeware;
- spam e-mails from the unknown senders;
- sites supplying complimentary hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent downloads.
There are times when the Hgkd virus may camouflage itself as some genuine application, for instance, through the misleading notifies requiring setup of some software upgrade. This is the most typical trick utilized by the scams to inject the Hgkd ransomware files into the system. This way users partly participate in its installation, without plainly comprehending the risk.
In addition, the frauds may send unsolicited spam email with difficult notifies motivating the people to open suspicious accessories or click some download links, for example, those encouraging the people to open certain images, text files, tax files and other info.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking the destructive links might basically harm the system. Fake Acrobat Reader upgrade alerts may result in the Hgkd ransomware infiltration. Similarly, downloading the cracked software application may furthermore consist of the ransomware installer. The last but not the least, setup of Hgkd might happen through some Trojan horses that may be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct permission and even approval.
Preventing the Hgkd virus attack.
Obviously, there is no outright assurance that your computer will be constantly without any malware attacks, however, we wish to share some helpful pointers with you to make it much safer. Make sure to pay really close attention while browsing the web and specifically while getting cost-free programs. Do not open any suspicious e-mail attachments, specifically if the sender is not known to you.
Do not forget that particular freeware installer may also contain some other extra apps in the bundle. These additional applications might be very destructive. It is of utmost importance to keep your anti-virus software application and your operating system in general to be always correctly updated.
It is rather logical that downloading pirated software is illegal, however, in addition, such unapproved programs usage might likewise bring severe damage to your system. For this reason, do not download any broken programs. Plus, the fact that your current anti-virus did not safeguard the system from the Hgkd ransomware is a good reason for you to reassess your options and switch to another program that can render the protecting functions on a far better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Hgkd 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 “.hgkd” extension added by the ransomware:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Hgkd ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:
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.
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.
3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.
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.
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.
Use Emsisoft Decryptor for restore hgkd files
You can get Emsisoft Decryptor by clicking the button below:
- Run the decryptor as an administrator. The license terms will show up, which you have to agree to by clicking the “Yes” button.
- Once the license terms are accepted, the primary decryptor user interface opens.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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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