Hhoo – General Info
Hhoo is a malicious software application working as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the well-known malware researcher, very first found this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Hhoo was developed for the sole purpose to encrypt all popular file types. Rationally, as soon as the file encryption is effectively achieved, the users are not able to get access to them. Hhoo ransomware includes its own “.hhoo” to all the encrypted files. For example, the file “price_list.xls”, as soon as modified by Hhoo, will be entitled as “price_list.xls.hhoo”. As soon as the file encryption is achieved, Hhoo puts its own special text file (_readme.txt) into all the folders that save the encrypted files.
The message mentioned by text file requesting for the random os really comparable to the notices given by other ransomware dangers coming from the DJVU family. The caution essentially indicates that the files have been encrypted and the only solution to get access to it is to use a distinct standalone key. Regretfully, this statement is absolutely true.
The approach to encrypt the files utilized by Hhoo is not completely investigated. However, there is no doubt that each computer owner may be issued a special decryption key, which is definitely special. It is extremely hard to recuperate the data without the suitable key in location.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from _readme.txt message:
One more peculiarity of the Hhoo 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 complete control by the scoundrels who have actually launched the Hhoo infection into the web. In order to obtain the key and restore the important information, the users are informed to contact the frauds through email or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the quantity of $980.
The message also says that individuals need to get in touch with the Hhoo authors within 72 hours upon the moment of the information encryption. The alert indicates that by doing so the people will acquire a 50% discount rate, therefore, the ransom amount falls to $490.
Hhoo modified your information, however, it might not be the only hazard on your PC. Plus, the ransomware may be hidden deep in the system. To find and delete the hazard totally, we suggest you to refer to the aid of GridinSoft Anti-Malware tool.
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No matter what the amount of the ransom is, we highly recommend that you do not pay the ransom. There is no assurance that these online criminals will keep their promises, so they might not care at all what the victims feel about the file encryption, even when the quantity of the ransom is gotten into their accounts. For this reason, paying ransom frequently does not lead to a successful healing. So, the users may simply lose their money for absolutely nothing.
Likewise, we advise you not to call the frauds as they advise. Do not move loan into their wallets. There are no applications that could break the Hhoo virus or bring back the information at no charge. For that reason, the only correct decision is to restore the data from possible backups (if readily available).
Virus Summary
| Name | Hhoo Ransomware |
| File Extension | hhoo |
| 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 .hhoo extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Lokas, Besub, Nusar |
| Hhoo Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
| Hhoo Decryption Tool | Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor |
Do not forget that the Web is now loaded with infections comparable to the Hhoo virus. For instance, this particular hazard is essentially similar to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These harmful utilities have actually been developed in order to encrypt the essential information and express the need for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections use the similar algorithm to produce the particular key for effective data decryption.
Unless the Hhoo ransomware is still under the development procedure or has actually got some concealed bugs, it is not possible to bring back the data by hand. Therefore, the only working option to prevent the loss of your essential data is to frequently preserve up-to-date backups of all your important files.
Another important piece of advice is to keep the backups on unique storage not connected to your main device. For instance, you might store it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external disk drive, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your regular drive is extremely dangerous, considering that the backup may also be secured by the Hhoo infection.
Leakages for the Hhoo ransomware attack.
Hhoo utilizes numerous paths to infiltrate the vulnerable computers. It is not particular what particular technique was utilized in your case, however, the intrusion may happen through the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, mainly free apps;
- spam e-mails from the unknown senders;
- sites providing complimentary hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent downloads.
There are times when the Hhoo might disguise itself as some authentic application, for instance, through the deceptive signals requiring setup of some software update. This is the most typical trick used by the scams to inject the Hhoo ransomware files into the system. This way users partially take part in its installation, without clearly understanding the threat.
In addition, the frauds might send out unsolicited spam email with challenging informs motivating individuals to open suspicious accessories or click some download links, for example, those encouraging individuals to open certain photos, text files, tax files and other information.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking on the destructive links may basically damage the system. Fake Media Player upgrade notifications may lead to the Hhoo ransomware infiltration. Similarly, downloading the broken software application might additionally include the ransomware installer. The last but not the least, setup of Hhoo might take place through some Trojan horses that may be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct approval or even permission.
Avoiding the Hhoo ransomware attack.
Obviously, there is no absolute guarantee that your computer will be always free of any malware attacks, nevertheless, we want to share some helpful suggestions with you to make it more secure. Ensure to pay really close attention while searching the web and especially while getting cost-free programs. Do not open any suspicious e-mail accessories, specifically if the sender is not known to you.
Do not forget that particular freeware installer may likewise include some other additional apps in the bundle. These extra applications might be very destructive. It is of utmost significance to keep your anti-virus software application and your operating system in general to be always correctly updated.
It is quite logical that downloading pirated software is illegal, however, furthermore, such unauthorized software application use may also bring major damage to your computer. For this reason, do not download any broken programs. Plus, the reality that your present anti-virus did not secure the system from the Hhoo ransomware is a great factor 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 Hhoo 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 “.hhoo” extension added by the ransomware:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Hhoo 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 hhoo 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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