Hkgt Virus Ransomware
Hkgt is a destructive software application working as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the widely known virus researcher, first discovered this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Hkgt was created for the sole purpose to encrypt all popular file types. Rationally, as quickly as the encryption is successfully achieved, the users are not able to get access to them. Hkgt ransomware adds its own “.hkgt” to all the encrypted files. For example, the file “price_list.xls”, as soon as crypted by Hkgt, will be titled as “price_list.xls.hkgt”. When the file encryption is achieved, Hkgt puts its own distinct text file (_readme.txt) into all the folders that store the encrypted files.
The message mentioned by _readme.txt asking for the random os very comparable to the alerts provided by other ransomware risks coming from the DJVU family. The caution generally shows that the data has been encrypted and the only service to get access to it is to use a distinct standalone key. Regretfully, this declaration is definitely real.
The approach to encrypt the files used by Hkgt is not completely investigated. However, there is no doubt that each computer owner may be issued an unique decryption key, which is definitely special. It is extremely difficult to recover the data without the appropriate type in place.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from _readme.txt message:
One more peculiarity of the Hkgt 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 crooks who have launched the Hkgt virus into the web. In order to get the key and restore the essential data, the users are told to contact the scams by means of e-mail or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the amount of $980.
The message likewise says that individuals must get in touch with the Hkgt authors within 72 hours upon the moment of the data file encryption. The alert suggests that by doing so individuals will get a 50% discount rate, therefore, the ransom quantity falls to $490.
Hkgt crypted your data, nevertheless, it might not be the only threat on your PC. Plus, the ransomware might be hidden deep in the system. To find and delete the threat completely, we suggest you to refer to the help 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 crooks 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 an effective healing. So, the users might merely lose their money for nothing.
Similarly, we advise you not to get in touch with the frauds as they advise. Do not move money into their wallets. There are no applications that could split the Hkgt virus or bring back the data at no cost. For that reason, the only appropriate choice is to restore the information from possible backups (if offered).
Virus Summary
| Name | Hkgt Ransomware |
| File Extension | hkgt |
| 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 .hkgt extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Lokas, Besub, Nusar |
| Hkgt Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
| Hkgt Decryption Tool | Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor |
Do not forget that the Web is now full of infections comparable to the Hkgt ransomware. For instance, this specific threat is essentially similar to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These damaging energies have actually 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 identical algorithm to create the specific key for effective files decryption.
Unless the Hkgt ransomware is still under the development process or has got some concealed bugs, it is not possible to bring back the information by hand. Therefore, the only working solution to avoid the loss of your important data is to frequently keep up-to-date backups of all your important data.
Another crucial piece of recommendations is to store the backups on unique storage not connected to your primary PC. For example, you may save it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external disk drive, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your routine drive is really dangerous, given that the backup may also be encrypted by the Hkgt infection.
Leakages for the Hkgt ransomware attack.
Hkgt uses lots of courses to infiltrate the vulnerable computers. It is not specific what particular technique was used in your case, however, the invasion might happen by means of the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, mainly freeware;
- spam emails from the unidentified senders;
- sites supplying complimentary hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent software.
There are times when the Hkgt ransomware might camouflage itself as some authentic application, for instance, through the deceptive informs requiring setup of some software upgrade. This is the most typical technique utilized by the frauds to inject the Hkgt infection files into the system. In this manner users partially participate in its setup, without clearly comprehending the threat.
Furthermore, the frauds may send out unsolicited spam e-mail with tricky alerts encouraging individuals to open suspicious accessories or click some download links, for example, those motivating individuals to open particular photos, text files, tax documents and other information.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking the harmful links may basically harm the system. Fake Acrobat Reader update alerts may lead to the Hkgt ransomware infiltration. Likewise, downloading the cracked software application might furthermore contain the ransomware installer. The last but not the least, setup of Hkgt might occur through some Trojan horses that might be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct permission or even approval.
Preventing the Hkgt ransomware injection.
Obviously, there is no absolute assurance that your computer will be always free of any malware attacks, nevertheless, we wish to share some helpful ideas with you to make it safer. Ensure to pay very close attention while searching the web and specifically while getting cost-free programs. Do not open any dubious e-mail attachments, especially 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 may be extremely harmful. It is of utmost importance to keep your anti-virus software application and your os in general to be constantly properly upgraded.
It is rather rational that downloading cracked software is illegal, however, additionally, such unauthorized software use may likewise bring major damage to your computer. Hence, do not download any broken programs. Plus, the truth that your current anti-virus did not safeguard the system from the Hkgt ransomware is a good reason for you to reconsider your options and change to another program that can render the safeguarding functions on a much better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Hkgt 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 “.hkgt” extension added by the virus:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Hkgt ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can get 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 hkgt files
You can download 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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