RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove Hard Virus (.hard Files Ransomware)

Hard Virus – Details

The Hard mean a ransomware-type infection. Hard was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. Hard adds the “.hard” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, once encrypted by Hard, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.hard“. As quickly as the encryption is finished, Hard places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Hard text file asking for the ransom is absolutely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives. It literally discusses that the information is encrypted which the only way to restore it is to use a a special decryption key. Sadly, this is definitely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism used by Hard is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is absolutely certain that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is totally unique. It is difficult to bring back the files without the key available.

Another trick of Hard is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is saved on a particular server run by the frauds connected with Hard ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people need to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, regardless of the requested quantity, people should stay away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to totally disregard what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom normally does not give any positive result and people simply lose their money for nothing.

We strongly encourage that you do not contact these crooks and absolutely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack Hard ransomware and to recover the information data for free. Therefore, the just right decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameHard Ransomware
File Extension.hard
TypeRansomware
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 and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special hard extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to Hard ransomware. Harmful programs of such kind are usually elaborated to encrypt important information and to set forth the need before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to create the unique decryption key for data decryption.

Hence, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is merely not feasible. The only method to avoid the loss of your important information is to routinely create backups of your important information.

Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they should be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the USB Memory Stick or external hard disk for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you keep your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted along with other files, so it’s certainly not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my PC?

There are a number of ways used by online scams to distribute Hard virus. Despite the fact that it is uncertain how exactly Hard injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

  • integration with third-party apps, especially freeware;
  • spam e-mails from unidentified senders;
  • sites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Often Hard ransomware might be presented as some genuine software application, for instance, in the pop-ups instructing users to carry out some essential software updates. This is the typical technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing Hard infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals might describe different e-mail spam techniques to inject destructive codes into copmuter. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some video, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may seriously damage the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade alerts may result in Hard ransom injection. As for the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise consist of malicious codes causing Hard secret installation. Lastly, injection of Hard may take place by methods of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and set up destructive utilities without the user’s authorization.

Is there any way to avoid the injection of Hard ransomware?

Although there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we want to share with with you. Firstly, be really cautious when you browse the web and particularly while downloading complimentary programs. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Bear in mind that some freeware installers may contain other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be malicious. Make certain that your current antivirus software and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is illegal and may result in essential damage to be produced your PC. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and possibly change to another security solution that can render better services of defending your system.

Below please find the quotation from the Hard text file:

Your files are secured...    
Contact emails:  harditem@firemail.cc  and  harditem@hitler.rocks (spare) or jabber harditem@xmpp.jp     
Send me your ID in the first email to all specified addresses     
Key Identifier:
-

Screenshot of files with “.hard” extension added by the ransomware:
Hard Ransomware - encrypt files with .hard extension

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

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download 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

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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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