RansomwareRemoval Guide

HCEEM Virus Removal Guide (+Decode .hceem files) – Snatch Ransomware

HCEEM Virus Ransomware

The HCEEM stands for a ransomware-type infection. The infection comes from the Snatch ransomware family. HCEEM was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. HCEEM adds the “.hceem” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, once encrypted by HCEEM, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.hceem“. As quickly as the encryption is completed, HCEEM places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by HCEEM text file requesting for the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives belonging to the Snatch type. It literally discusses that the info is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a a special decryption key. Unfortunately, this is definitely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism applied by HCEEM is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is definitely specific that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is totally unique. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.

Another trick of HCEEM is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is stored on a specific server run by the frauds related to HCEEM ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people need to pay the ransom.

However, regardless of the requested quantity, people should keep away from paying the ransom virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to totally ignore what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom normally does not give any positive outcome and people just lose their money for nothing.

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

Virus Summary

NameHCEEM Ransomware
File Extension.hceem
TypeRansomware
FamilySnatch
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 hceem extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to HCEEM ransomware. Destructive programs of such kind are generally elaborated to encrypt essential information and to set forth the demand prior to 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 files decryption.

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

Remember that even if you create such backups, they need to be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. 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 absolutely not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are numerous ways used by online scams to distribute HCEEM virus. Even though it is uncertain how precisely HCEEM injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

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

Typically HCEEM virus may exist as some legitimate software application, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to implement some crucial software application updates. This is the common trick used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing HCEEM infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals might refer to numerous email spam tactics to inject malicious codes into systems. 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 photos, documents, 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 informs may result in HCEEM virus injection. When it comes to the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may also consist of malicious codes resulting in HCEEM secret installation. Finally, injection of HCEEM may happen by means of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and set up destructive tools without the user’s approval.

Is there any method to avoid the injection of HCEEM ransomware?

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we want to show with you. First of all, be very cautious when you browse the web and particularly while downloading complimentary programs. Keep away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Keep in mind that some freeware installers may include other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be harmful. Make sure that your current antivirus and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may lead to essential damage to be produced your PC. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and possibly change to another security solution that can render much better services of defending your PC.

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

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove HCEEM 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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