Remove HCK Virus (+Decrypt .[cavefat@tuta.io].HCK files) – Dharma Ransomware

HCK – General Info

The HCK stands for a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the Dharma ransomware family. HCK was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. HCK adds the “.[cavefat@tuta.io].HCK” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, as soon as encrypted by HCK, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.[cavefat@tuta.io].HCK“. As soon as the encryption is finished, HCK places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by HCK text file requesting for the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives belonging to the Dharma family. It literally discusses that the information is encrypted and that the only way to bring back it is to use a an unique decryption key. Regretfully, this is absolutely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism used by HCK is still not correctly examined. Still, it is absolutely particular that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely distinct. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.

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

Nevertheless, irrespective of the requested amount, people need to stay away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to completely disregard what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom typically does not give any positive result and people simply lose their money for absolutely nothing.

We strongly recommend 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 HCK ransomware and to recover the information data for free. Therefore, the just best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name	HCK Ransomware
File Extension	.[cavefat@tuta.io].HCK
Type	Ransomware
Family	Dharma
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 and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special [cavefat@tuta.io].HCK extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar Infections	Hlpp, Dr, Frm
Removal Tool	GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to HCK ransomware. It is similar Hlpp and many other ransomware-type threats. Destructive programs of such kind are generally elaborated to encrypt essential information and to set forth the demand before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to produce the distinct decryption key for data decryption.

Thus, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is simply not feasible. The only method to prevent the loss of your crucial files is to frequently 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 Flash Drive or external disk drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you store your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted in addition to other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are several ways used by online frauds to distribute HCK ransom virus. Even though it is uncertain how precisely HCK injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

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

Typically HCK virus might exist as some legitimate software application, for instance, in the pop-ups instructing users to carry out some essential software updates. This is the common technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing HCK infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

Furthermore, the criminals might refer to various email spam methods to inject destructive codes into systems. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam e-mails 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, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may seriously harm the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade alerts may result in HCK ransom injection. When it comes to the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may also contain malicious codes resulting in HCK secret installation. Lastly, injection of HCK may happen by means of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and install malicious utilities without the user’s consent.

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

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of suggestions we want to share with with you. Firstly, be extremely careful when you surf the web and especially while downloading complimentary programs. Keep 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 include other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be destructive. Ensure that your current antivirus and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Naturally, downloading pirated software is illegal and may lead to vital damage to be made for your PC. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also strongly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and potentially change to another security solution that can render much better services of defending your Windows.

Below please find the quotation from the HCK text file:

POP-UP WINDOW:
YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED
Don\'t worry,you can return all your files!
If you want to restore them, follow this link:email cavefat@tuta.io YOUR ID 1E857D00
If you have not been answered via the link within 12 hours, write to us by e-mail:ripntfs@protonmail.com
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
=================
FILES ENCRYPTED.txt
all your data has been locked us
You want to return?
write email cavefat@tuta.io or ripntfs@protonmail.com 

Screenshot of files with “.[cavefat@tuta.io].HCK” extension added by the ransomware:

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove HCK 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.

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.