Horizon – General Info
The Horizon stands for a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the VoidCrypt ransomware family. Horizon was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. As soon as the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. Horizon adds the “.Horizon” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, as soon as encrypted by Horizon, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.Horizon“. As soon as the encryption is completed, Horizon places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.The message given by Horizon text file requesting the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives belonging to the VoidCrypt family. 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 type of cryptography mechanism applied by Horizon is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is definitely specific that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is completely distinct. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.
Another technique of Horizon is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is saved on a particular server run by the frauds associated with Horizon ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people have to pay the ransom.
Horizon encrypted your documents, but that might not be the only damage done to you. The ransomware might still be hidingon your computer. To identify whether this holds true, we suggest downloading GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
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However, irrespective of the asked for quantity, people need to stay away from paying the ransom virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to completely disregard what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom usually does not provide any positive result and people just lose their money for absolutely nothing.
We strongly encourage that you do not contact these crooks and certainly do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack Horizon ransomware and to recover the data data for free. Therefore, the just best decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.
Virus Summary
| Name | Horizon Ransomware |
| File Extension | .Horizon |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Family | VoidCrypt |
| 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 Horizon extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Similar Infections | Viam, Legend, Mifr |
| Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
Keep in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to Horizon ransomware. It is similar Viam and many other ransomware-type threats. Destructive programs of such kind are usually elaborated to encrypt essential data and to state 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 produce the special decryption key for data decryption.
Hence, 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 data is to routinely create backups of your important information.
Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they need to be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the USB Flash Drive or external hard disk drive 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 in addition to other files, so it’s certainly not a good storage place.
How did ransomware infect my computer?
There are a number of ways used by online frauds to distribute Horizon virus. Although it is uncertain how exactly Horizon injects your PC, 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.
Frequently Horizon virus might be presented as some genuine software application, for instance, in the pop-ups instructing users to carry out some crucial software updates. This is the typical technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing Horizon infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.
In addition, the criminals may refer to different email spam tactics to inject malicious codes into copmuter. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some photos, files, 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 notifies may result in Horizon ransom injection. When it comes to the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may also consist of harmful codes leading to Horizon secret installation. Finally, injection of Horizon may take place by methods of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and install malicious utilities without the user’s authorization.
Is there any method to prevent the injection of Horizon ransomware?
Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of advice we wish to share with with you. First of all, be very careful when you browse the web and specifically while downloading free apps. 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 consist of other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be harmful. Make sure that your current antivirus and your entire operating system is always appropriately updated.
Of course, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may lead to essential damage to be made for your PC. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise strongly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and possibly change to another security solution that can render much better services of protecting your computer.
Below please find the quotation from the Horizon text file:
!!! Your Files Has Been Encrypted !!! ♦ your files has been locked with highest secure cryptography algorithm ♦ ♦ there is no way to decrypt your files without paying and buying Decryption tool♦ ♦ but after 48 hour decryption price will be double♦ ♦ you can send some little files for decryption test♦ ♦ test file should not contain valuable data♦ ♦ after payment you will get decryption tool ( payment Should be with Bitcoin)♦ ♦ so if you want your files dont be shy feel free to contact us and do an agreement on price♦ ♦ !!! or Delete you files if you dont need them !!! ♦ Your ID :- our Email :price.decoding@tutanota.com In Case Of No Answer :price.decoding@aol.com
Screenshot of files with “.Horizon” extension added by the ransomware:
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Horizon 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.
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