RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove HYDRA Virus (.HYDRA Files Ransomware) – MedusaLocker Ransomware

HYDRA Virus Ransomware

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

The message given by HYDRA text file requesting the ransom is absolutely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives coming from the MedusaLocker clan. It actually points out that the information is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a an unique decryption key. Regretfully, this is definitely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism applied by HYDRA is still not correctly examined. Still, it is absolutely certain that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is completely distinct. It is difficult to bring back the files without the key available.

Another trick of HYDRA is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is stored on a particular server run by the frauds associated with HYDRA ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people need to pay the ransom.

However, regardless of the asked for amount, people must keep away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to entirely disregard what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom typically does not provide any positive result and people simply waste 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 HYDRA ransomware and to recover the data data for free. Hence, the only right decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

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

Bear in mind that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to HYDRA ransomware. Destructive programs of such kind are generally elaborated to encrypt important 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 information decryption.

Therefore, 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 data is to routinely create backups of your important information.

Remember that even if you create such backups, they should be placed 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 save your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted together with other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

There are several methods used by online scams to distribute HYDRA virus. Despite the fact that it is uncertain how precisely HYDRA injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

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

Typically HYDRA virus may exist as some genuine software application, for instance, in the pop-ups instructing users to implement some essential software updates. This is the typical technique used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing HYDRA infection manually, by ways of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals may describe numerous e-mail spam techniques to inject malicious codes into Windows PC. 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 motivating users to open some video, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may seriously harm the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade alerts may result in HYDRA virus injection. As for the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may also include destructive codes leading to HYDRA secret installation. Lastly, injection of HYDRA may occur by methods of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and install malicious tools without the user’s consent.

Is there any way to avoid the injection of HYDRA ransom virus?

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we wish to show with you. First off, be extremely mindful when you surf the web and particularly while downloading totally free 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 contain other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be destructive. Ensure that your current antivirus and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is illegal and may result in important damage to be produced your PC. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also strongly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps switch to another security solution that can render better services of defending your Windows.

Below please find the quotation from the HYDRA text file:

ATTENTION!
At the moment, your system is not protected.
We can fix it and restore files.
To get started, send a file to decrypt trial.
You can trust us after opening the test file.
To restore the system write to this address:
HydaHelp1@tutanota.com
HydraHelp1@protonmail.com 

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

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove HYDRA 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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