4help Ransomware
A computer infection dubbed 4help virus has been detected to plague computer systems with the goal to extort a ransom from its victims. It harasses its victims by encrypting their personal files. For the decryption of .4help files, the ransomware drops a ransom note that provides instructions on a ransom payment process. This note could be found in a file called FILES ENCRYPTED.txt which is stored somewhere on the infected PC. Unfortunately, .4help files won’t be accessible until their code is reverted back to its original state. Beware that the ransom payment provides no guarantee that hackers will send a working decryption tool.
4help Virus Summary
Name | 4help also known as Win32:RansomX-gen [Ransom], Trojan.Ransom.Crysis.E, A Variant Of Win32/Filecoder.Crysis.P, Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Crusis.to, Ransom:Win32/Wadhrama!hoa |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | Encrypts target files stored on infected computers, marks them with several extensions the last of which is .4help |
Symptoms | Important files are encoded. You cannot open them. Hackers demand a ransom payment. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Infected Installers |
Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
4help Virus – Distribution and Impact
4help virus is yet another strain of the Dharma/CrySiS ransomware which has been spotted in active attack campaigns. The payload of this nasty ransomware is likely to be concealed as an email attachment, download button on a shady site, URL link to a corrupted site, torrent file, freeware installer, or fake advertisement. All techniques aim to trick people into running the 4help ransomware payload directly on their computers.
The 4help virus is developed to plague computer systems which enables it to reach personal files and encode them with a complex cipher algorithm. The moment .4help cryptovirus loads its payload file on a target system, it performs a variety of malicious operations that affect the setting of some major system settings. Infected by the threat may be some registries, legitimate processes, and security measures.
Once the ransomware establishes its malicious components on the OS, it is capable of initiating a data encryption process. For this process 4help ransomware uses a modue with highly sophisticated encryption algorithm that transforms files ina way that they remain completely unusable. The threat may prevent you from opening the following types of files:
- Audio files
- Video files
- Document files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials, etc
Following encryption, all personal files corrupted by this Dharma ransomware strain will appear with a few extensions appended to their original names. The first one is a special ID number needed for the decryption key, followed by a hackers related email address and the .4help extension.
Similar to some recently detected Dharma ransomware strains like the 4help variant is likely to generate the following pop-up message:
YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED
Don’t worry,you can return all your files!
If you want to restore them, follow this link:email hlper4y@tutanota.com YOUR ID –
If you have not been answered via the link within 12 hours, write to us by e-mail:hlper4y@cock.li
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.
One more ransom note was identified to be dropped by 4help ransomware. It is stored in a text file and all it reads when opened is:
all your data has been locked us
You want to return?
write email hlper4y@tutanota.com or hlper4y@cock.li
Apparently, these messages aim to persuade ransomware victims to contact hackers via the hlper4y@cock.li email address. Hackers hope that they will successfully trick victims to transfer them a ransom payment in exchange for a decryption solution. However, it should be noted that we at SensorsTechForum will never give such advice.
There a quite a lot of ransomware victims who have never received a decryption tool even after they transferred a ransom to cybercriminals. Furthermore, oftentimes hackers provide completely broken decryptors. So our advice is to consider the help of alternative data recovery methods once you remove this ransomware from your infected PC.
Remove 4help Virus (Dharma) and Try to Restore Data
The so-called 4help virus is a threat with highly complex code that plagues the whole system in order to encrypt personal files. Hence the infected system could be used in a secure manner again only after the complete removal of all malicious files and objects created by 4help ransomware. That’s why we recommend that all steps presented in the removal guide below should be completed for the sake of your system and data security. Beware that the manual ransomware removal is suitable for more experienced computer users. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps navigate to the automatic part of the guide.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for 4help Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall 4help Virus and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by 4help Virus on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by 4help Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove 4help Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by 4help Virus.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and 4help Virus aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
4help Virus-FAQ
What is 4help Virus Ransomware?
4help Virus is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does 4help Virus Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does 4help Virus Infect?
Via several ways.4help Virus Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of 4help Virus is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .4help Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .4help Virus files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .4help Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".4help Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .4help Virus files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of 4help Virus Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate 4help Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .4help Virus files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can 4help Virus Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the 4help Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this 4help Virus how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the 4help Virus ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.