The CryptoHitman ransomware has a new variant. Now it bears the name CryptoHitman, but its core is more or less the same. Instead of showing the puppet used in the “Saw” movies, the ransomware’s theme now is the Hitman character next to pornographic images. The ransomware encrypts files with over 120 extensions as its previous counterpart. This time, it adds a .porno extension. To see how to restore your files and remove the ransomware, you should read the article to the end, carefully.
Threat Summary
| Name | CryptoHitman |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware is a new variant of the Jigsaw ransomware. It encrypts files by adding a .porno extension and asks a ransom for decryption. |
| Symptoms | Files with more than 120 different extensions can be encrypted. A ‘Hitman’ themed message with instructions for paying the ransom is displayed next to pornographic imagery. Every hour files get deleted if the ransom is not paid. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss CryptoHitman. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
CryptoHitman Ransomware – How Did I Get Infected?
You can get infected with the CryptoHitman ransomware from several ways. One of them is via spam e-mails that contain an attachment with a malicious file inside. If the said attachment is opened, it can inject malware code inside your PC. The file might have a name like firefox.exe or something similar to try and throw you off.
The previous variant of the CryptoHitman ransomware could be spread via social media and services for file sharing. DropBox was used as well, so it might be used again for further spread. Visiting unknown websites and clicking on suspicious links is surely another way of getting infected by the ransomware.
CryptoHitman Ransomware – Technical Information
The CryptoHitman malware is classified as ransomware and it is a newer variant of the Jigsaw ransomware. The malware will encrypt your files, and they will become locked. You are asked to pay a fixed sum of money in BitCoins as ransom. If you don’t meet the conditions and you don’t pay the exact sum, files will start getting deleted on an hourly basis. Instead of the popular puppet from the “Saw” movies, the ransomware’s theme now is the Hitman character from the video game series and movies.
In the directories %AppData%\Mogfh\, %LocalAppData%\Suerdf\ and %AppData%\System32Work, the following files will be created:
- suerdf.exe
- mogfh.exe
- Address.txt
- EncryptedFileList.txt
The Windows Registry is also modified. This registry value that is added is:
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\mogfh.exe %AppData%\Mogfh\mogfh.exe
That registry value is set to make the file mogfh.exe to start automatically. It will launch with every load of the Windows Operating System and initiate the CryptoHitman ransomware.
Next, the ransomware will display a screen with well-known character ‘Hitman’ from the movies and video game series of the same name. On the screen right next to the character lots of pornographic pictures will be displayed. Because of the character and the email that is given for contacting the ransomware owners (cryptohitman@yandex.com), the ransomware is named CryptoHitman.
Paying instructions are being typed live on the screen as if someone is typing them at that moment:
You are asked to pay in BitCoins the sum of 150 US dollars within one hour. If you do not – every hour encrypted files will get erased and eventually all of your files will be gone. The sum can double if you don’t pay within 36 hours making it 300 US dollars.
The message shown on screen reads the following:
Your files have been encrypted. We deleted files every hour.
Ransom / Ransompensa ID: 11066578
You must pay $150 USD in Bitcoins to the address specified below.
Depending on the amount of files you have your Ransom can double to $300
If you don’t pay within 36 hours.
Take a picture of the BTC address, Ransom ID and contact email.
We will delete files everyhour until you pay!
If you do not have Bitcoins visit www.localbitcoins.com to purchase.
Your payment BTC Address is 32j32oj46jhj547U32bhb6HjvfdjfdhghP
Everytime you restart your computer it recrypts everything. It will take a while
for you to see the this screen again. Take a photo in case you want to contact us.
Every time you restart the computer you run the risk of damaging the hard drive.
Questions – email us: cryptohitman@yandex.com3 files will be deleted. 3 archivos seran borrados.
Send – Envie $150 worth of Bitcoins here – de Bitcoins aqui:
Paying ransomware creators is strongly unadvised. Nobody can give you a guarantee that you will get your files restored. Giving money will support the cyber criminals, and also, tempt them to make a newer version of this malware. Besides, at the end of the article, there are restoration methods being outlaid.
The CryptoHitman ransomware will search your storage drives to encrypt files. The ransomware searches for files with over 120 extensions, most of which are these:
→ .3dm, .3g2, .3gp, .aaf, .accdb, .aep, .aepx, .aet, .ai, .aif, .as, .as3, .asf, .asp, .asx, .avi, .bmp, .c, .class, .cpp, .cs, .csv, .jpeg, .jpg, .js, .m3u, .m3u8, .m4u, .max, .mdb, .mid, .mov, .mp3, .mp4, .mpa, .mpeg, .mpg, .msg, .pdb, .pdf, .php, .plb, .pmd, .png, .pot, .potm, .potx, .ppam, .ppj, .pps, .ppsm, .ppsx, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .prel, .prproj, .ps, .psd, .py, .ra, .raw, .rb, .rtf, .sdf, .ses, .sldm, .sldx, .sql, .svg, .swf, .tif, .txt, .vcf, .vob, .wav, .wma, .wmv, .wpd, .wps, .xla, .xlam, .xll, .xlm, .xls, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xlt, .xltm, .xltx, .xlw, .xml, .xqx, .xqx, .dat, .db, .dbf, .doc, .docb, .docm, .docx, .dot, .dotm, .dotx, .dwg, .dxf, .efx, .eps, .fla, .flv, .gif, .h, .idml, .iff, .indb, .indd, .indl, .indt, .inx, .jar, .java
The AES algorithm is used for the encryption process and the ransomware puts the .porno extension to all encrypted files. If you restart your computer, there is a high chance that around 1,000 of the encrypted files could get erased from your drives.
A solution to restore your files is found, and if you already restarted your PC after the encryption process was done, you shouldn’t begin to worry as there are Data Recovery programs that can help you.
Remove CryptoHitman Ransomware and Restore .porno Encrypted Files
If CryptoHitman ransomware infected your system, don’t be worried, because there is still a viable solution for file decryption without payment. If you got infected by this ransomware, you should have at least a little bit of experience in removing malware. See the instructions written below to see how to recover your files.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for CryptoHitman with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall CryptoHitman 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by CryptoHitman 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 CryptoHitman there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
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 CryptoHitman
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by CryptoHitman.
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 CryptoHitman 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.
CryptoHitman-FAQ
What is CryptoHitman Ransomware?
CryptoHitman 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 CryptoHitman 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 CryptoHitman Infect?
Via several ways.CryptoHitman 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 CryptoHitman 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 .CryptoHitman files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .CryptoHitman 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 .CryptoHitman files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".CryptoHitman" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .CryptoHitman 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 CryptoHitman 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 CryptoHitman ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .CryptoHitman 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 CryptoHitman 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 CryptoHitman Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this CryptoHitman 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 CryptoHitman 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.
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- Always check "About Us" web page.
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