This article will aid you in removing the Hell Radiation ransomware effectively. Follow the virus removal instructions given at the end.
Hell Radiation ransomware is the name of a cryptovirus that has been found recently. After encryption, your Desktop background will change with instructions leading you to the ransom note. In the note it is demanded that you pay around 300 US dollars to a specific Bitcoin address, to allegedly return your files. No new extension is appended to the encrypted files, but they are encrypted and unopenable. Read on and find out what ways you could try to potentially recover some of your files.
Threat Summary
| Name | Hell Radiation |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and it places a ransom note with payment instructions. |
| Symptoms | This ransomware virus will encrypt your files without putting a new extension to them, still deeming them unable to be opened. Then it demands that you pay a ransom of around 300 US dollars to a Bitcoin address. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Hell Radiation. |
| 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. |
Hell Radiation Ransomware – Distribution
Hell Radiation ransomware could be distributed in more than one way. However, the way that is the most widespread is via a payload dropper file which initiates the malicious script for the ransomware. Samples have been spotted by malware researchers and you can preview one of them sent for analysis on the VirusTotal service right here:
The Hell Radiation ransomware might be using other ways to distribute the payload file, such as social media and file-sharing sites. Freeware applications found on the Internet could be promoted as helpful but also could hide the malicious script for this virus. Before opening any files after you have downloaded them, you should instead scan them with a security program. Especially if they come from suspicious places, such as emails or links. Also, don’t forget to check the size and signatures of such files for anything that seems out of place. You should read the ransomware prevention tips given in the forum section.
Hell Radiation Ransomware – Description
The Hell Radiation ransomware is a cryptovirus, which has been recently discovered by malware researchers. Interestingly enough, the ransomware actually has two names – Hell and Radiation. Ambiguous, but both names are used – one on the wallpaper and the other on the ransom message screen.
After the Hell Radiation ransomware encrypts your files, it will not append any new extension to the encrypted files but still make the unable to be opened. It then changes your Desktop background and places a ransom note with instructions inside your computer system.
Hell Radiation ransomware could be set to make new registry entries in the Windows Registry to achieve a higher level of persistence. Those entries are usually designed in a way that will start the virus automatically with every launch of the Windows Operating System, like in the example given below:
→“HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run”
Files that are associated with the ransomware, some of which it creates after encryption are these:
- ChaseBot.exe
- RADIATION.bin
- RADIATION.txt
- memes.jpg
- decrypt.exe
- decrypt.txt
- decrypter.exe
- public.me
- private.me
Your Desktop Background will be changed to the following one:
The background states the following:
Ugh.. oh! Your Files Are Encrypted!
To retrieve your files
Please Refer to decrypt.exe and decrypt.txt
These files can be found on your desktop
#Hell Ransomware Made by KingCobra
The ransom note will be placed inside a file called decrypt.txt. The message from that note is revealed in the below screenshot:
The message states the following:
Q: What’s wrong with my files?
A: Ooops, your important files are encrypted.
It means you will not be able to access them anymore until they are decrypted.
If you follow our instructions, we guarantee that you can decrypt all your files quickly and safely!
Let’s start decrypting!
Q: What do I do?
A: First, you need to pay service fees for the decryption.Please send $300 worth of bitcoin to this bitcoin address BTC 1CryptcfFKJJES1Gh5zAoFtmnPYLCRcMmY
Next, please find an application file named Decrypter. It is the decrypt software.0k follow how to pay the instruction!
(You man need to disable your antivirus for a while.)
Q; How can I trust?
A: Don’t worry about decryption if you make transaction via bitcoin to specific server our give you how pay instruction to bitcoin Address BTC 1CryptcfFKJJES1Gh5zAoFtmnPYLCRcMmY
The above message has another variant with a window interface as seen below:
That message is the following:
Note your files are encrypted with AES + RSA encryption. This is not normal. In order to get your files back send 310$ to the bitcoin address below. There is no other way to decrypt your files. Any attempt to remove the ransomware may result in deletion of files and loss of data! Only Bitcoin is accepted. For more info on how to buy bitcoin click the button below.
Bitcoin Address: 1C6pQvfm4SfLuLZzLZsJUSKsxtSRCR23nR
How to Buy BrtcoinCheck Payment
Decrypt
It also has instructions on how to obtain Bitcoins:
And you can see these instructions in text down below:
How to buy bitcoin
First Step: Get A Wallet
First you’ll need a bitcoin wallet – an app that lets you receive, hold, and spend bitcoin.
Any one can work like https://coinbase.com
IF you want to keep this simple skip to the next step
Second Step: Buy some bitcoin
Once you’ve set up your wallet app, you’ll need to buy some bitcoin.
Bitcoin exchanges are available all over the world allowing users to convert any currency into and out of bitcoin. Every country and
region is different, so you’ll want to do some research before choosing an exchange.
Some exchanges that does most times not require an ID for verification are paxful which can be found at http https://www.paxful.com another
is https://localbitcoins.com.
Many other places also sell bitcoin.
Third Step: Make the Payment
Making a bitcoin payment is fast, convenient, and extremely secure.
To make a payment, you won’t need to enter any sensitive card information.
Instead, you’ll simply send the payment from your bitcoin wallet.
So put in our address and send the bitcoin. We are legit and can be trusted. This is not a typical ransomware through which you do not
get your files back.
We would also like to remind you that, there is no other way to retrieve your files! Any “decrypter” or “antivirus” product simply is a scam
and does not and will not work. It is really hard to crack a strong cipher bke RSA + AES.
So, you are demanded to pay around 300 US dollars to 1 of 2 Bitcoin addresses. Not only is that confusing, but also, you might get unlucky and send to an older one and the ransomware creators ask you to pay to the other address as well. Do NOT contact, nor pay these cybercriminals and you should not even think of doing that under any circumstances. By paying, you can only motivate them to indulge in similar criminal acts in the future, and is strongly advised against. Besides, it is not guaranteed you will receive your files back.
Hell Radiation Ransomware – Encryption
There is no official list with file extensions that the Hell Radiation ransomware seeks to encrypt and the article will be duly updated if that changes. The encryption is believed to be a mixture of RSA and AES.
The Hell Radiation cryptovirus is more than likely to erase the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows Operating System by executing the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
If the above-stated command is inputted into the command prompt of the Windows operating system, that will make the encryption process more effective, as one of the main ways for file recovery will be gone. Keep reading to find out what methods you can try out to potentially restore some of your data.
Remove Hell Radiation Ransomware and Restore Files
If your computer got infected with the Hell Radiation ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Hell Radiation with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Hell Radiation 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 Hell Radiation 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 Hell Radiation 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 Hell Radiation
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Hell Radiation.
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 Hell Radiation 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.
Hell Radiation-FAQ
What is Hell Radiation Ransomware?
Hell Radiation 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 Hell Radiation 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 Hell Radiation Infect?
Via several ways.Hell Radiation 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 Hell Radiation 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 .Hell Radiation files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Hell Radiation 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 .Hell Radiation files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Hell Radiation" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Hell Radiation 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 Hell Radiation 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 Hell Radiation ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Hell Radiation 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 Hell Radiation 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 Hell Radiation Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Hell Radiation 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 Hell Radiation 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.