This article will help you remove the Hand of God ransomware in full. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the bottom of the article.
Hand of God is the name of a ransomware virus. The virus is a screenlocker type and pretends to have a message from the FBI. It states that you have been involved with illegal activity and must pay a fine. Do not pay as that is a scare tactic, trying to persuade you to do so. Hand of God may not encrypt your files but still open a window, displaying the ransom payment instructions. These instructions demand that you pay 555 US dollars to the cybercriminals in Bitcoin cryptocurrency. Read on below and find out what ways you could try to potentially recover some of your files.
Threat Summary
| Name | Hand of God |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware is not reported to encrypt files and is of the screenlocker type. No matter if it encrypts or not now, it will still show a ransom note if you get infected. |
| Symptoms | This ransomware virus demands you to pay the sum of 555 US dollars as ransom in the form of Bitcoin to the cybercriminals stating that your files are encrypted. |
| 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 Hand of God. |
| 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. |
Hand of God Ransomware – Delivery
Hand of God ransomware could be delivered 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. A sample has been spotted by malware researchers and you can preview its analysis available on the VirusTotal service from down below:
The Hand of God ransomware might be using other ways to deliver 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.
Hand of God Ransomware – Details
The Hand of God ransomware is a virus, which has been recently discovered by malware researchers. Although the virus is of the screenlocker variety, it will still show a ransom note demanding payment. Hand of God ransomware will pop up a window that serves as a ransom note with instructions that is actually a screen locking your computer and blocking access.
In the future, the Hand of God 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”
The ransom message will load up as a screenlocking image and it can be seen right here below:
The message states the following:
Sortie de Secours
V0TR3 M4CH1N3 35T M41NT3N4NT INN4CE55I813
ATTENTION You Have Been Hacked !!!
Cet Ordinateur et toutes ses données importantes ont été véroufllé
La Main de Dieu vous puni pour avoir escroqué des chercheurs d’emploi
en leurs promettant un emploi au Canada pour le poste de téléopérateur…
Toutes tentatives de désactivation ultérieures a ce programme échouerons
Vos fonctions systèmes ont été désactivées
Ce Programme est concu pour s‘auto-détruire dans 2 jours en entraînant la
Suppression complete de tous vos fichiersComment Désactiver Ce Virus
Vous devez payer le montant de 0.06 Bitcoin (ETC) = 555.29 Dollar (CAD)
à l‘adresse bitcoin suivante : 1Emhk1iJhcVTxPEWu4vqwPyUjXqz33So3FMoyens de payement
Vous disposez de plusieurs moyens de payement qui consistent
a acheter ou a transferer des bitcoins à l‘adresse indiquée plus haut
Veuillez visiter le site suivant : https://cryptogains.fr/229-comment-acheter-des-bitcoins
A rough English translation will look like this:
Emergency exit
YOUR MACHINE IS INACCESSIBLE
ATTENTION You Have Been Hacked !!!
This Computer and all its important data have been gobbled
The Hand of God punishes you for cheating job seekers
promising them a job in Canada for the teleoperator position …
Any subsequent disabling attempts to this program will fail
Your system functions have been disabled
This program is designed to self-destruct in 2 days by executing the
complete deletion of all your filesHow to Disable This Virus
You must pay the amount of 0.06 Bitcoin (ETC) = 555.29 Dollar (CAD)
at the following bitcoin address: 1Emhk1iJhcVTxPEWu4vqwPyUjXqz33So3FMeans of payment
You have several means of payment which consist
of buying or transferring bitcoins to the address indicated above
Please visit the following site: https://cryptogains.fr/229-how-to-purchase-bitcoins
The ransom sum that is demanded as payment for allegedly restoring access to your computer device is 555 US dollars. As the virus doesn’t necessarily lock your files themselves but just the access to them, it is probably removable. You should NOT in any case consider paying these cybercriminals. By paying, you can motivate them to do similar criminal acts in the future, which is strongly advised against.
Hand of God Ransomware – Encryption
There is no official list with file extensions that the Hand of God ransomware seeks to encrypt and the article will be updated if there are changes regarding the matter. The virus might still be in-development. However, the files used most by users and which are probably going to get encrypted are from the following list of categories:
- Document files
- Audio files
- Video files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials and data
The Hand of God 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. Continue reading to find out what methods you can try out to potentially restore some of your files.
Remove Hand of God Ransomware and Restore Files
If your computer got infected with the Hand of God 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 Hand of God with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Hand of God 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 Hand of God 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 Hand of God 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 Hand of God
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Hand of God.
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 Hand of God 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.
Hand of God-FAQ
What is Hand of God Ransomware?
Hand of God 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 Hand of God 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 Hand of God Infect?
Via several ways.Hand of God 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 Hand of God 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 .Hand of God files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Hand of God 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 .Hand of God files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Hand of God" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Hand of God 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 Hand of God 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 Hand of God ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Hand of God 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 Hand of God 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 Hand of God Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Hand of God 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 Hand of God 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.
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