.happythreechoose Virus File – is it a Globe Imposter? What is Bob Electron ransomware? Bob Electron is a Globe Imposter ransomware variant. Can files encrypted by Bob Electron be recovered?
Happy Three Choose or otherwise known as .happythreechoose Virus File is ransomware. It encrypts files by appending the .happythreechoose extension to them, making them inaccessible.
All encrypted files will receive the new extension as a secondary one. Another extension will be added before it that is generated on a random principle. The Bob Electron ransomware drops a ransom note, which gives instructions to victims on how they can allegedly restore their data.
Threat Summary
Name | .happythreechoose virus |
File Extension | .happythreechoose |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
Symptoms | The Bob Electron ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .happythreechoose extension to them, along with a unique identification number placing the new .happythreechoose extension as a secondary. |
Ransom Demanding Note | how_to_back_files.html |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .happythreechoose virus. |
.happythreechoose Virus File (Globe Imposter) – How Did I Get It and What To Do?
The .happythreechoose virus is a new strain of the Globe Imposter ransomware family, a group of related malware which are created by various hacking groups and used in various attack campaigns against users around the world. This particular sample does not appear to be spread against a large number of victims. This may mean that it is still in an early testing or development phase.
The .happythreechoose virus can be distributed to end users using a variety of distribution methods. A common strategy is to launch phishing campaigns which can take forms in both email messages and hacker-controlled sites. They will include contents, layout and other elements that will impersonate well-known sites and services. They are usually hosted on similar sounding domain names and may even include self-signed security certificates. The web sites and messages can also be used to carry malware file carriers which can be different depending on the used tactic. Depending on the active strategy they can be either documents (carrying malicious macros or dangerous links) or virus-infected executable files and installers. Large-scale infections with ransomware like the .happythreechoose virus can be done by uploading the files over file-sharing networks (such as BitTorrent) and embedding the virus code in browser hijackers. Hijackers are dangerous extensions made for the most popular web browsers, they are widely uploaded to the official repositories and hacker-controlled download portals using fake or forged credentials.
The .happythreechoose virus analysis shows that the current release of the ransomware does include a wide range of capabilities. One of the noteworthy modules that are part of it is the antivirus bypass — a mechanism which will scan for the presence of installed security services and applications and actively bypass them. This can act against both operating system mechanisms and user-installed applications.
After this is done the next steps by the main engine will be to go ahead with the data modification — the virus will access the stored files and folders and can modify them. This usually means changing the content, deleting sensitive user and system data. After this is done the contaminated system will be scanned for sensitive information. It can be either about the machine or the users themselves. The hijacked data can then be used to generate an unique ID that is associated with every individual computer. Using the information about the system configuration the ransomware can be set as a persistent infection — it will be launched every time the computer is booted.
The virus can hide its tracks which makes it very hard to remove active infections if the users are not using specialized anti-spyware components. When every module has finished running the final component will be launched — the actual ransomware engine. Like previous samples of this malware family a built-in list of target data will be used to process files available on the system. Depending on the capabilities and the actual configuration this can also include files accessible on network shares and removable storage devices.
The target data will be processed with a strong cipher which will make the files locked. They will be marked with the relevant .happythreechoose extension. The victim users will be blackmailed into paying the hackers a decryption fee by the ransom note called Decryption INFO.html.
Remove .happythreechoose Virus File (Globe Imposter)
If your computer got infected with the .happythreechoose Virus File, 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 .happythreechoose virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .happythreechoose 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 .happythreechoose 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 .happythreechoose 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 .happythreechoose virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .happythreechoose 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 .happythreechoose 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.
.happythreechoose virus-FAQ
What is .happythreechoose virus Ransomware?
.happythreechoose 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 .happythreechoose 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 .happythreechoose virus Infect?
Via several ways..happythreechoose 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 .happythreechoose 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 ..happythreechoose virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..happythreechoose 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 ..happythreechoose virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..happythreechoose virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..happythreechoose 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 .happythreechoose 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 .happythreechoose virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..happythreechoose 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 .happythreechoose 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 .happythreechoose virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .happythreechoose 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 .happythreechoose 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.
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