Hard Ransomware
Hard ransomware is a computer virus that is developed to compromise both operating systems and personal files. The name of the threat is a derivative of the malicious extension it appends to all files it encodes. Files encrypted by Hard ransomware remain completely inaccessible until their code is restored. The end goal of this cryptovirus is to force victims to pay a ransom for .hard files decryption to hackers.
If you want to remove the Hard ransomware and try to restore .hard files, we recommend that you complete the steps presented in this article.
Hard Virus Summary
Name | Hard virus also known as Win32:Trojan-gen, Trojan.EncoderNET.31368, HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.MSIL.Encoder.gen |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Ransom Note | RESTORE_FILES_INFO.txt |
Short Description | Encrypts files on your computer and extorts a ransom fee for their recovery. |
Symptoms | Important files are locked and renamed with the .hard extension. You see a ransom message that forces you to contact hackers for a decryption tool. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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.hard Virus Files
Ransomware infections like Hard corrupts computer systems by implementing a series of malicious changes.
Ransomware creators use deceptive techniques to promote their malicious software. Their malicious program may be delivered on PCs via email attachments, hacked sites, torrent files, and bogus programs.
In the event that all your valuable files are inaccessible and renamed with .hard extension, then it means that your system security is totally disrupted by the ransomware. You can use your PC normally only after you remove all malicious files installed by Hard ransomware.
A ransom message called RESTORE_FILES_INFO.txt will try to convince you to contact hackers at harditem@firemail.cc and harditem@hitler.rocks or harditem@xmpp.jp and ask them how to proceed further. For the sake of your security, we suggest that you don’t follow their instructions.
Here is a copy of the content of Hard virus ransom message:
Your files are secured…
Contact emails: harditem@firemail.cc and harditem@hitler.rocks (spare) or jabber harditem@xmpp.jp
Send me your ID in the first email to all specified addressesKey Identifier:
–
Beware! There is no guarantee you will get your files after paying the ransom which cybercriminals request.
Remove Hard Ransomware and Try to Restore Files
The complete removal of the Hard ransomware virus from the infected PC is of paramount importance. As long as this infection is running on the system it remains capable of encrypting files and installing additional malware. We suggest that you follow the removal instructions posted below. They will help you to get rid of this malware permanently. As recommended by security experts, ransomware threats like Hard should be removed with advanced anti-malware tools because this approach guarantees maximum effectiveness.
After removing the ransomware from your computer, you can check some alternative decryption variants listed under the step Restore files encrypted by Hard Virus. The presented approaches are by no means 100% effective but they may help to restore some or all of your files.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Hard Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Hard 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 Hard 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 Hard 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 Hard Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Hard 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 Hard 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.
Hard Virus-FAQ
What is Hard Virus Ransomware?
Hard 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 Hard 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 Hard Virus Infect?
Via several ways.Hard 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 Hard 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 .Hard Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Hard 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 .Hard Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Hard Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Hard 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 Hard 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 Hard Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Hard 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 Hard 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 Hard Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Hard 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 Hard 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.
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