This article has been created with the purpose to help explain what is the “YOU ARE HACKED” ransomware virus and how to remove it from your computer plus how you can restore files, encrypted by it on your PC.
Another ransomware variant has appeared among the thousands we have discovered so far. The malware uses the .encrypted file extension which it adds to the files on the computers infected by it. The ransomware virus then changes the wallpaper of the infected computer with a red and black image, saying “YOU ARE HACKED”. The crooks likely want victims to pay a hefty ransom fee in order to get the encrypted files recovered back to their working state, likely In BitCoin or other anonymous cryptocurrencies. If your computer has been infected by the “YOU ARE HACKED” ransomware virus, we recommend that your read this article thoroughly as it will show you how you can remove the “YOU ARE HACKED” ransomware virus and how you can restore the files, encrypted by it on your computer.
Threat Summary
Name | YOU ARE HACKED Virus |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | Aims to encrypt the files on the computer of the victim and then asks to contact the crooks via e-mail. |
Symptoms | Files have the .encrypted file extension added to them. The wallpaper is changed. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss YOU ARE HACKED Virus. |
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. |
“YOU ARE HACKED” Ransomware – How Does It Infect
The primary method of propagation that is used by this ransomware infection is likey to be via a malicious dropper type of file, which aims to cause an infection that is undetectable and drop the payload of “YOU ARE HACKED” ransomware. This file may pose as different types of seemingly legitimate objects. One scenario is if the file is directly sent to the vicitm as a result of being attached to a spam e-mail. If so, such files are often portrayed as invoices, receipts and other seemingly legitimate types of documents. The cyber-criminals often use big companies as a pretext for the infection process to increase trust and get the victim to “bite”.
Furthermore, besides via e-mail, the malicious dropper may also be uploaded online by pretending to be a program of some sort on websites for downloads. The files it may pretend are in a wide variety but primarily such files are .exe types of files that appear as if they are:
- Portable games or programs.
- Fake software cracks, patches, key generators and other license activators.
- Fake fixes for programs or games.
”YOU ARE HACKED” Ransomware – Analysis
The “YOU ARE HACKED” ransomware is the type of threat, aimed at extorting victims for their important files. To to this, the ransomware encypts the files, making them no longer able to be opened.
Upon infection, the “YOU ARE HACKED” ransomware initially drops it’s malicious files on the computer of the victim. The main malicious file has been reported to be called dde_ransowmare.exe and besides it, other files may also be dropped and exist in the following Windows directories:
- %Roaming%
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %AppData%
- %LocalLow%
Once the “YOU ARE HACKED” ransomware has dropped the files, the ransomware may change the wallpaper on the victim’s computer with the following image:
The virus may also create mutants and extract the following information from victim computers:
System information.
Network information.
Information on installed software.
In addition to this, the “YOU ARE HACKED” ransomware is also aimed at creating various types of files that may delete the backed up data on the victim PC. Such file may be a batch type of script that executes the following commands:
→ sc stop VVS
sc stop wscsvc
sc stop WinDefend
sc stop wuauserv
sc stop BITS
sc stop ERSvc
sc stop WerSvc
cmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No
cmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe” /C vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
”YOU ARE HACKED” – Encryption Process
The “YOU ARE HACKED” ransomware virus is the type of malware which may encrypt the most commonly used files on your computer. To do this, the virus may scan for the files, based on their file extensions. For the most commonly used files, these often are:
→ “PNG .PSD .PSPIMAGE .TGA .THM .TIF .TIFF .YUV .AI .EPS .PS .SVG .INDD .PCT .PDF .XLR .XLS .XLSX .ACCDB .DB .DBF .MDB .PDB .SQL .APK .APP .BAT .CGI .COM .EXE .GADGET .JAR .PIF .WSF .DEM .GAM .NES .ROM .SAV CAD Files .DWG .DXF GIS Files .GPX .KML .KMZ .ASP .ASPX .CER .CFM .CSR .CSS .HTM .HTML .JS .JSP .PHP .RSS .XHTML. DOC .DOCX .LOG .MSG .ODT .PAGES .RTF .TEX .TXT .WPD .WPS .CSV .DAT .GED .KEY .KEYCHAIN .PPS .PPT .PPTX ..INI .PRF Encoded Files .HQX .MIM .UUE .7Z .CBR .DEB .GZ .PKG .RAR .RPM .SITX .TAR.GZ .ZIP .ZIPX .BIN .CUE .DMG .ISO .MDF .TOAST .VCD SDF .TAR .TAX2014 .TAX2015 .VCF .XML Audio Files .AIF .IFF .M3U .M4A .MID .MP3 .MPA .WAV .WMA Video Files .3G2 .3GP .ASF .AVI .FLV .M4V .MOV .MP4 .MPG .RM .SRT .SWF .VOB .WMV 3D .3DM .3DS .MAX .OBJ R.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG ..CRX .PLUGIN .FNT .FON .OTF .TTF .CAB .CPL .CUR .DESKTHEMEPACK .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG”
The ransomware encrypts the files if they are detected and leaves them with the added .encrypted file extension. The files assume the following appearance:
Remove “YOU ARE HACKED” Ransomware and Restore Your Files
If you want to remove the “YOU ARE HACKED” ransomware virus completely from your computer, we recommend that you follow the removal instructions underneath this article. They hav ebeen created with the idea to help you delete this virus either manually or automatically, based on your experience with removing malware. If you feel unsure or the malware keeps reinfecting after manual removal, experts often recommend to users to delete the “YOU ARE HACKED” ransomware virus prefferrably by downloading and installing an advanced anti-malware software. Such program aims to help you remove this ransomware virus automatically at a click of a button and will also ensure that future infections do not take place.
If you want to restore files, encrypted by this ransomware virus, we advise that you try and use the alternative methods and tools for file recovery below. They have been created with the purpose to help you restore as many files as possible without actually having to pay the ransom, although they may not come with a 100% effeciveness.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for YOU ARE HACKED Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall YOU ARE HACKED 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 YOU ARE HACKED 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 YOU ARE HACKED 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 YOU ARE HACKED Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by YOU ARE HACKED 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 YOU ARE HACKED 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.
YOU ARE HACKED Virus-FAQ
What is YOU ARE HACKED Virus Ransomware?
YOU ARE HACKED 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 YOU ARE HACKED 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 YOU ARE HACKED Virus Infect?
Via several ways.YOU ARE HACKED 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 YOU ARE HACKED 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 .YOU ARE HACKED Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .YOU ARE HACKED 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 .YOU ARE HACKED Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".YOU ARE HACKED Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .YOU ARE HACKED 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 YOU ARE HACKED 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 YOU ARE HACKED Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .YOU ARE HACKED 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 YOU ARE HACKED 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 YOU ARE HACKED Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this YOU ARE HACKED 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 YOU ARE HACKED 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.
- 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.
Can you recover the files in my Computer?
RKIGGHHYWI-DECRYPT
—= GANDCRAB V5.0.4 =—
***********************UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES DO NOT DELETE THIS FILE, UNTIL ALL YOUR DATA IS RECOVERED***********************
*****FAILING TO DO SO, WILL RESULT IN YOUR SYSTEM CORRUPTION, IF THERE ARE DECRYPTION ERRORS*****
Attention!
All your files, documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted and have the extension: .RKIGGHHYWI
The only method of recovering files is to purchase an unique private key. Only we can give you this key and only we can recover your files.
The server with your key is in a closed network TOR. You can get there by the following ways:
—————————————————————————————-
| 0. Download Tor browser –
| 1. Install Tor browser
| 2. Open Tor Browser
| 3. Open link in TOR browser:
| 4. Follow the instructions on this page
—————————————————————————————-
On our page you will see instructions on payment and get the opportunity to decrypt 1 file for free.
ATTENTION!
IN ORDER TO PREVENT DATA DAMAGE:
* DO NOT MODIFY ENCRYPTED FILES
* DO NOT CHANGE DATA BELOW
—BEGIN GANDCRAB KEY—
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
—END GANDCRAB KEY—
—BEGIN PC DATA—
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
—END PC DATA—
Hi Evan,
Your files are corrupted by GANDCRAB V5.0.4 ransomware infection.
The good news is that there is a free decryption tool for this version. BitDefender released a decryptor for files encrypted by GandCrab ransomware versions. So now you can decrypt .RKIGGHHYWI files by following several simple steps revealed in our how to decrypt files encrypted by GandCrab ransomware guide – sensorstechforum.com/decrypt-gandcrab-ransomware-files/