.hard2decrypt file extension is placed on all of your files? .hard2decrypt Virus File is also known as WastedLocker ransomware which locks files on a computer and demands money to be paid as a ransom for unlocking them.
WastedLocker Ransomware (.hard2decrypt Virus File)
WastedLocker or otherwise known as .hard2decrypt Virus File is a ransomware type virus. It encrypts files by appending the .hard2decrypt extension to them, making them inaccessible. All encrypted files will receive the new extension. The WastedLocker ransomware drops a ransom note, which gives instructions to victims on how they can allegedly restore their data by paying a ransom fee.
WastedLocker Ransomware Virus
WastedLocker Ransomware will encrypt all types of files such as audio, video, pictures, backups, banking data and other personal user files found on a compromised computer system.
.hard2decrypt Virus Summary
| Name | .hard2decrypt Virus |
| File Extension | .hard2decrypt |
| 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 WastedLocker ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .hard2decrypt extension to them. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | _3ncrypt3d_help.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .hard2decrypt Virus. |
.hard2decrypt Virus File – How Did It Infect My PC and What Happened?
The .hard2decrypt computer virus is a new derivative of the WastedLocker ransomware family. It has been detected in a worldwide attack that is governed by an unknown hacking group. What we know so far is that several different versions of it have been released. It may be possible that the different samples are actually released from different groups, but this is not confirmed yet. The scope of attacks is also not known at the moment — we assume that computer victims from all over the world are to be targeted in the current campaign.
Like other threats of this category different infection tactics may be used to spread the malware to the target users. Common variants include the sending out of individual virus file, or (the more popular technique) the use of payload carriers — data that when opened by the users will lead to the virus infection. They can be macro-infected documents of all popular office formats: spreadsheets, presentations, text documents and databases. When these documents are opened by the users, a warning window will open and ask for the scripts to be run — this will lead to the virus installation. The alternative to this is the creation of application installers of programs that are widely downloaded from the Internet. The criminals typically choose the most widely downloaded software in this case. They are created by taking the original files from their official sources and adding in the necessary code.
All of these virus files can be distributed to the target users by using different tactics. Most of them will rely on the use of manipulation — this is done by faking notifications and messages from well-known companies or services. This can be done via the use of email messages — they can be sent in bulk and can include the files directly as attachments or linked in the content. The creation of such fake websites is done by uploading stolen or faked design to similar-sounding domain names. All virus data can also be advertised through fake identities on online forums, chat rooms, file-sharing networks, and sites, as well as on social media.
Like other examples of this malware family when the virus is deployed on a given system, a built-in execution sequence will start. Most of the viruses of this type will execute some sort of a security bypass — the detection of installed protective software and services and their disabling. This allows further modules to be run by the main agent.
The .hard2decrypt ransomware virus is also capable of stealing sensitive information from the compromised machines. This can include all kinds of system data or personal user’s information. It can be used for blackmail purposes or for financial abuse.
A dangerous consequence of having such malware installed on a system is the ability of the malware to conduct system changes. They can be any of the following:
- Boot Option Changes — the .hard2decrypt virus can install itself as a persistent threat, meaning that it will run every time the computer is powered on. Additionally, it can block access to the recovery options, making it very hard to remove.
- Windows Registry Changes — Apart from editing configuration files the virus can modify the existing Windows Registry values or create new ones for itself. Manipulation of these values can lead to performance issues, data loss, and the inability to run certain services and programs.
- Data Removal — This ransomware can remove sensitive or important files from the system, including shadow volume copies and backups.
When all modules have finished running, the actual files encryption — this is done according to a very strong cipher. Major file type extensions will be targeted: documents, multimedia files, backups, archives, and etc. The processed data will become inacessible. The victim users will then be blackmailed to pay the hackers a ransomware decryption sum. This is done by creating text documents with these instructions in folders where there are encrypted files. At this time the ransom notes that are generated use several contact email addresses:
- albert9957@protonmail.com
- ashton8040@msgsafe.io
- branden4505@airmail.cc
- santino3046@tutanota.de
Remove .hard2decrypt Virus File
If your computer got infected with the .hard2decrypt 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.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for .hard2decrypt Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .hard2decrypt 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .hard2decrypt 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 .hard2decrypt Virus 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 .hard2decrypt Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .hard2decrypt 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 .hard2decrypt 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.
.hard2decrypt Virus-FAQ
What is .hard2decrypt Virus Ransomware?
.hard2decrypt 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 .hard2decrypt 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 .hard2decrypt Virus Infect?
Via several ways..hard2decrypt 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 .hard2decrypt 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 ..hard2decrypt Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..hard2decrypt 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 ..hard2decrypt Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..hard2decrypt Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..hard2decrypt 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 .hard2decrypt 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 .hard2decrypt Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..hard2decrypt 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 .hard2decrypt 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 .hard2decrypt Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .hard2decrypt 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 .hard2decrypt 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.
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- Always check "About Us" web page.
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