What Is HARDBIT Virus?
HARDBIT virus yet another ransom ware virus, which has been detected on the wild. Its main purpose once it gets inside your device undetected is to run a scan of your files and then encrypt them in order to prevent you from opening them again. This particular threat uses the .HARDBIT file extension and a ransom extortion note, which is named Help_me_for_Decrypt.hta and contains an extortion message, left by the crooks behind it. Its goal is to extort you into paying a ransom payoff to try and get the files to work once more.
Keep reading this article to figure out more about this virus, how it got in your computer system in the first place and what is needed to fully remove it and fix your files.
HARDBIT Virus Summary
| Name | HARDBIT |
| File Extension | .hardbit |
| 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 HARDBIT Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the . extension to them. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | Help_me_for_Decrypt.hta |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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HARDBIT Virus – How Did I Get Infected?
HARDBIT virus is yet another ransomware threat, same as the recently detected .CYBER, POHJ and Royal cryptoviruses.
HARDBIT ransomware could take part in methods, like the following to cause an infection in your device:
- If it is sent to you as an e-mail attachment or a URL.
- By being downloaded from a shady site.
HARDBIT may also use email to push it infection files on your device. The way it works is the criminals send a spoof message, which is designed to imitate a legitimate an important email directed towards the victim, containing the malicious file as an attachment, for example:
- Invoices.
- Work-related files.
- Receipts.
- E-Tickets for events or flights.
As soon as you download and run this file, it may trigger a series of malicious activities, that lead to the infection:
Another way this virus may have propagated onto your device may have been by downloading executable files from third-party websites that have a low reputation, for example the following types:
- Fake installation files.
- Software patches.
- Self extracting archives or regular archives.
- Cracked portable versions of apps.
- Software or game cracks.
- Key generator (or Keygen).
HARDBIT Virus – What Does It Do?
HARDBIT virus will first establish a connection to its server, from where the payload is downloaded. It consists of its virus files, that may be well hidden in directories of Windows, like the following:
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %Windows%
- %SystemDrive%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %System%
- %system32%
HARDBIT virus leaves its ransom note as well, which is called Help_me_for_Decrypt.hta and upon being opened contains the following extortionist message:
HARDBIT
!!ALL YOUR IMPORTANT FILES ARE STOLEN AND ENCRYPTED!!
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC.
If you want to restore them, please send your ID for usOur contact information is written in file (HOW TO RESTORE YOUR FILES).
Please read this file carefully so as not to make a mistake.
You have to 48 hours(2 Days) To contact or paying us After that, you have to Pay Double.
We need your ID and your ID is written below the help file
Please do not touch the Key written under the help file in any way, otherwise the consequences will be with youIntroducing TOX messengers
•You can download and install TOX message from this link hxxps://tox.chat/
•Our ID in TOX: 77A904360EA7D74268E7A4F316865F1703D 2D7A6AF28C9ECFACED69CD09C8610FF2C728E6A33.
•We are ready to answer your questions!
•If you have information about the company and its servers, share with us in TOX and receive a share from us when they pay. Don’t worry, your identity will remain hidden.Is there a guarantee for decryption after payment?
•Before paying you can send us up to 2 test files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 1Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)Attention!
•DO NOT trust anyone except the email and the TOX ID that is in the help file, otherwise we will not be responsible for the consequences.
•DO NOT rename encrypted files.
•DO NOT try to decrypt or manipulate the files yourself.
•Do Not contact intermediary companies. They don’t do anything special, they just message us and give us money and get the key, but if our price was $50,000, they will charge $70,000 from you.
•Do not pay any money for the test file.
•Before manipulating the files, be sure to make a backup of them, otherwise it is your responsibility.
The virus also leaves a second ransom note in a .TXT file with the same name, which has the following message:
¦¦¦¦¦HARDBIT RANSOMWARE¦¦¦¦¦
—-
what happened?
All your files have been stolen and then encrypted. But don’t worry, everything is safe and will be returned to you.—-
How can I get my files back?
You have to pay us to get the files back. We don’t have bank or paypal accounts, you only have to pay us via Bitcoin.
—-
How can I buy bitcoins?
You can buy bitcoins from all reputable sites in the world and send them to us. Just search how to buy bitcoins on the internet. Our suggestion is these sites.
>>hxxps://www.binance.com/enhxxps://www.coinbase.com/hxxps://localbitcoins.com/hxxps://www.bybit.com/en-US/<< ---- What is your guarantee to restore files? Its just a business. We absolutely do not care about you and your deals, except getting benefits. If we do not do our work and liabilities - nobody will cooperate with us. Its not in our interests. To check the ability of returning files, you can send to us any 2 files with SIMPLE extensions(jpg,xls,doc, etc... not databases!) and low sizes(max 1 mb), we will decrypt them and send back to you. That is our guarantee. ---- How to contact with you? You can contact us by email:>>boos@keemail.meboos@cyberfear.com<;< ---- How will the payment process be after payment? After payment, we will send you the decryption tool along with the guide and we will be with you until the last file is decrypted. ---- What happens if I don't pay you? If you don't pay us, you will never have access to your files because the private key is only in our hands. This transaction is not important to us, but it is important to you, because not only do you not have access to your files, but you also lose time. And the more time passes, the more you will lose and If you do not pay the ransom, we will attack your company again in the future. ---- What are your recommendations? - Never change the name of the files, if you want to manipulate the files, make sure you make a backup of them. If there is a problem with the files, we are not responsible for it. - Never work with intermediary companies, because they charge more money from you. For example, if we ask you for 50,000 dollars, they will tell you 55,000 dollars. Don't be afraid of us, just call us. ---- Very important! For those who have cyber insurance against ransomware attacks. Insurance companies require you to keep your insurance information secret, this is to never pay the maximum amount specified in the contract or to pay nothing at all, disrupting negotiations. The insurance company will try to derail negotiations in any way they can so that they can later argue that you will be denied coverage because your insurance does not cover the ransom amount. For example your company is insured for 10 million dollars, while negotiating with your insurance agent about the ransom he will offer us the lowest possible amount, for example 100 thousand dollars, we will refuse the paltry amount and ask for example the amount of 15 million dollars, the insurance agent will never offer us the top threshold of your insurance of 10 million dollars. He will do anything to derail negotiations and refuse to pay us out completely and leave you alone with your problem. If you told us anonymously that your company was insured for $10 million and other important details regarding insurance coverage, we would not demand more than $10 million in correspondence with the insurance agent. That way you would have avoided a leak and decrypted your information. But since the sneaky insurance agent purposely negotiates so as not to pay for the insurance claim, only the insurance company wins in this situation. To avoid all this and get the money on the insurance, be sure to inform us anonymously about the availability and terms of insurance coverage, it benefits both you and us, but it does not benefit the insurance company. Poor multimillionaire insurers will not starve and will not become poorer from the payment of the maximum amount specified in the contract, because everyone knows that the contract is more expensive than money, so let them fulfill the conditions prescribed in your insurance contract, thanks to our interaction.
Among the things which this virus does on your device is to also make sure and change settings in the Windows Registries, like alter or create values in registry keys, like Run or RunOnce (or both):
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
What Are .hardbit Files
The .hardbit files are encrypted by this virus, likely using an algorithm that works with keys, for example the AES encryption. The virus scans for the data on your computer and uses this cipher to encrypt it. It may target the following files:
- Videos (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Audio (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Picture file kinds (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Archive file formats (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Documents of different types (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Others.
After encryption, the files cannot be opened, unless you have a decryptor or a decryption key and look like the following:
Picture.jpg.hardbit
How to Remove HARDBIT Virus?
HARDBIT virus can be removed if you remove its core files from your device. This can happen by following the steps in the removal manual below. If you want the most effective and safest solution, then we suggest getting your computer using a professional anti-malware program for Windows. This is the type of software, which contains the latest threats and its database and can fully clean up your computer from any sort of malware.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Step 1: Scan for HARDBIT with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall HARDBIT 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 HARDBIT 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 HARDBIT 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 HARDBIT
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by HARDBIT.
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 HARDBIT 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.
HARDBIT-FAQ
What is HARDBIT Ransomware?
HARDBIT 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 HARDBIT 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 HARDBIT Infect?
Via several ways.HARDBIT 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 HARDBIT 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 .HARDBIT files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .HARDBIT 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 .HARDBIT files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".HARDBIT" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .HARDBIT 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 HARDBIT 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 HARDBIT ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .HARDBIT 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 HARDBIT 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 HARDBIT Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this HARDBIT 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 HARDBIT 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.