What Is Haron Virus
Haron virus is the name of a dangerous crypto infection. It’s main goal is to get in your computer and perform encryption on your important files, adding the .chaddad file extension after each file. When the Haron virus finishes encrypting your important files, it then leaves a ransom note, called RESTORE_FILES_INFO.txt. THe objective of this note is to convince you that your only option is to succumb to the demands of these criminals and pay the ransom – something that is not advisable to be done.
Read this article to learn more about Haron virus, how to remove it and alternative ways to get your files to work again.
Haron Summary
Name | Haron |
File Extension | .chaddad |
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 ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the . extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | RESTORE_FILES_INFO.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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Haron Virus – What We Know About It
In a simiar fashion, like Queclink virus, STOP ransomware, DECcenter virus and SunCrypt ransomware, this virus may also infect your machine via the two main ways used by ransomware viruses, which are:
- Via e-mail.
- If the file is downloaded from some shady website.
If this virus infects your computer via e-mail, then it may most likely be sent to your computer system posing as some form of legitimate document, for example
- Invoices.
- Something work-related.
- Flight tickets.
- Purchase completed types of documents.
There is also the chance that you have manually downloaded and ran the virus believing that it is some sort of a program you found useful, for example:
- Patch.
- Setup for a freeware app.
- Crack.
- Portable program.
- Keygen (key generator).
Haron virus may drop its files, also known as modules after it causes an infection on your computer. The main idea of these files is to help the malware stay hidden and encrypt your files. They may be often randomly named and are located in the following user system directories:
- %locallow%
- %local%
- %AppData%
- %Temp%
The virus also may attack the Windows Registry Editor, modifying the following sub-keys:
- RunOnce.
- Run.
The main objective of the Haron virus is for you to pay the ransom. This is why it drops the following ransom note, called RESTORE_FILES_INFO.txt:
——-=== Your network has been infected! ===——-
***DO NOT DELETE THIS FILE UNTIL ALL YOUR DATA HAVE BEEN RECOVERED***
All your documents, photos, databases and other important files have been encrypted .
You are not able to decrypt it by yourself. But don\’t worry, we can help you to restore all your files!
The only way to restore your files is to buy our special software. Only we can give you this software and only we can restore your files!We have also downloaded a lot of private data from your network.
If you do not contact as in a 3 days we will post information about your breach on our public news webs – and after 7 days the whole downloaded info.
You can get more information on our page, which is located in a Tor hidden network.How to get to our page
——————————————————————————–
1.Download Tor browser – hxxps://www.torproject.org/2.Install Tor browser
3.Open link in Tor browser –
4.Use login:- password: –
5.Follow the instructions on this page
* DO NOT TRY TO RECOVER FILES YOURSELF!*
* DO NOT MODIFY ENCRYPTED FILES!
* * * OTHERWISE, YOU MAY LOSE ALL YOUR FILES FOREVER! * * *
.chaddad Files
The files that are encrypted by this ransomware infection are heavily modified and cannot be fixed unless you have the decryption key. The main files attacked by the virus are the following:
- Images.
- Archives.
- Videos.
- Documents.
- Audio.
- Other.
After encryption, Haron ransomware leaves the files looking like the following:
File.jpg.chaddad
Remove Haron Virus and Try to Restore Files
Haron is the kind of ransomware that can be removed if you follow the removal guide that has been posted underneath this article. It has been made with the main idea to best assist you in deleting the files of the virus either manually or automatically. For the best removal, the most effective solution is to remove Haron virus using professional anti-malware software. Such a program will automatically take care of Haron ransomware from your computer by scanning for its virus components and eradicating them.
If you want to get your files to work again, but cannot get your hands on a decryptor, then the alternative file recovery steps below might be able to help you out. They are not a 100% solution, but they could recover some of your files, at least.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Haron with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Haron 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 Haron 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 Haron 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 Haron
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Haron.
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 Haron 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.
Haron-FAQ
What is Haron Ransomware?
Haron 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 Haron 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 Haron Infect?
Via several ways.Haron 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 Haron 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 .Haron files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Haron 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 .Haron files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Haron" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Haron 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 Haron 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 Haron ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Haron 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 Haron 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 Haron Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Haron 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 Haron 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.