This article is made to show you what is the HERMES 2.1 Ransomware virus variant, how to remove it and how to restore encrypted files by it.
A new 2.1 variant of Hermes ransomware has been detected out in the wild, without any file extension appended. The malware has several differences than the traditional 2.1 version which was monitored by researchers the past few months. The virus is from the file encryption ransomware infections and it’s primary purpose is to encipher the files on infected PC’s via AES-256 encryption algorithm and generate a unique decryption key for each victim, which the cyber-crooks sell for a ransom. If your computer has been infected by the Hermes 2.1 version, we recommend that you read this article and learn how to remove this malware and try to recover your encrypted files without having to pay ransom.
Threat Summary
| Name | HERMES 2.1 |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Encrypts the files on the infected computer, using AES cipher. Demands a ransom payment in BitCoin to get them to open again. |
| Symptoms | The Hermes 2.1 ransomware encrypts the files without adding any file extension and then drops a ransom note file. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss HERMES 2.1. |
| 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. |
Hermes 2.1 – How Does It Infect
The malware has been outlined by experts to be spread with the assistance of spammed e-mail messages. Such messages may spread files or web links of the following infection characters:
- Malicious web link, which when clicked on downloads and executes the infection file.
- Web link which can cause an infection by simply being clicked on.
- The infection file directly uploaded as an e-mail attachment, masked as a legitimate invoice, receipt or other forms of documents.
Furthermore, your computer can also become infected with Hermes 2.1 ransomware via tools such as RDP exploits, exploit kits, fake system updates and also fake installers of software. In addition to this, there is also a chance that you may see the virus, masked as a fake installer of a program or an infected legitimate one which triggers the infection after you run the program or game. Other cases which have been reported also include using game patches, driver installers or fake license activators for software, uploaded on torrent sites with low ratings for security.
HERMES 2.1 Ransomware – Malicious Activity
After an infection with the HERMES 2.1 ransowmare threat takes place on your computer, the malware uses an unsecured port on your PC, via which it may silently drop the following malicious files directly on your PC:
→ Reload.exe
system_.bat
shade.bat
DECRYPT_INFO.txt
DECRYPT_INFORMATION.html
UNIQUE_ID_DO_NOT_REMOVE
hermes.exe
shade.vbs
The files of HERMES 2.1 may be dropped on system folders and Windows directories, the main of which may be the following:
→ %AppData%
%Local%
%LocalLow%
%Temp%
%Windows%
%System%
%System32%
After these payload files have been dropped and ran on the victim’s computer, they may also run automatically and create the following files on the victim’s computer:
→ Cversions.2.db
Computer Management.lnk
Multiple .db objects with random names, located in %Caches% directory.
As soon as this is done, the HERMES 2.1 virus may also use the Evelen method in order to bypass User Account Control (UAC) service. This may result in the malware being able to run Windows Command Prompt and execute the following commands in order to delete the shadow volume copies and disable file recovery services and all of this is usually done without the victim noticing this
→ process call create “cmd.exe /c
vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet
bcdedit.exe /set {default} recoveryenabled no
bcdedit.exe /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
The deletion process does not concern one backup method, since HERMES 2.1 is a bit more sophisticated than the traditional ransomware. The virus also attacks the following file formats, which represent backup copies:
→ .VHD .bac .bak .wbcat .bkf ,backup, .set, .win .dsk
As soon as all backup on your infected computer is gone, the malware may start to modify the registry editor of your computer. The modifications include adding value strings with data in them that allow the malware to run automatically when you boot your PC and also to open it’s ransom note automatically as well. The attacked registry sub-keys are as follows:
→ HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run” /v “allkeeper” /t REG_SZ /d “%USERPROFILE%\Desktop\DECRYPT_INFORMATION.html” /f
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run” /v “sysrep” /t REG_SZ /d “%PUBLIC%\Reload.exe” /f
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run” /v “allkeeper” /t REG_SZ /d
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run” /v “sysrep” /t REG_SZ /d
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\allkeeper C:\users\User\Desktop\DECRYPT_INFORMATION.html
The HERMES 2.1 ransomware also does not forget to add it’s ransom note file, which contains the following message to victims:
HERMES 2.1 – Encryption Activity
The encryption procedure of Hermes Ransomware involves the Advanced Encryption Algorithm, also known as AES and it appends this cipher with a 256-bit strenght. The malware also targets several file types that are specifically used for the encryption. Some of those files are reported by analysts to be of the following types:
→ .accdb, .agif, .awdb, .bean, .cdmm, .cdmz, .cdr3, .cdr4, .cdr6, .cdrw, .clkw, .crwl, .ddoc, .djvu, .docm, .docx, .docz, .dotm, .dotx, .dtsx, .emlx, .epsf, .fdxt, .fh10, .fh11, .fodt, .fpos, .ft10, .ft11, .fwdn, .gdoc, .gfie, .glox, .gthr, .hpgl, .html, .icon, .idea, .itc2, .itdb, .jbig, .jpeg, .jpg2, .jrtf, .kdbx, .mbox, .mell, .mgcb, .mgmf, .mgmt, .mgmx, .mgtx, .mmat, .mobi, .mrxs, .pano, .pict, .pjpg, .pntg, .pobj, .pptm, .pptx, .psdx, .psid, .rctd, .reloc, .riff, .s2mv, .save, .scad, .sdoc, .smil, .ssfn, .sumo, .svgz, .text, .tiff, .utf8, .vrml, .vsdm, .vsdx, .vstm, .vstx, .wbmp, .webp, .wmdb, .xhtm, .xlgc, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsx, .zabw (700 more)
After HERMES 2.1 finishes the encryption process, the malware does not perform any modifications to the file names, unlike what it’s older variant, which used to add the .HRM file suffix to each of the encrypted files.
How to Remove HERMES 2.1 Ransomware and Try to Restore Files
We recommend that you make a backup copies of the encrypted files before you start any removal procedures, since your computer has already been compromised and salvaging your data is number 1 priority. After doing so, we advise following the removal steps down below. They are created so that they are separated in manual and automatic removal instructions. Such will help you erase the associated and malicious files of Hermes ransomware, based on your experience with malware removal. In case you feel uncertain to remove HERMES 2.1 manually, experts always advise that the best thing to do is to scan your computer with an advanced anti-malware software. Such will make sure that the ransomware is fully gone from your computer system in few mouse clicks and your machine remains protected actively against future infections and intrusive software as well.
If you want to restore files, that have been encrypted by HERMES 2.1 ransomware, we advise that you focus on trying out the alternative methods for file recovery in step
“2. Restore files encrypted by HERMES 2.1” instead of paying the ransom. The methods may not be 100% guarantee you will recover all the data of the encrypted files, but they may help you to recover most of the files in some situations.
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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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
About the HERMES 2.1 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this HERMES 2.1 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 HERMES 2.1 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.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
How to Remove HERMES 2.1 from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove HERMES 2.1
1. Hold Windows Key + R.
2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Uninstall HERMES 2.1 and related software 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:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by HERMES 2.1 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 HERMES 2.1 there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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: Scan for HERMES 2.1 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by HERMES 2.1.
Ransomware infections and HERMES 2.1 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of HERMES 2.1 from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall HERMES 2.1 and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to HERMES 2.1:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to HERMES 2.1. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash
”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to HERMES 2.1. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove HERMES 2.1 via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as HERMES 2.1. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by HERMES 2.1.
Ransomware infections and HERMES 2.1 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
HERMES 2.1 FAQ
What is HERMES 2.1 ransomware and how does it work?
HERMES 2.1 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 algorithm how 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.
How does HERMES 2.1 ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.HERMES 2.1 Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of HERMES 2.1 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 .HERMES 2.1 files?
You can't. At this point the .HERMES 2.1 files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .HERMES 2.1 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by HERMES 2.1 ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".HERMES 2.1" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .HERMES 2.1 files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of HERMES 2.1 ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate HERMES 2.1 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .HERMES 2.1 files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like HERMES 2.1 ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.