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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Step 1: Scan for HERMES 2.1 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall HERMES 2.1 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 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:
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 HERMES 2.1
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by HERMES 2.1.
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 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.
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.
HERMES 2.1-FAQ
What is HERMES 2.1 Ransomware?
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 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 HERMES 2.1 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 HERMES 2.1 Infect?
Via several ways.HERMES 2.1 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 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 without a decryptor. At this point, the .HERMES 2.1 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 .HERMES 2.1 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".HERMES 2.1" Files?
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% 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 HERMES 2.1 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 HERMES 2.1 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .HERMES 2.1 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 HERMES 2.1 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 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.
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.