Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Note! Your computer might be affected by HERMES 2.1 and other threats.
Threats such as HERMES 2.1 may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
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 HERMES 2.1
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:
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
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:
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:
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:
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.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by HERMES 2.1 and other threats. Scan Your PC with SpyHunter SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as HERMES 2.1. Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
To remove HERMES 2.1 follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove HERMES 2.1 files and objects
OFFER
Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
For Windows XP, Vista and 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu. 2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Step 1: Open up the Start Menu.
Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
2. Find files created by HERMES 2.1 on your PC
Find files created by HERMES 2.1
1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
Step 1:
On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
Step 2:
Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
Step 3:
Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
Step 1:
Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
Step 2:
After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
Step 3:
After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Scan your PC and Remove HERMES 2.1 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for HERMES 2.1 and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove HERMES 2.1. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
Step 1: Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup.
4. Try to Restore files encrypted by HERMES 2.1
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 several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software. Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors. If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
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.
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for HERMES 2.1 and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
