The .HeroesOftheStorm file virus aims to establish its malicious files on a system, encrypts important data and then blackmails victims into playing the game Heroes of the Storm 24 hours. The threat is classified as a ransomware that is based on the open source code of the project HiddenTear. However, playing Heroes of the Storm does not guarantee decryption of corrupted .HeroesOftheStorm files. Being a ransomware, it is likely to demand a ransom payment for the decryption key.
This article provides more information about .HeroesOftheStorm file virus and guides you through the removal process so you can restore PC and regain corrupted files.
Threat Summary
| Name | .HeroesOftheStorm file virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Encrypts target files on the infected computer. Demands 24 hours playing on Heroes of the Storm game. |
| Symptoms | The ransmware drops a ransom note that is contained in the What is it?.txt file. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .HeroesOftheStorm file virus. |
| 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. |
How Does .HeroesOftheStorm Land on the PC?
The .HeroesOftheStorm file virus author can use different methods to distribute the payload. The preferred infection vector is considered to be the spam email messages. Such emails allow hackers to pose as legitimate organizations that are pretending to deliver valuable information that should be seen. Once the email is opened, it may present a message that urges you to click on a web link or download a file attachment. And if you do follow the instructions your PC will get infected with .HeroesOftheStorm file virus. Instant message services can also be used for the distribution of malicious links that lead to web pages with injected malware code.
How Does .HeroesOftheStorm File Virus Corrupts Data?
Being based on the Hidden Tear open source code, this data locker ransomware utilizes the strong AES cipher for data encryption. Like other ransomware based on HiddenTear (ZenCrypt, Unikey, Barrax) .HeroesOftheStorm can seek to encrypt frequently used files of the following types:
→ .txt, .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .pdf, .pps, .ppt, .pptx, .odt, .gif, .jpg, .png, .db, .csv, .sql, .mdb.sln.php, .asp, .aspx, .html, .xml, .psd, .frm, .myd, .myi, .dbf, .mp3, .mp4, .avi, .mov, .mpg, .rm, .wmv, .m4a, .mpa, .wav, .sav, .gam, .log, .ged, .msg, .myo, .tax, .ynab, .ifx, .ofx, .qfx, .qif, .qdf, .tax2013, .tax2014, .tax2015, .box, .ncf, .nsf, .ntf, .lwp
It then renames all corrupted files with .HeroesOftheStorm extension. The .HeroesOftheStorm files remain completely unusable until the decryption key is applied to the decryptor. Have in mind that many HiddenTear variants have been cracked by security researchers so there is chance that they will release freely available decryptor soon. Meanwhile, you can try to recover .HeroesOftheStorm files with the help of any alternative data recovery tool provided in the instruction at the end of the article.
How Does .HeroesOftheStorm File Virus Damage the PC?
The file restolocker.exe triggers the ransomware attack once it is running on the system. The malicious executable file can initiate various changes of the system settings. To ensure its persistent presence on the PC .HeroesOftheStorm ransomware can add or modify values in the Windows Registry. The registry keys Run and RunOnce are the main two that are targeted by crypto viruses as they manage all processes that need to be started when the Windows operating system is loaded.
Another frequent target of ransomware is the Shadow Volume Copies that can serve as a backup option in case of data loss. They are automatically created and stored in the system by default. So usually the ransomware accesses the Command Prompt and enters the following command line to erase all Shadow Volume Copies:
→ vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet
At the end of the attack when all target files are encrypted and marked with the extension .HeroesOftheStorm the threat drops a ransom note file called What is it?.txt on the Desktop. It reads the following:
Hi. I encrypted your personal files.
Heroes Of The Storm is the god game. But, people don’t know that.
So, I made this program that make people to play Heroes Of The Storm.
To dectrypt your files, follow this procedure. First, You have to install Heroes Of The Storm. Second, Play Heroes Of The Storm 24hours. (Only Play Time Will Be Recorded)
NOW, Let’s play the King God Emperor General Chungmoogong Majesty Game HEROES OF THE STORM
*Warning* Do NOT KILL This Program and Computer.
In addition the .HeroesOftheStorm crypto virus can replace the desktop wallpaper with the following image:
According to the ransom message attackers‘ demand from you to install Heroes of the Storm and play the game 24 hours. Eventually, after completing the challenge all .HeroesOftheStorm will be decrypted. However, there is no guarantee this will happen as it seems that the threat is in development. Even if it does, all ransomware files and objects remain on the machine. Thus on the next boot up, all your files can be encrypted again. Then hackers will be able to extort a ransom in Bitcoins from you.
Remove .HeroesOftheStorm File Virus and Restore Data
The .HeroesOftheStorm File Virus should be eliminated as soon as possible from the infected system. Otherwise, it has the chance to spread itself to all devices that are connected to the same network as the infected machine. The detailed guide below provides .HeroesOftheStorm ransomware removal instructions. After the removal backup all encrypted files and check step “Restore files encrypted by .HeroesOftheStorm file virus” for alternative data recovery solutions.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online 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 .HeroesOftheStorm file virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .HeroesOftheStorm file virus 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 .HeroesOftheStorm file virus 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
- Guide 1: How to Remove .HeroesOftheStorm file virus from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of .HeroesOftheStorm file virus from Mac OS X.
How to Remove .HeroesOftheStorm file virus from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .HeroesOftheStorm file virus
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 .HeroesOftheStorm file virus 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 .HeroesOftheStorm file virus 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 .HeroesOftheStorm file virus 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 .HeroesOftheStorm file virus 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 .HeroesOftheStorm file virus.
Ransomware infections and .HeroesOftheStorm file virus 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 .HeroesOftheStorm file virus from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall .HeroesOftheStorm file virus 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 .HeroesOftheStorm file virus:
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 .HeroesOftheStorm file virus. 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 .HeroesOftheStorm file virus. 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 .HeroesOftheStorm file virus 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 .HeroesOftheStorm file virus. 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 .HeroesOftheStorm file virus.
Ransomware infections and .HeroesOftheStorm file virus 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.
.HeroesOftheStorm file virus FAQ
What is .HeroesOftheStorm file virus ransomware and how does it work?
.HeroesOftheStorm file virus 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 .HeroesOftheStorm file virus ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways..HeroesOftheStorm file virus 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 .HeroesOftheStorm file virus 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 ..HeroesOftheStorm file virus files?
You can't. At this point the ..HeroesOftheStorm file virus 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 ..HeroesOftheStorm file virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by .HeroesOftheStorm file virus 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 "..HeroesOftheStorm file virus" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..HeroesOftheStorm file virus 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 .HeroesOftheStorm file virus 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 .HeroesOftheStorm file virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..HeroesOftheStorm file virus files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like .HeroesOftheStorm file virus 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.