What Is HHMM Virus?
Hhmm Ransomware is a malicious computer virus that locks up user data and demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. It is part of a family of ransomware known as STOP/DJVU. It is spread through malicious websites, spam emails, and malicious downloads.
Hhmm Virus – Why Is My Windows Infected?
You may have been infected with Hhmm Ransomware virus if you have visited a malicious website or opened an obfuscated malicious email attachment. Malware, such as ransomware, can also be installed through malicious downloads, such as free software or pirated content.
Hhmm Virus – How Did I Get Infected?
You may have been infected with Hhmm Ransomware virus if you have visited a malicious website or opened a malicious email attachment. Malware, such as ransomware, can also be installed through malicious downloads, such as free software or pirated content. The following methods are used by these kinds of viruses for infection:
- If it is sent to you as an e-mail attachment or a URL.
- By being downloaded from a shady site.
Hhmm Virus – What Does It Do?
Once on your computer, Hhmm virus will encrypt your important files and documents and display a ransom note demanding payment in order to regain access to them. The ransom note typically includes a Bitcoin address and instructions for how to pay the ransom.
The virus first drops its malicious payload files in the following Windows directories:
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %Windows%
- %SystemDrive%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %System%
- %system32%
The virus also leaves its _readme.txt ransom note, containing the demands of the criminals:
Not only this, but it may also change your Windows Registry editor settings by adding some value entries in specific Registries.
What Are .hhmm Files
The .hhmm encrypted files are files that have been encrypted by this variant of the DJVU ransomware virus using AES encryption algorithm. These files can no longer be opened and will have the .hhmm extension appended to the end of their file names.
The Hhmm virus may attack the following file types for encryption:
- Videos (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Audio (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Picture file kinds (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Archive file formats (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Documents of different types (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Others.
After encryption, the files may begin to assume the following appearance:
Picture.jpg.hhmm
How to Open .hhmm Files
The .hhmm ransomware files cannot be opened as they have been encrypted by the virus. In order to open them, you must first decrypt them using a decryption key, which can only be obtained by paying the ransom or using a decryption tool.
What To Do If My Files Are .hhmm?
If your files have been encrypted by .hhmm ransomware’s cipher, the only way to regain access to them is to decrypt them using a decryption key. This decryption key can either be obtained by paying the ransom or using a decryption tool. It is important to note that paying the ransom is not recommended as there is no guarantee that you will receive the decryption key or that you will be able to decrypt your files.
Hhmm Virus – Details
Name | Hhmm virus, also known as UDS:Trojan.Win32.Chapak.gen, Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.KM!MTB, Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], A Variant Of Win32/GenKryptik.FHJB – more detections of this virus on VirusTotal |
File Extension | .hhmm |
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 Hhmm Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .hhmm extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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How To Protect Windows from Hhmm In The Future?
In order to protect yourself from Hhmm ransomware virus, it is important to practice safe browsing habits, such as only downloading software from trusted sources, not opening suspicious emails, and using a reliable anti-virus program. Additionally, it is important to regularly backup your important files and learn how to safely store your files to protect them from ransomware.
How to Remove Hhmm Virus?
To remove Hhmm ransomware virus, it is important to first identify and delete any malicious files associated with the virus. This can be done using a reliable anti-malware program. Once the malicious files have been identified and deleted, you can then proceed to clean your computer using a system cleaning tool.
How to Decrypt / Fix .hhmm Files?
To decrypt .hhmm encrypted files, you must first obtain the decryption key. This decryption key can either be obtained by paying the ransom or using a decryption tool, like the one in the STOP Ransomware decryption steps. If you choose to pay the ransom, there is no guarantee that you will receive the decryption key or that you will be able to decrypt your files. If you choose to use a decryption tool, make sure to use a reliable tool that is recommended by experts.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Hhmm with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Hhmm 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 Hhmm 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 Hhmm 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 Hhmm
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Hhmm.
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 Hhmm 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.
Hhmm-FAQ
What is Hhmm Ransomware?
Hhmm 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 Hhmm 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 Hhmm Infect?
Via several ways.Hhmm 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 Hhmm 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 .Hhmm files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Hhmm 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 .Hhmm files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Hhmm" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Hhmm 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 Hhmm 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 Hhmm ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Hhmm 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 Hhmm 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 Hhmm Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Hhmm 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 Hhmm 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.