What Is HHOO Virus?
Ransomware known as HHOO, part of the STOP/DJVU virus family, is a malicious threat that can encrypt files with a strong encryption algorithm. Victims are then required to pay a ransom to access the decryption key needed to unlock the files.
HHOO Virus – Why Is My Windows Infected?
It is important to be cautious when downloading and opening files from untrusted sources, as Hhoo ransomware is commonly spread through obfuscated files, malicious emails, websites, and downloads.
Hhoo Virus – Details
Name | Hhoo 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 | .hhoo |
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 Hhoo Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .hhoo extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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HHOO Virus – How Did I Get Infected?
It is essential to take care when downloading and opening files from obscure sources, as Hhoo ransomware can be disseminated through malicious emails, websites, and downloads:
- If it is sent to you as an e-mail attachment or a URL.
- By being downloaded from a shady site.
HHOO Virus – What Does It Do?
Once the Hhoo ransomware is installed on your computer, it will encrypt your data and demand a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. Furthermore, it will change the file extensions of all affected files to .hhoo.
This ransomware’s primary purpose is to leave its malicious payload files within the following Windows directories:
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %Windows%
- %SystemDrive%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %System%
- %system32%
Among the actions of this virus is to also leave its ransom note file, called _readme.txt. It has the following text:
The Run and RunOnce registries may contain various value entries generated by this virus, which can trigger the launch of its files when Windows is first started up.
What Are .hhoo Files
DJVU ransomware encrypts files using the AES encryption algorithm, making them inaccessible without a decryption key. To obtain this key, a ransom must be paid. The virus also has the capability to scan and detect certain types of files, which then become encrypted as well.
This malware may target the following types of files 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 assume the following appearance:
How to Open .hhoo Files
In order to open an encrypted file that has been secured with a cipher, one must possess the corresponding decryption key. The only way to obtain the key is to either pay the ransom demanded by the ransomware, or obtain a decryptor.
What To Do If My Files Are .hhoo?
If your files have been encrypted by Hhoo ransomware’s cipher , the only ways to restore them are to have a backup of the files, pay the ransom, or to check if any researchers have developed a free decryptor. It is important to note that there is no guarantee that the decryption key will work and paying the ransom does not guarantee the successful recovery of your files.
How To Protect Windows from Hhoo In The Future?
If you want to know how you can protect your device in the future, then we reccomend that you learn how to safely store your files to protect them from ransomware.
How to Remove Hhoo Virus?
To protect your computer from Hhoo ransomware, it is advised to use a dependable anti-malware program. It will detect and delete any malicious files associated with the virus. To make sure that the virus is completely eradicated, you should run a full system scan. This will detect any remaining components of the virus and remove them from your computer.
How to Decrypt / Fix .hhoo Files?
The only way to successfully decrypt files that have been encrypted by ransomware is to use the decryption key provided by the ransomware developers after the ransom is paid. However, there is no guarantee that the key will work and no guarantee that paying the ransom will result in the files being recovered. Therefore, it is recommended to first attempt to decrypt the files using the STOP Ransomware decryption steps linked here before trying the decryption key.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Hhoo with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Hhoo 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 Hhoo 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 Hhoo 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 Hhoo
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Hhoo.
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 Hhoo 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.
Hhoo-FAQ
What is Hhoo Ransomware?
Hhoo 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 Hhoo 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 Hhoo Infect?
Via several ways.Hhoo 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 Hhoo 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 .Hhoo files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Hhoo 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 .Hhoo files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Hhoo" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Hhoo 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 Hhoo 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 Hhoo ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Hhoo 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 Hhoo 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 Hhoo Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Hhoo 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 Hhoo 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.