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 .honor Ransomware and other threats.
Threats such as .honor Ransomware 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 aims to help you by showing you how to remove the .honor files virus (“honor’s ransomware”) from your computer and how to restore files, encrypted by it.
New ransomware infection, dubbed “honor’s ransomware” has been reported by security analyst GrujaRS to infect the computers of victims and then encrypt their documents, music, pictures plus other important files in order to hold them hostage until a ransom has been paid in BitCoin. The malware has also been reported to completely rename the encrypted files and then leave behind .honor extension plus instructions on how to get them back. So far, researchers have managed to establish that the code of this virus is based on the open-source virus, called “My Little Ransomware”, which was uploaded two years ago on GitHub.If your computer has been infected by the .honor files virus, we strongly suggest that you read the following article in order to learn more about this ransomware cryptovirus and how to remove it from your computer plus how to try and restore .honor encrypted files without paying cyber-crooks.
Threat Summary
Name
.honor Ransomware
Type
Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description
Encrypts the files on the infected computer, using a combination with RSA and AES encryption algorithms, which generates unique decryption keys and asymmetric key.
Symptoms
Files are renamed with symbols, letters and numbers and have the .honor file extension added in the end.
Distribution Method
Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files
Detection Tool
See If Your System Has Been Affected by .honor Ransomware
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.
.honor Files Virus – Infection Methods
The primary method of propagation of this malware is conducted via e-mail spam messages. Such are often created with the aim to spread various different types of malicious e-mail attachments, which only pretend to be legitimate in order to get victims to open them. Such e-mails often have convincing statements within them, that aim to get victims to trust the message and open the attachment. Here is an example of how such e-mail may appear like:
In addition to via e-mail, the virus may also infect your computer via other methods, like upload a file on malicious websites.
.honor Files Virus – More Informaton
Once the .honor file extension ransomware has infected your computer, the virus may perform series of unwanted activities which end witht the malware encrypting the important files on victims’ computers. The .honor files virus may firstly connect to a remote command and control server and from it download it’s malicious payload files, which may reside in the following Windows directories:
%AppData%
%Local%
%LocalLow%
%Roaming%
%Temp%
The primary malicious file which was detected in association with the Honor ransomware infection has been reported to have the following parameters in the site VirusTotal:
In addition to this, file encryption has been reported to perform various different types of activities on the computer of the victim. The malware may schedule system tasks to run automatically on system boot and may also modify the run and runonce sub-keys by adding value strings with the files it may run automatically on system startup, such as the .exe file, that has been reported to cause the encryption. The sub-keys have the following locations:
In addition to modifying the Windows Registry sub-keys, the malware may also perform other activities on your computer, such as have your backups and shadow copies deleted via the vssadmin and bcedit commands. These may be ran automatically after the virus overrides Windows defenses and assumes administrative privileges. The commands are as follows and they may be ran via a script file:
In addition to deleting the backups, the .honor files virus may also perform other unwanted activities, such as launch it’s encryption activities, which result in several other files which are then generated, like the AES keys and the unique identifier.
.honor Files Virus – Encryption Process
When this ransomware virus has been detected by malware researchers, it was reported to use the AES encryption algorithm, but in what mode and strenght, it is so far unclear. The cyper generates a unqiue assymetric decryption key, which is saved alongside a secret key which is most likely RSA encrypted and also a unique identifier. This information is likely to be sent to the cyber-crooks and it is summed up in four different types of files, named:
data recive
Secret.txt
secretAES.txt
sendBack.txt
The .honor files virus targets specific types of files for it’s encryption process, such as documents, audio and video files, pictures, archives and other types of files. The virus may target files with the following file extensions:
After the encryption is complete, the files are completely renamed with symbols, letters and numbers and have the .honor extension added as their suffix. They may appear like the image below displays:
Remove Honor Ransomware and Restore .honor Files
In order to fully remove this ransomware infection from your computer, recommendations are to focus on follow the removal instructions underneath this article. They have been created so that you can remove Honor ransomware either manually or automatically. If you lack the experience in malware removal, we strongly suggest that you focus on removing this infection automatically by downloading an advanced anti-malware software, as experts suggest. Such software will help you to automatically remove all malware, including .honor ransomware and ensure that your computer is protected against future infections as well.
If you want to restore files that have been encrypted by this ransomware virus, we would suggest that you focus on following the alternative methods for file recovery down below in step “2. Restore files encrypted by .honor Virus”. They have been created with no guarantee that you will be able to recover all of your encrypted files, but with their aid, you might be able to recover some of your data at least.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by .honor Ransomware 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 .honor Ransomware. 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 .honor Ransomware follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .honor Ransomware 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 .honor Ransomware on your PC
Find files created by .honor Ransomware
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 .honor Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for .honor Ransomware and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove .honor Ransomware. 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 .honor Ransomware
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .honor Ransomware
Ransomware infections and .honor Ransomware 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 aims to help you by showing you how to remove the .honor files virus (“honor’s ransomware”) from your computer and how to restore files, encrypted 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 .honor Ransomware and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
