Horros virus is a new Hidden Tear based malware that is actively infecting computers worldwide. Read our in-depth removal guide in order to learm more about it and recover your computer.
Threat Summary
| Name | Horros |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The Horros virus is a Hidden Tear based malware that encrypts the target data with .horros extension. |
| Symptoms | The victims will find that their files are encrypted with the .horros extension. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, File Sharing Networks, Exploit Kits |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
Horros virus – Infection Spread
The Horros virus can be distributed using various methods depending on the desired scale of attacks. The hackers can make use of the most popular strategies to infect as many targets as possible. As such one of the most popular methods is to send spam messages that include a social engineering element. The preferrred way is to send hyperlinks that lead to the Horros virus samples hosted on a hacker-controlled download page. In other cases the malware operators may attach the files to the messages. The tactics used by the Horros virus controllers are to use stolen text and graphics from well-known sites.
In the last few years we have observed two methods that utilize malware payloads. The first one is to integrate the Horros virus into documents. They can be of different types such as rich text documents, spreadsheets and presentations. Once they are opened by the victims a notification window will be spawned that asks the victims to enable the built-in scripts. When this is done the virus will be automatically loaded into the system and initiated on the victim system. The other strategy is to load the Horros virus code into software installers. The criminals take the legitimate application setup files from official vendors and modify them to include the dangerous code. The reason why this tactic has the potential to impact many users is the fact that the criminals target popular software such as games, utilities, creativity apps and productivity solutions.
Due to the fact that the virus samples can be loaded through a payload or another software browser hijackers are a popular choice. They represent malware browser plugins that are designed to redirect the victim users to a hacker-controlled page, deploy various malware (including the virus) and institute various system changes.
Other Horros virus delivery methods include web scripts such as ads, banners and pop-ups. They can be placed on legitimate sites as well through affiliate networks and other marketing services.
Horros virus – Technical Data
The Horros virus is a newly discovered threat that appears to be a strain of the HiddenTear malware family. The ongoing attack campaigns are being initiated by an unknown individual or criminal collective. Like other similar threats it uses a prescribed behavior pattern that can be modified according to the ongoing attack campaign. This means that the virus can enable or integrate certain features in one campaign and be customized with others in future ones.
The attacks can begin with an information gathering that is programmed to harvest sensitive data from the compromised systems. It can be programmed into hijacking two main types of data:
- Private Information — This type of data can expose the victim’s identity. The malware engine is programmed into looking our for specific strings: the victims name, address, location, interest, passwords, account credentials and etc.
- Metrics Data — Other data that can be used by the malware engine for statistical purposes. This includes the available hardware components and certain operating system values.
Once this is done the collected information ca be used to start a stealth protection module. It uses the data to scan for signatures of any applications or services that might interfere with the Horros virus execution. Examples include anti-virus solutions, sandbox environments and virtual machine hosts. Advanced versions can be configured into deleting themselves if they are unable to overcome the security measures.
Follow-up steps include various system changes that all seek to misconfigure the system and allow for further malware actions. A popular method is to modify the Windows Registry by creating new entries or modifying existing ones. When such is the case with system applications or user software the victims apps may loose some functionality or altogether stop working. Overall system performance can be impacted if the malware modifies a system-related value.
Some Hidden Tear based viruses have the ability to institute a network connection to the hacker-controlled server. It can be used to serve various other malware as well. Some connections are used in a manner similar to Trojan viruses by transmitting data in real time. They allow the hackers to spy on the victims and take over control of them at any given time.
The Hidden Tear code is modular enough to allow for additional components to be loaded both before the virus is started and during its execution.
Horros virus — Encryption Process
Once all components have completed execution the ransomware module is started. Following the well-known Hidden Tear behavior patterns it uses a built-in list of target file type extensions that are encrypted with a strong cipher. The captured strains have been found to impact the following data types:
.3dm, .7z, .7zip, .accdb, .ai, .asp, .bmp, .class, .cpp, .cs, .csv, .dat, .db, .dbf,
.doc, .docb, .docm, .docx, .dot, .dotm, .dotx, .dwg, .dxf, .eps, .fla, .gif, .ico, .indd,
.jar, .java, .jpeg, .jpg, .js, .max, .mdb, .msg, .pdb, .pdf, .php, .png, .ps, .psd, .py, .rar,
.raw, .rb, .rtf, .sdf, .sql, .svg, .swf, .tif, .txt, .vcf, .wpd, .wps, .xlm, .xls, .xlsb, .xlsm,
.xlsx, .xlt, .xltm, .xltx, .xml, .zip
All victim files are renamed with the .horros extension. The ransomware engine can also create designated ransom notes with messages that attempt to coerce the victims into paying the hackers a ransom fee.
Remove Horros virus and Restore Your Files
If your computer got compromised and is infected with the Horros ransomware virus, you should have some experience with removing viruses before tampering with it. You should get rid of the ransomware fast before it can spread further on the network and encrypt more files. The recommended action for you is to remove the ransomware completely by following the step-by-step instructions written below.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
Follow Me:
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Horros with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Horros 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Horros 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 Horros there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Horros
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Horros.
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 Horros 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.
Horros-FAQ
What is Horros Ransomware?
Horros 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 Horros 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 Horros Infect?
Via several ways.Horros 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 Horros 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 .Horros files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Horros 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 .Horros files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Horros" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Horros 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 Horros 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 Horros ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Horros 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 Horros 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 Horros Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Horros 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 Horros 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.