Ransomware which is associated with the .7h9r file extension has been reported to affect users on a massive scale. The ransomware uses an extremely strong file encryption to encode the files of infected users. In addition to that, 7h9r leaves a ransom note and asks users to contact 7h9r341@gmail.com address for negotiation on the payoff of the files. All users who have been affected by this ransom virus should immediately remove it from their computer instead of paying any ransom. To decode your files, unfortunately, direct decryption is so far impossible unless the ransom is paid. However, we will update this article as soon as there is a decryptor released and in the meantime you may want to try using the step-by-step instructions posted in this article to use several methods to go around direct decryption and try to restore your files.
Threat Summary
| Name | 7h9r |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files with the RSA or AES algorithms and asks a ransom for decryption. |
| Symptoms | Files are encrypted and become inaccessible. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows as a “README_.txt” file. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks. |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss 7h9r Ransomware. |
| 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. |
7h9r Ransomware – Distribution Method
To infect users with a relatively high success rate, 7h9r crypto ransomware may use different strategies. One of the most often used strategies is via spam e-mail messages. Since most e-mail services tend to scan for and block malicious attachments, 7h9r ransomware may use URLs that redirect to the malicious Web link which may infect users via several methods:
- Drive-by download of malicious files.
- Malicious JavaScript.
- An Exploit Kit attack.
7h9r Ransomware – Malicious Activity Overview
The notorious 7h9r Ransomware virus has been reported by several researchers to create malicious files typically in one of the following Windows directories:
After this has been done, 7h9r ransomware virus may modify the registry editor of Windows with a purpose of running its malicious encryption module when Windows starts. The usually targeted keys for this are the following:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
After running, the encryptor begins to encrypt files that contain the following file extensions:
After encrypting the files, 7h9r Ransomware makes sure that the user knows what he or she is dealing with. It adds its trademark – the .7h9r extension and an encrypted file appears with a removed icon and a name, similar to the following example:
→ New Text Document.txt.7h9r
After this, 7h9r begins to communicate. It drops a “README_.txt” file which states the following ransom message:
→ “Your files were encrypted. If you want to decrypt them you must send code WE8765twx1009jdR|742|0|2 to email 7h9r341@gmail.com.
Then you will receive all necessary instructions. Attempts to decipher on their own will not lead to anything good, except irretrievable loss of information.
If you still want try to decipher them, please make a copy of files, this is our life hacking for you. (If you change the file we can’t decrypt them in future)” Source: Infected User
In brief, this ransomware is most likely created to convince users to contact the e-mail of the cyber-criminals to beg for their files. Upon contact, the crooks may provide instructions on how to make a ransom payoff most likely in BitCoin after which the cyber-criminals may provide a decryption key. So far, it is a mystery on what algorithm has been used to encrypt the files, but researchers believe that the AES and RSA may be utilized in combination.
Remove 7h9r Ransomware Completely and Try To Restore Encoded Files
To successfully and permanently remove this ransomware, you are welcome to follow our instructions below. They are separated in manual (for advanced users) and automatic(for beginners) depending on the experience you have with removing ransomware. For maximum effectiveness, we advise using the automatic approach because the ransomware may also create other concealed files which may contain random names and be difficult to discover. Having an advanced anti-malware tool takes care of that for you swiftly and safely without causing damage to the encoded data.
To try and get access back to your files, we advise you to go around direct decryption and follow the alternative methods below. If you are going to, bear in mind that they are not 100% effective and may not work fulfill your expectation. However, we have had cases of users who were able to recover portions of their files using them. The bottom line for 7h9r ransomware is that you should always backup your data on another device, encrypt it yourself to hide it, or store it in the cloud or choose any other method to have an extra copy out there because safety is a priority.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Step 1: Scan for 7h9r with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall 7h9r 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 7h9r 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 7h9r 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 7h9r
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by 7h9r.
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 7h9r 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.
7h9r-FAQ
What is 7h9r Ransomware?
7h9r 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 7h9r 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 7h9r Infect?
Via several ways.7h9r 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 7h9r 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 .7h9r files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .7h9r 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 .7h9r files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".7h9r" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .7h9r 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 7h9r 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 7h9r ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .7h9r 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 7h9r 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 7h9r Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this 7h9r 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 7h9r 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.
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