This article has been created to explain what is the HIT BY RANSOMWARE.txt virus and how you can remove it plus try to restore .happy encrypted files.
A new ransomware virus, called Bad Rabbit has been reported to menace users and encrypt the files on their computers. The ransomware aims to slither unnoticed via a variety of distribution methods and the use file encryption in order to render the files on the computers of victims to make them unable to be opened. Then, the ransomware drops the HIT BY RANSOMWARE.txt ransom note which asks victims to pay ransom to get their files back. If your computer has been infected by the .happy files virus, we would strongly suggest that you read the article underneath thoroughly.
Threat Summary
| Name | .happy Files Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Variant of [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/bad-rabbit-ransomware-remove-recover-files-drive/”]Bad Rabbit ransomware. Aims to extort victims by using file encryption as it’s main weapon. |
| Symptoms | Files cannot be opened and have the .happy extension added. A ransom note is dropped, called HIT BY RANSOMWARE.txt. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .happy Files Virus. |
| 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. |
.happy Files Virus – Distribution Methods
In order for this ransomware virus to be replicated it may come to computers by being uploaded as an e-mail attachment. Such attachments often make it seem as the malicious files being spread are:
- Invoices.
- Receipts.
- Important documents.
- Banking statements.
Once victims download and open the file, infection with .happy Bad Rabbit is inevitable. In addition to this, the ransomware virus could aslo perform an infection through a malicious file that is uploaded on legitimate websites. Such sites can often turn out to be multiple different software providing sites, that may advertise viruses as:
- Cracks.
- Patches.
- Keygens.
- Activators.
- Portable versions of software.
- Freeware.
- Hacktools.
Bad Rabbit .happy Ransomware – Analysis
Once your computer has been infected with the Bad Rabbit ransomware’s .happy file iteration, the ransomware may drop files in the following Windows directories:
- %Desktop%
- %User_folders%
- %TEMP%
- %System Drive%\VS-Projekte\T1\T1\obj\Release\T1.pdb
- %Desktop%\HIT BY RANSOMWARE.txt
The main files that are dropped by BadRabbit ransomware could be the following:
→ T1.exe
T1.pdb
qqf85h6c.bmp – the picture with the note loaded on the service finndev.net
don.bmp
screen.jpg
The ransomware also drops it’s ransom note, called HIT BY RANSOMWARE.txt which asks victims to pay around 0.05 BTC in order to get their files back and the ransomware may give around 48 hours time as a deadline. The ransom note text file has the following message to victims:
HIT_BY_RANSOMWARE
—YOU’VE BEEN HIT BY A RANSOMWARE—
ln order to decrypt your files, you must decompile the ransomware
(which is easy) and find out the encryption method (easy aswell)
Next time, think before your execute. Your next ransomware could’nt be
that easy to crack and you would lost all your files :(
—YOU’VE BEEN HIT BY A RANSOMWARE—
The main note of the .happy files virus is different than the text file and it may appear like the following:
Text from Image:
If you access this page your computer has been encrypted.
Time left before the price goes up:
{TIMER}
Price for decryption:
-0.05 BTC
Enter your personal key or your bitcoin address.
For communication, the cyber-criminals may use the e-mail addresses oymas@gmx.net and secres@gmx.de.
Bad Rabbit .happy Ransomware – Encryption
The primary encryption activity of Bad Rabbit ransomware is conducted with the aid of AES (Advanced Encryption Standard). The ransomware virus aims to encrypt file types that belong to the following groups of often used files:
- Documents.
- Images.
- Audio files.
- Videos.
- Archives.
- Virtual drive type of files.
The files are added the .happy extension after their core file structure is scrambled, using the AES encryption. They appear like the following:
Remove Bad Rabbit Ransomware and Try Restoring .happy Files
If you want to remove nsomware from your computer, we would recommend that you follow the removal instructons that are underneath this article. They have been created with the main goal to assist you in removing this malware either manually by using the info in this article or automatically (reccomended). For automatic removal we would advise you what most cyber-security experts would and that is to download and run a scan of your PC using an advanced anti-malware software. This program aims to scan your computer in order to detect malicious files that belong to Bad Rabbit ransomware and remove them effecitvely, automatically and safely plus ensure that your computer stays protected against any infections that might occur in the future as well.
If you want to try and restore files, encrypted by the .happy variant of Bad Rabbit ransomware, we would suggest that you follow the “Try to restore” methods underneath. They are not a 100% guarantee to be able to help you restore all of your encrypted files, but with their aid, you might be able to retrieve at least some of your data.
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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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
About the .happy Files Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .happy Files Virus 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 .happy Files Virus 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.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
- Guide 1: How to Remove .happy Files Virus from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of .happy Files Virus from Mac OS X.
How to Remove .happy Files Virus from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .happy Files Virus
1. Hold Windows Key + R.
2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Uninstall .happy Files Virus and related software 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:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .happy Files Virus 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 .happy Files Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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: Scan for .happy Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. 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.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .happy Files Virus.
Ransomware infections and .happy Files Virus 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of .happy Files Virus from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall .happy Files Virus and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to .happy Files Virus:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to .happy Files Virus. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash
”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to .happy Files Virus. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove .happy Files Virus via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as .happy Files Virus. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .happy Files Virus.
Ransomware infections and .happy Files Virus 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
.happy Files Virus FAQ
What is .happy Files Virus ransomware and how does it work?
.happy Files Virus 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 algorithm how 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.
How does .happy Files Virus ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways..happy Files Virus Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of .happy Files Virus 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 ..happy Files Virus files?
You can't. At this point the ..happy Files Virus files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your ..happy Files Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by .happy Files Virus ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore "..happy Files Virus" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..happy Files Virus files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of .happy Files Virus ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate .happy Files Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..happy Files Virus files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like .happy Files Virus ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.