Ransomware, carrying the name Herbst (Autumn) has been the reason of people complaining they no longer have access to their files. What this cryptovirus also familiar as ransomware does is it uses a strong AES-256 encryption standard to encode the data of the computers It infects. It then leaves a message written in German saying the user must pay 0.1 BTC to get the files back. Despite the offer is tempting, the files are, important users are advised by experts to wait for an eventual release of a decryptor for the ransomware so that they can restore the files for free.
In the meantime, we have provided instructions to help you remove Herbst and alternative methods that may assist you with decrypting your files.
Threat Summary
Name | Herbst |
Type | Ransomware |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files with the AES-256 and base64 ciphers and asks a 0.1 BTC (around 50 USD) ransom payoff for decryption. |
Symptoms | Files are encrypted and a .herbst file extension is added to them after which they become inaccessible. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows as a window pop-up. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks. |
Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss Herbst Ransomware. |
Herbst Ransomware – How Is It Spread
In order to be widespread out into the open, the cyber-criminals behind the ransomware may employ different spamming software, such as:
- Web Crawlers that crawl the web for targeted websites to spam URLs that redirect to malicious JavaScripts or Exploit Kits.
- Ghost Referral spam bots that perform the same activity, but are more advanced.
- Email Spam campaigns that are extremely expensive and contain malicious URLs or file attachments in them.
Either way, the user may be redirected to a website that may automatically save a .js(JavaScript) file or get infected via a malicious Exploit Kit, both of which may drop the malicious files of Herbst onto the infected machine.
Herbst Ransomware In Detail
Once its malicious executables are dropped onto the user’s computer, Herbst ransomware may conceal them In different Windows location where they can be executed with escalated privilege. Here are some of the locations in which the malicious files may be residing and what names they may have:
After it has been situated onto the computer of the victim, the ransomware may execute the following vssadmin command to delete backups:
It may also modify one of the following registry entries to run on system startup:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
Herbst then scans for the widely used files to encrypt, for example:
It looks specifically for content in the following folders to encrypt it:
- Desktop.
- My Pictures.
- My Music.
- Personal.
Herbst Ransomware and Its Encryption
To encrypt data successfully, the Herbst crypto-virus uses firstly an AES encryption, after which It applies base 64 encoding conversion mechanisms. Here is how the file’s code looks like before and after encryption, as discovered by Fortinet researchers:
In addition to that, the ransomware adds, the .herbst file extension and besides that the files cannot be opened, they look like the following:
Herbst Ransomware – How It Communicates
To make its demands, clear, this ransom virus displays a pop-up window named, “Encrypted”. It displays an cleverly written message written entirely in German:
The message translates to the following:
This is why we won’t to as a not so big payoff for the decryption key. If you are agree to this proposal, we want to make you happy sooner, because our internet-database is limited in size and even if we do not want it, soon we will be driven into deleting your files.
After we have received the payment, we will send you a Transaction ID, which you need to paste in the text field and press on the button Decrypt.
Remove Herbst Ransomware And Remove .Herbst File Extension
To delete this ransomware and completely eradicate everything it has modified onto your PC, we strongly advise you to follow either the Manual or Automatic removal instructions we have provided below. Experts also recommend using an advanced anti-malware tool to track down malicious objects automatically and detect other malware if present on your PC. This is also advisable because it will increase future protection.
If you are wondering how to restore your files, direct decryption of them is not possible at the moment, but there are other alternatives. You may have a small chance of recovering your files if you try our proposed methods in step 3 – “Restore files encrypted by Herbst.” They may not work with 100% guarantee, but they propose even a small chance of recovering the files.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Herbst with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Herbst 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 Herbst 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 Herbst 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 Herbst
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Herbst.
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 Herbst 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.
Herbst-FAQ
What is Herbst Ransomware?
Herbst 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 Herbst 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 Herbst Infect?
Via several ways.Herbst 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 Herbst 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 .Herbst files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Herbst 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 .Herbst files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Herbst" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Herbst 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 Herbst 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 Herbst ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Herbst 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 Herbst 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 Herbst Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Herbst 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 Herbst 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.
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