Find more information about the Hog ransomware virus and discover how to remove malicious files from the infected system. The steps at the end of the article reveal how to potentially recover .hog files as well.
Hog Ransomware
Hog ransomware is the name of a malicious computer threat that corrupts basic system settings and encrypts important data. When executed on a PC, the Hog ransomware applies various malicious changes that leave the system extremely vulnerable to other malware. Furthermore, the threat implements modifications that enable it to remain persistent on the infected machine.
It may lock many personal files that store valuable information. Unfortunately, it is designed to use the strong AES cipher algorithm for data encryption. This, in turn, makes the decryption of corrupted .hog files a very difficult task. Since hackers are aware of this fact, they try to misuse it to extort a hefty ransom fee from victims. What we could advise Hog virus victims is to skip following the instructions presented by its ransom demanding notes.
Hog Ransomware Summary
| Name | Hog also known as Trojan.Encoder.33567, Gen:Heur.Ransom.MSIL.1, HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.MSIL.Agent.gen |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Ransom Demanding Notes | .txt and DECRYPT-MY-FILES.exe |
| Short Description | Infects computer systems in order to reach valuable files and encode them with the help of strong cipher algorithm. Then it demands a ransom fee. |
| Symptoms | Important files are locked and renamed with .hog extension. Hackers blackmail you into contacting them for a ransom payment. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Software Cracks |
| Detection Tool |
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Hog Virus – Propagation, Infection and Data Encryption
There are quite a lot of techniques that may help hackers to deliver the nasty Hog ransomware virus on computer systems. The primary method is considered to be malspam or spam emails that try to drop malicious code.
Malspam is a technique valued by cybercriminals as it provides them with the great opportunity to reach the machines of many users around the globe. There are quite a lot of massive spam email campaigns known to be spreading ransomware and other malicious software.
The tricky part is that all spam emails pretend to be sent by representatives of well-known businesses, services, sites, institutions, etc. The purpose is to make users believe that they could safely interact with the content of the email. However, once they do it, they end up with their PCs being infected with ransomware like Hog.
And the moment Hog ransomware obtains access to a computer system, it triggers a series of malicious operations that help it to eventiually complete a complex attack. The virus may leave its traces, its malicious files in other words, in system folders like:
- %Roaming%
- %Windows%
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %Temp%
For the data encryption phase, Hog virus utilizes the sophisticated cipher algorithm – AES, as revealed by its ransom note. When transformed with the help of this algorithm, target files remain completely unopenable.
How all corrupted files could be recognized is by the extension .hog appended to their names. Files locked by this virus may include:
- Audio files.
- Video files.
- Document files.
- Image files.
- Backup files.
- Banking credentials, etc.
Finally, the ransomware will drop a ransom note to blackmail victims to pay a ransom fee to hackers. For the decryption of .hog files hackers demand victims to connect to their Discord server and then enter the special Discord account token in the empty filed presented by the ransom note DECRYPT-MY-FILES.exe. Here is the message shown by the Hog virus:
Beware, that even a successful ransom payment does not guarantee the recovery of your encoded files, so be advised to refrain from following hackers’ instructions before you attempt to solve the problem in a secure manner.
Remove Hog Virus and Attempt to Restore Files
The so-called Hog virus is a threat with highly complex code designed to corrupt both system settings and valuable data. So the only way to use your infected system in a secure manner again is to remove the ransomware from your system. For this purpose, you could use our removal guide that reveals how to clean and secure your system step by step. In addition, the guide will present you with several alternative data recovery approaches that may be helpful in attempting to restore files encrypted by this ransomware. We remind you to back up all encrypted files to an external drive before the recovery process.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Step 1: Scan for Hog Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Hog Ransomware 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 Hog Ransomware 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 Hog Ransomware 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 Hog Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Hog Ransomware.
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 Hog Ransomware 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.
Hog Ransomware-FAQ
What is Hog Ransomware Ransomware?
Hog Ransomware 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 Hog Ransomware 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 Hog Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.Hog Ransomware 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 Hog Ransomware 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 .Hog Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Hog Ransomware 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 .Hog Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Hog Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Hog Ransomware 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 Hog Ransomware 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 Hog Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Hog Ransomware 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 Hog Ransomware 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 Hog Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Hog Ransomware 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 Hog Ransomware 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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- Always check "About Us" web page.
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