The article presents detailed information about HORSELIKER virus as well as a step-by-step guide on how to remove malicious files from the infected system and how to potentially recover encrypted files.
HORSELIKER virus is a severe crypto infection. The activation of HORSELIKER on your computer leads to system and data corruption. Primarily, the threat is designed to locate certain types of personal files and encodes them by utilizing strong cipher like AES and RSA. To make encrypted files more recognizable, HORSELIKER virus appends the extension .HORSELIKER to their names. Finally, the ransomware drops a ransom message file on the infected system to extort a ransom fee for .HORSELIKER files decryption. You can find a copy of the content of this file downward.
Threat Summary
| Name | HORSELIKER |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | A malware that is designed to encrypt valuable files stored on infected computers and then extort a ransom from victims. |
| Symptoms | Important files are encrypted and renamed with the extension .HORSELIKER A ransom message forces victims to contact hackers in order to receive instructions on how to pay a ransom fee probably in cryptocurrency. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails; Email Attachments; Corrupted Websites; Software Installers |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss HORSELIKER. |
| 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. |
HORSELIKER Ransomware — October 2019 Update
In October 2019 a new release of the HORSELIKER ransomware has been identified in an ongoing campaign. According to the available security reports this is probably the work of another criminal collective as a new contact email email and ransomware note design is being used. The analysis of the captured samples shows that some of the infections happen through malware-infected files which are sent to the intended recipients. They can be both executables, application installers or macro-infected documents.
Some of the infected files that have been confirmed to carry the malware bear the following file name AntiRecuvaAndDB.ex_ which is a double extension file which is in fact an EXE. When the users click on it they will start the proper virus deployment sequence. This includes some of the following modules:
- Command Execution — The criminals can embed commands that will be run using the command prompt or the PowerShell environment on the infected computer.
- Security Applications Bypass — The malware will search the system for any installed security applications and services. If such are found they will be disabled. This includes firewalls, anti-virus software, virtual machine hosts and other applications which might interfere with the proper HORSELIKER ransomware installation.
- Data Harvesting — Advanced forms of the virus may also be used to hijack sensitive information that may reveal additional information about the identity of the victims and/or their machine. This can be done in order to generate an unique ID for each host.
Some of the HORSELIKER ransomware can be used to deploy additional malware on the infected computer.
HORSELIKER Ransomware – More About the Infection
HORSELIKER virus is a data locker ransomware that has been detected in active attack campaigns. The attack campaigns that are spreading HORSELIKER ransomware are liely to be realized with the help of spam emails, email attachments, hacked web pages, and corrupted freeware installers.
The attack begins when the HORSELIKER virus is executed on your system. Threats of this kind are usually designed to perform lots of complex malicious activities that seriously disrupt system security and eventually lead to encryption of personal files.
For the encryption of target files HORSELIKER virus launches a built-in cipher module that scans selected folders for predefined types of files that are known to be used for the storage of valuable personal data. Every time the module detects a target file, it applies changes that transform its original code. Like other data locker ransomware ([wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/remove-hese-virus/”] STOP Hese, [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/pdf-file-virus-dharma-remove/”] Dharma .pdf, etc.) HORSELIKER is likely to utilize sophisticated cipher algorithms (AES and RSA) to transform files’ code.
Unfortunately, the threat is likely to corrupt all of the following files:
- Audio files
- Video files
- Document files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials, etc
Following encryption, corrupted files cannot be opened. In addition, they have the extension .HORSELIKER appended to their names. In fact, the main goal of this ransomware is to blackmail you into paying a ransom to hackers. That’s why HORSELIKER drops a ransom message with instructions on how to complete the ransom payment process.
Here is a copy of HORSELIKER virus’ ransom message:
Want return your files?Write to our xmpp account – horsesecret@xmpp. jp
The easiesy way – register here https://www.xmpp.jp/signup
After download pidgin client https://pidgin.im/
Press Add account, choose protocol xmpp and put username from xmpp.jp where are you sign up
Domain – xmpp.jp
Put your passowd and press add
When you log in press Buddies –> Add Buddy–>and in Buddys username put beautydonkey xmpp.
After you will see added account beautydonkey@xmpp.jp, click twice on it an write your mess
You can send us 1-3 test files. The total size of files must be less than 10Mb (non archive) we will decrypt them and send to you that we are real
You should NOT under any circumstances contact cybercriminals or pay any ransom sum to them. This action does not guarantee the recovery of your .HORSELIKER files.
How to Remove HORSELIKER Virus
The so-called HORSELIKER ransomware is a threat with a highly complex code that disrupts system security in order to encrypt personal files. Hence the infected system could be used in a secure manner again only after the complete removal of all malicious files and objects created by HORSELIKER ransomware. That’s why it is recommendable that all steps presented in the HORSELIKER virus removal guide below should be completed. Beware that the manual ransomware removal is suitable for more experienced computer users. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps navigate to the automatic part of the guide.
How to Recover .HORSELIKER Files
There are several alternative methods that may be efficient for the recovery of .HORSELIKER files, but note that there is no guarantee they would work. You could find them listed under Step 5 from our HORSELIKER ransomware removal guide. Beware that you should make copies of all encrypted files and save them on a flash drive for example. This additional step will prevent the permanent loss of encrypted .HORSELIKER files.
Ransomware Removal Instructions
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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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 HORSELIKER Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this HORSELIKER 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 HORSELIKER 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
How to Remove HORSELIKER from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove HORSELIKER
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 HORSELIKER 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 HORSELIKER 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 HORSELIKER 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 HORSELIKER 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 HORSELIKER.
Ransomware infections and HORSELIKER 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 HORSELIKER from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall HORSELIKER 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 HORSELIKER:
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 HORSELIKER. 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 HORSELIKER. 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 HORSELIKER 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 HORSELIKER. 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 HORSELIKER.
Ransomware infections and HORSELIKER 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.
HORSELIKER FAQ
What is HORSELIKER ransomware and how does it work?
HORSELIKER 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 HORSELIKER ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.HORSELIKER 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 HORSELIKER 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 .HORSELIKER files?
You can't. At this point the .HORSELIKER 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 .HORSELIKER files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by HORSELIKER 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 ".HORSELIKER" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .HORSELIKER 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 HORSELIKER 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 HORSELIKER ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .HORSELIKER files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like HORSELIKER 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.
Stellar want me to buy a licence before they will recover the data. The licence is expensive. How do I know that the data will be recovered? Is this just another extension of the same trap?
John
Hi John,
This is a data recovery program not a decrypter. There is a huge possibility that the program won’t succeed in restoring the data. That is why it is mentioned as an alternative approach with no guarantee in our article.