HDD Encrypt Ransomware Removal

How to Remove HDD Encrypt Ransomware?

Reader recently start to report the following message being displayed when they boot their computer:

[Boot Manager version]

[Manufacturer]

PXE-E61: Media test failure, check cable

PXE-M8F Existing [Boot Manager]

You are Hacked ! H.D.D. Encrypted, Contact Us For Decryption Key (w889901665@yandex.com)
YOURID: [your authentication code]

HDD Encrypt is the name of a dangerous ransomware tool. However, that same tool is also often referred to as the Mamba ransomware. But that’s only because of its operating method. After it invades your system, it works the same way a mamba would. Once it slithers in, and goes to work, it paralyzes your PC. It makes it impossible for you to access either your desktop or files. Unlike other ransomware tools, HDD Encrypt uses disk-lever encryption. Compared to how other ones encrypt the Master File Table to prevent you from accessing your data. The dreadful program, you’re stuck with, uses a third-party tool to encrypt your files. It’s called DiskCryptor. And, as you might imagine, it encrypts all the information you have on the disk. Nothing escapes its clutches. And, not only does HDD Encrypt take your data hostage, but it also messes with your Windows account. In the sense that it creates a new one. Once it’s done encrypting your data, the ransomware makes a new Windows user account. And, after you restart your system, it loads its ransom message on your Desktop. Or rather, it takes over your Desktop with its message. It’s the first thing you see after the restart. It clues you into the infection’s demands. You’re supposed to contact the people behind the HDD Encrypt ransomware. That is, if you are to receive the needed decryption key. Oh, yes. Once the tool encrypts everything, the only way to free yourself of its keep, is via a decryption key. And, to get it, you have to pay a ransom. It seems a simple enough scheme. But, don’t forget! It’s a scheme! A scam by cyber criminals, who only want your money! Don’t fall for it! Do NOT pay the requested ransom. As of now, the ransomware seeks a payment of one Bitcoin. In case, you’re unfamiliar, that’s a lot of money. 1 Bitcoin is equivalent to about 600 US Dollars. But, here’s the thing. Even if the infection demanded a single dollar, experts still advise against paying. You only worsen your predicament if you comply. It’s better to discard your data than pay a single cent to these people.

How did I get infected with?

It’s a bit of a mystery exactly how HDD Encrypt slithers into your system. But experts assume the tool follows the established way of infiltration. In other words, it turns to the old but gold methods. That includes hiding behind spam email attachments or corrupted sites. Or, hitching a ride with freeware – one of the most popular means of invasion. Or, the tool can pretend to be a fake system or program update. For example, you may believe you’re updating your Java, but you’d be wrong. In actuality, you’re installing a dangerous ransomware. That’s how it sneaks into your PC. It uses your carelessness. And, it slips through the cracks of your distraction, naivety, and haste. So, do NOT provide them! Don’t throw caution to the wind. Don’t rush. Go the opposite direction! Take your time, be thorough, and do your due diligence. You’d be surprised how far even a little extra attention can take you. And, how many issues and headaches it can save you. Do yourself a favor, and always be vigilant.

Why is HDD Encrypt dangerous?

HDD Encrypt locks your data at disk level. In other words, it doesn’t waste time isolating individual files. It encrypts everything in one fell swoop. Because of that, you can’t reach your information, or your operating system. So, you can’t really do anything to restore your data. It backs you up into a corner, forcing you to follow its demands. Or, pay the ransom. According to a researcher, by the name Renato Marinho, HDD Encrypt is a trail-blazer. He states it’s the first Full Disk Encryption ransomware on the cryptomalware stage. But, as much as it’s ‘new’ on the ransomware scene, it’s also pretty much the same. It follows the same programming: invade, encrypt, extort. Once HDD Encrypt invades your PC, it wastes no time. It begins its encryption process, and locks your files. Everything you keep on your computer is under attack. And, it’s an attack, you lose. In fact, any way you look at it, you lose. You cannot win a fight against a ransomware. The odds are against you. The game is rigged. So, if you’re the victim of a tool like HDD Encrypt, it’s best to cut your losses. It seems like terrible advice but it’s not. Do you know why? Even if you comply, and follow every demand, there are NO guarantees you’ll free your files. Oh, yes. Despite the tool’s promises to send you a decryption key. There are so many ways the exchange can go wrong. First of all, do you truly believe these are people you can trust? Do you believe they’ll keep their word, and go through with their end of the bargain? Don’t be naive. After you transfer the money, they can choose NOT to send you a key. Or, send you one that doesn’t work. Or, everything work out well, but the ransomware kicks in the next day. And, encrypts your data, putting you back to square one. Understand this. If you pay the ransom, you don’t get rid of the ransomware. You just decrypt your data. The infection is still there, lurking somewhere on your PC. Not to mention, if you pay, you expose your privacy. You give access to your personal and financial data to these strangers. So, think again. Is your data worth the sacrifice of your privacy?

HDD Encrypt Removal Instructions

STEP 1: Kill the Malicious Process

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

STEP 3: Locate Startup Location

STEP 4: Recover HDD Encrypt Encrypted Files

STEP 1: Stop the malicious process using Windows Task Manager

• Open your task Manager by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+ESC keys simultaneously
• Locate the process of the ransomware. Have in mind that this is usually a random generated file.
• Before you kill the process, type the name on a text document for later reference.

• Locate any suspicious processes associated with HDD Encrypt encryption Virus.
• Right click on the process
• Open File Location
• End Process
• Delete the directories with the suspicious files.
• Have in mind that the process can be hiding and very difficult to detect

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

• Open any folder
• Click on “Organize” button
  
• Choose “Folder and Search Options”
• Select the “View” tab
• Select “Show hidden files and folders” option
• Uncheck “Hide protected operating system files”
• Click “Apply” and “OK” button

STEP 3: Locate HDD Encrypt encryption Virus startup location

• Once the operating system loads press simultaneously the Windows Logo Button and the R key.

• A dialog box should open. Type “Regedit”
• WARNING! be very careful when editing the Microsoft Windows Registry as this may render the system broken.

Depending on your OS (x86 or x64) navigate to:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]

• and delete the display Name: [RANDOM]

• Then open your explorer and navigate to:

Navigate to your %appdata% folder and delete the executable.

You can alternatively use your msconfig windows program to double check the execution point of the virus. Please, have in mind that the names in your machine might be different as they might be generated randomly, that’s why you should run any professional scanner to identify malicious files.

STEP 4: How to recover encrypted files?

• Method 1: The first and best method is to restore your data from a recent backup, in case that you have one.

• Method 2: File Recovery Software – Usually when the ransomware encrypts a file it first makes a copy of it, encrypts the copy, and then deletes the original. Due to this you may try to use file recovery software to recover some of your original files.
• Method 3: Shadow Volume Copies – As a last resort, you can try to restore your files via Shadow Volume Copies. Open the Shadow Explorer part of the package and choose the Drive you want to recover. Right click on any file you want to restore and click Export on it.