HHOO File Virus Removal and (.hhoo) Files Recovery

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Hhoo Ransomware, the latest variant of STOP/DJVU family Ransomware, is a well-known data locker virus that is currently being distributed through deceptive means online. Any of your personal files, including pictures, movies, and documents, might be encrypted by the virus once it has infected your device and rendered unavailable. In addition, the “_readme.txt” file that the Hhoo File Virus leaves behind contains a message requesting payment in exchange for the decryption key. It is obvious that this ransomware has infected your system if you discover that all of your files suddenly have the “.hhoo” suffix and you are unable to view them. The malware targets unwary computer users, encrypts their files, and requests a substantial sum of money as compensation as ransom payment. If you have fallen victim to this virus, please refer to this guide for instructions on how to remove it and recover your encrypted files.

Summary:
Virus Name HHOO Ransomware
Infection symptoms All images, videos and documents append “.HHOO” extension and cannot be opened by any program!
Type of threat Ransomware, crypto-virus, file-locking virus
File Extension .HHOO
Encryption type RSA 2048 + Salsa20
Ransom Note _readme.txt
Amount of Ransom determined by the hacker
Contact support@freshmail.top, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc
Genealogy STOP/DJVU Ransomware Family
Aliases HHOO virus, also known as HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.gen, Win.Packer.pkr_ce1a-9980177-0, A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HSQK, A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HSRY, BehavesLike.Win32.Lockbit.jc, etc…
Distribution Spam email attachments, RDP, pirated software, torrent websites, phishing sites, malicious weblinks etc…
Remediation Tool

In order to completely remove ransomware from your computer, you will need to install an antivirus software. We recommend using SpyHunter
Recovery Tool

The only effective method to restore files is to copy them from a saved backup. If you don’t have a suitable backup, you may use third-party recover software such as iBeesoft Data Recovery

What is .HHOO File Extension Ransomware?

hhoo file virus ransomware removal

 

Ransomware viruses are frequently spread by malicious email attachments, dubious websites, torrents, vulnerabilities, and social engineering techniques. Most victims of STOP/DJVU versions, including the HHOO infection, report downloading the virus from shady sources as setup or crack files for software. When internet users look for popular software cracks, these risky websites frequently show up in the search results. They often offer a password-protected archive file and ask users to download the installation package using a direct link or torrent. Antivirus detection is meant to be avoided by the password protection. But as soon as the user enters the password and launches the infected setup.exe file, the virus inside starts performing destructive deeds.

Demands of HHOO virus:

The HHOO virus is a type of ransomware that encrypts the victim’s files and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key. The HHOO malware’s authors frequently demand payment for the ransom in Bitcoin or other difficult-to-identify cryptic currencies. The exact ransom demand can vary, although it is often several hundred dollars or more. Additionally, the attackers may establish a deadline and threaten to delete the encrypted files if the ransom is not paid within the allotted time. In general, victims of ransomware attacks are urged not to pay the demanded ransom because there is no guarantee that the attackers will release the decryption key even if the ransom is paid. The malicious program called Hhoo Ransomware is made to encrypt data on a victim’s computer, rendering them inaccessible, and then demand a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key that will release the contents. It is a variation of the STOP/Djvu Ransomware and is now making its way through the internet using false pretenses. Once the computer has been infected by the Hhoo Ransomware, all of the victim’s personal files, including vital documents, pictures, and videos, will be encrypted and given the “.hhoo” file extension. The “_readme.txt” file, which the virus then uses as a method of communication, contains instructions on how to pay the ransom and receive the decryption key required to unlock the encrypted data.

Example of a ransom note and alert message from the HHOO Ransomware

ATTENTION!

Don't worry, you can return all your files!

All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.

What guarantees you have?

You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.

You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:

https://we.tl/t-WJa63R98Ku

Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.

Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.

Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.

To get this software you need write on our e-mail:

support@fishmail.top

Where does the HHOO ransomware originate from, and how can we avoid getting infected again?

The origin of the HHOO ransomware is not publicly disclosed. To avoid getting infected with this or any other type of ransomware, it is recommended to follow good cybersecurity practices, such as:

  • Keeping your operating system and software up-to-date with the latest security patches.
  • Avoiding downloading attachments or clicking on links from unknown or untrusted sources.
  • Regularly backing up important data to an external, disconnected device.
  • Using reliable antivirus and anti-malware software and keeping it updated.
  • Being cautious when downloading free software and avoiding torrents and pirated software.

By taking these precautions, you can greatly reduce the risk of getting infected with ransomware or any other type of malware.

HHOO file virus

 

Why is .HHOO File Extension dangerous?

When a file is encrypted by the HHOO ransomware, its extension is changed to ‘.HHOO’, which locks its contents and prevents access to the file. Each file that is impacted by the virus has the suffix “.HHOO” added to its original name on the right. For instance, after encryption, a file with the name “document.docx” will now be called “document.docx.HHOO.” Whether it is on the internal disk or network storage, the HHOO virus attacks every file on the victim’s PC. Certain file types found in the OS system folders, including those with the extensions.dll,.lnk,.bat,.ini, and.sys, as well as files with the name “_readme.txt,” are not encrypted by the virus. Consequently, different file kinds, such as films, photographs, documents, and others, are vulnerable to the HHOO file virus.

Do not pay for HHOO ransom!

Please, try to use the available backups, or Decrypter tools

euci file

.HHOO File Extension Removal Instructions

STEP 1: Kill the Malicious Process

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

STEP 3: Locate Startup Location

STEP 4: Recover .HHOO File Extension 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.

end-malicious-process

  • Locate any suspicious processes associated with .HHOO File Extension 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 .HHOO File Extension encryption Virus startup location

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

win-plus-r

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]

delete backgroundcontainer

  • 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.

Do NOT send money for decrypt of “HHOO” files!

The cyber criminals behind HHOO ransomware guarantee to send you the code after you pay. However, all you’ve got is a promise from bad people. You have no warranty whatsoever. We recommend not to rely on words of internet criminals. If you pay this will continue to happen.

 

 

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.

windows system restore

  • 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 like iBeesoft Data Recovery to try 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.
  • If by any chance you did not have internet access when the encryption took place, you can try to recover them by using Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu decryption tool using the Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu.
  • Wait for Antivirus companies to create an HHOO file decryptor.

What can I do to stop HHOO file ransomware?

Reporting a ransomware infection to authorities can aid in tracking and identifying the individuals or group behind the attack. If you have fallen victim to a ransomware attack, there are various government websites where you can file a report. Here is a list of cyber-security authorities and their respective websites for reporting ransomware attacks in different regions:

It’s worth noting that the response time may vary depending on the local authorities. It’s also important to note that in addition to reporting to the local police, you can also report to national and international cybercrime agencies such as FBI, Europol or INTERPOL.

ATTENTION, PLEASE!
HHOO File may have the ability to replicate itself, if not completely cleaned. This may require tracking down hundreds of files and registry keys. You can choose to use Spyhunter Professional Anti-Malware Program to deal with any infection that might be lurking along with HHOO File!
 >>Download SpyHunter – a Professional Virus scanner and remover.

Please, have in mind that SpyHunter offers a free 7-day Trial version with full functionality. Credit card is required, no charge upfront.