Remove Hearthstone Ransomware

How to Remove Hearthstone Ransomware?

Hearthstone is the name of a new player in the ransomware field. It’s a new name of an old threat. The program follows standard programming. It invades, corrupts, and extorts. It’s rather typical for such an infection. But the fact that it’s considered unimpressive in terms of programming does not make it any less dangerous. Don’t underestimate it! All ransomware tools are a threat to be reckoned with! So is Hearthstone. It’s a sneaky and invasive application. It gains access to your system with slyness and finesse, and then wreaks havoc. The infection encrypts every single file you keep on your computer. No exceptions. It reaches deep into your system, and latches on. So, no file is beyond its reach. Pictures, videos, music, documents, etc. Everything falls under Hearthstone’s control. And, then it uses it against you. Once the cyber plague gets a hold of your data, it extorts you for its release. If you wish to unlock your locked data, you have to pay a ransom. No matter what the tool has stolen from you, do NOT pay! It is NOT worth it! Even if Hearthstone asks you to pay a ransom of 1 US Dollar, don’t! If you transfer the requested sum to the extortionists behind the tool, you open a door. A door that should not get opened. A door, which once opened, cannot close. You let these kidnappers into your private life. So, don’t. Whatever was on your computer, say goodbye to it. Better to lose your files than your privacy.

How did I get infected with?

Hearthstone needs to gain user’s permission to install itself. It’s bound to ask whether the user agrees to allow it in, or not. And, if it’s denied, it cannot enter. Let that sink in for a moment. You gave Hearthstone the green light of admission. You approved its install. You complied. And, odd are, you don’t even remember the exchange that took place. You cannot recollect consenting to the infection’s installment. And, there’s a reason for your cluelessness. Ransomware tools don’t pop out in the open, and seek access. That way, you can just deny them. So, instead, they turn to trickery. They ask in the most deceptive way possible. That’s how they manage to sneak in undetected. They dupe you. And, so did Hearthstone. More often than not, via the old but gold means on infiltration. Freeware, spam email attachments, and corrupted links are among the favorites. But the tool can also pose as an update. Like, Adobe Flash Player or Java. And, do you know what aids its successful deceit? You. Or, rather, your carelessness. It preys on it. Don’t give into naivety and haste. Don’t throw caution to the wind. Instead, be extra vigilant, and always do your due diligence. Caution is crucial. It can save you a ton of troubles.

Why is Hearthstone dangerous?

Hearthstone really does a number on your system. After it slithers in undetected, it doesn’t take long before you discover its existence. It goes to work soon after invasion. The tool targets every file you have on your computer. As was already mentioned, nothing escapes it. All you keep on your PC falls under Hearthstone. And, all gets encrypted. Upon the completion of the encryption, you find a ransom note. There’s a TXT on your Desktop, as well as in each folder, containing encrypted data. Also, the note appears as your new Desktop wallpaper. Hearthstone makes sure you know what’s going on. The note has an explanation of your predicament, and instructions. Hearthstone displays its demands – the ransom amount, how to pay it, etc. Ransomware programs tend to ask for payment in Bitcoin. Even if they want 0.5 Bitcoin of you, it’s a substantial amount. Though, 0.5 may seem conservative, check your conversion rates. 1 Bitcoin amounts to about between 500 or 600 US Dollars. But even if you decide the money don’t matter, think of what follows payment. If you pay these people, you give them access to your private information. Your personal and financial details will be at their disposal. Are you prepared for the risks that come with extortionists getting a hold of your privacy? Don’t allow cyber criminals access to your privacy. As tough as the choice may be, discard your data in the name of security. No picture is worth your privacy. Files are replaceable. Does the same apply for privacy?

Hearthstone Removal Instructions

STEP 1: Kill the Malicious Process

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

STEP 3: Locate Startup Location

STEP 4: Recover Hearthstone 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 Hearthstone 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 Hearthstone 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.