Remove HydraCrypt File Extension Malware

How to Remove HydraCrypt file extension Ransomware?

Your personal files have been modified. Their original format has been replaced with a random .HydraCrypt extension which your computer cannot read. You’re no longer able to use most of the data stored on your device. On top of it all, you’re constantly seeing a nasty ransom message that demands from you (quite a large sum of) money. It’s safe to say you have a problem. You’re currently dealing with ransomware – possibly one of the worst types of online parasites that you could stumble across online. Do you know how ransomware works? Do you know why it’s among hackers’ favorite malicious programs? Keep on reading because the more you learn about this problematic virus, the better. Ransomware offers cyber criminals an incredibly easy way to gain illegal profit online; it’s no wonder they keep coming up with more and more infections of this kind. Now, knowing the very reason why ransomware exists, are you feeling nervous already? You’ve managed to get infected with a very aggressive, tricky and harmful parasite. Make sure you get rid of it quickly. Once this pest invades your PC (in complete silence), it scans the computer searching for personal files with specific extensions. That includes pictures, music, documents, videos, presentations, etc. That means a huge percentage of your valuable information falls victim to the ransomware’s shenanigans. After it finds your files, the parasite modifies them and adds the nasty .HydraCrypt extension. This is it. Your data is now locked, absolutely inaccessible and practically useless. All of your important files are encrypted and held hostage by the parasite. You can imagine the panic such a sudden modification could cause and that’s exactly what hackers are aiming for. Once crooks make you feel anxious, they start playing mind games with you. After the virus locked out your access to your very own files, it begins to generate a highly aggravating ransom note. According to this message, there is only one option ahead of you if you want to decrypt your infected data. And it involves money. Supposedly, paying a certain sum in bitcoins would guarantee you a decryption key – a unique combination of symbols that allows you to regain access to your modified files. However, it guarantees you nothing. You should know better than to trust greedy hackers so don’t even consider giving your money away. In the absolute worst case scenario you will end up in an even more troublesome situation than your current one – with your data still locked, your PC still infected AND your money gone. Does that sound like a fun experience to you? No? Then make sure you don’t become a sponsor of frauds and don’t let them fool you.

How did I get infected with?

It goes without saying that nobody installs ransomware voluntarily. So how did this pest get to you? Chances are, you clicked something open that you shouldn’t have. Such infections usually travel the Web via spam email-attachments and spam messages from unknown senders. Even though those are among the most unoriginal infiltration techniques out there, they still still impressively efficient. Therefore, crooks aren’t going to give them up anytime soon. Another popular distribution method is bundled freeware/shareware. Many viruses get attached to safe program packages which means installing the entire bundle automatically compromises your computer. To prevent this, avoid unverified websites and avoid installing illegitimate bundles. Always take your time to go through the Terms and Conditions to make sure there is no term/condition that you strongly disagree with. Rushing would only expose you to danger; don’t jeopardize your safety, privacy and bank account. Also, it’s highly recommended that you stay away from third-party advertisements and suspicious-looking websites because they might be compromised as well.

Why is this dangerous?

As we mentioned already, ransomware is a notoriously virulent infection. The pest you have on board right now is no exception. Not only did it get downloaded via stealth and deceit but it also demolished your cyber experience. Thanks to the specific .HydraCrypt file extension, your private data is locked. It goes without saying that among your files there might be some particularly important ones which get encrypted as well. The parasite also adds its ransom note in all the folders that contain infected information so now you’re forced to constantly stumble across this message. However, keep in mind that it contains nothing but lies. Don’t make the rookie mistake to pay the money demanded because hackers aren’t popular for being honorable people. They have no reason whatsoever to keep their end of the deal and you shouldn’t play by their rules. This is just a nasty method to extort money from you. Make sure you have a backup copy of your valuable data in the future and make sure you protect your machine from such vicious parasites. Now, let’s talk solutions. To delete the ransomware manually, please follow the detailed removal guide that you will find down below.

HydraCrypt file extension Removal Instructions

STEP 1: Start Your Computer into Safe Mode with Networking

• Make sure you do not have any floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs inserted in your computer
• Restart the computer
  
• When you see a table, start tapping the F8 key every second until you enter the Advanced Boot Options

• in the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode with Networking , and then press ENTER.

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

• A dialog box should open. Type iexplore www.virusresearch.org/download-en

• Internet Explorer will open and a professional scanner will prompt to be downloaded
• Run the installer
• Follow the instruction and use the professional malware removal tool to detect the files of the virus.
• After performing a full scan you will be asked to register the software. You can do that or perform a manual removal.

Remove HydraCrypt file extension malware Manually

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.

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

 

Open your Windows Registry Editor and navigate to

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\

and

HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\

delete the name crypto13

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 run the professional scanner to identify the files.

It is always a good idea to use a reputable anti-malware program after manual removal, to prevent this from happening again.