How to remove Hhoo ransomware, Decrypt .hhoo files.

What is Hhoo virus?

Hhoo virus is a ransomware that belongs to the ransomware family called STOP (Djvu). Ransomware is a form of malware that encrypts the victim’s files and demands a ransom for decrypting them. The Hhoo virus encrypts files, renames them by appending the .hhoo extension, and creates files named “_readme.txt” containing the ransom demand message. For example, a file named “image.jpg” will be renamed to “image.jpg.hhoo”, a “document.docx” file to “document.docx.hhoo”, “invoice.pdf” to “invoice.pdf.hhoo”, and so on.

QUICK LINKS

• What is Hhoo virus?
• Remove Hhoo virus (ransomware)
• Decrypt .hhoo files
• Restore .hhoo files
• Video Guide

Hhoo ransomware in detail

Hhoo ransomware is a malware that encrypts files on the victim’s computer and demands a ransom payment to restore access to the contents of these files. Hhoo targets users running Microsoft Windows. In most cases, this malware requires user actions in order to be installed on the computer. Typically, criminals use various tricks, for example, disguising the malicious software as a freeware, cracks, activators and key generators, so that victims download and run Hhoo virus on their computer.

Upon infecting a computer, it performs the following steps as part of its preparation for encrypting files: creates a folder in the Windows system directory and copies itself to it; adds itself to the list of programs that start up every time the computer is turned on; collects information about the victim’s computer; establishes connection with its command server (C&C).

If the Hhoo virus was able to establish a connection with the command server, then it sends some information about the victim’s computer to the server, and the server returns a key to it that must be used to encrypt files. Such a key is called ‘online key’ and it is unique for each case of ransomware infection. If a connection to the command server has not been established, Hhoo uses a fixed key (so called ‘offline key’), which is unique for each variant of STOP (djvu) ransomware, but the same for each case of Hhoo infection.

Once it determines which key to use, the Hhoo ransomware starts the file encryption process. Of course, it does not encrypt absolutely all files, as encrypting Windows system files will cause the computer to stop working. Therefore, the ransomware does not encrypt files located in the system directory of Windows, as well as files with the following extensions: ‘.sys, .dll, .lnk, .ini, .bat’. In addition, Hhoo virus does not encrypt files named ‘_readme.txt’. All other files will become the target of the malware, for example, the following file types can be encrypted:

.pdf, .wpl, .crw, .docx, .wbmp, .xmind, .rwl, .mdbackup, .odp, .mp4, .lrf, .wn, .rw2, .accdb, .wire, .xf, .asset, .lbf, .ybk, .esm, .wpd, .blob, .wdp, .wp6, .wsh, .erf, .xdb, .p12, .wmf, .y, .ws, .zip, .xls, .kf, .r3d, .bc6, .sid, .mpqge, .wmd, .apk, .p7c, .fos, .bkf, .css, .m2, .py, .wbz, .wps, wallet, .sie, .xyp, .mlx, .zi, .vdf, .gho, .ltx, .nrw, .csv, .xbdoc, .slm, .dxg, .sav, .sql, .cas, .gdb, .t13, .avi, .z, .itdb, .srf, .vfs0, .pptm, .cr2, .yal, .1, .ibank, .wp4, .7z, .d3dbsp, .arw, .xbplate, .3ds, .xls, .mef, .wps, .rar, .re4, .pef, .dng, .wmo, .wp7, .xx, .xxx, .iwd, .xy3, .icxs, .wot, .wpa, .xld, .odb, .mcmeta, .rim, .ncf, .mdf, .sidd, .xmmap, .eps, .vtf, .xlsm, .xlsx, .hplg, .map, .mov, .svg, .zif, .ff, .ztmp, .flv, .dmp, .1st, .das, .odt, .zdb, .txt, .vcf, .kdb, .xlsm, .wbc, .mrwref, .m3u, .zabw, .der, .pkpass, .epk, .wmv, .kdc, .sidn, .wsc, .lvl, .jpe, .docm, .2bp, .x, .tax, .hkdb, .x3f, .xlsx, .mddata, .rgss3a, .doc, .webdoc, .x3f, .xlsb, .fpk, .indd, .wcf, .bkp, .dcr, .cer, .wpw, .x3d, .odc, .z3d, .sr2, .pdd, .ods, .wb2, .xwp, .crt, .sb, .ysp, .wav, .litemod, .pptx, .pfx, .xdl, .itm, .wpt, .wsd, .hvpl, .m4a, .srw, .zw, .db0, .menu, .iwi, .wm, .qic, .raf, .bsa, .wri, .3dm, .bik, .bay, .rofl, .ntl, .xlk, .tor, .jpeg, .zdc, .fsh, .pst, .snx, .rtf, .desc, .odm, .wbk, .raw, .psd, .layout, .bc7, .0, .jpg, .syncdb

All encrypted files become completely useless, their contents cannot be read in any way. To clearly show that the files are encrypted, the ransomware virus appends a new ‘.hhoo’ extension at the end of the filename of each encrypted file. This means the following: if the file had the name ‘photo-image.jpg’, then after it has been encrypted, it will be called ‘photo-image.jpg.hhoo’. In all directories where there are encrypted files, the Hhoo virus drops a file named ‘_readme.txt’

This file contains text written by the Hhoo authors. In this message, the criminals report that the user’s files were encrypted and the only way to get them back is to purchase a key and a decryptor. Attackers give the victim 72 hours. At this time, the key will cost $490, after 72 hours the ransom will increase to $980. The message also contains the contact information of the criminals, using which the victim can check the ability of the attackers to decrypt .hhoo files, as well as find out where to send the ransom.

The full text of the Hhoo ransomnote:

ATTENTION!

Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like pictures, 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-UQkYLBSiQ4
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@freshmail.top

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
datarestorehelp@airmail.cc

Your personal ID:
0648xxxxxxxx

In file ‘_readme.txt’, criminals scare victims by saying that encrypted files cannot be decrypted without paying a ransom. And unfortunately this is true, the contents of the files cannot be read while the files are encrypted, and a key and decryptor are needed to decrypt them. Fortunately, there is a free Hhoo File Decrypt Tool. This decryptor can help each victim to decrypt .hhoo files for free. But in addition to this decryptor, the key is still necessary. As we reported above, the virus can use two types of keys. An offline key can be determined by security researchers, but only criminals have an online key. Thus, files encrypted with so called ‘offline key’ can be decrypted. And all files that have been encrypted with so called ‘online key’ cannot yet be decrypted. In this case, the alternative methods listed below in this article can be used to recover the contents of these files.

Threat Summary

Name	Hhoo ransomware, Hhoo file virus
Type	Filecoder, Crypto virus, File locker, Ransomware, Crypto malware
File extension	.hhoo
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Contact	support@freshmail.top, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc
Ransom amount	$980 or $490 in Bitcoins
Detection Names	Win32:DropperX-gen [Drp], Trojan:Win32/Kryptik.9698a29d, Trojan/Win32.Kryptik, A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HSRY, Win32.Trojan-Ransom.STOP.32B3Q2, Malware.Win32.Packed.cc, UDS:Trojan.Win32.Packed.gen, Trj/RansomGen.A, Trojan.Win32.Save.a
Symptoms	Unable to open files. Your personal files now have odd extensions that end with something like .locked, .crypted or .cryptor. Your file directories contain a ‘ransom note’ file that is usually a .html, .jpg or .txt file. Your desktop is locked with a message about How to pay to unlock your system.
Distribution methods	Phishing email scam that attempts to scare users into acting impulsively. Exploit kits (cybercriminals use crypto malware packaged in an ‘exploit kit’ that can find a vulnerability in Web browser, PDF reader, Adobe Flash Player, Windows OS). Social media posts (they can be used to force users to download malicious software with a built-in ransomware downloader or click a suspicious link). Malvertising campaigns.
Removal	Hhoo ransomware removal guide
Decryption	Hhoo File Decrypt Tool

How to remove Hhoo virus (ransomware)

Before you start decrypting or recovering .hhoo files, you need to remove the Hhoo virus. This must be done since otherwise the ransomware may re-encrypt the restored files. You can stop the ransomware from working, as it is not difficult to do. Another option is to perform a full system scan using free malware removal tools capable of detecting and removing ransomware infection. It is very important to read the entire instruction manual carefully and make sure to understand it all. We advise you not to skip any steps, each of the steps is very important and must be completed by you. In order not to get confused and not miss an important point in the instructions, we recommend that you print this article or open it on your smartphone.

It is very important to scan the computer for malware, as security researchers found that spyware could be installed on the infected computer along with the Hhoo ransomware. Spyware is a very dangerous security threat as it is designed to steal the user’s personal information such as passwords, logins, contact details, etc. If you have any difficulty removing the Hhoo virus, then let us know in the comments, we will try to help you.

To remove Hhoo virus, follow the steps below:

1. Kill Hhoo virus
2. Disable Hhoo startup
3. Delete Hhoo task
4. Remove Hhoo virus

Kill Hhoo virus

Press CTRL, ALT, DEL keys together.

Click Task Manager. Select the “Processes” tab, look for something suspicious that is the Hhoo virus then right-click it and select “End Task” or “End Process” option. If your Task Manager does not open or the Windows reports “Task manager has been disabled by your administrator”, then follow the guide: How to Fix Task manager has been disabled by your administrator.

It is not difficult to detect a process related to the Hhoo ransomware. When looking for a malicious process, pay attention to the process icon and its name. Most often, this ransomware has a process name in the following format: 4-characters.tmp.exe or 4-characters.exe. For example: 7533.tmp.exe, A4b1.exe, CD15.tmp.exe, 19b2.exe. The process name can also contain “(32 bit)”. If you do not find a process with a similar name in the list of processes, then most likely the Hhoo ransomware has finished working. But keep in mind, if you do not remove the ransomware autostart entries, as demonstrated below, and do not delete its file, then after a while it may start again, and if it finds unencrypted files, immediately encrypt them.

Disable Hhoo startup

Select the “Start-Up” tab, look for something similar to the one shown in the example below, right click to it and select Disable.

Close Task Manager.

Delete Hhoo task

Type “Task Scheduler” in the search bar. Click Task Scheduler app in the search results. Click “Task Scheduler Library” in the left panel. On the right panel, right-click to “Time Trigger Task” and select Delete.

Close Task Scheduler.

Remove Hhoo virus

Run Task Manager and select the “Start-Up” tab. Right click to the Hhoo ransomware Start-Up entry and select Open File Location as shown below.

A directory containing one file will open in front of you, this file is the Hhoo virus. It needs to be removed. If you try to delete it immediately, then you will not succeed, since this file is protected from deletion.

To delete this file, you need to do the following. Right-click on the file, select Properties. In the window that opens, select Security tab. Next, click the Advanced button below. A window will open as shown in the following example.

Click Disable inheritance. In the Block inheritance dialog box that opens, select the first item (Convert inherited permissions…) as shown below.

In the Permission entries list, select “Deny Everyone”, click Remove button and then OK. Close the file properties window. You should now be able to remove the Hhoo virus. Right-click on the file and select Delete.

Scan computer for malware

We recommend using MalwareBytes which will completely remove the ransomware from your computer. This tool is an advanced malicious software removal program created by (c) Malwarebytes lab. It uses the world’s most popular antimalware technology. MalwareBytes Antimalware is able to help you remove ransomware, PUPs, trojans, worms, adware, toolbars, and other security threats from your computer for free.

MalwareBytes Anti-Malware can be downloaded from the following link. Save it on your Desktop.

When the download is complete, close all programs and windows on your personal computer. Open a directory in which you saved it. Double-click on the icon that’s named MBSetup such as the one below.

When the install begins, you will see the Setup wizard that will help you install Malwarebytes on your computer.

Once installation is done, you will see window such as the one below.

Now press the “Scan” button to perform a system scan with this tool for the Hhoo ransomware and other security threats. This procedure can take quite a while, so please be patient. While the MalwareBytes program is scanning, you can see number of objects it has identified as threat.

When the scan get completed, it will display the Scan Results. When you’re ready, press “Quarantine” button.

Malwarebytes will now move the selected security threats to the Quarantine. After the process is complete, you may be prompted to restart your computer.

In order to be 100% sure that the computer no longer has the Hhoo ransomware virus, we recommend using the Kaspersky virus removal tool (KVRT). It is a free portable program that scans your personal computer for spyware, ransomware, adware, PUPs, trojans, worms, malicious software and allows remove them easily. Moreover, it will also help you remove any other security threats for free.

Download Kaspersky virus removal tool from the link below. Save it on your Windows desktop or in any other place.

Once the downloading process is finished, double-click on the KVRT icon. Once initialization procedure is finished, you’ll see the KVRT screen as shown in the figure below.

Click Change Parameters and set a check near all your drives. Click OK to close the Parameters window. Next click Start scan button to perform a system scan with this tool for the Hhoo ransomware virus . Depending on your computer, the scan can take anywhere from a few minutes to close to an hour. While KVRT is scanning, you can see how many objects it has identified as being affected by malware.

When KVRT has completed scanning, it will show a list of detected threats as displayed on the screen below.

Review the results once the utility has done the system scan. If you think an entry should not be quarantined, then uncheck it. Otherwise, simply press on Continue to begin a cleaning procedure.

How to decrypt .hhoo files

Files with the extension ‘.hhoo’ are encrypted files. The ransomware uses a long key and a strong encryption algorithm, so it is impossible to decrypt files without a key and decryptor. Criminals demand a ransom for the key and the decryptor. Of course, even paying a ransom, there is no guarantee that victims will receive the required key and decryptor. Fortunately, a team of experts from Emsisoft created a decryptor that helps everyone to decrypt the encrypted files for free.

To decrypt .hhoo files, use Hhoo File Decrypt tool:

• Go to the following link to download Hhoo File Decrypt tool.
  STOP Djvu decryptor
• Scroll down to ‘New Djvu ransomware’ section.
• Click the download link and save the ‘decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe’ file to your desktop.
• Run decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe, read the license terms and instructions.
• On the ‘Decryptor’ tab, using the ‘Add a folder’ button, add the directory or disk where the encrypted files are located.
• Click the ‘Decrypt’ button.

Hhoo File Decrypt Tool is a free software that can decrypt the encrypted files only in some cases, when the files were encrypted with an ‘offline key’. If the files were encrypted with an ‘online key’, then they cannot be decrypted. The reason for this is that the decryption key is in the hands of criminals and this key can not be determined. This does not mean that if your files are encrypted with an online key, then their contents are lost forever. Fortunately, there are several ways to recover encrypted files. These methods do not involve the use of decryption and therefore can be used in any case, no matter what key the ransomware used to encrypt files.

How to find out which key was used to encrypt files

Since Hhoo File Decrypt Tool only decrypts files encrypted with an offline key, each Hhoo’s victim needs to find out which key was used to encrypt the files. Determining the type of key used is not difficult. Below we give two ways. Use any of them.

Find out the type of key using ‘_readme.txt’ file

• Open the ransom demand message (‘_readme.txt’ file).
• Scroll down to the end of the file.
• There you will see a line with the text ‘Your personal ID’.
• Below is a line of characters, this is your personal id.

Find out the type of key using ‘PersonalID.txt’ file

• Open disk C.
• Open directory ‘SystemID’.
• Open file named ‘PersonalID.txt’. This file lists ‘Personal ID’s that match the keys that the virus used to encrypt files.

The ‘Personal ID’ is not a key, it is an identifier related to a key that was used to encrypt files. If the ID ends with ‘t1’, then the files are encrypted with an offline key. If the ID does not end with ‘t1’, Hhoo virus used an online key. If you could not figure out how to determine which key was used to encrypt files, then we can help. Just write a request here or in the comments below.

Hhoo File Decrypt Tool : “No key for New Variant online ID”

If, when you try to decrypt .hhoo files, Hhoo File Decrypt Tool reports:

No key for New Variant online ID: *
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible

It means that your files are encrypted with an ‘online key’ and their decryption is impossible, since only the Hhoo authors have the key necessary for decryption. In this case, you need to use alternative methods listed below to restore the contents of encrypted files.

Hhoo File Decrypt Tool : “No key for New Variant offline ID”

If, during decryption of .hhoo files, Hhoo File Decrypt Tool reports:

No key for New Variant offline ID: *t1
Notice: this ID appears be an offline ID, decryption MAY be possible in the future.

It means the following: your files are encrypted with an ‘offline key’, but the key itself has not yet been obtained by security researchers, in this case, you need to be patient and wait a while, in addition, you can also use alternative ways for recovering encrypted data.

If for some reason you were unable to decrypt the encrypted files, then We recommend to follow the news on our Facebook or YouTube channels. So you ‘ll know right away that it ‘s possible to decrypt .hhoo files.

This video step-by-step guide will demonstrate How to use STOP Djvu decryptor to Decrypt encrypted files.

How to restore .hhoo files

If the Hhoo File Decrypt tool cannot decrypt the encrypted files or your data is encrypted with an online key, then there is no need to despair. Fortunately, there are several alternative methods that can allow everyone to recover the contents of encrypted files. Each of these methods does not involve the use of special knowledge and paid programs and can be performed by everyone. We have prepared an instruction with illustrations, which describes in detail the process of data recovery. Before you begin data recovery, if you have not completed step 1, then go back. You must be 100% sure that the Hhoo ransomware virus is completely removed. We recommend using free malware removal tools.

Run ShadowExplorer to recover .hhoo files

The first and very simple way to restore encrypted files to the state in which they were before encryption is to restore files from their Shadow Copies. The Shadow Volume Copies are copies of files and folders that Windows automatically saved as part of system protection. This feature is fantastic at rescuing personal files that were locked by the Hhoo ransomware. The guide below will give you all the details.

Installing the ShadowExplorer is simple. First you will need to download ShadowExplorer on your Microsoft Windows Desktop from the link below.

When downloading is done, open a directory in which you saved it. Right click to ShadowExplorer-0.9-portable and select Extract all. Follow the prompts. Next please open the ShadowExplorerPortable folder such as the one below.

Launch the ShadowExplorer tool and then select the disk (1) and the date (2) that you wish to restore the shadow copy of file(s) encrypted by the Hhoo ransomware as on the image below.

Now navigate to the file or folder that you wish to recover. When ready right-click on it and press ‘Export’ button as shown in the following example.

This video step-by-step guide will demonstrate How to recover encrypted files using Shadow Explorer.

Use PhotoRec to restore .hhoo files

Another way to recover encrypted files is to use data recovery programs. There are many such programs, but most of them are paid. We recommend using a program called PhotoRec. It has all the necessary functions and is completely free.

Download PhotoRec from the link below. Save it directly to your Windows Desktop.

When downloading is complete, open a directory in which you saved it. Right click to testdisk-7.0.win and choose Extract all. Follow the prompts. Next please open the testdisk-7.0 folder as displayed in the following example.

Double click on qphotorec_win to run PhotoRec for MS Windows. It’ll open a screen as displayed in the following example.

Choose a drive to recover as shown on the image below.

You will see a list of available partitions. Choose a partition that holds encrypted files as shown in the figure below.

Click File Formats button and specify file types to recover. You can to enable or disable the recovery of certain file types. When this is finished, click OK button.

Next, click Browse button to choose where recovered documents, photos and music should be written, then click Search. We strongly recommend that you save the recovered files to an external drive.

Count of recovered files is updated in real time. All recovered documents, photos and music are written in a folder that you have chosen on the previous step. You can to access the files even if the recovery process is not finished.

When the recovery is done, click on Quit button. Next, open the directory where restored files are stored. You will see a contents like below.

All recovered files are written in recup_dir.1, recup_dir.2 … sub-directories. If you’re searching for a specific file, then you can to sort your restored files by extension and/or date/time.

This video step-by-step guide will demonstrate How to recover encrypted files using PhotoRec.

How to protect your PC from Hhoo ransomware

Most antivirus applications already have built-in protection system against the crypto malware. Therefore, if your PC does not have an antivirus program, make sure you install it. As an extra protection, use the HitmanPro.Alert. HitmanPro.Alert is a small security tool. It can check the system integrity and alerts you when critical system functions are affected by malware. HitmanPro.Alert can detect, remove, and reverse ransomware effects.

Download HitmanPro Alert by clicking on the following link.

When the download is done, open the file location. You will see an icon like below.

Double click the HitmanPro Alert desktop icon. Once the tool is started, you will be shown a window where you can choose a level of protection, as displayed in the figure below.

Now click the Install button to activate the protection.

To sum up

This guide has been created to help all victims of the Hhoo virus (ransomware). We tried to give answers to the following questions: how to remove ransomware; how to decrypt .hhoo files; how to recover encrypted files; what is an online key and what is an offline key. We hope that the information presented in this article has helped you.

If you have questions, then write to us, leaving a comment below. If you need more help with Hhoo ransomware related issues, go to here.