How to remove Horseleader Ransomware and decrypt .horseleader files

What is Horseleader Ransomware

Horseleader ransomware is another cryptovirus that encrypts user data of various formats, including audio, video, archives, office documents, and much more. After the changes are made, the data becomes inoperative and unsuitable for further use, moreover, Horseleader ransomware uses a complex encryption algorithm. It is also worth noting that it will be almost impossible to recover files on your own, since Horseleader ransomware deletes shadow copies of files and system restore points. No genealogical relationship is currently established.

Cryptovirus became active at the beginning of March 2020 and spread in just a few days almost all over the world. In addition to encryption, Horseleader ransomware changes the file extension to .horseleader, which makes them completely inoperative. Horseleader ransomware also creates a text file containing information about encryption and ransom methods. Here’s what this file looks like:

All your files have been ENCRYPTED!!!
Write to our ICQ @Horseleader
Or contact us via jabber – horseleader@xmpp.jp
Jabber client installation instructions:
Download the jabber (Pidgin) client from hxxps://pidgin.im/download/windows/

After installation, the Pidgin client will prompt you to create a new account.
Click – Add
In the -Protocol field, select XMPP
In -Username – come up with any name
In the field -domain – enter any jabber-server, there are a lot of them, for example – exploit.im
Create a password
At the bottom, put a tick -Create account
Click add
If you selected -domain – exploit.im, then a new window should appear in which you will need to re-enter your data:
User
password
You will need to follow the link to the captcha (there you will see the characters that you need to enter in the field below)
If you don’t understand our Pidgin client installation instructions, you can find many installation tutorials on youtube – hxxps://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=pidgin+jabber+install
If you have not received a response from us then we may have technical problems and please write to us using Jaber here bigbosshorse@xmpp.jp or on icq
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
tell your unique ID
–

The exact price of the ransom is not indicated, however, according to our data, cybercriminals require up to $ 15,000 for a decryption key. Of course, this is a lot of money. Moreover, the ransom must be made in cryptocurrency, because only in this way attackers can protect themselves from the pursuit of security structures. Be that as it may, we do not recommend you pay, as there is no guarantee that your files will be truly decrypted. Use our recommendations to remove Horseleader ransomware and decrypt .horseleader files.

Well, there are 2 options for solving this problem. The first is to use an automatic removal utility that will remove the threat and all instances related to it. Moreover, it will save you time. Or you can use the Manual Removal Guide, but you should know that it might be very difficult to remove Horseleader ransomware manually without a specialist’s help.

Horseleader Removal Guide

Remember that you need to remove Horseleader Ransomware first and foremost to prevent further encryption of your files before the state of your data becomes totally useless. And only after that, you can start recovering your files. Removal must be performed according to the following steps:

1. Download Horseleader Removal Tool.
2. Remove Horseleader from Windows (7, 8, 8.1, Vista, XP, 10) or Mac OS (Run system in Safe Mode).
3. Restore .Horseleader files
4. How to protect PC from future infections.

How to remove Horseleader ransomware automatically:

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Download Removal Tool

Norton is a powerful antivirus that protects you against malware, spyware, ransomware and other types of Internet threats. Norton is available for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android devices. We recommend you to try it.

Alternative solution – Malwarebytes
This program will find malicious files, hijackers, adware, potentially unwanted programs and will neutralize it. Also, Norton will help you clean your system properly.
If you’re Mac user – use this.

Manual Horseleader Removal Guide

Here are step-by-step instructions to remove Horseleader from Windows and Mac computers. Follow these steps carefully and remove files and folders belonging to Horseleader. First of all, you need to run the system in a Safe Mode. Then find and remove needed files and folders.

Uninstall Horseleader from Windows or Mac

Here you may find the list of confirmed related to the ransomware files and registry keys. You should delete them in order to remove virus, however it would be easier to do it with our automatic removal tool. The list:

Horseleader.dll
_readme.txt
readme.txt

Windows 7/Vista:

1. Restart the computer;
2. Press Settings button;
3. Choose Safe Mode;
4. Find programs or files potentially related to Horseleader by using Removal Tool;
5. Delete found files;

Windows 8/8.1:

1. Restart the computer;
2. Press Settings button;
3. Choose Safe Mode;
4. Find programs or files potentially related to Horseleader by using Removal Tool;
5. Delete found files;

Windows 10:

1. Restart the computer;
2. Press Settings button;
3. Choose Safe Mode;
4. Find programs or files potentially related to Horseleader by using Removal Tool;
5. Delete found files;

Windows XP:

1. Restart the computer;
2. Press Settings button;
3. Choose Safe Mode;
4. Find programs or files potentially related to Horseleader by using Removal Tool;
5. Delete found files;

Mac OS:

1. Restart the computer;
2. Press and Hold Shift button, before system will be loaded;
3. Release Shift button, when Apple logo appears;
4. Find programs or files potentially related to Horseleader by using Removal Tool;
5. Delete found files;

How to restore encrypted files

You can try to restore your files with special tools. You may find more detailed info on data recovery software in this article – recovery software. These programs may help you to restore files that were infected and encrypted by ransomware.

Restore data with Stellar Data Recovery

Stellar Data Recovery is able to find and restore different types of encrypted files, including removed emails.

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery
2. Choose drives and folders with your data, then press Scan.
3. Select all the files in a folder, then click on Restore button.
4. Manage export location. That’s it!

Download Stellar Data Recovery

 

Restore encrypted files using Recuva

There is an alternative program, that may help you to recover files – Recuva.

1. Run the Recuva;
2. Follow instructions and wait until scan process ends;
3. Find needed files, mark them and Press Recover button;

How to prevent ransomware infection?

It is always rewarding to prevent ransomware infection because of the consequences it may bring. There are a lot of difficulties in resolving issues with encoders viruses, that’s why it is very vital to keep a proper and reliable anti-ransomware software on your computer. In case you don’t have any, here you may find some of the best offers in order to protect your PC from disastrous viruses.

Malwarebytes

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Download Removal Tool

SpyHunter is a reliable antimalware removal tool application, that is able to protect your PC and prevent the infection from the start. The program is designed to be user-friendly and multi-functional.