What is Hamster ransomware
Hamster virus encrypts all important user data on the computer (most often photos, documents, Excel spreadsheets, music, videos, archives, working documents – all frequently used files) and restricts access to them by adding its own extension .Hamster to each file and creates a sticky note in the How To decrypt.txt file, which displays on the desktop:
Hello there, I’m the Hamster!
What’s happened?
Well, it’s pretty simple: hamster penetrated your network, carried out compromised files,
and encrypted all the stuff.
Why am I reading this?
Because your technicans are careless, get rid of security measures, skipped updates, etc.
Do you want to turn it back?
Sure thing, right? It also pretty simple: contact me during 72 hours since incident discovery,
and you will get discount for full data recovery. Moreover, I’ll provide advices and tell you how to fix this vulnerability.
Use the TOX messenger to contact: https://github.com/uTox/uTox/releases/download/v0.18.1/utox_x86_64.exe
My TOX ID:
B74F33BBBA637DCCFCD8FA3376A3B9BF8A4ACA36BDF25219B6689345E34831303FDDB2D95F6A
Start messaging from incident ID, which has been assigned to you: XXXXX
What happens if you decide to avoid negotiations?
Well, I could sell most worthful stuff to your competitors, the rest will go to the clearnet and mass media.
It will cost you reputation.
This is a note from cybercriminals who are trying to deceive money from innocent victims.
To rid your computer of the ransomware and decrypt files, remove Hamster ransomware using the instructions below.
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 Hamster ransomware manually without a specialist’s help.
If for any reason you need to recover deleted or lost files, then check out our article Top 5 Deleted File Recovery Software
Hamster Removal Guide
Remember that you need to remove Hamster 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:
- Download Hamster Removal Tool.
- Remove Hamster from Windows (7, 8, 8.1, Vista, XP, 10) or Mac OS (Run system in Safe Mode).
- Restore .Hamster files
- How to protect PC from future infections.
How to remove Hamster ransomware automatically:
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.
If you’re Mac user – use this.
Manual Hamster Removal Guide
Here are step-by-step instructions to remove Hamster from Windows and Mac computers. Follow these steps carefully and remove files and folders belonging to Hamster . First of all, you need to run the system in a Safe Mode. Then find and remove needed files and folders.
Uninstall Hamster 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:
Hamster .dll
_readme.txt
readme.txt
Windows 7/Vista:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to Hamster by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Windows 8/8.1:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to Hamster by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Windows 10:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to Hamster by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Windows XP:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to Hamster by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Mac OS:
- Restart the computer;
- Press and Hold Shift button, before system will be loaded;
- Release Shift button, when Apple Hamster o appears;
- Find programs or files potentially related to Hamster by using Removal Tool;
- 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.
- Download and install Stellar Data Recovery
- Choose drives and folders with your data, then press Scan.
- Select all the files in a folder, then click on Restore button.
- Manage export location. That’s it!
Restore encrypted files using Recuva
There is an alternative program, that may help you to recover files – Recuva.
- Run the Recuva;
- Follow instructions and wait until scan process ends;
- Find needed files, Hamster 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
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.
