What is HCK Ransomware
HCK Ransomware has become most active in recent weeks. First, let’s understand what is a cryptovirus. This is a virus (developed by Dharma family’s scammers) that penetrates the computer encrypts user data in various formats. After this encryption files become unusable for further use. Moreover, the virus assigns the .hck (.id-1E857D00.[cavefat@tuta.io].HCK) extension to these files. Moreover, cybercriminals create a special file FILES ENCRYPTED.txt that contains information about the purchase and encryption.
The note contains the address at which the user must contact the attackers to pay for the ransom. The size of the ransom can reach several hundred dollars, and sometimes thousands. Of course, we do not recommend you to pay money, since no one guarantees you that your files will really be returned to you. It is also worth noting that the virus deletes shadow copies of files and system restore points in order to make data decryption almost impossible. However, you can familiarize yourself with our guides, which are listed below, to try to remove HCK and decrypt your files.
YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED
Don’t worry,you can return all your files!
If you want to restore them, follow this link:email cavefat@tuta.io YOUR ID 1E857D00
If you have not been answered via the link within 12 hours, write to us by e-mail:ripntfs@protonmail.com
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.
Most often, such viruses come to the computer through unprotected user networks. HCK penetrates as an attachment to a spam mailing list or as a false update for a program or utility that resides on your system. In any case, you need to use paid software such as antivirus, which can really prevent the entry of such viruses. Below you can read our recommendations to remove HCK Ransomware immediately
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 HCK 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
HCK Removal Guide
Remember that you need to remove HCK 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 HCK Removal Tool.
- Remove HCK from Windows (7, 8, 8.1, Vista, XP, 10) or Mac OS (Run system in Safe Mode).
- Restore .HCK files
- How to protect PC from future infections.
How to remove HCK 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 HCK Removal Guide
Here are step-by-step instructions to remove HCK from Windows and Mac computers. Follow these steps carefully and remove files and folders belonging to HCK. First of all, you need to run the system in a Safe Mode. Then find and remove needed files and folders.
Uninstall HCK 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:
HCK.dll
_readme.txt
readme.txt
Windows 7/Vista:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to HCK 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 HCK 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 HCK 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 HCK 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 logo appears;
- Find programs or files potentially related to HCK 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, HCK 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.