How to remove Hela Ransomware and recover files

Complete tips to delete Hela Ransomware and decrypt data

Hela Ransomware is a ransomware-type infection. With that, a new variant is added to Rangnarok ransomware. Like all predecessors, Hela operates by encrypting stored files and then demanding ransom payment for the decryption. In other word, the system infected with this virus has all stored files inaccessible and the victim is asked to pay- to restore access to the files.

During the process of files encryption, the files are appended with a “.[random_number].hela” extension. For example, a file originally named 1.jpg would appear something similar to “1.jpg.08469.hela” – following encryption. Rightly upon that, the ransomware creates a ransom note with titled – “!!Read_Me.[random_number].html” (e.g., “!!Read_Me.08469.html”) and drops it onto the desktop.

The ransom demanding message informs the victims about the files encryption. It states that the files are encoded using RSA4096 and AES cryptographic algorithms. Therefore, a unique decryption key/ code is necessary to decrypt all the encrypted files. Obviously, the crooks are the only people who can have the right combination of characters.

They take advantage of this situation and blackmail victims to pay for the decryption. They claim to provide the tool only when the payment is done. They are ready to provide a proof that the decryption is possible with their tool by offering free decryption one encrypted, non-valuable file.

Additionally, the ransom note claims that private and company-related content has been ex-filtrated from the compromised host system. If the ransom payment is not done, these crucial data will be made public. You can read the full text presented in Hela Ransomware’s ransom note (“!!Read_Me.[random_number].html”) provided below:

#ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED AND STOLEN BY RAGNAROK

Dear Sir

Your files are encrypted with RSA4096 and AES encryption algorithm.

But don’t worry, you can return all your files!! follow the instructions to recover your files

Cooperate with us and get the decrypter program as soon as possible will be your best solution.

Only our software can decrypt all your encrypted files.

What guarantees you have?

We take our reputation seriously. We reject any form of deception

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 any valuable information.

When hiring third-party negotiators or recovery companies. listen to what they tell you. try to think.

Are they really interested in solving your problems or are they just thinking about their profit and ambitions?

By the way.We have stolen lots of your company and your private data which includes doc,xls,pdf,jpg,mdf,sql,pst…

Here we upload sample files of your company and your private data on our blog :

hxxp://sushlnty2j7qdzy64qnvyb6ajkwg7resd3p6agc2widnawodtcedgjid.onion/

We promise that if you don’t pay within a week, we will package and publish all of your company and your data on our website.

We also promise we can decrypt all of your data and delete all your files on internet after your payment.

Such leaks of information lead to losses for the company. fines and lawsuits. And don’t forget that information can fall into the hands of competitors!

For us this is just business and to prove to you our seriousness.

Our e-mail:

[email protected]

Reserve e-mail:

[email protected]

Device ID:

–

Unfortunately, this is true that the decryption is not possible without the involvement of the crooks behind it. These people have unique decryption tool without with the files could not be decrypted. However, it is strongly not advised you to contact/ pay to the crooks under any circumstances.

Despite paying, victims often do not receive the decryption tool. Therefore, they experience financial loss and their files remain encrypted. Removing Hela Ransomware is necessary as this would prevent further files encryption. However, this removal process will also help you in files recovery.

For the complete decryption of the encrypted data, you have to wait till official decryption is available, designed by cyber-security researchers by cracking the code used for the decryption. You can back up all encrypted files in external devices so that you can use it in future.

Meanwhile, you can attempt to recover the files shadow copies and data recovery tools. Shadow Copies are automatically designed backups Windows OS. Sometimes, in ransomware infection, this option is left untouched in the entire process of system attack and files encryption and thus this ultimately becomes data recovery option.

Below the post in the data recovery section, you will find complete guide how to recover files using Shadow Copies. Data recovery tools from third parties are also available to recover all damaged, corrupted, virus infected and missing files.

However, you can skip any such data recovery options, if you have existing backups. This back up file should be the one designed before the files encryption and stored on location other than that of the system during the ransomware attack. After Hela Ransomware removal, use this backup and restore all encrypted files back in the earlier accessible condition.

How did Hela Ransomware enter my system?

Ransomware and other malicious malware are often distributed via spam campaigns –large scale operations where spam emails are designed and delivered. These letters can contain download links of virulent files, or they can be attached to the emails. The infectious files could be in any formats, including archives, executables, and PDF and Microsoft Office documents, JavaScript and so on. When these files are opened- the infection process is triggered.

Malware can also be proliferated through untrustworthy downloading channels such as unofficial and free file hosting sites, p2p networks and other third-party downloaders. Illegal activation tools and fake updaters are the prime examples. Cracking tools infect systems instead of activating licensed products. Fraudulent updaters cause system infections by exploiting bugs/ flaws of outdated software and/or by installing malicious programs rather than the updates.

How to prevent ransomware infection?

Dubious and irrelevant emails should never be opened, especially any attachments and website links in them. It is advised to use only official and verified download channels. Furthermore, all programs should have to be activated and updated using tools/ functions from legit developers. To ensure the device integrity and personal safety, it is crucial to have a reputable antivirus tool installed and kept updated. Also, this tool should have to be used for regular system scans and to remove any detected threats.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove Hela Ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete Hela Ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove Hela Ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

For Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Boot the PC in “Safe Mode”. Click on “Start” option and continuously press on F8 during the start process until the “Windows Advanced Option” menu appears on the screen. Choose “Safe Mode with Networking” from the list.

Now, a windows homescreen appears on the desktop and work-station is now working on “Safe mode with networking”.

For Windows 8 Users: Go to the “Start Screen”. In the search results select settings, type “Advanced”. In the “General PC Settings” option, choose “Advanced startup” option. Again, click on the “Restart Now” option. The work-station boots to “Advanced Startup Option Menu”. Press on “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options” button.  In the “Advanced Option Screen”, press on “Startup Settings”. Again, click on “Restart” button. The work-station will now restart in to the “Startup Setting” screen. Next is to press F5 to boot in Safe Mode in Networking.

For Windows 10 Users: Press on Windows logo and on the “Power” icon. In the newly opened menu, choose “Restart” while continuously holding “Shift” button on the keyboard. In the new open “Choose an option” window, click on “Troubleshoot” and then on the “Advanced Options”. Select “Startup Settings” and press on “Restart”. In the next window, click on “F5” button on the key-board.

Step 2: Delete Hela Ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with Hela Ransomware. Open the browser and download a legitimate anti-malware tool. Do a full System scanning. Remove all the malicious detected entries.

In case if you cannot start the PC in “Safe Mode with Networking”, Try using “System Restore”

• During the “Startup”, continuously press on F8 key until the “Advanced Option” menu appears. From the list, choose “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and then press “Enter”

• In the new opened command prompt, enter “cd restore” and then press “Enter”.

• Type: rstrui.exe and Press “ENTER”

• Click “Next” on the new windows

• Choose any of the “Restore Points” and click on “Next”. (This step will restore the work-station to its earlier time and date prior to Hela Ransomware infiltration in the PC.

• In the newly opened windows, press on “Yes”.

Once your PC gets restored to its previous date and time, download the recommended anti-malware tool and perform a deep scanning in order to remove Hela Ransomware files if they left in the work-station.

In order to restore the each (separate) file by this ransomware, use “Windows Previous Version” feature. This method is effective when “System Restore Function” is enabled in the work-station.

Important Note: Some variants of Hela Ransomware delete the “Shadow Volume Copies” as well hence this feature may not work all the time and is applicable for selective computers only.

How to Restore Individual Encrypted File:

In order to restore a single file, right click on it and go to “Properties”. Select “Previous Version” tab. Select a “Restore Point” and click on “Restore” option.

In order to access the files encrypted by Hela Ransomware, you can also try using “Shadow Explorer”. In order to get more information on this application, press here.

Important: Data Encryption Ransomware are highly dangerous and it is always better that you take precautions to avoid its attack on your work-station. It is advised to use a powerful anti-malware tool in order to get protection in real-time. With this help of “SpyHunter”, “group policy objects” are implanted in the registries in order to block harmful infections like Hela Ransomware.

Also, In Windows 10, you get a very unique feature called “Fall Creators Update” that offer “Controlled Folder Access” feature in order to block any kind of encryption to the files. With the help of this feature, any files stored in the locations such as “Documents”, “Pictures”, “Music”, “Videos”, “Favorites” and “Desktop” folders are safe by default.

It is very important that you install this “Windows 10 Fall Creators Update” in your PC to protect your important files and data from ransomware encryption. The more information on how to get this update and add an additional protection form rnasomware attack has been discussed here.

How to Recover the Files Encrypted by Hela Ransomware?

Till now, you would have understood that what had happed to your personal files that got encrypted and how you can remove the scripts and payloads associated with Hela Ransomware in order to protect your personal files that has not been damaged or encrypted until now. In order to retrieve the locked files, the depth information related to “System Restore” and “Shadow Volume Copies” has already been discussed earlier. However, in case if you are still unable to access the encrypted files then you can try using a data recovery tool.

Use of Data Recovery Tool

This step is for all those victims who have already tries all the above mentioned process but didn’t find any solution. Also it is important that you are able to access the PC and can install any software. The data recovery tool works on the basis of System scanning and recovery algorithm. It searches the System partitions in order to locate the original files which were deleted, corrupted or damaged by the malware. Remember that you must not re-install the Windows OS otherwise the “previous” copies will get deleted permanently. You have to clean the work-station at first and remove Hela Ransomware infection. Leave the locked files as it is and follow the steps mentioned below.

Step1: Download the software in the work-station by clicking on the “Download” button below.

Step2: Execute the installer by clicking on downloaded files.

Step3: A license agreement page appears on the screen. Click on “Accept” to agree with its terms and use. Follow the on-screen instruction as mentioned and click on “Finish” button.

Step4: Once the installation gets completed, the program gets executed automatically. In the newly opened interface, select the file types that you want to recover and click on “Next”.

Step5: You can select the “Drives” on which you want the software to run and execute the recovery process. Next is to click on the “Scan” button.

Step6: Based on drive you select for scanning, the restore process begins. The whole process may take time depending on the volume of the selected drive and number of files. Once the process gets completed, a data explorer appears on the screen with preview of that data that is to be recovered. Select the files that you want to restore.

Step7. Next is to locate the location where you want to saver the recovered files.