Remove Hairysquid Ransomware And Recover Locked Data

To remove Hairysquid Ransomware, first disconnect your computer from the internet to prevent the malware from spreading. Next, use reputable anti-malware software to scan your system and remove the malware. Finally, restore your files from a backup or use a decryption tool if available. Consider seeking professional assistance if needed.

Complete Guide To Uninstall File-Locking Virus

The Hairysquid Ransomware is a type of malware that infects computers and encrypts personal files like photos, videos, and documents. It’s a new variant of Mimic ransomware and adds the “.Hairysquid” extension to the end of encrypted files, making them inaccessible. The icons of encrypted files are also changed, preventing users from viewing their content. When attempting to open encrypted files, a message appears stating that Windows is unable to open the file. To avoid permanent data loss, it’s important to regularly back up important files.

Quick Glance

Name: Hairysquid Ransomware

Category: Ransomware, File-locking malware, Crypto-virus

Features: Encrypts users’ data in order to extort ransom money from them

Extension: .Hairysquid

Ransom note: READ_ME_DECRYPTION_HAIRYSQUID.txt

Attackers’ Contact: TOX messenger, @Hairysquid (ICQ), Hairysquid Decryption (Skype), [email protected] (Email)

Signs: The infected files become inaccessible, odd file extension, ransom note appearing

Infiltration: Phishing emails and their malicious attachments, torrent sites

One View Of Hairysquid virus Ransom Note:

After infecting computers with the Hairysquid Ransomware, the attackers leave a note (the “READ_ME_DECRYPTION_HAIRYSQUID.txt” file) informing victims that all their files have been encrypted. The note offers victims the chance to pay for decryption, and they are instructed to send their unique ID and a maximum of three files for test decryption. The attackers provide various contact options, including TOX and ICQ messengers, Skype, and email. Once payment is made, victims receive a unique Bitcoin wallet address, and upon payment confirmation, the attackers send the decryption program and instructions to decrypt files.

More About Hairysquid Ransomware:

To operate effectively, Hairysquid Ransomware modifies the Windows GroupPolicy and disables Windows Defender, a crucial antivirus program that serves as the first line of defense against malware. Hairysquid virus also breaks all active remote connections, leading to a loss of control for connected users. Hairysquid terminates and deactivates the Task Manager, modifies the registry key to prevent its execution, and disables the sign out, restart, and shutdown functionalities on infected devices. These actions prevent users from stopping the Hairysquid Ransomware or rebooting their computers to restore control.

Should The Ransom Be Paid?

Paying the ransom to cybercriminals behind for file decryption is not advised since there have been numerous instances where victims paid the ransom but did not receive the decryption tool. The best way to decrypt files is by using a third-party decryption tool or restoring files from a backup. Additionally, it is vital to remove Hairysquid Ransomware from the compromised systems as soon as possible to prevent further encryption, including on other devices connected to the same local network.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I open “.Hairysquid” files?

It is not recommended to try to open “.Hairysquid” files since they have been encrypted by the Hairysquid Ransomware. The only way to access the files is by using a decryption tool or restoring them from a backup. Attempting to open the files without proper decryption may cause permanent damage to the data.

Should I pay to get my files back?

We strongly advise against paying the ransomware attackers to get your files back. There is no guarantee that they will provide the decryption tool even after the ransom is paid. Instead, try to restore your files from a backup or use a third-party decryption tool and seek assistance from cybersecurity professionals if required.

Message In The Ransom Note:

Hi!

All your files have been encrypted with Our virus.

Your unique ID: –

You can buy fully decryption of your files

But before you pay, you can make sure that we can really decrypt any of your files.

The encryption key and ID are unique to your computer, so you are guaranteed to be able to return your files.

To do this:

1) Send your unique id – and max 3 files for test decryption

OUR CONTACTS

1.1)TOX messenger (fast and anonimous)

hxxps://tox.chat/download.html

Install qtox

press sing up

create your own name

Press plus

Put there my tox ID

95CC6600931403C55E64134375095128F18EDA09B4A74B9F1906C1A4124FE82E4428D42A6C65

And add me/write message

1.2)ICQ Messenger

ICQ live chat which works 24/7 – @Hairysquid

Install ICQ software on your PC here hxxps://icq.com/windows/ or on your smartphone search for “ICQ” in Appstore / Google market

Write to our ICQ @Hairysquid hxxps://icq.im/Hairysquid

1.3)Skype

Hairysquid Decryption

1.4)Mail (write only in critical situations bcs your email may not be delivered or get in spam)

* [email protected]

In subject line please write your decryption ID: –

2) After decryption, we will send you the decrypted files and a unique bitcoin wallet for payment.

3) After payment ransom for Bitcoin, we will send you a decryption program and instructions. If we can decrypt your files, we have no reason to deceive you after payment.

FAQ:

Can I get a discount?

No. The ransom amount is calculated based on the number of encrypted office files and discounts are not provided. All such messages will be automatically ignored. If you really only want some of the files, zip them and upload them somewhere. We will decode them for free as proof.

What is Bitcoin?

read bitcoin.org

Where to buy bitcoins?

hxxps://www.alfa.cash/buy-crypto-with-credit-card (fastest way)

buy.coingate.com

hxxps://bitcoin.org/en/buy

hxxps://buy.moonpay.io

binance.com

or use google.com to find information where to buy it

Where is the guarantee that I will receive my files back?

The very fact that we can decrypt your random files is a guarantee. It makes no sense for us to deceive you.

How quickly will I receive the key and decryption program after payment?

As a rule, during 15 min

How does the decryption program work?

It’s simple. You need to run our software. The program will automatically decrypt all encrypted files on your HDD.

Step1. Remove Connected Devices and Isolate the Infected PC

It is very important that you cut off your infected PC with other computers connected in the same local network. Many of the ransomware are designed in such a way that it spreads in network environment. Hence, you need to take some measures to isolate the PC.

There are two basics steps for separate the infected device.

• Disconnect Internet
• Unplug all the external storage device
• Log out of Cloud Storage Accounts (Additional)

Unplug the Ethernet Cable so that all the wired internet connection gets cut off. In case if the infected PC is connected with wireless internet, you have to disconnect it manually through Control Panel.

Go to Control Panel> Search ‘Network and Sharing Center’

Click on ‘Change adapter settings’

Select the internet connect point, right lick on it and choose ‘Disable’. The PC is no longer connected with internet.

Once the PC is disconnected with internet, the next step is to unplug the connected storage device in order to isolate the computer completely. All kind of storage device such as portable hard drives, pen-drives, flash drives etc. is to be removed so that Hairysquid Ransomware doesn’t encrypts files stored in them.

Go to “My Computer”, right click on the connected storage device and select “Eject”.

There is high possibility that ransomware could take over the software that handles data stored in “cloud storage”. Hence it is strongly recommended that you log out from your cloud storage whether it is through browser or cloud management software.

Step2. Identify the Ransomware that Attacked your Files  

It is important to identify the name and type of ransomware that had attacked your work-station so that you can use the right decryption tool for recovering the locked files. This is important because decryption tool for ransowmare released by security experts are exclusive for particular ransomware and their family. If you use incorrect decryption tool which is not designed for removing Hairysquid Ransomware, then this may damage the locked files permanently.

There are possibly three ways to identity the ranosmware infected your PC. First is to go through the rnasowmare note and see if the name is mentioned or not. For example, In Cerber ransomware note, the name of ransomware is clearly mentioned.

On many occasion, the ransomware name is not mentioned in the note. They contain generic message. Researches shows that different rasnowmare may have same ransom note but they belong from entirely different family or group.

So, if the ransomware note is generic and its name and type is not mentioned, you need to check file extension that it adds on the locked file. When a ransomware locks any file, it appends its own extension name to it in addition. For example, Locky ransomware adds .locky extension name on every files that it encrypts.

Many of the ransomware uses generic extension names as well such as .encrypted, .locked, .crypted etc. In this case, the generic extension name doesn’t reveals anything about the ransomware name and type.

So, if you are unable to identify the ransomware through its note and extension, it is best to visit ID Ransomware website and upload the ransom note you receive or any one of your file that has been encrypted or possibly both.

At present, ID ransowmare database has details of around 1100 different ransomwares. In case if the ransomware that infected your files is not supported by ID ransomware website, you can use internet to search more about the ransomware using keywords like  its file extension, crypto wallet address or contact email Id.

Step 3. Search for Hairysquid Ransomware Decryption Tool to Recover Locked Files

The developer behind ransomware uses highly advanced encryption key to lock the files on the infected PC and hence if it manages to encrypt the file properly, it cannot be decrypted without the correct decryption key. The unlock key is stored in a remote server. Popular ransowmare family such as Dharma, Cerber, Phobos etc. are known to create flawless ransomware and they update their version time to time.

However, there are  so many ransomware types that are poorly developed and have flaws in terms of using unique decryption key for each victim, their decryption key are stored on the infected PC instead of remote server and so on. So, the decryption key for such poorly designed ransomware are available on internet. You just have to check some security forums and Online communities to get identical decryption key for poorly designed ransowmare.

To be on safer side, it is recommended to use platforms such as https://www.nomoreransom.org/en/index.html  which have tried and tested decryption key for some of the popular ransomware. Its homepage contains a “Decryption Tools” category with search bar option where you can search for decryption key for a particular ransomware.

How to Remove Hairysquid Ransomware and Recover locked Files Using Data Recovery Tool

1: Boot the PC “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 home screen 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.

Once the PC get booted in Safe mode with networking, you can use anti-malware tool such as “SpyHunter”. The automatic removal tool has advanced scanning algorithm and programming logics hence it doesn’t leave any trace of ransomware behind.

Click Here For SpyHunter Details and User Guide

Open the browser and download a legitimate anti-malware tool. Do a full System scanning. Remove all the malicious detected entries including those belong to ransomware.

2: Delete Hairysquid Ransomware Infection using “System Restore”

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 Hairysquid 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 Hairysquid 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 Hairysquid 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 Hairysquid 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 Hairysquid 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.

3. How to Recover the Files Encrypted by Hairysquid 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 Hairysquid 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 Hairysquid 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.

Some Related FAQs

How can I open files encrypted by Hairysquid Ransomware? Can I access it myself?

A file that is locked by ransomware cannot be accessed unless it is first decrypted using the decryption key.

What could I do to access the locked files?

In case if you have backup files, use it and don’t worry about the files that got encrypted since you can use it from backup. However remember that in order to use the backup files on same PC, you first have to remove the ransomware infection completely otherwise the backup file will get encrypted as well. For removing the ransommare, it is suggested to use a powerful anti-malware tool.

In case if the backup is not available, you can try “Restore Point” to roll back the System to point where the PC was free from ransomware attack. If these options doesn’t works then you can try your luck with any powerful data recovery tool.

Additionally, there is high possibility that the encrypted files are still with you hence you can check all the possible locations such as sent or received emails, contact your friends, family members to get files like images, videos, etc. that would have shared earlier. Check your cloud storage and social media platforms, old devices including laptop, PC, mobile phones and so on.

Should I Pay Ransom in order to get decryption key?

It is never recommended to pay money because there is no guarantee of receiving the correct decryption key from cyber-criminals even after the ransom amount is paid. The identity of cyber-criminals are often key anonymous hence you cannot do anything much later.

Where can I report about the ransowmare attack?

There are cyber-security agencies in every country where you can report about ransomware attack. The links for the respective authorities are as follow. You can visit the link as per your country and report about the attack.

• USA– Internet Crime Complaint Centre IC3 or On Guard Online;
• In Canada- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre;
• United Kingdom– Action Fraud
• Australia – Australian High Tech Crime Center
• In Ireland- An Garda Síochána
• Greece – Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
• New Zealand- Consumer Affairs Scams
• Spain– Policía Nacional
• Poland– Policja
• Portugal– Polícia Judiciária
• France– Ministère de l’Intérieur
• Germany– Polizei
• Italy– Polizia di Stato
• The Netherlands– Politie
• India – CyberCrime Investigation Cell

Can Antivirus protect against ransomware?

A powerful antivirus can protect, detect as well as remove ransomware. It is always a good practice to use a security application in order to get protection from ransomware in real-time. Additionally, it is equally important to follow good cyber-security practices.