Remove Hknet ransomware And Recover Locked Files

Hknet ransomware: Complete Uninstall Guide

Hknet ransomware is a devastating PC threat which encrypts files and then forces victims to pay an amount of ransom for their decryption. The Hknet virus comes from the family of MedusaLocker ransomware and often utilizes the combination of both AES and RSA cryptographic algorithms to encrypt all users’ audios, videos, images, documents, presentations, spreadsheets etc. It makes the compromised data inaccessible unless a decryption tool is employed. The threat also marks those files with “.hknet” extension and hence, they can easily be identified. Similar to Krzmsybap ransomware and other crypto-viruses, it also typically intrudes the Windows computers by stealth via phishing emails.

Hknet ransomware Shows Ransom Note After Encryption:

After completing the encryption process, Hknet ransomware displays a ransom note named “Recovery_Instructions.html” and informs the affected people regarding the vicious attack. Victims are also warned that trying to decode the contaminated files with a third-party tool, may lead to permanent data loss. They will have to contact the attackers via the provided Tor website or [email protected], [email protected] email addresses to purchase the decryption key. The price of the tool will be increased after 72 hours. It is also mentioned that a copy of all data is stored on a remote server and will be deleted once the ransom is paid.

Paying Ransom Never Works:

Although, it’s true that files encrypted by Hknet ransomware can’t be accessed without using a proper decryption tool. However, there is no need to pay any sort of ransom to the attackers as they don’t give any assurance that they will provide you the required decryptor even after taking the money. Many victims paid the demanded fee to the criminals but received nothing in return and ended up with losing both files as well as money. Also, paying ransom to such people will only motivate them to trigger more such attacks for future profits. So, never consider doing that and focus on Hknet ransomware removal from the computer immediately.

Use Backups To Restore Data:

As far as recovering the compromised files is concerned, you should use a recently made backup, stored on any external location like pen drive, hard drive, SSD, SD card, could storage and so on. Security experts strongly advise to making regular backups that can be very helpful in restoring the infected files if such pernicious situation takes place whenever. However, even if you don’t have a proper backup, you can still recover the infected files using a powerful file-recovery application.

Penetration Of Hknet ransomware:

Most of the times, people get their systems infected with Hknet ransomware or other file-encrypting viruses by spam emails that are sent in thousands by cyber criminals. These deceptive mails pretend to be from legitimate companies but often contain malicious files attached to them that could be in multiple formats such as: executable files (like .exe), Microsoft Office, PDF documents, ZIP, RAR or other archive files, JavaScript files. As soon as recipients open, run or execute the malicious file, it triggers the installation of the malware.

Therefore, it is strongly recommended to ignore questioning emails that were not expected to receive. These emails are usually designed to trick users into downloading their attached file. So, you must scan the attachment first before opening it using a reputable anti-malware tool. In case your device is already infected with this crypto-malware, you must remove Hknet ransomware form the system without wasting any time.

Text Presented In The Ransom Note:

YOUR PERSONAL ID:

–

/!\ YOUR COMPANY NETWORK HAS BEEN PENETRATED /!\

All your important files have been encrypted!

Your files are safe! Only modified. (RSA+AES)

ANY ATTEMPT TO RESTORE YOUR FILES WITH THIRD-PARTY SOFTWARE

WILL PERMANENTLY CORRUPT IT.

DO NOT MODIFY ENCRYPTED FILES.

DO NOT RENAME ENCRYPTED FILES.

No software available on internet can help you. We are the only ones able to

solve your problem.

We gathered highly confidential/personal data. These data are currently stored on

a private server. This server will be immediately destroyed after your payment.

If you decide to not pay, we will release your data to public or re-seller.

So you can expect your data to be publicly available in the near future..

We only seek money and our goal is not to damage your reputation or prevent

your business from running.

You will can send us 2-3 non-important files and we will decrypt it for free

to prove we are able to give your files back.

Contact us for price and get decryption software.

hxxp://gvlay6u4g53rxdi5.onion/21-b1BSEk5CQRRsRabMOdJNw0X1PvFfyG8d-cGkqMpSU8FqKhdyfBfMEeH6yJ7EvJwv1

* Note that this server is available via Tor browser only

Follow the instructions to open the link:

1. Type the addres “hxxps://www.torproject.org” in your Internet browser. It opens the Tor site.
2. Press “Download Tor”, then press “Download Tor Browser Bundle”, install and run it.
3. Now you have Tor browser. In the Tor Browser open “{{URL}}”.
4. Start a chat and follow the further instructions.

If you can not use the above link, use the email:

[email protected]

[email protected]

* To contact us, create a new mail on the site: protonmail.com

Make contact as soon as possible. Your private key (decryption key)

is only stored temporarily.

IF YOU DON’T CONTACT US WITHIN 72 HOURS, PRICE WILL BE HIGHER.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove Hknet ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete Hknet ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove Hknet 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 Hknet ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with Hknet 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 Hknet 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 Hknet 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 Hknet 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 Hknet 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 Hknet 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 Hknet 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 Hknet 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 Hknet 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.