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HHEE ransomware is a malicious computer virus that seeks to encrypt every single file on a computer system. This piece of malware belongs to the infamous STOP/DJVU ransomware family and it appends .hhee file extension to each encrypted file. Once encrypted, data becomes inaccessible, so there will be no way for the computer user to open or edit contents of these files. In addition, the virus drops a copy of the _readme.txt ransom note in multiple folders to increase the likelihood that the victim will notice them.
The ransom note provided by the ransomware operators states that all files on the computer have been locked with the strongest algorithm and private key. It then proceeds to demand a payment from the victim for HHEE file decryption tools. According to the note, purchasing this tool along with decryption key is the only way to recover data.
The criminals explain that the initial decryption price is $980, although they may agree to slash it down to $490 if the victim contacts the ransomware operators within 3 days. As usual, the criminals will only accept cryptocurrency-based payments to avoid being tracked down. The ransom note provides two email addresses – support@freshmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc that the victim can write to. They also recommend sending one encrypted file for test decryption.
It is important to emphasize that victims should never pay ransoms to extortionists. It only encourages the crooks to continue what they’re doing, plus, it gives no guarantees that data will be restored. We strongly recommend reading these guidelines for ransomware victims by FBI.
What makes STOP/DJVU ransomware family dangerous is that it tends to spread together with information-stealing Trojans such as VIDAR, AZORult, and RedLine. In other words, if your computer has been compromised by .hhee file extension virus, then the chances of being infected with these stealers is extremely high.
That being said, the first thing you need to do is to remove HHEE ransomware along with additional malware without a delay. Use instructions provided below the article to get rid of all threats. Make sure you rely on a trustworthy antivirus software. A good choice is INTEGO Antivirus, which comes with a pack of useful security features. Additionally, you can download RESTORO to repair virus-damaged Windows OS files.
Name | HHEE Ransomware Virus |
Type | Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus |
Family | STOP/DJVU |
Encryption type | RSA 2048 + Salsa20 |
Previous versions | KAAA, BGJS, BGZQ (find full list here) |
Version | 647th |
Extension | .hhee |
Cybercriminal emails | support@freshmail.top, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc |
Additional malware dropped | Azorult, RedLine or Vidar |
Damage | The ransomware uses encryption to maliciously modify all files on the PC and marks their original names with .hhee extension. Ransom notes called as _readme.txt will be dropped in every computer folder. This piece of malware usually drags VIDAR Stealer alongside it and also eliminates VSS from the system. On top of that, it tends to modify Windows HOSTS file to restrict computer user’s access to cybersecurity-related websites online. |
Ransom note | _readme.txt |
Ransom demand | $490-$980 in Bitcoin |
Distribution | Victims often download this ransomware along illegal torrent downloads, cracked software, activators, key generators or tools like KMSPico. |
Known software cracks to contain this malware | Corel Draw, Tenorshare 4ukey, Adobe Photoshop, Cubase, Adobe Illustrator, Internet Download Manager, Tally, HP/Epson printer drivers, League of Legends. |
Detection names | Trojan:Win32/Azorult.FW!MTB (Microsoft), Gen:Heur.Mint.Zard.52 (B) (Emsisoft), HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Scarsi.gen (Kaspersky), Gen:Heur.Mint.Zard.52 (BitDefender), Trojan.MalPack.GS (Malwarebytes), ML.Attribute.HighConfidence (Symantec) see all detection name variations on VirusTotal |
Removal | Remove ransomware and related malware from your PC using trustworthy software like INTEGO Antivirus. To repair virus damage on Windows OS files, download and try RESTORO (secure download link). |
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Ransomware-type threats are commonly distributed via malicious email attachments, rogue online downloads, drive-by-downloads or targeted attacks.
When it comes to viruses like HHEE ransomware, most of the time they await for victims in a form of fake software cracks. Whoever visits deceptive websites advertising them and downloads provided files put themselves at risk of a severe ransomware attack. You can read more about dangerous websites serving these files here. In short, in order to avoid executing malware on a computer unknowingly, users should stay away from illegal downloads altogether.
Another common ransomware distribution method involves phishing emails containing malware-laced attachments. Cybercriminals send out thousands of deceptive emails inviting the recipient to open attached files or included links. Often times, the criminals claim to be writing on behalf of online retailers, service providers, or governmental entities. Therefore, users should practise caution when checking their emails.
Finally, computer users can infect their computers by visiting dangerous websites that might trigger unexpected downloads or contain exploits. For this reason, it is important to keep all of software installed on the computer up-to-date and avoid browsing through low-reputation websites. In addition, protecting your computer with antivirus that has real-time protection feature is simply a must.
It is essential to remove HHEE ransomware virus and any other malware from the system as soon as possible to prevent further damage. You can use the tutorial presented below to understand how such computer threats should be removed. Our team recommends INTEGO Antivirus for malware removal purposes, while RESTORO (secure download link) can help to repair virus-damaged Windows OS files. We highly recommend using it.
The steps outlined below explain the essentials of HHEE virus removal. Follow the guide attentively and ensure that your antivirus software is up-to-date before running a system scan.
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HHEE Ransomware Virus Removal Guidelines
Before you try to remove HHEE Ransomware Virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube.
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users
Now, you can search for and remove HHEE Ransomware Virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.
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In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically.
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users
After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won't be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.
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It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.
STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. HHEE Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like KAAA, BGJS, BGZQ (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie.
Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible.
In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt HHEE files, follow the given tutorial.
The HHEE decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages:
Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID]
This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor's database.
No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible
This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible.
Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]
This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.
If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn't available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your HHEE extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.
Victims of HHEE Ransomware Virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:
If you can't find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up "[your country name] report cyber crime". This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities.
Another recommendation is to contact your country's or region’s federal police or communications authority.
You can only open HHEE files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.
To figure out whether you were affected by offline encryption, please go to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt and see if the string inside of it ends in t1. You can also try using Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/DJVU.
Please follow the guidances provided by the official HHEE decryption tools and believe what they say. If they say it is impossible to decrypt, it really is so. There is no magic tool or human capable of decrypting your files hiding somewhere. Encryption is a technique created to be nearly impossible to decrypt without a special private key (held by the criminals).
We advise scanning with anti-virus, anti-malware, malware removal tools or software like RESTORO to eliminate virus damage on the system. If you do not trust using a single tool, try running one after another. However, we do not recommend keeping several security programs on a computer at once as they can interfere with each other's work.
Beware of fake HHEE decryption tools circulating around the web. Cyber criminals are uploading them to various shady websites, also might be promoting them via suspicious Youtube videos. These programs can infect your computer even more heavily (Trojans, miners, etc.). We suggest being extremely cautious around the web. If there will be an official STOP/DJVU decryption tool available, it will be widely discussed in public media.
Main Geek is the head of Geek’s Advice. Whenever someone needs a computer fix or a tip, he’s there to help. He decided to launch a computer-help website with intention to teach people fix their devices manually and without hassle. In real life, Geek is a humble human being who loves travelling and extreme sports.
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