HHJK ransomware encrypts your data, demands ransom
Contents
HHJK ransomware is a malicious computer virus that encrypts all files on compromised systems. This threat is recognized as the 467th version of the STOP/DJVU ransomware. After landing on the computer, it encrypts all files using a combination of Salsa20+RSA-2048 algorithms and appends each file name with an additional .hhjk extension. For example, a file originally named 1.jpg becomes 1.jpg.hhjk, 2.docx becomes 2.docx.hhjk and all the files will be renamed in the same manner.
Once all files are encrypted, the ransomware will drops messages from its operators in files dubbed _readme.txt. These files are widely known as “ransom notes.” In short, the message in it demands the computer user to pay a ransom in order to receive a data recovery solution from cybercriminals.
Ransom note explained
The _readme.txt note warns the computer user that all of files stored on the compromised computer have been encrypted by HHJK virus. In addition, the note specifies that data can still be recovered. In order to restore them, the victim needs to purchase “special software and unique key” from the ransomware operators. This is nothing else but pure extortion. The criminals expect the victim to pay them for data recovery solution after they encrypt victim’s files with robust encryption algorithms.
The ransom note suggests writing to the cybercriminals using one or both email addresses provided: manager@time2mail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc. They also advise attaching a sample of encrypted file (one that doesn’t contain valuable information) and promise to reply quickly and send back a decrypted file version. This way, the crooks are trying to prove that they’re capable of decrypting all of victim’s data and their words aren’t empty promises.
Going further into ransom note contents, the victim finds out that data decryption tools cost $490 if one manages to contact the criminals within 72 hours. Otherwise, the crooks threaten to lift the price to $980. Both ways, the only acceptable payment form is cryptocurrency since the attackers do not want to be exposed.
When it comes to ransomware-type threats, there’s a tendency to require the ransom payment to be made in Bitcoins. The crooks usually provide links to online cryptocurrency exchange platforms with instructions how to purchase the settled amount and ask to transfer it to their cryptowallet address.
Beware that paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee data recovery. As advised by FBI, you shouldn’t pay the ransom as it simply helps to keep the ransomware cycle alive. Moreover, threat actors often tend to memorise victims who comply with their demands and try to target them again.
Beware of information-stealing Trojans dropped by this ransomware
Aside from data encryption, STOP/DJVU variants are also known to drop information-stealing threats that fall into Remote Access Trojans (RATs) category. Particular names associated with this ransomware strain are AZORULT and VIDAR as both were spotted bundled alongside the ransomware.
Both of the aforementioned Trojans are used by the criminals to remotely view, delete or download files to computer, steal browser-saved passwords, Skype, Steam and Telegram login credentials, browsing history, cryptocurrency wallets and other sensitive information. Although it is unknown what particular goal of cybercriminals are, it is highly likely that collected data is used to blackmail the user.
Computer users are advised to remove HHJK ransomware virus and related threats using an automatic malware removal tool. If you have an antivirus software, make sure you update it first. Then boot your PC in Safe Mode with Networking and start a full system scan to detect the malicious components. We do not advise manual ransomware removal option because it requires a lot of technical computer knowledge. After removing all threats, you may want to download RESTORO and run an additional scan. The tool can repair detected damage to Windows OS files automatically.
Ransomware Summary
| Name | HHJK Ransomware Virus |
| Type | Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus |
| Family | STOP/DJVU |
| Encryption type | RSA 2048 + Salsa20 |
| Previous versions | MANW, MZOP, MZQW, ERQW, EROP, ASSM, MZTU (find full list here) |
| Version | 467th |
| Extension | .hhjk |
| Cybercriminal emails | manager@time2mail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc |
| Additional malware dropped | Azorult or Vidar Trojan |
| Damage | The ransomware uses encryption to maliciously modify all files on the PC and marks their original names with .hhjk 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, League of Legends. |
| Detection names | Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.PAL!MTB (Microsoft), Trojan.Crypt (A) (Emsisoft), HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.gen (Kaspersky), Trojan.GenericKD.47850419 (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. To repair virus damage on Windows OS files, consider scanning with RESTORO (secure download link). |
REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE
Scan your system for FREE to detect security, hardware and stability issues. You can use the scan results and try to remove threats manually, or you can choose to get the full version of software to fix detected issues and repair virus damage to Windows OS system files automatically. Includes Avira spyware/malware detection & removal engine.
Ransomware distribution explained
Threat actors usually distribute ransomware with the help of pirated software copies, fake update tools or malicious email attachments. When it comes to STOP/DJVU versions including HHJK virus, the primary distribution method is illegal online downloads. The crooks often use popular software names as clickbait to trick the unsuspecting computer users into downloading the ransomware payload. Victims who have previously infected their computers with this ransomware strain report attempting to download these programs from various warez and crack sites:
- Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop/Premiere Pro;
- AutoCad;
- Cubase;
- VMware Workstation;
- Tenorshare 4ukey;
- Corel Draw;
- WinRAR;
- Virtual DJ Pro;
- League of Legends;
- Internet Download Manager.
We advise computer users to only download programs from legitimate websites. Trying to cut corners and activate paid software illegally exposes your computer to a whole bouquet of cybersecurity risks that can cause so much damage to your privacy and computer-stored data.
Malware distributors also frequently resort to malicious email spam when trying to reach potential victims. They tend to attach regular-looking files, often in DOCX, PDF, XLS, JS formats, dubbed as Invoice/Order Summary/Payment Details/Pending Payment or similarly. In most cases, the email contains a message urging the victim to take action, for example, click on inserted URL or attached file and reply to the sender as soon as possible. Once the victim opens the attached file, especially when no antivirus with real-time protection is enabled, the computer gets infected.
Our tip is to avoid exploring emails that you weren’t waiting for and also look out for other red flags such as strange greeting line, typo mistakes, unfamiliar attachment format and similar. In addition, you should know that criminals often leverage email address spoofing technique to appear as trustworthy entities for the recipient.
Victims infected with STOP/DJVU versions should know that there are many scammers who are trying to take advantage of ransomware victims and put them in even more miserable situation for their own benefit. For example, they might lure victims with fake data decryption tools that are simply another malware in disguise. In other scenarios, scammers often post comments in social networks promising they know a “hacker” who can decrypt files locked with “online” STOP/DJVU encryption type, the one that’s known as impossible to decrypt. Beware that these scammers only want to infect you with more malware or either rip you off financially. The only tools you can trust at the moment are developed by Emsisoft and DiskTuna.
Remove HHJK Ransomware Virus and Decrypt Your Files
We advise computer users to begin HHJK ransomware removal procedure by booting the computer in Safe Mode with Networking. This helps to start the computer system with limited functionalities and also stops unwanted malicious processes from blocking security software. You can find instructions on how to boot your PC in the said mode down below.
One you’re in Safe Mode with Networking, run a genuine antivirus solution to remove HHJK ransomware virus securely. Afterward, consider downloading RESTORO to repair damaged Windows OS files automatically.
OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND
Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system:
STEP 1. REMOVE AUTOMATICALLY WITH ROBUST ANTIVIRUS
STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER
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HHJK Ransomware Virus Removal Guidelines
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Step 1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove HHJK 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
- First of all, turn off your PC. Then press the Power button to start it again and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. This launches the Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Use arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate down to Safe Mode with Networking option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users
- Open Windows Start menu, then press down the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then select Restart option.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Networking. In this case, it is the F5 key.
Step 2. Remove files associated with the virus
Now, you can search for and remove HHJK 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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Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically.
Step 1. Boot Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
- Shut down your PC. Start it again by pressing the Power button and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. You will see Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Using arrow keys on the keyboard, navigate down to Safe Mode with Command Prompt option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users
- Launch Windows Start menu, then click the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then choose Restart option with the mouse cursor.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Command Prompt. In this case, press F6 key.
Step 2. Start System Restore process
- Wait until system loads and command prompt shows up.
- Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter. Or you can just type %systemroot%system32restorerstrui.exe in command prompt and hit Enter.
- This launches System Restore window. Click Next and then choose a System Restore point created in the past. Choose one that was created before ransomware infection.
- Click Yes to begin the system restoration process.
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.
Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
System Mechanic Ultimate Defense
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Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.
Decrypt HHJK files
Fix and open large HHJK files easily:
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.
- Create a copy of encrypted file to a separate folder using Copy > Paste commands.
- Now, right-click the created copy and choose Rename. Select the HHJK extension and delete it. Press Enter to save changes.
- In the prompt asking whether you want to make the changes as file might become unusable, click OK.
- Try opening the file.
STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide
STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. HHJK Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like MANW, MZOP, MZQW, ERQW, EROP, ASSM, MZTU (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 HHJK files, follow the given tutorial.
- Download the decryption tool from Emsisoft.
- Click the little arrow next to your download and choose Show in Folder.
- Now, right-click the file and choose Run as Administrator. If asked, enter administrator's password.
- In UAC window, click Yes.
- Click Yes to agree to software terms in both windows.
- The tool will automatically include C:// disk as a location to decrypt. The file recovery tool will prepopulate the locations to scan, including connected data storage drives or network drives. Click Add folder if you wish to add additional locations.
In Options tab, you can choose to keep encrypted file copies. We recommend leaving this option selected, especially if you do not know if the decryption tool will work. - Click Decrypt to start restoring HHJK files. You will see the progress in the Results tab. Here, you can see messages from the tool, such as whether the decryption procedure is successful, or you need to wait for an update.
You might also be informed that online key was used to encrypt your files. In such case, the decryption tool won't work for you, and the only way to recover your files is to use a data backup.
Meanings of decryptor's messages
The HHJK 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 HHJK 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.
Report Internet crime to legal departments
Victims of HHJK Ransomware Virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:
- In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.
- In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.
- In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.
- In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.
- In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.
- In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.
- In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
- In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
- In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can only open HHJK 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 HHJK 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 HHJK 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.
Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.
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