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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.
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.
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.
Name | HHJK Ransomware Virus |
Type | Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus |
Family | STOP/DJVU |
Encryption type | RSA 2048 + Salsa20 |
Previous versions | JHBG, JHGN, TTII, HHJK, MMOB, MINE, XCVF (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.
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:
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.
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 removing malware using a professional antivirus software and then using the following tool to repair virus damage to Windows system files:
REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER
RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically.
RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them.
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HHJK Ransomware Virus Removal Guidelines
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
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users
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, which also includes data recovery software. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.
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RESTORO is a unique PC Repair Tool which comes with an in-built Avira scan engine to detect and remove spyware/malware threats and uses a patented technology to repair virus damage. The software can repair damaged, missing or malfunctioning Windows OS files, corrupted DLLs, and more. The free version offers a scan that detects issues. To fix them, license key for the full software version must be purchased.
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. HHJK Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like JHBG, JHGN, TTII, HHJK, MMOB, MINE, XCVF (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.
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.
Victims of HHJK 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 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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