Remove HHOO Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .hhoo FILES)

remove HHOO ransomware virus and learn how to decrypt or repair files with .hhoo extension (free guide)

HHOO ransomware seeks to lock personal files on a computer

Contents

HHOO ransomware seeks to lock personal files on a computer
- The ransom note urges to contact the criminals within 3 days
- Ransomware Summary
Ways to avoid ransomware infections
Remove HHOO ransomware and protect your computer
Decrypt HHOO files
Frequently Asked Questions

HHOO ransomware is a recently discovered file-encrypting computer virus. Originating from the infamous STOP/DJVU ransomware family, it is a highly dangerous piece of malware circulating online. This virus is designed to silently encrypt all personal files on the system, append .hhoo extensions to original filenames, and drop ransom-demanding notes in each folder. The latter is named _readme.txt.

What the data encryption does is that it ‘secures’ the files so that nobody can read them. In other words, they are modified in a way to be unreadable for the original data owner, and only the ones with access to private decryption key can decrypt file back to its initial state. However, as it turns out, the cybercriminals hold this key in their servers.

Furthermore, they demand paying a ransom to them in order to get access to HHOO file decryption tool and key. In short, the ransomware operators’ plan is to extort the computer user.

The ransom note urges to contact the criminals within 3 days

The _readme.txt file is more or less identical to the ones dropped by previous versions STOP/DJVU ransomware. It explains that all of files stored on the compromised computer are now encrypted, and the only way to restore them is using a specific decryption software along with a private decryption key. It then suggests paying a ransom to the criminals, or, as the cybercriminals put it, purchase HHOO file decryption tool from them.

The criminals’ solution normally costs $980, although they offer a 50% discount for everyone who contacts the attackers within 72 hours after being attacked. In such case, they lower the price to $490. They also explain that victims can send them a sample of encrypted file along with Personal ID provided in the ransom note, and promise to decrypt it for free. This way, they try to encourage the victim to pay a ransom by proving that they can actually recover all of the data.

The ransom note contains two email addresses that belong to the threat actors: support@freshmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc. Whoever contacts the criminals via these emails will also get instructions on how to pay the ransom. They demand purchasing cryptocurrency worth the amount in dollars ($980 or $490) and sending it to their wallet address. This payment method prevents law enforcement agencies from tracking attackers and revealing their identities/location.

We strongly recommend ransomware victims to refuse paying a ransom to cybercriminals. Paying money to them only encourages cybercrime and puts you at risk since attackers might start demanding more money after the initial payment. Moreover, paying up never guarantees data recovery. You may also want to read recommendations by FBI here.

However, the ransom note fails to mention that during the ransomware attack more malware was installed. We have analyzed samples of malicious files delivering this file-encrypting virus and found that most of them are carrying Vidar, AZORult, or RedLine Trojans. These are highly dangerous as they enable attackers to carry out malicious actions on computer remotely, for example, steal passwords, offline cryptocurrency wallets, browsing history, computer information and more.

Therefore, it is essential to clean infected computer from malware as soon as possible. We highly recommend following instructions provided by our team. It is advisable to boot the computer in Safe Mode with Networking first, and then remove HHOO ransomware virus and other threats using a professional antivirus software. Our team praises INTEGO Antivirus for malware removal, while using RESTORO (secure download link) can help you to repair virus-damaged Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

Name	HHOO 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	648th
Extension	.hhoo
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 .hhoo 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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Ways to avoid ransomware infections

Computer users should practice caution when checking their emails or simply browsing online, especially when looking for some files to download. Ransomware operators often send phishing emails with malicious attachments or provide malware-laced downloads for computer users.

STOP/DJVU ransomware operators and those behind HHOO virus typically distribute this malware by uploading fake software crack downloads online. These malicious files are disguised as setup.exe files and are designed to launch a whole bunch of malware on victim’s computer. Examples of malicious software that typically accompany STOP/DJVU variants are VIDAR, RedLine, or AZORult Trojans. Therefore, computer users should avoid downloading cracked software altogether.

In addition, cybercriminals often send phishing emails pretending to be legitimate companies or government entities. These emails include attachments that contain malicious code. The criminals often use Word, PDF, and recently OneNote files to deliver malware. For this reason, it is important to learn how to recognize such emails. They typically contain overly generic greeting line, such as Dear client/customer, and also a message written in an urgent tone, inviting the recipient to click on a provided link/button or open attached files. Such emails also typically contain a lot of grammar errors.

In general, it is advisable to keep the computer protected with powerful antivirus with real-time protection feature. Some antivirus brands also offer anti-phishing and anti-ransomware features, so it is a good idea to invest in one that has these. Finally, computer users should regularly create data backups and keep them in removable data storage devices, away from the computer.

Remove HHOO ransomware and protect your computer

Considering the fact that your computer was infected with a highly dangerous malware, we recommend taking action to clean the system from threats as soon as possible. To remove HHOO ransomware virus and other dangerous programs, use the tutorial provided below. We recommend using INTEGO Antivirus for virus removal purposes. You can try RESTORO (secure download link) to repair virus-altered Windows system files as well.

Once HHOO virus and other malware installed alongside it are removed, we recommend changing all of your passwords used on the compromised machine. In addition, consider reporting the cybercrime incident to law enforcement authorities in your country.

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HHOO 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 HHOO 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 HHOO 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.

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Decrypt HHOO files

Fix and open large HHOO 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 HHOO 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. HHOO 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 HHOO 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 HHOO 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 HHOO 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 HHOO 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 HHOO 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

✓ How can I open .HHOO files?

You can only open HHOO files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.

✓ How do I know if my files were encrypted with offline or online encryption?

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.

✓ My files contain very important information (family memories). Every tool I used says it is impossible to decrypt. What should I do?

Please follow the guidances provided by the official HHOO 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).

✓ I am afraid virus is still in my computer system. What should I do?

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.

✓ I saw several Youtube videos suggesting secret decryption tools. Can I trust them?

Beware of fake HHOO 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

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.