Remove HHYU Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .hhyu FILES)

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

HHYU Ransomware Virus Is Being Distributed For Extortion Purposes

Contents

HHYU Ransomware Virus Is Being Distributed For Extortion Purposes
What to Do To Ensure That STOP/DJVU Ransomware Virus Does Not Infect Your Computer
Remove HHYU Ransomware Virus & Resolve Issues
Decrypt HHYU files
Frequently Asked Questions

HHYU ransomware is a highly destructive computer virus created by the notorious cybercriminal group that is known to be operating the STOP/DJVU ransomware attacks. As usual, their target is to infect as many computers as possible, encrypt files contained in them, and demand for ransom fees in exchange for a promised decryption tool. To actualize their aim, they would clone popular software contents and embed them with HHYU ransomware virus before uploading them to online torrent platforms. Another method they use is through emails and attachments sent to random computer users. It is the duty of computer users to ensure they avoid these risk factors. However, if HHYU ransomware virus is able to infect a computer, it will instantly commence encryption of all files contained in it. It would equally append .hhyu extension to each file respectively as a mark of identification. To explain it in more detail, files that were named 1.png or 2.jpeg would now transform to 1.png.hhyu and 2.jpeg.hhyu respectively.

During the process, those behind the ransomware attack would forward messages known as _readme.txt, which notifies the victim about the situation and why they would have to pay particular fees as ransom to enable them to receive decryption tools. However, they would also threaten that failure to comply with their demands would result in automatic loss of all encrypted files. At this point, most victims would be confused on what to do, especially if they do not have backup copies for important files stored in the compromised computer.

The ransom note suggests contacting the cybercriminals

Based on past experiences, cybercriminals would understand that the victim would probably be looking for a way out. This is why two email addresses (support@bestyourmail.ch, supportsys@airmail.cc) would also be dropped while suggesting that they could be reached through it. If the victim decides to get in touch with them using any of the above emails, they would be notified that the ransom fee is $980, but they would accept 50% of it, which amounts to $490 provided the victim could pay within a period of 72 hours. But once that period elapses, only the maximum ransom fee would be acceptable.

As if that wasn’t enough trouble already, they would insist that ransom must be paid using cryptocurrency. The obvious reason why they insist payment has to be made with crypto is that it protects their identity.

No matter the threats, victims of ransomware attack are warned not to pay the ransom or even to communicate with cybercriminals. This directive was given by the FBI and other reputable security agencies. They came up with this advice after considering certain factors, some of which are listed below:

The law is strictly against the payment of ransom fees in any form.
Based on their antecedents, cybercriminals rarely provide decryption tools to their victims even after receiving ransom fees, thus resulting in double loss to the victim.
More funds in the hands of cybercriminals make it easy for cybercriminals to expand their operations and victimize others.
Studies have shown that victims that pay the ransom are often targeted again in the future for more extortions.
When ransomware victims pay the ransom, they inadvertently encourage the cybercriminals to continue in their criminal activities since it is profitable for them.

Consider securing your computer ASAP

You should also bear in mind that even though HHYU ransomware virus is the primary malware that encrypts files, it also infects computers with secondary malware known as RATs which stands for Remote Access Trojans. RATs are basically used by cybercriminals to surreptitiously obtain vital personal information of their victims, which may include banking details, cryptocurrency wallets, passwords, and software login details etc. Their aim is to use them to perpetrate further criminal acts like stealing and blackmail.

Considering the risks associated with STOP/DJVU ransomware virus and the accompanying RATs, it is advised to remove HHYU ransomware virus without delay. The best way to do it is to go through Safe Mode with Networking option. This option would limit other functions in the computer while opening it up for the antivirus to penetrate fully. On top of that, consider downloading RESTORO to identify and repair Windows OS files damaged by the malware.

Ransomware Summary

Name	HHYU Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Encryption type	RSA 2048 + Salsa20
Previous versions	GGWQ, GGEO, OORI, OOXA, HHYU (find full list here)
Version	519th
Extension	.hhyu
Cybercriminal emails	support@bestyourmail.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 .hhyu 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

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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.

Files encrypted by this ransomware are shown in the image below.

What to Do To Ensure That STOP/DJVU Ransomware Virus Does Not Infect Your Computer

There are certain activities that can put computers at significant risk of being infected with STOP/DJVU ransomware virus. They include indiscriminate opening of email and attachments, going to malicious online torrents or making use of peer-to-peer software sharing platforms among others. Cybercriminals typically clone high-in-demand software contents which they embed with malware and upload to online torrents platforms for unsuspecting users to download. They may also decide to embed malware on emails/attachments, and forward them to random people while impersonating as associates or notable brands. For this reason, emails with spoofed or unfamiliar originating address should not be opened.

Likewise, going to online torrents or P2P platforms to download software should be totally avoided.
The aim of cybercriminals in using these distribution methods is to take their victims unawares. That is why they usually pirate popular software copies that are highly sought after by computer users, so that once they’re downloaded by as many users as possible, some of them would end up seeking their help on how to restore their encrypted files.

Listed below are some popular software copies cybercriminals usually clone and embed with malware:

Adobe Premiere Pro;
Adobe Photoshop;
Adobe Illustrator;
Corel Draw;
Fifa 20;
VMware Workstation;
Cubase;
League of Legends;
Tenorshare 4ukey;
AutoCad;
Internet Download Manager.

The mistake some computer users make is to opt for the so-called freebies instead of going to the official sites of the original content producers or their affiliated agents. They believe that it saves cost to use online torrent platforms or P2P’s for free instead of paying the fees requested by the copyright owners. They fail to acknowledge that the original producers have spent resources in developing the software and would naturally need to recoup their investments while those that clone and distribute them without authorization are illegally sharing what does not belong to them. Also, whatever fees the original owners request is always cheap when compared to the ransom fees demanded by cybercriminals. Worse still, the victim is unlikely to receive the decryption tools earlier promised by them.

Cybercriminals equally make use of popular files like PDF, DOCX and XLS because they enable macro function activities, which make it possible for them to embed ransomware on the pirated software copies. For those who fall victim to ransomware attack, you’re advised to be wary of sites that claim to have solutions to STOP/DJVU ransomware decryptions because they’re mostly fake. However, DiskTuna and Emsisoft have shown promising signs of being reliable.

Remove HHYU Ransomware Virus & Resolve Issues

In conclusion, removing HHYU ransomware virus once it is detected in any computer is the first step that should be taken. However, there is a safe way to do it, by starting the computer using Safe Mode with Networking booting option. Afterward, strong antivirus software should be used. Once that is concluded, you may want to go ahead and download RESTORO, a tool that is useful when trying to repair virus damage on Windows OS files. There are other things that would need to be done, as listed below:

Try to recover lost files using any available backup.
Inform local authorities like the police or any relevant government agency.
Check if there is any chance of restoring decrypted files especially if there is no backup.
Change all passwords used on the computer with immediate effect.

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

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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.

Read full review here.

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HHYU 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 HHYU 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 HHYU 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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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

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Decrypt HHYU files

Fix and open large HHYU 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 HHYU 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. HHYU Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like GGWQ, GGEO, OORI, OOXA, HHYU (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 HHYU 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 HHYU 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 HHYU 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 HHYU 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 HHYU 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 .HHYU files?

You can only open HHYU 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 HHYU 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 HHYU 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.