Remove HKGT Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .hkgt FILES)

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

HKGT Ransomware Is Being Used By Cybercriminals To Encrypt Files

Contents

HKGT Ransomware Is Being Used By Cybercriminals To Encrypt Files
How Computer Users Can Avoid Malicious Malware Infections
How To Remove HKGT Ransomware Virus & Also Decrypt Files
Decrypt HKGT files
Frequently Asked Questions

HKGT is a new ransomware-type computer virus variant that rises from the infamous STOP/DJVU malware gang. When this virus infects a computer, it encrypts all files within reach and afterward attach .hkgt extension to all the files, respectively. For instance, files stored in a computer with names like 1.jpg, 2.jpg will appear as 1.jpg.hkgt, 2.jpg.hkgt. In addition to that, the virus drops ransom notes known as _readme.txt. This ransom note contains direct information from those behind the attack notifying the victim about what was happening and why they must pay a certain amount of money as ransom so they could be given HKGT decryption tool in return.

This new virus is part of a campaign pushed by STOP/DJVU ransomware operators and is targeting random computers using cloned software copies as bait. When unsuspecting computer users download fake or cloned software copies from online torrent platforms to their computers, they end up unwittingly putting themselves at significant risk of a ransomware attack.

Contents of the ransom note explained

The situation will be a rude shock to the computer user who wouldn’t be able to have access to their important files. However, the _readme.txt will now explain to them why it is so and the need for them to comply with their ransom demand. To open an interface for further discussions, two email addresses will be released to the victim i.e. support@bestyourmail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc while suggesting that any of the two emails should be used for further correspondence.

They will equally inform the victim about the amounts of money they’re expected to pay as ransom as well as the terms and conditions that is attached to them. Although they will state that the ransom fee is $980 but to psych the victim and make them pay without delay, they will promise to slash it by half if only the victim could pay the $490 within 72 hours or 3 days max.

The condition of payment doesn’t stop there, the cybercriminals would also notify the victim that bank payments or any form of money transfer is prohibited. On the contrary, they would state that cryptocurrency must be used. They would forward a wallet address and demand that the ransom fee equivalent be paid using crypto. The reason why they use such medium in receiving funds is to prevent any chance of being detected and arrested by law enforcement agents.

Out of desperation to make the victim pay without further hesitation, they might request for samples of the encrypted files to be sent to them for test decryption. However, they would also add a caveat by saying that they wouldn’t return the test decryption result if they perceive the content as relevant to the victim.

Be that as it may, ransom payment is highly prohibited by law and the FBI and other security experts have warned against paying ransom. Victims should also note that complying with cybercriminals’ demands does not guarantee that the attackers will rescue files. When victims pay huge amounts of money as ransom, they only succeed in making their criminal acts profitable. Such victims will likely be targeted again in the future since the cybercriminals know they would be paid.

Further details regarding this ransomware

A remarkable discovery has been made about how the STOP/DJVU ransomware syndicate operates. Those behind the group have selected some countries they marked as “protected” from ransomware attack. These countries are listed as follows: Russia, Kazachstan, Ukraine, Syria, Belarus, Tajikistan, Armenia, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. To decipher if a computer is located in any of the countries mentioned above or not, the malware will connect to https[:]//api.2ip.ua/geo.json and would forward the response to geo.json file.

The details would include the city where the computer is located, its IP address, zip code, country, longitude and latitude. Then it would analyze it before making its conclusion whether to continue with the cyber-attack or not.

Aside data encryption for ransom purposes, HKGT virus also spreads other types of Trojans used in stealing vital information. This secondary virus known as Remote Access Trojans or RATs can be used by cybercriminals to steal important data information such as banking details, passwords, and cryptocurrency wallets among others. Some of the latest Trojans to be distributed by the STOP/DJVU ransomware include VIDAR and AZORULT.

If you’re already a victim of any STOP/DJVU ransomware variant including the one under discussion, you’re advised to remove it from your computer without further delay. The recommended way to do this is to set up the compromised computer using Safe Mode with Networking option before installing any genuine antivirus software on it. You can as well make use of RESTORO (download link) in repairing some of the damaged Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

Name	HKGT Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Encryption type	RSA 2048 + Salsa20
Previous versions	ZFDV, RRBB, RRCC, RRYY, BBYY, BBII, BBZZ (find full list here)
Version	500th
Extension	.hkgt
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 .hkgt 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).

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The image provided below shows how encrypted files appear in folders next to a ransom note file.

How Computer Users Can Avoid Malicious Malware Infections

Cybercriminals often use cloned/pirated software that they upload on dubious platforms such as online torrents as bait to get unsuspecting computer users. When such end users download the fake software contents embedded with malware, it triggers a ransomware attack. Another method used by cybercriminals in spreading malware is through the use of malicious email attachments.

Reports from victims of ransomware attacks over the years have shown that they usually occur after the computer user downloaded pirated software copies from dangerous sites. Listed below are some of the software contents often cloned and used by cybercriminals:

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

It is never a good idea to download software contents from unauthorized sites or any other illegal means. Instead, computer users should go to the official websites of the original content producers and pay whatever fee that is required to acquire them legitimately.

Aside from staying away from online torrent platforms and other illegal software sharing methods, it is also important to apply caution when opening emails, especially when they’re coming from unrecognizable sources. Other things that could serve as warning include spoofed email address and typo errors. Cybercriminals also prefer using files such as DOCX, PDF or XLS as attachments because they enable the attachment of malware.

Victims of STOP/DJVU ransomware attacks are advised to stay away from websites that make bogus claims about having solutions to the problem. From available records, only DiskTuna and Emsisoft are the two brands with proven capacity in restoring encrypted files.

How To Remove HKGT Ransomware Virus & Also Decrypt Files

In summary, here is what to do whenever you want to remove HKGT ransomware virus: you should boot the infected system using Safe Mode with Networking option. Afterwards, you install and scan your antivirus software, ensure you go for genuine ones only. There are lots of fake or poor antivirus software variants out there, and those ones should be avoided if you want to enjoy optimal results. On top of that, our team recommend downloading this tool – RESTORO to repair virus damage on Windows OS files. You can read more about its functionality in this comprehensive review.

After getting rid of HKGT ransomware virus, it is time to take the following steps:

Report the situation to local authorities charged to handle such challenges.
Make use of any backup means available to you in restoring lost data.
Learn more about STOP/DJVU ransomware and possible ways to repair encrypted files.
Change all passwords used on the infected computer as quickly as possible.

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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.

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GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more.

HKGT 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 HKGT 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 HKGT 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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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 HKGT files

Fix and open large HKGT 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 HKGT 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. HKGT Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like ZFDV, RRBB, RRCC, RRYY, BBYY, BBII, BBZZ (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 HKGT 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 HKGT 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 HKGT 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 HKGT 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 HKGT 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 .HKGT files?

You can only open HKGT 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 HKGT 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 HKGT 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.