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In this article we are going to try and help you remove Hades Locker Ransomware. Our instructions cover all Windows versions.
A close encounter with a Ransomware threat called Hades Locker is the probable reason why you are reading this page now. This particular form of “online blackmail” is known to be the source of great troubles related to file encryptions on the systems of many infected users. That’s why, on this page, we are going to help you better understand the threat you are facing and the possible ways you can effectively deal with it. Created to blackmail you for ransom by keeping your files locked, this nasty Ransomware is one of the worst online threats you can encounter. But fear not, because our “How to remove” team is on your side with the fight against it. Below, you will find a removal guide, which will show you how to remove Hades Locker and all of its tricky files from your system. We will also cover the questions about distribution of, infection with and protection measures against this malware, so make sure you read the following information carefully in order to effectively clean your computer.
My files are encrypted – what does that mean?
When you get infected with Hades Locker, all your files, or just a targeted list of them, become encrypted. This means that they are secured with a strong algorithm of symbols, which prevents them from being opened or used by any program. However, they still remain on your computer and do not get corrupted or deleted. This is because the hackers behind the Ransomware need them to blackmail you. They usually require some amount of money as ransom in exchange for a special decryption key that will get your files back to normal. This is a very nasty criminal scheme, which is growing in popularity nowadays, and unfortunately, many unscrupulous hackers take advantage of it by creating threats like Hades Locker.
How does the infection happen?
Ransomware infections are usually tricky. The hackers hide such malware mostly in spam emails, where they mask the threat as a seemingly harmless attachment or a misleading link. Fake ads, compromised websites and other sketchy content could also be used effectively to transmit such infections. The most successful method, however, is the Ransomware-Trojan combo, where a Trojan horse infection helps the Ransomware to sneak inside the victim’s system unnoticed. Once inside, the malware immediately starts to encrypt the victim’s data and remains hidden until the whole process is over. Then it reveals itself on the screen with the help of a ransom note.
Is there any way to break the encryption and restore the files?
Breaking the encryption is possible only with the help of a unique decryption key. Unfortunately, this key is in the hands of the hackers and they will not send it unless you pay the ransom they require. However, the bitter experience of some Ransomware victims shows that even if they pay, they still may not get the decryption key, so in case you’re considering this option, the risk is all yours. The sum of the ransom may vary from a couple of hundred to a few thousand, but it is usually requested in Bitcoins. This is a special cryptocurrency, which is mostly used for fully anonymous payments, whereas once they go through, they can’t be traced. As you may guess, this helps the criminals remain undetected by the authorities and eliminates any possibility of you getting your money back. That’s why considering the risk and not acting impulsively is essential, when deciding how to deal with this threat. Bear in mind that the more people surrender to the crooks, the more popular this threat becomes and their creators will keep making huge profits out of the misery of their victims. Another way to recover some of your files is to try to extract them from your system. We cannot guarantee you will be able to get back everything, but at least, this is something you can try on your own and for free. If you have some backups on external drives or a cloud, it would be even easier to get back your data. But, please, do not attempt to do that before you fully remove Hades Locker and clean your computer from all of its traces. If you have not eliminated the threat, it will again encrypt everything you try to restore and lock even your backup sources, causing irreversible data loss. That’s why we suggest you first follow the removal instructions below and then proceed to the restoration attempts.
A few words about Ransomware prevention
First and foremost, to eliminate any possible system vulnerabilities that malware may exploit, make sure your system is regularly updated and all your software is secured. Use a reputable antivirus program and scan your computer regularly. It is unnecessary to say that sketchy content and insecure web locations may hide some security risks, so it’s best to avoid them and be selective of the sites and content you interact with. A very smart thing is to keep a backup to all your important data somewhere on an external drive, cloud or a flash memory. This way, even if you get infected with threats like Hades Locker, you will easily restore your data once you clean the infection.
Hades Locker Ransomware Removal
# 1
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Enter Windows Safe mode.
- Win 7 Users: Restart your PC –> keep on clicking F8 –> In the subsequent Menu select Safe Mode with Networking.
- Win 8 Users: Start Button –> Control Panel –> System and Security –> Administrative Tools –> System Configuration –> In the subsequent Menu select Safe Boot –>
- Win 10 users: Start Menu –> Power Options Menu –> Hold down the SHIFT button while clicking on Restart –> Troubleshoot –> Advanced Options –> Startup Settings –> Restart –> In the subsequent Menu select Safe Mode with Networking.
# 2
Open Task Manager and locate any processes associated with Hades Locker.
- Press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC keys simultaneously –> Processes Tab –> Select a suspicious process (use Google or ask us in the comments if you are not sure about a process) –> Right Click and Open File Location –> End the suspicious process in Task Manager –> Delete the Folders containing the suspicious files.
# 3
Open the Registry Editor and search for Hades Locker.
- Win 7 Users: Click Start and type regedit –> Enter –> Press CTRL + F buttons –> Type Cryp1 Virus in the search field.
- Win 8/10 users: Start Button –> Choose Run –> type regedit –> Enter Press CTRL + F buttons –> Type Hades Locker in the search field.
# 4
Try to recover your files. First you will need System Restore.
- Win 7 Users: Start button –> Type Windows System Restore –> Enter –> Open System Restore –> Select a Restore Point and revert to it.
- Win 8 Users: Hold down the Windows key + Q –> Type Recovery –> Settings –> Choose the Recovery icon –> Open System Restore –> Select a Restore Point.
- Win 10 Users: Start Menu –> Power Options Menu –> Hold down the SHIFT button while clicking on Restart –> Troubleshoot –> Advanced Options –> System Restore –> Select a Restore Point and apply it.
Secondly use program that can access your Shadow Copies.
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- Use Google to find the official website of such a program and download it.
- Use the program to select the file types and the hard drive locations you want the program to scan for.
- Start the scan and keep in mind that it might take a while.
- Once the scan has been completed just select the files you want to be recovered.
If you have questions or suggestions feel free to use our comments section!