HCrypto Ransomware

The HCrypto Ransomware is a ransomware Trojan that was first observed in early October of 2016. The HCrypto Ransomware is distributed using common threat delivery methods, including corrupted email attachments and attack websites containing corrupted scripts and links. The HCrypto Ransomware shares many similarities with other ransomware Trojans. However, it differs from most of them in the fact that it is possible to decrypt the files that have been affected by this threat. The files encrypted by the HCrypto Ransomware are identifiable easily by the fact that they use the extension '.the Hcrypto,' which is added to the end of the name of the encrypted file.

The HCrypto Ransomware is Based on a Preexisting Ransomware Trojan

The HCrypto Ransomware's code is not entirely original. The HCrypto Ransomware is designed to carry out its attack quickly and without using many system resources. Although the HCrypto Ransomware encryption method is inferior to other, more threatening forms of ransomware Trojans, you shouldn't underestimate what this threat can do to your computer. The effects of the HCrypto Ransomware on a PC can be devastating, especially when computer users do not understand what is going on with their computers exactly. Since the HCrypto Ransomware runs in the background, computer users may not be even aware that the HCrypto Ransomware is carrying out its attack, until the files with the telltale file extension start to appear on the affected computer.

The HCrypto Ransomware is built by basing it on HiddenTear, a known open source ransomware Trojan. The HiddenTear project, supposedly released as an 'educational ransomware', has spawned countless ransomware variants, which include the HCrypto Ransomware itself. The HCrypto Ransomware attack is typical of these Trojans: the HCrypto Ransomware combines two different encryption methods to make the victim's files inaccessible. Once the HCrypto Ransomware has been installed on the victim's computer, the HCrypto Ransomware searches for certain file types, including common image, audio, video and text file types. The HCrypto Ransomware searches for files with the following extensions to carry out its attack (it's likely that the HCrypto Ransomware may encrypt additional types of files, since these threats are constantly updated):

.3gp, .7z, .apk, .avi, .bmp, .cdr, .cer, .chm, conf, .css, .csv, .dat, .db, .dbf, .djvu, .dbx, .docm, ,doc, .epub, .docx .fb2, .flv, .gif, .gz, .iso .ibooks,.jpeg, .jpg, .key, .mdb .md2, .mdf, .mht, .mobi .mhtm, .mkv, .mov, .mp3, .mp4, .mpg .mpeg, .pict, .pdf, .pps, .pkg, .png, .ppt .pptx, .ppsx, .psd, .rar, .rtf, .scr, .swf, .sav, .tiff, .tif, .tbl, .torrent, .txt, .vsd,.wmv, .xls, .xlsx, .xps, .xml, .ckp, zip, .java, .py, .asm, .c, .cpp, .cs, .js, .php, .dacpac, .rbw, .rb, .mrg, .dcx, .db3, .sql, .sqlite3, .sqlite, .sqlitedb, .psd, .psp, .pdb, .dxf, .dwg, .drw, .casb, .ccp, .cal, .cmx, .cr2.

The Peculiar Ransom Note Displayed by the HCrypto Ransomware

The HCrypto Ransomware uses a ransom note in the form of a PDF file, which is relatively rare (most ransomware Trojans tend to use text or HTML files to deliver their ransom notes). The HCrypto Ransomware's ransom note is named 'ex3t.pdf' and is dropped in every directory where the HCrypto Ransomware has encrypted data. PC security analysts advise computer users to avoid following the instructions in the HCrypto Ransomware ransom note or contacting these con artists. Instead, steps should take to remove the HCrypto Ransomware and decrypt the files using an available decryption utility.

Counteracting the HCrypto Ransomware

Fortunately, since the HCrypto Ransomware is based on the HiddenTear project, it is likely that a decryption utility for the HCrypto Ransomware may become available (if it isn't already). Because of this, PC security analysts strongly advise that computer users search for a decryption utility for the HCrypto Ransomware or that they consult with their security providers. Most importantly, take preemptive measures to prevent the HCrypto Ransomware attacks by backing up all files and using an appropriate security program that is fully up-to-date.