HildaCrypt Ransomware

At the beginning of October 2019, cybersecurity researchers spotted a new file-locking Trojan. Its name is HildaCrypt Ransomware. The HildaCrypt Ransomware takes the same approach as most ransomware threats; it scans the infiltrated system to locate the files of interest, locks the targeted data using an encryption algorithm, and then asks for payment in return for a decryption key, which is meant to unlock the affected files.

Propagation and Encryption

The methods used in the spreading of the HildaCrypt Ransomware still remain unknown. It is likely that the most popular methods of propagating ransomware threats may be at play in the case of the HildaCrypt Ransomware, such as fraudulent application updates, fake pirated copies of popular software solutions and mass spam email campaigns. After the HildaCrypt Ransomware infiltrates and scans the targeted system, it will trigger its encryption process. Once the HildaCrypt Ransomware locks a file, it appends a new extension at the end of the filename - ‘.HILDA.’ Therefore, if you have an image, which you had named ‘aged-gold.jpeg,’ the HildaCrypt Ransomware will change its name to ‘aged-gold.jpeg.HILDA’ after the encryption.

The Ransom Note

The HildaCrypt Ransomware drops a ransom note on the desktop of the victim called ‘READ_IT.txt.’ Naming ransom notes using all caps is a common approach taken by the majority of ransomware authors. This is usually done to attract the attention of the user and make sure that they read the message of the attackers. The creators of the HildaCrypt Ransomware do not mention a specific ransom fee. However, they insist that the victim contacts them via email - ‘hildaseriesnetflix125@tutanota.com’ and ‘hildaseriesnetflix125@horsefucker.org.’

We would advise you against contacting cybercriminals like the ones behind this latest data-encrypting Trojan. Such dodgy actors often lie through their teeth and almost never provide victims with the decryption keys they promise. The better approach is to download and install a legitimate anti-virus application and use it to remove the HildaCrypt Ransomware from your computer as soon as possible. You also may look into using a data recovery tool to help you retrieve some of the lost data.