HTRS Ransomware

The HTRS Ransomware is a ransomware Trojan that is used to force computer users to pay large amounts of money. To do this, ransomware Trojans like the HTRS Ransomware take the victim's files hostage, encrypting them with a powerful encryption algorithm and then demanding the payment of a ransom in exchange for the means needed to recover the affected files. The HTRS Ransomware was first observed in May of 2017. The HTRS Ransomware may be delivered to victims through the use of corrupted spam email attachments and embedded links. The HTRS Ransomware is a variant of HiddenTear, an open source ransomware Trojan first released in 2015. This open source ransomware engine, released for 'educational purposes' initially, has been responsible for spawning countless variants. PC security analysts advise PC users to take preventive measures to keep their data safe from ransomware threats like the HTRS Ransomware.

The HTRS Ransomware also is Known as the NewHT Ransomware

Currently, the HTRS Ransomware also may be referred to as NewHT Ransomware. This is because it seems that the HTRS Ransomware is part of a wave of ransomware Trojans that have been built by improving on the original HiddenTear framework to create new, threats. The HTRS Ransomware carries out a typical ransomware attack. When it is first delivered to the victim's computer, it may be contained in a file that has macros enabled. A message from the Windows User Account Control system may appear when the victim opens the corrupted file. The HTRS Ransomware will be delivered in an executable file named 'htrs.exe.' When victims agree to run this executable file, the HTRS Ransomware will be installed on the victim's computer and carry out its attack. The HTRS Ransomware attack is relatively straightforward. The following are the steps involved in most the HTRS Ransomware infection:

• The HTRS Ransomware scans the victim's computer for data, searching for user generated files.
• The HTRS Ransomware creates a list of the files that are eligible for its attack, specifically looking for certain file extensions.
• The HTRS Ransomware creates a unique encryption key, which will be used to encrypt the victim's files.
• Using a strong encryption algorithm, the HTRS Ransomware will encrypt the victim's files, making them completely inaccessible.
• The HTRS Ransomware will connect to its command and control server, putting the decryption key out of reach of the victim.
• The HTRS Ransomware delivers a ransom note to the victim's computer, which alerts the victim of the attack.

The HTRS Ransomware’s Ransom Demands

The HTRS Ransomware delivers its ransom note in the form of a text file named 'readme.txt,' which is dropped in the Documents directory and on the victim's desktop. The HTRS Ransomware's ransom note includes a short message that reads as follows:

'Files have been encrypted!
[67 RANDOM CHARACTERS]'

The files encrypted by the HTRS Ransomware attack will have the file extension '.htrs,' which makes it a simple duty to know which files have been encrypted in the attack. Since the HTRS Ransomware ransom note does not contain payment instructions or any way to contact the perpetrators of the attack, PC security researchers suspect that the HTRS Ransomware is in a testing version, which is not designed to carry out a full-fledged threat attack on the victim currently. It is probable that new versions of the HTRS Ransomware will be released soon, which will carry out a full attack on the infected computer.

Dealing with the HTRS Ransomware

The files affected by the HTRS Ransomware may not be decryptable currently. This is the same case as with most ransomware Trojans that follow a similar strategy. Because of this, in the current threat landscape, the best option for most computer users is to have strong backup measures. If there are backup copies of all files, then the victims have no need to afford the ransom or make contact with the people responsible for the attack, nullifying its effects effectively.