How to remove Hlas ransomware

Hlas ransomware is file-encrypting malware. It belongs to the Djvu/STOP ransomware family. This version can be identified by the .hlas extension added to encrypted file names. Unfortunately, once files are encrypted, they need to be put through a decryptor to open them, and acquiring it is difficult. At the moment, only users who have backups can recover files for free.

 

 

Djvu/STOP malware operators release new versions regularly, with hundreds of versions already released. The versions are more or less identical but you can identify them by the extensions they add to encrypted files. This particular ransomware version adds .hlas, which means an encrypted 1.txt file would become 1.txt.hlas. You will not be able to open any files with this extension.

Hlas ransomware targets personal files, including photos, videos, documents, images, etc. These are the files users would be most willing to pay for. The ransomware also drops a _readme.txt ransom note that explains how users can get the decryptor. The note is identical to the ones dropped by all other Djvu/STOP versions. It contains instructions on how victims can buy the decryptor, which costs $999. The note explains that if users make contact with the cybercriminals within the first 72 hours, they will supposedly get a 50% discount. However, that is not necessarily true. Users should keep in mind that they are dealing with cybercriminals and they rarely feel obligated to help users.

Here is the full _readme.txt ransom note:

ATTENTION!

Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like pictures, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
Do not ask assistants from youtube and recovery data sites for help in recovering your data.
They can use your free decryption quota and scam you.
Our contact is emails in this text document only.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool.
Price of private key and decrypt software is $999.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $499.
Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.

To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
support@freshingmail.top

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
datarestorehelpyou@airmail.cc

Your personal ID:

Paying the ransom is never recommended, even if it seems like a good idea for users who have no backups. However, even if you pay, there are no guarantees that a decryptor will be sent to you. Unfortunately, many victims have either not received decryptors or got ineffective ones in the past.

If you have a backup of your files, you can start file recovery as soon as you remove Hlas ransomware from your computer. Using an anti-malware program to delete Hlas ransomware is essential because it’s a complex infection. When the ransomware is no longer detected, it’s safe to connect to the backup. If the ransomware is still present when you connect to your backup, the backed-up files will become encrypted as well.

If you don’t have a backup, your only option is to wait for a free Hlas ransomware decryptor to become available. Unfortunately, a free Hlas ransomware decryptor is not guaranteed because these infections are complex and difficult for malware researchers to crack. But if does become available, it will be downloadable from NoMoreRansom. If you cannot find it on NoMoreRansom, it’s unlikely to be available anywhere else.

How is ransomware distributed?

Emails are often used for malware distribution. Malicious actors try to imitate emails sent by legitimate companies to their customers. For example, malicious emails may be made to look like package delivery notifications or order confirmations. Senders would try to pressure users by claiming that the file attachments are important documents that need to be urgently reviewed. If users open the malicious files, the malware is initiated and can begin its malicious activities.

In most cases, malicious emails are not difficult to recognize because they are generic and target large numbers of users. The most noticeable signs are grammar and spelling mistakes in emails that are supposed to be sent by legitimate senders. You would normally not see any obvious mistakes in legitimate emails because they look very unprofessional.

How an email addresses you can also tell you a lot about whether it’s legitimate. If you are addressed as User, Member, Customer, etc., instead of your name by a sender whose services you use, that should be suspicious because companies generally use customers’ names when contacting them. Malicious actors rarely have access to more personal information than an email address so they use generic words.

We should also mention that when specific users are targeted in individual attacks, malicious emails would be much more sophisticated. The emails would be mistake-free, contain information that would make the email more credible, and just generally appear more legitimate and professional. Thus, users should always be very careful with unsolicited emails with attachments. It’s recommended to scan all unsolicited email attachments with anti-virus software or VirusTotal before opening them just in case.

Malicious infections are also very common on torrent websites because of their poor moderation. It’s common to find malware in torrents for entertainment content, particularly in torrents for movies, TV series, video games, etc. If you use torrents to download copyrighted content, keep in mind that you’re not only stealing content but also putting your computer/data in danger.

How to remove Hlas ransomware

To safely remove Hlas ransomware, you need to use an anti-virus program. If you try to delete Hlas ransomware manually, you may cause more damage to your device. Once the ransomware has been fully removed, you can connect your backup and start recovering files.