Hudf ransomware removal

Hudf ransomware is a file-encrypting malware that belongs to the Djvu/STOP malware family. While it’s not a particularly unique infection, it’s quite dangerous because it essentially takes files hostage by encrypting them. Unfortunately, unless you pay the sum requested by these cybercriminals, you will not be able to decrypt the encrypted files. If you have a backup, you should be able to recover files fairly easily. For users without backup, the situation is more difficult because there aren’t many options. Even paying the ransom will not necessarily lead to a decryptor.

 

 

Hudf ransomware comes from the same malware family as Shgv, Yqjs, Mljx, Hgsh, and many other versions. They’re all more or less identical. You can identify which ransomware you’re dealing with by the extension added to encrypted files. This version adds .hudf, hence why it’s known as Hudf ransomware. The ransomware will target your personal files, primarily photos, videos, images, documents, etc. For example, image.jpg would become image.jpg.hudf. Unless you run the files through a decryptor, you will be unable to open any of them.

When you initiate the ransomware, it will show a fake Windows update window while encrypting your files. Once all targeted files are done being encrypted, there will be a _readme.txt ransom note dropped in all folders that contain encrypted files. The note explains how to obtain the decryptor necessary to decrypt the files. The cybercriminals operating this ransomware will try to sell you the decryptor for $980. Though there supposedly is a 50% discount to those who contact the cyber criminals within the first 72 hours. While paying the ransom is your decision, we feel it’s necessary to warn you that paying will not necessarily lead to a decryptor. Keep in mind that you are dealing with cybercriminals, there are no guarantees that they will actually send you the decryptor. Many users have not received their decryptors in the past. Thus, paying is risky. Furthermore, the reason ransomware continues to be such a big issue for regular users is that victims pay the ransom. As long as ransomware brings criminals profit, they will continue.

If you do not have a backup, your options are, unfortunately, quite limited. The only thing you can do is back up encrypted files and wait for a free decryptor to become available. It’s not currently available but that may change in the future. Unfortunately, it would be quite difficult to develop a working decryptor for Hudf ransomware because it uses online keys to encrypt files. That means that the keys are unique to each user. Without those keys, it’s unlikely that a decryptor will be released. But it is possible that the cybercriminals themselves will eventually release the keys, or they may be caught by law enforcement. In any case, back up your encrypted files and occasionally search for a decryptor.

Use anti-virus software to remove Hudf ransomware from your computer. When the ransomware is fully gone, you can access your backup if you have it to start file recovery.

How is ransomware distributed?

Malspam, or malicious spam, is one of the most common ways malicious actors distribute their malware. They purchase email addresses from hacker forums, write a low-effort email, attach the malware disguised as an important document, and send it to thousands of users. Those who open the file end up with malware on their computers. The malspam is usually quite obvious, however. As long as you pay attention to what kinds of emails you open and know the signs of malspam, you should be okay. One of the most obvious signs of a malicious email is the sender claiming to be from a legitimate company when their email is full of grammar/spelling mistakes. For example, if you receive an email from a sender claiming to be the post office but there’s a lot of mistakes, the email will most definitely be malicious. Another sign is you being addressed by generic words like “Customer”, “Member”, “User”, etc. when the sender should know your name. If a company whose services you use sends you an email, they will always address you by name.

Some malicious campaigns are more sophisticated than others, especially if the malicious actors have more information about you. Thus, it’s a good idea to scan all unsolicited email attachments with anti-virus software or VirusTotal before opening them. This will ensure that you do not open any malicious files by accident.

Torrents are also very commonly used to distribute malware. As you likely are aware already, torrent sites are quite poorly moderated. This allows malicious actors to upload malicious torrents without too much difficulty. They name the torrent as some popular movie, TV series, video game, software, etc., and wait for inattentive users to download it. If users don’t know what malware in a torrent looks like, they can easily pick up all kinds of malicious software. Not to mention that using torrents to pirate copyrighted content is essentially stealing.

Hudf ransomware removal

Because ransomware is a very complex malware infection, we don’t recommend trying to delete Hudf ransomware manually. You could end up causing more damage, or you may not fully get rid of the infection, which would allow it to recover later on. Bear in mind that if you connect to your backup while the ransomware is still present, your backed-up files would become encrypted as well. Thus, you need to use anti-virus software to remove Hudf ransomware from your computer.

If you have a backup, you can start recovering files as soon as the ransomware is no longer present. If there is no backup, your options are very limited. While it may not be available at the moment, it’s possible that a free decryptor will be released sometime in the future. You should back up the encrypted files and check NoMoreRansom occasionally for a free decryptor. However, be careful when looking for a free decryptor because there are a lot of fake ones advertised on questionable forums. If you can’t find the decryptor on legitimate sites like NoMoreRansom, it’s doubtful that you will on other sites.