What is Hfgd ransomware

Hfgd ransomware is file-encrypting malware from the Djvu/STOP ransomware family. The cyber criminal responsible for operating this malware family release new versions on a regular basis, with hundreds of versions released already and thousands of infected users. Once this malware is inside the computer, it will encrypt files, essentially taking them hostage. When files are encrypted, users will not be able to open them unless they first put those files through a decryptor. However, the only people who have the decryptor are the cybercriminals operating this ransomware. They will not simply give away the decryptor to the victims. Instead, they will try to sell it for almost $1000. However, engaging with the cybercriminals and paying the ransom is very risky, therefore, is generally not recommended.

 

Hfgd ransomware is practically identical to all other versions from the family. We have written about many of them in the past. They’re all practically the same but you can differentiate them by the extensions the add to encrypted files. For example, this one adds .hfgd ransomware. For example, an encrypted image.jpg would become image.jpg.hfgd. All your personal files (including photos, documents, images, and videos) will have this extension. These are the files that users are usually most willing to pay for, therefore they’re all the target files. Once files are encrypted, you will not be able to open any of the files unless you first put them through a decryptor.

The process of acquiring a decryptor is explained in the _readme.txt ransom note that gets dropped in a folders that contain encrypted files. The note is pretty generic and essentially identical to all of the notes dropped by the ransomware from this malware family. It explains that in order to get the decryptor, you need to pay a $980 ransom. However, the note mentions that those who make contact with the cybercriminals within the first 72 hours will receive a 50% discount. If you were planning or even thinking about paying the ransom, keep in mind that it does come with risks. Whether the discount part is true or not is debatable but paying, in general, is not a good idea. There are no guarantees that you will actually receive the decryptor. Keep in mind that you are dealing with cybercriminals, and there are no guarantees that they will feel obligated to send you the decryptor even after you pay. There have been many victims in the past who did not receive their decryptors. It’s also worth mentioning that the reason ransomware is so prevalent is because victims keep paying the ransom.

For users who have a backup, recovering files will not be an issue. However, they do need to make sure to remove Hfgd ransomware from the computer completely before accessing their backup. If the ransomware was still on the computer, the backed-up files would become encrypted as well. Therefore, they would become lost permanently. This is why it’s recommended to use a reliable anti-malware program to remove Hfgd ransomware from the computer.

If you don’t have a backup, your options are, unfortunately, quite limited. You can try waiting for a free Hfgd ransomware decryptor to become available. But whether one will be released or not is not certain because the ransomware uses online keys to encrypt files which means that the keys are unique to each user. Unless those keys are released by the cybercriminals operating this ransomware, malware researchers will be unable to develop a working universal decryptor. However, you should still back up your encrypted files and occasionally check NoMoreRansom for a free Hfgd ransomware decryptor. NoMoreRansom is a safe place to download decryptors from but be careful about other sources. There are many questionable websites that push fake decryptors that could result in additional malware infections.

How to avoid infecting your computer with ransomware?

If you open unsolicited email attachments without double checking everything, you’re at a much higher risk of picking up a malware infection. Malicious actors often distribute malware using emails. They first purchase email addresses of potential victims from hacker forums and then proceed to send them semi-convincing emails with malicious files attached to them. Users who open those files end up infecting their computers. Fortunately for users, the emails are usually quite obvious because they’re full of grammar and spelling mistakes and just generally seem off. They also address users with generic terms like Member, User, Customer etc., because they do not know the potential victims’ names. When senders pretend to be from a company who services users use but then address users in generic terms, that should be suspicious. Legitimate emails from legitimate companies will always address you by your name if they know it because it would look unprofessional otherwise. Therefore, always be on the lookout for that. In some cases, the emails may be much more sophisticated which is why we recommend that you always scan all unsolicited email attachments with an anti-malware program or service like VirusTotal before opening them.

Torrents are also a very popular distribution method but you likely already know this. Torrent websites are usually often badly regulated which malicious actors take full advantage of. They upload malicious torrents disguised as popular content like movies, TV shows, video games, software, etc., and wait for users to download and open the files. If you’re someone who pirates copyrighted content using torrents, you’re not only essentially stealing but also endangering your computer and your data.

Hfgd ransomware removal

Considering the ransomware is a very sophisticated malware infection, we do not recommend that you try to remove Hfgd ransomware manually. You could cause additional damage or not fully remove the ransomware, which could allow it to recover later on. If you were to access your backup while the ransomware was still present, your backed-up files would become encrypted as well. Therefore, we strongly recommend to use a reliable anti-malware software to remove Hfgd ransomware. Once it’s gone, you can safely access your backup to start the file recovery process.