What is Hhqa Ransomware
Hhqa Ransomware is a nasty data encrypting malware belonging to DJVU/STOP Ransomware family. It locks files and demands ransom for file decryption. The data and files saved on the computers/laptops are held hostage and rendered inaccessible. Then the hackers demand ransom from the victims to recover the locked files and data. As soon as the files are encrypted. it drops .hhqa file extension to append and rename the files. So if an image file with the name 1.jpg will be renamed as 1.jpg.hhqa. After the files are encrypted, a ransom note is soon dropped on the compromised system. The ransom note which is created by the hackers consists of “_readme.txt” and it informs victims that all of their stored files such as images, photos, documents, videos, files and important data have been encrypted. IF the users want their files to be decrypted they must contact hackers and purchase the decryption tool and key from the hackers.
Threat Analysis
- Name: Hhqa Ransomware
- Type: Ransomware, crypto malware
- Family: DJVU/STOP Ransomware
- Encrypted file extension: “.hhqa”
- Ransom Note: _readme.txt
- Ransom Demand : $980/$490
- Symptoms: Files get locked and renamed with “.hhqa” file extension.
- Removal: Scan your PC with Legit Anti-malware
An overview of Ransom Demanded by Hhqa Ransomware
The ransom amount which is demanded for decrypting files is $980. However the ransom note illustrates that if the ransom is paid within 72 hours of time frame then it would be reduced to half of the amount which is $490. However, for that victims need to contact hackers via email. within 72 hours of Hhqa Ransomware attack. Also victims can test for the decryption by attaching any locked file. The decrypted file will be sent by hackers within 6 hours. In case if they are unable to find the mail sent by hackers with the decrypted files, they must check their spam/junk folder. However, it is impossible to decrypt the locked and enciphered files as the Hhqa Ransomware is still under the development phase and has several flaws. However victims are advised never to contact hackers for ransom payment. It would be futile to pay the ransom and a bad idea to pay and meet the demands of ransomware operators for recovering the data.
How Does Hhqa Ransomware Attack PC?
If the users download freeware, shareware, torrent files through untrusted channels, unofficial websites, peer to peer downloads, installing fake installers. One should never download cracked activation and fake updates as they can install Hhqa Ransomware on the compromised PC. Any security loopholes such as running PC without installed antivirus, not scanning attachments, storage devices, plugin cards, clicking on unknown mails and links on the web can also contribute in installing Hhqa Ransomware.
How to Remove Hhqa Ransomware
It is advised not to pay the heeds and demands of hackers as there is no guarantee that hackers will give any decryption tool even if the ransom is paid. So it is better to remove Hhqa Ransomware from the PC by scanning it with legit Anti-Malware Tool. However even removing the ransomware will not recover the encrypted data. So users need to restore data with backup files if they have created and saved on some different location or on other PC.
Best Offer (For Windows)
Hhqa Ransomware can be creepy PC threat that may keep on running in background by hiding its files on computers. For complete and hassle free removal of this malware, we suggest users to try Spyhunter antimalware scanner to check if the program can help you getting rid of this virus.
Kindly Note *Free Remover allows you, subject to a 48-hour waiting period, one remediation and removal for results found. Spyhunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and more details about Free Remover
Best Offer (For Macintosh) If you are a Mac user and Hhqa Ransomware has affected it, then you can download free antimalware scanner for Mac here to check if the program works for you.
Details of Antimalware with User’s Guide
Step 1 Remove Hhqa Ransomware using “Safe Mode with Networking”
Step 2 Delete Hhqa Ransomware using “System Restore”
Step 1 Remove Hhqa Ransomware using “Safe Mode with Networking”
Windows XP and Windows 7 users:
First of all Reboot the PC in “Safe Mode”. For this users need to Click on “Start” option and then continuously Tap on F8 during the start process. Then a “Windows Advanced Option” menu will appear on the screen. Now Choose “Safe Mode with Networking” from the listed options.
This will open a new Windows homescreen and your PC or work-station will be working on “Safe Mode with Networking”.
For Windows 8
First Go to Start Screen. Now type “Advanced” after selecting settings within the searched results Within the “General PC Settings” option, Select “Advanced startup” option. Then click on the “Restart Now” option. This will boot work-station to “Advanced Startup Option Menu”. Now Press on “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options” button. Then under “Advanced Option Screen”, You need to press on “Startup Settings”. Now again, click on “Restart” button. This will restart PC or Work-station with “Startup Setting” screen. You need to tap F5 to boot in Safe Mode in Networking.
For Windows 10
First of all click on Windows logo by clicking on the “Power” icon. This will open a new menu. Select “Restart” by constantly keeping “Shift” button pressed on keyboard. Once the new Window open Select on “Troubleshoot” as advanced option. Within the startup settings users need to press on “Restart” by clicking on F5 button of the keyboard.
Step:2 How To Delete Hhqa Ransomware using System Restore
For this you need to log in on the PC which is compromised by Hhqa Ransomware. Now open any browser and download legit anti-malware software. Once installed you need to undergo complete system scan. Thereafter remove the infected and suspicious entries which are detected.
Best Offer (For Windows)
Hhqa Ransomware can be creepy PC threat that may keep on running in background by hiding its files on computers. For complete and hassle free removal of this malware, we suggest users to try Spyhunter antimalware scanner to check if the program can help you getting rid of this virus.
Kindly Note *Free Remover allows you, subject to a 48-hour waiting period, one remediation and removal for results found. Spyhunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and more details about Free Remover
Best Offer (For Macintosh) If you are a Mac user and Hhqa Ransomware has affected it, then you can download free antimalware scanner for Mac here to check if the program works for you.
Suppose if you are unable to start PC in “Safe Mode with Networking”, you need not worry. Try “System Restore” Process
Continuously tap F8 Key during “Startup” and then “Advanced Option” menu will appear. Now from the given list of option you need to select “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and hit on Enter button.
Within new open window of command prompt, type “cd restore” and then click “Enter”
Now type rstrui.exe and then press “ENTER”
In the new opened Window Click on “Next” option.
You can select and choose any of the “Restore Points” and click on Next (This would restore your PC to earlier period before Hhqa Ransomware invasion when it was working fine.)
Press on “Yes” in new opened Window.
As soon as your PC gets restored to its previous time, download the suggested anti-malware tool and perform a deep scanning in order to remove Hhqa Ransomware infected files if still present on the the work-station.
If you want to restore each file separately which is infected by this ransomware, kindly use “Windows Previous Version” feature. This step is most effective whenever “System Restore Function” is enabled on the PC or work-station.
Important Note: Some variants of Hhqa Ransomware delete the “Shadow Volume Copies” so in such cases this feature may not work all the time and will work in specific cases only.
Know How To Restore Encrypted Files Individually
If you want to restore an individual file, you need to right click on it and then go to “Properties”. Now Select “Previous Version” tab. then Choose a “Restore Point” and finally click on “Restore” option.
If you want to access the files encrypted by Hhqa Ransomware, alternatively you can try “Shadow Explorer”. To know more details on this application, Click here.
Important: Data Encryption Ransomware are very devastating and hence it is always better to take necessary precautions to avoid any attack on your work-station or PC. We recommend using a powerful anti-malware tool for real time protection. “SpyHunter”, “Enigma group policy objects” are enabled in the registries so that it can block harmful infections such as Hhqa Ransomware.
Also, it is highly important to get a very unique feature called “Fall Creators Update” installed on Windows 10. This would ensure to offer “Controlled Folder Access” feature to block any kind of encryption of the data files. Using this feature all the files stored in their default locations are safe.
How To Recover Files Encrypted by Hhqa Ransomware
You would have understood now that how you can remove the scripts and payloads of personal files that got encrypted due to Hhqa Ransomware in order to protect your personal files which were fortunately not damaged or encrypted till now. If you are unable to retrieve the locked files, using “System Restore” and “Shadow Volume Copies” you must try using a Data Recovery Software.
Step 1: Download Data Recovery Software
Step 2: Double click to execute the installer file on your PC
Step 3: Click to Accept to agree the terms and agreement.
Step 4: Once installed, this program will be ready to execute. Now select the file you want to recover
Step 5: Select the drive on which the recovery tool is to be run upon. Then click on Scan option
Step 6: This will show Scan in progress bar
