HGEW Virus (.HGEW File) 🔐 Decrypt & Removal Guide

The Hgew virus belongs to the STOP Djvu ransomware family. This malware is notorious for its ability to maliciously encrypt files. Once the Hgew virus infiltrates your computer, it scans for various file types including photos, videos, documents, and more. It alters the file structure by appending the “.hgew” extension to each file, rendering them inaccessible and unusable unless a decryption key is provided.

Hgew Virus Overview

The Hgew virus falls under the category of malware that encrypts your files and pressures you into paying for their recovery. This malicious software targets a wide range of file types, which can be identified by the distinctive “.hgew” extension. Consequently, files affected by this ransomware become inaccessible and unusable.

Following the encryption process, the ransomware demands a payment in Bitcoin for file decryption, typically ranging from $490 to $980. The instructions for making this payment are usually provided in a text file named “_readme.txt“.

The Hgew Ransomware utilizes Salsa20 encryption algorithms to encrypt files. Due to this robust encryption method, finding the decryption key without the assistance of the attackers is exceedingly difficult, if not impossible.

Upon completing the encryption process, the Hgew malware displays a ransom note to the victim, demanding a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. This ransom note includes instructions for fulfilling the payment and often includes threats of permanent data loss or an increase in the ransom amount if the demands are not met within a specified timeframe.

I have created an all-encompassing list of the solutions, advice, and practices to remove the Hgew ransomware and decrypt your files. There are cases where it may be possible to restore your files, but sometimes, it may be impossible.

Hgew uses a unique key for every victim, with one exception:

The Hgew virus is similar to other DJVU ransomware variants like Hgfu, Hgkd, Hgml, and Rzew. This virus encrypts a wide range of common file types and appends its distinct “.hgew” extension to all files. For instance, a file named “1.jpg” would be altered to “1.jpg.hgew” and “2.png” to “2.png.hgew“.

After successful encryption, the virus spawns a special text file named “_readme.txt” and places it in every folder containing the encrypted files. It also adds the readme file to the desktop, so the user will not miss the attack even without opening folders.

The image below provides a visual representation of files with the “hgew” extension:

Encrypted Files by STOP/DJVU Ransomware

This message asking payment is for restore files via decryption key:

_readme.txt (STOP/DJVU Ransomware) – The terrifying notification insisting users to pay the ransom to unlock the encoded data contains these annoying cautions.

Hgew ransomware arrives as a set of operations that are needed to carry out different activities on a victim’s computer. One of the first processes being launched is winupdate.exe, a tricky process that shows a fraudulent Windows update pop-up during the attack. This is meant to convince the victim that a sudden PC slowdown is caused by a Windows update.

Simultaneously, the ransomware runs another process (named as 4 random chars) which starts scanning the PC for target files and ciphering them. Then the ransomware deletes Volume Shadow Copies from the system disk through the following CMD command:

vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet

Once removed, it becomes impossible to restore the previous computer state using System Restore Points. The issue is, ransomware operators are getting rid of any built-in Windows methods that could aid the victim to restore files for free. In addition, the rascals modify the Windows HOSTS file by including a list of domains to it and linking them to the localhost IP. As a result, the victim will witness a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when accessing one of the blacklisted websites.

We’ve observed that ransomware attempts to block websites that publish various how-to guides for computer users. It is clear that by limiting specific domains, the malefactors are attempting to stop the victim from reaching relevant and helpful ransomware-attack-related information online. This malware also stores two .txt files on the victim’s computer that present attack-related information – the victim’s public key and personal ID. These two files are named bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.

After all these changes, the malware doesn’t halt. Variants of STOP/DJVU have a tendency to release Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat possesses an large list of capabilities, including:

• Manipulating and viewing files on the victim’s computer without their knowledge.
• Extracting sensitive information such as browser cookies, saved passwords, and browsing history.
• Obtaining unauthorized access to login credentials of Steam, Telegram, and Skype.
• Granting the hackers remote control over the victim’s computer for various malicious activities.
• Stealing cryptocurrency wallets from the victim’s system.
• Gathering sensitive data by running malicious software on the victim’s computer.

The cryptography algorithm used by DJVU/STOP virus is AES-256. So, if your data got encrypted with an online decryption key, the chances to get your files back are quite low. Thing is, the key is unique for each victim, and finding a suitable one will take too much time.

Obtaining the online decryption key in any other way is also close to impossible. It is stored on a remote server controlled by the criminals who promote the Hgew infection. For receiving unlocking key the payment should be $980. To get the payment details, the victims should contact the fraudsters by email ([email protected]).

The message by the ransomware states the following information:

ATTENTION!

Don't worry, you can return all your files!

All your files like photos, 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.

You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:

https://we.tl/t-WJa63R98Ku

Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.

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:

[email protected]

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:

[email protected]

Your personal ID:
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Do not pay the ransom!

Please, try to use the available backups, or Decrypter tool

The _readme.txt document also requests that the system user should contact the hackers’ representatives within 72 hours since the file encryption. If user contacts hackers during 72 hours, hackers grant a 50% discount. This decreases the ransom sum down to $490.

Yet, stay away from paying the ransom! I highly recommend that you to avoid contacting these swindlers and do not pay. A highly effective solution to regain the lost data is just using the available backups, or using Decrypter tool from Emsisoft.

The distinctiveness of all such viruses is the application a similar set of actions for generating the unique decryption key to recover the ciphered data. Thus, unless the ransomware is still in development or exhibits some hard-to-track flaws, manual data recovery is a thing you can’t perform. The only solution to prevent the loss of your valuable data is to regularly make backups of your crucial files.

Remember that even if you do maintain such backups regularly, they must be stored into a specific location without loitering, not being connected to your main workstation. For instance, the backup may be kept on the USB flash drive or some alternative external hard drive storage. Alternatively, you may rely to the help of online (cloud) information storage.

Needless to say, when you maintain your backup data on your common device, it may be similarly ciphered as well as other data. For this reason, storing the backup on your computer’s disk is surely not a wise idea.

How I was infected?

Ransomware has a various methods to built into your system. But it doesn’t really matter what way had place in your case.

Ransomware attack following a successful phishing attempt.

Nevertheless, these are the common leaks through which it may be injected into your PC:

• Utilizing online free hosting resources to distribute the virus discreetly.
• Disguising the virus installer within other apps, particularly utilities offered as freeware or shareware.
• Propagation through spam emails containing dubious links leading to the virus installation.
• Downloading pirated software from illegal peer-to-peer (P2P) resources, which may include hidden malware.

There were cases when the Hgew virus was disguised as a legit procedure, for example, the messages demanding to install a browser update or a vastly needed codec for online media playback. This is typically the way how some online frauds aim to force you into installing the ransomware manually, by actually making you directly participate in this process.

Surely, the bogus update alert will not indicate that you are going to actually install the virus. This process will be concealed under some alert stating that you should install an urgent security update or some dubious program whatsoever.

Certainly, the software cracks represent the threat as well. Using P2P is both illegal and may result in the introduction of severe malware, including the Hgew ransomware.

To sum up, what can you do to avoid the penetration of the ransomware into your PC? Even though there is no 100% assurance to prevent your PC from getting compromised, there are some tips I want to give you to prevent the Hgew penetration. You must be vigilant while setting up free software today.

Ensure you always read what the installation window offers aside from the main free program. Keep away from opening questionable email attachments. Do not run files from the unknown addressees. Naturally, your current anti-malware program must always be updated.

The malware does not show itself openly. It will not appear in the list of your available programs. Instead, it will be masked under some malevolent process running consistently in the background, that starts at the moment when you start your computer.

How To Remove Ransomware?

Video Guide

How To Decrypt .hgew Files?

The newest extensions released around the end of August 2019 after the criminals made changes. This includes Hgfu, Hgkd, Hgml etc.

As a result of the changes made by the criminals, STOPDecrypter is no longer backed. It has been replaced with the Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu Ransomware developed by Emsisoft.

You can download free decryption tool here: Decryptor for STOP Djvu.

1. Select folders for decryption.

   Based on the default configurations, the decryptor will automatically choose the reachable directories in order to decode the currently reachable drives (the connected ones), including the network drives. You can select additional locations with the “Add” button.

   Decryptors usually propose several options considering the specific malware family. The existing possible options are presented in the Options tab and can be enabled or disabled there. You may locate a detailed list of the currently active Options below.

2. Click on the “Decrypt” button.

   As soon as you add all the desired locations for decryption into the list, click on the “Decrypt” button in order to initiate the decryption procedure.

   Note that the main screen may turn you to a status view, letting you know of the active process and the decryption statistics of your data:

   

   The decryptor will notify you as soon as the decryption procedure is completed. If you need the report for your personal papers, you can save it by choosing the “Save log” button. Note that it is also possible to copy it directly to your clipboard and to paste it into emails or messages here if you need to do so.

The Emsisoft Decryptor might display different messages after a failed attempt to restore your files:

✓ Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [your ID]

✓ No key for New Variant online ID: [your ID]

Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible

✓ Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]

This ID appears be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.

✓ Remote name could not be resolved

How to Restore .hgew Files?

In some case ransomware is not doom for your files…

The Hgew ransomware encryption mechanism feature is next: it encrypts every file byte-by-byte, then saves a duplicate, erasing (not overriding!) the original file. Thus, the information of the file location on the physical disk is lost, but the original file is not erased from the drive. The cell, or the sector where this file was kept, can still hold this file, but it is not present in the file system and can be replaced by data that has been loaded to this disk after the removal. Hence, it is possible to recover your files using special software.

Recovering your files with PhotoRec

PhotoRec is an free program, which is originally created for file retrieval from damaged disks, or for file retrieval in case if they are unintentionally deleted. However, as time has gone by, this program got the ability to retrieve the files of 400 different file types. Hence, it can be used for file restoration after the Hgew attack.

First, you need to download this app. It is 100% free, but the developer states that there is no assurance that your files will be recovered. PhotoRec is distributed in a pack with another program of the same developer – TestDisk. The downloaded archive will have TestDisk name, but don’t worry. PhotoRec files are right inside.

To launch PhotoRec, you need to find and open “qphotorec_win.exe” file. No installation is required – this program has all the files it need within the archive, hence, you can mount it on your USB drive, and help your friends/parents/anyone who has been attacked by Hgew ransomware.

Upon the start, you will encounter the screen showing you the entire list of your disk drives. However, this details are presumably futile, because the required menu is placed a bit higher. Click this tab, then choose the disk which was attacked by ransomware.

After picking the disk, you need to pick the destination folder for the retrieved files. This menu is located at the lower part of the PhotoRec window. The best selection is to export them on USB drive or any other type of removable disk.

Then, you need to indicate the file formats. This option is located at the bottom, too. As it was mentioned, PhotoRec can retrieve the files of about 400 different formats.

Finally, you can start files restoration by pressing the “Search” button. You will view the screen where the results of the scan and recovery are shown.

Hgew files recovery Video Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. My files are encrypted by ransomware, what should I do now?
2. About DJVU (STOP) Ransomware.

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