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

The Hgkd virus, known as a ransomware, is part of the STOP family. This malware is known for its malicious file encryption capabilities. When the Hgkd virus gets into a computer, it scans the system for files such as photos, videos, documents, and more. It modifies the file structure and adds the “.hgkd” extension to each file, making them unusable without the decryption.

Hgkd Virus Overview

The Hgkd virus is a malicious program that encrypts your files and coerces you into paying for their restoration. This ransomware ciphers a wide selection of file types. ciphered files can be identified by a distinct “.hgkd” extension. The files touched by ransomware become inaccessible and unusable.

Subsequently, the ransomware demands a file decryption payment in Bitcoin from its victims, ranging from $490 to $980. In all cases, a text file with ransom payment guidances is named as “_readme.txt“.

Hgkd Ransomware works with Salsa20 encryption algorithms to cipher the files. Since Hgkd virus utilizes such a strong encryption method, it becomes quite difficult, if not impossible, to pick the decryption key without the assistance of the attackers.

Once Hgkd malware finishes the encryption, it shows a ransom note to the victim, asking for a ransom payment for the decryption key. The ransom note contains instructions on the ways of making the payment and often contains threats of system wipeout or increased ransom amounts if the demands are not met within a specified timeframe.

I have made a comprehensive list of the solutions, advice, and methods to neutralize the Hgkd malware and decrypt and recover your files. In some cases, it may be possible to restore your files, but sometimes, it may be impossible.

Hgkd employs a unique key for each victim, with one exception:

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

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

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

Encrypted Files by STOP/DJVU Ransomware

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

_readme.txt (STOP/DJVU Ransomware) – The scary alert requesting users to pay off the ransom to decrypt the encoded data contains these frustrating cautions.

Hgkd ransomware performs a series of operations designed to execute specific functions on a victim’s computer. One of the initial processes launched is winupdate.exe, a covert process that presents a deceptive Windows update popup during the attack. This is intended to persuade the victim that their PC has slowed down due to a Windows update.

Simultaneously, the ransomware initiates another process (named with four random characters) that scans the system for target files and encrypts them. Subsequently, the ransomware deletes Volume Shadow Copies from the disk using the following CMD command:

vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet

Once deleted, it becomes impossible to restore the previous computer state using System Restore Points. The issue is that ransomware operators eliminate any built-in Windows methods that could assist the victim in recovering files without cost. Additionally, the hackers modify the Windows HOSTS file by adding a list of domains and mapping them to the localhost IP. As a result, the victim encounters a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when attempting to access any of the listed websites.

Observations indicate that the ransomware attempts to block websites that provide various how-to guides for computer users. It’s evident that by restricting access to specific domains, the perpetrators aim to prevent victims from accessing relevant and helpful information about ransomware attacks online. The malware also places two text files on the victim’s computer containing attack-related details – the victim’s public key and personal ID. These two files are named bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.

After these modifications, the malware doesn’t stop. Variants of STOP/DJVU often introduce the Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat possesses an extensive range of capabilities, including:

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

The encryption algorithm used in STOP/Djvu ransomware is AES-256. Consequently, once your data is encrypted with an online decryption key, the chances of recovering your files without paying the ransom are quite low. The key is unique for each victim, and brute forcing it would require an exceptionally long time.

Obtaining the online key in any other way is nearly impossible. It is stored on a command server controlled by the hackers responsible for spreading the Hgkd infection. To obtain the decryption key, victims are required to make a payment of $980. Payment details can be obtained by contacting the hackers via email at ([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

_readme.txt file also states that the computer owner should contact the hackers’ representatives within 72 hours since the file encryption. On the condition of getting in touch within 72 hours, hackers grant a 50% off. Thus the ransom amount will be minimized down to $490.

Yet, stay away from paying the ransom! I highly recommend that you do not contact these fraudsters and do not pay. An efficient solution to recover the lost data is just using the backups you have, or using Decrypter tool from Emsisoft.

The distinctiveness of such viruses is the employment a similar set of actions for decryption key generation. Thus, unless the ransomware is still in development or possesses with some hard-to-track flaws, manual data recovery is a thing you can’t perform. The only solution to prevent the data loss is to regularly make backups of your important files.

Remember that even if you do preserve such backups regularly, they must be kept 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 substitute external hard drive storage. Alternatively, you may turn to the help of online (cloud) information storage.

Unnecessary to mention, when you maintain your backup on your regular device, it may be encrypted together with your files. For this reason, placing 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.

Some incidents occurred when the Hgkd virus hiding as a legit thing, for example, the messages requesting to install a browser update or a vastly needed codec for online media playback. This is usually the way how some online scams aim to force you into install the ransomware manually, by actually making you directly involve in this process.

Surely, the fraudulent update alert will not tell that you are installing the threat. This process will be disguised under some alert stating that you should install an urgent security update or some suspicious program whatsoever.

Undoubtedly, the cracked apps represent the threat as well. Using P2P is illegal and may end up with the injection of serious malware, including the Hgkd ransomware.

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

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

The malware does not states openly about itself. It will not appear in the list of your available programs. However, it will be masked under some malicious process running regularly in the background, starting from the moment when you launch your computer.

How To Remove Ransomware?

Video Guide

How To Decrypt .hgkd Files?

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

As a consequence of the alterations made by the criminals, STOPDecrypter is no longer assisted. 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 accessible directories in order to unlock the currently accessible drives (the connected ones), including the network drives. You can select other locations with the “Add” button.

   Decryptors typically propose several options depending on the specific malware family. The existing possible options are displayed in the Options tab and can be turned on or turned off there. You may discover a comprehensive 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 .hgkd Files?

In some case ransomware is not doom for your files…

The Hgkd ransomware encryption mechanism feature is next: it encrypts every file byte-by-byte, then saves a duplicate, deleting (not overriding!) the initial file. Thus, the information of the file placement on the disk drive is lost, but the original file is not deleted from the drive. The cell, or the sector where this file was stored, can still contain this file, but it is absent in the file system and can be rewritten by data that has been loaded to this drive after the deletion. Hence, it is possible to restore your files using special software.

Recovering your files with PhotoRec

PhotoRec is an free program, which is initially created for data recovery from damaged disks, or for data recovery in case if they are unintentionally deleted. However, with time flow, this program got the ability to recover the files of 400 different formats. Hence, it can be used for file recovery after the Hgkd attack.

First, you need to download this app. It is 100% free, but the developer notifies that there is no warranty that the files will be recovered. PhotoRec is spread together with other program of the same developer – TestDisk. The downloaded archive will bear TestDisk name, but don’t worry. PhotoRec files are right inside.

To run PhotoRec, you need to find and open “qphotorec_win.exe” file. No installation process is needed – the program has all the files it need inside of the archive, hence, you can mount it on your USB drive, and try to help your friends/parents/anyone who has been attacked by Hgkd ransomware.

After the start, you will observe the screen showing you the full list of your disk drives. However, this information is presumably futile, because the required menu is placed a bit higher. Click this menu, then choose the disk which was attacked by ransomware.

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

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

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

Hgkd 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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