The Hhaz virus, also known as a ransomware, belongs to the STOP/DJVU family. This malware family is famous for malicious file ciphering. Once the Hhaz virus gets into a system, it scans the system for files such as photos, videos, documents, and more. It changes the file structure and adds the “.hhaz” extension to each file, making them unusable without the decryptor.
Hhaz Virus Overview
Hhaz
🤔 Hhaz virus is ransomware that belongs to the DJVU/STOP ransomware family. Its primary purpose is to cipher files that are important to you. Then, this ransomware asks its victims for a ransom payment – ($490 – $980) in Bitcoin.
The Hhaz virus is a malware type that ciphers your files and forces you to pay for their restoration. This malware encrypts different file types. ciphered files become identifiable by a distinct “.hhaz” extension. The affected files become impossible to access and use.
After that, the ransomware demands a ransom payment in Bitcoin from the victims, ranging from $490 to $980. In all cases, a text file with ransom payment guidances is named as “_readme.txt“.
Hhaz Ransomware operates by Salsa20 encryption algorithms to scramble the contents of the targeted files. Since Hhaz virus employs such a robust ciphering method, it becomes incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to find the decryption key without cooperating with the attackers.
Once Hhaz 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 ransom amounts surge if the demands are not met within a specified timeframe.
I have made an all-encompassing list of potential solutions, advice, and methods to remove the Hhaz ransomware and decrypt and recover your files. There are cases where you can regain access to the files, while sometimes, it may be impossible.
📌 Important Reminder!
It is crucial to note that paying the ransom is not a guarantee of the successful recovery of your files. The crooks behind the Hhaz virus are not trustworthy. There were the cases where people have paid the ransom, only to be denied by the cybercriminals with the decryption key provision.
Hhaz employs a unique key for every victim, with one exception:
The Hhaz virus is highly similar to other DJVU ransomware samples like Nbwr, Nbzi, Jazi, and Jawr. This virus encrypts a wide range of common file types and appends its distinct “.hhaz” extension to all files. For instance, a file named “1.jpg” would be altered to “1.jpg.hhaz” and “2.png” to “2.png.hhaz“.
After successful encryption, malware creates a special text file named “_readme.txt” and places it in every folder containing the encrypted files. It as well adds this file to the desktop, so the user will not miss its appearance even without opening folders.
The image below provides a visual representation of files with the “hhaz” extension:
Encrypted Files by STOP/DJVU Ransomware
| Name | Hhaz Virus |
| Ransomware family1 | DJVU/STOP2 ransomware |
| Extension | .hhaz |
| Ransomware note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom | From $490 to $980 (in Bitcoins) |
| Contact | [email protected], [email protected] |
| Detection | Win32/Filecoder.Avaddon.H, TrojanDropper:Win32/BcryptInject.A!MTB, BScope.TrojanRansom.Reveton |
| Symptoms |
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| Fix Tool |
To remove possible malware infections, scan your PC:
6-day free trial available. |
This message asking payment is for restore files via decryption key:
_readme.txt (STOP/DJVU Ransomware) – The scary notification insisting users to pay the ransom to unlock the encoded data contains these annoying cautions.
Hhaz ransomware arrives as a set of procedures that are used to perform different tasks on a victim’s computer. One of the first processes being launched is winupdate.exe, a sneaky process that displays a fake Windows update pop-up during the attack. Such a trick helps to convince the victim that their PC has become slow because of a Windows update.
Meanwhile, the ransomware runs another process (usually named by four random characters) which commences scanning the system for target files and ciphering them. Then the ransomware deletes Volume Shadow Copies from the system disk using the following CMD command:
vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
Once removed, it becomes impossible to retrieve the previous computer state using System Restore Points. The issue is, ransomware operators are eliminating any built-in Windows methods that could assist the victim to regain files for free. In addition, the rascals modify the Windows HOSTS file by adding a list of domains to it and mapping them to the localhost IP. As a result, the victim will encounter a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when trying to open one of the listed websites.
We’ve observed that ransomware attempts to block websites that promote various how-to guides for computer users. It is obvious that by hindering specific domains, the crooks are attempting to stop the victim from connecting to relevant and helpful ransomware-attack-related information online. The virus also saves two text files on the victim’s computer that offer attack-related information – the public key of this victim and personal ID. These two files are named bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.
After all these alterations, the malware doesn’t stop. Variants of STOP/DJVU tend to release Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat has an huge 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 encryption algorithm in STOP/Djvu ransomware is AES-256. So, if your data got encrypted with an online decryption key, the chances to get your files back without paying the ransom are quite low. Thing is, this key is unique for each victim, and picking it will take too much time.
Retrieving the online key in another way is also nearly impossible. It is stored on a server controlled by the criminals who promote the Hhaz infection. For receiving decrypting code 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
How To Remove STOP/Djvu Ransomware?
Video Guide
How To Decrypt .hhaz Files?
How to restore big files?
Try removing .hhaz extension on a few big files and opening them. This malware has issues with large files encryption. Either the virus scanned and did not encode the file, or it failed and did not add the filemarker. If you have files that are very large (2GB+), the latter is most likely. Please, text me in the comments whether this helped you or not.
The newest extensions released around the end of August 2019 after the criminals made changes. This includes Nbwr, Nbzi, Jazi etc.
As a result of the modifications 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.
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Select folders for decryption.
Based on the default configurations, the decryptor will automatically choose the available directories in order to unlock the currently available drives (the connected ones), including the network drives. Extra (optional) locations can be selected with the assistance of the “Add” button.
Decryptors typically offer several options depending on the specific malware family. The present possible options are presented in the Options tab and can be turned on or deactivated there. You may discover a detailed list of the currently active Options below.
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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]
Emsisoft does not have a corresponding key in the database.
✓ No key for New Variant online ID: [your ID]
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible
Your original files were encrypted with an online key. Your key is unique and is kept on the command server, controlled by criminals. File recovery without paying the ransom 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.
An offline key was used, though the file recovery operation failed (the offline decryption key isn’t available yet). Nonetheless, this message is a good news for you, since it might be possible to restore your files in the future. 🙂
It can take a few weeks or months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. Please follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here.
✓ Remote name could not be resolved
It’s an indication of a DNS issue on your PC. Our first recommendation is to reset your HOSTS file back to default.
How to Restore .hhaz Files?
In some case ransomware is not doom for your files…
The Hhaz ransomware encryption algorithm is next: it ciphers every file byte-by-byte, then saves a file copy, removing (not overriding!) the original file. Hence, the data of the file location on the physical disk is lost, but the original file is not removed 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 overwritten by data that has been loaded to this disk after the removal. Hence, it is possible to restore your files using special software.
Anyway, after realizing it was an online algorithm, it is impossible to retrieve my encrypted files. I also had my backup drive plugged in at the time of the virus, and this was also infected, or so I thought. Every folder within my backup drive had been infected and was encrypted. However, despite losing some important files, I retrieved almost 80% of my 2TB storage.
When I started going through the folders, I noticed the readme.txt ransom note in every folder. I opened some of the folders and found that all files that were not in a subfolder within that folder had been encrypted. However, I found a flaw and glimmer of hope when I went into the subfolders in other folders and found that these files had not been encrypted. Every folder within my c and d drives, including subfolders, had been encrypted, but this was not the case with the backup drive. Having subfolders created within a folder has saved 80% of my data.
As I said, I believe this to be only a small loophole on a backup drive. I’ve since found a further 10 % of my data on another hard drive on a different pc. So my advice is if you use a backup drive, create subfolders. I was lucky, I guess. But I was also unlucky that the virus hit as I was transferring some files from my backup.
Hopefully, this can help some other people in my situation.
Jamie NewlandRecovering your files with PhotoRec
PhotoRec is an free open-source program, which is originally created for file retrieval from damaged disks, or for files recovery in case if they are unintentionally deleted. However, as time has gone by, this program adopted the ability to recover the files of 400 different formats. Hence, it can be used for data recovery after the Hhaz attack.
First, you need to download this app. It is 100% free, but the developer notifies that there is no assurance that the files will be retrieved. PhotoRec is spread in a pack with another program of the same developer – TestDisk. The downloaded archive will bear 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 setup is needed – this program has all the files it need inside of the archive, hence, you can fit it on your USB drive, and try to help your friends/parents/anyone who has been attacked by Hhaz ransomware.
Upon the launch, you will encounter the screen showing you the entire list of your drives. However, this data is probably unhelpful, 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 opt for the destination folder for the restored files. This menu is located at the lower part of the PhotoRec window. The best decision is to export them on USB drive or any other type of removable disk.
Then, you need to indicate the file formats. This feature is located at the bottom, too. As it was mentioned, PhotoRec can recover the files of about 400 different formats.
Finally, you can start files retrieval by pressing the “Search” button. You will observe the screen where the findings of the scan and recovery are shown.
Hhaz files recovery Video Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
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