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

The Hhuy virus, known as a ransomware infection, is part of the STOP/DJVU family. This malware family is known for its malicious file encryption capabilities. Once the Hhuy virus infects a computer system, it scans the system for files like videos, photos, documents, and more. It changes the file structure and adds the “.hhuy” extension to each file, making them unusable without the decryption key.

Hhuy Virus Overview

Hhuy

🤔 Hhuy virus belongs to ransomware that originates from the DJVU/STOP family. Its main target is to encrypt all of your files it can reach. Then, ransomware virus asks for a ransom payment – ($490 – $980) in Bitcoin.

The Hhuy virus is a malicious program that ciphers your files and coerces you into paying for their recovery. This malware encrypts a wide selection of file types. ciphered files become identifiable by a distinct “.hhuy” extension. The files touched by ransomware become inaccessible and unusable.

Then, the ransomware asks for a ransom payment in Bitcoin from the victims, ranging from $490 to $980. Usually, a ransom text file is named as “_readme.txt“.

Hhuy Ransomware operates by Salsa20 encryption algorithms to scramble the contents of the targeted files. Since Hhuy virus utilizes such a robust ciphering method, it becomes particularly difficult, if not impossible, to find the decryption key without the assistance of the attackers.

Once Hhuy malware finishes the encryption, it shows a ransom note to the victim, asking for a ransom payment for the decryption key. The ransom note provides instructions on how to pay off the bill and also often includes threats of data loss or ransom amounts surge if the demands are not met within a specified timeframe.

I have compiled an all-encompassing list of the solutions, tips, and methods to stop the Hhuy ransomware and recover your files. In some cases, it may be possible to restore your files, while sometimes, it may be impossible.

Subscribe to our Telegram channel to be the first to know about news and our exclusive materials on information security.

📌 Important Note!

It is critical to voice that paying off the bill is not a guarantee of the successful files recovery. The crooks behind the Hhuy virus are known for their untrustworthiness. There have been instances where victims have paid the ransom, only to be denied by the cybercriminals with the decryption key provision.

Hhuy employs a unique key for every victim, with one exception:

The Hhuy virus is highly similar to other DJVU ransomware samples like Hhaz, Nbwr, Nbzi, and Jazi. This virus encrypts a wide range of common file types and appends its distinct “.hhuy” extension to all files. For instance, a file named “1.jpg” would be altered to “1.jpg.hhuy” and “2.png” to “2.png.hhuy“.

After successful encryption, the virus creates 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 “hhuy” extension:

Encrypted Files by STOP/DJVU Ransomware

Name	Hhuy Virus
Ransomware family¹	DJVU/STOP² ransomware
Extension	.hhuy
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	Disables Volume Shadow copies, making victim’s attempts to restore data futile; Installs password-stealing Trojan on the system, like Vidar Stealer or RedLine Stealer; Successfully installs a SmokeLoader backdoor for remote access; Updates the HOSTS file with a list of domains to block access to certain security-related sites; Implements encryption to lock most of your files (photos, videos, documents) and adds a particular “.hhuy” extension;
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 warning demanding users to pay the ransom to unlock the encrypted data contains these annoying warnings.

Hhuy ransomware arrives as a set of actions that are used to execute certain functions on a victim’s computer. One of the primary ones being launched is winupdate.exe, a deceptive process that displays a fake Windows update prompt during the attack. Such a trick helps to convince the victim that a sudden PC slowdown is caused by a Windows update.

Meanwhile, the ransomware runs another process (which name commonly consists of 4 random characters) which commences scanning the disk for target files and ciphering them. Next, the ransomware removes Volume Shadow Copies from the system disk through the following CMD command:

vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet

Once erased, it becomes nearly impossible to retrieve the previous computer state using System Restore Points. The concern is, ransomware operators are eliminating any built-in Windows techniques that could help the victim to restore files for free. In addition, the hackers modify the Windows HOSTS file by adding a list of domains to it and redirecting them to the localhost IP. As a result, the victim will encounter a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when accessing one of the listed websites.

It has come to our attention that ransomware tries to block websites that promote various how-to guides for computer users. It is obvious that by hindering specific domains, the crooks are trying to hinder the victim from accessing relevant and helpful ransomware-attack-related information online. This malware also keeps two .txt files on the victim’s computer that offer particulars related to the attack – the victim’s public encryption key and personal ID. These two files are named bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.

After all these alterations, the malware doesn’t halt. Variants of STOP/DJVU are inclined to install Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat possesses an huge list of capabilities, including:

Gathering sensitive data by running malicious software on the victim’s computer.
Acquiring unauthorized login credentials of 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 cryptography algorithm used by DJVU/STOP virus is AES-256. So, once your data is encrypted with an online decryption key, the possibility to get your files back without paying the ransom are quite low. Thing is, the key is unique for each victim, and brute forcing it will take exceptionally big amount of time.

Obtaining the online key in another way is also merely impossible. It is kept on a command server controlled by the hackers who spread the Hhuy infection. For receiving decryption 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

How To Remove STOP/Djvu Ransomware?

Video Guide

How To Decrypt .hhuy Files?

How to restore big files?

Try removing .hhuy 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 your files 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 Hhaz, Nbwr, Nbzi etc.

As a consequence 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.

Select folders for decryption.

Based on the default configurations, the decryptor will automatically choose the reachable 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 usually propose several options considering the specific malware family. The present possible options are shown in the Options tab and can be activated or turned off there. You may find a detailed list of the currently active Options below.

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 failed to find a correspondnig decryption key in their database.

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

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

Malware used an online key to cipher your files. There is no one to share the decryption key with you. 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). But, this message is a good news for you, because 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

This stands for a DNS issue present in your system. Consider resetting your HOSTS file to default.

How to Restore .hhuy Files?

In some case ransomware is not doom for your files…

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

I recently had my pc infected by the this virus. It managed to bypass 2 Antivirus software and 2 malware fighters.

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 Newland

Some pointers for recovery repair of Hhuy files (true for all STOP/DJVU variants):

I have seen Stop/Djvu variants fail to encrypt deeper nested folders, so that you can check that. You may find those are not encrypted.

This ransomware saves encrypted data to a new file, deletes the original. So there’s a slight chance part of that deleted file can be recovered using file recovery software. It’s unlikely the folder structure can be restored, so a free tool like PhotoRec may be as good as any.

This ransomware only partially encrypts (about the first 150 KB), so depending on file size and type of data, the not encrypted part may be recoverable.

Joep

Recovering your files with PhotoRec

PhotoRec is an open-source program, which is originally created for files recovery from damaged disks, or for file retrieval in case if they are unintentionally deleted. However, as time has gone by, this program adopted the ability to restore the files of 400 different formats. Hence, it can be used for file recovery after the Hhuy attack.

First, you need to download this app. It is 100% free, but the developer states that there is no warranty that your files will be recovered. PhotoRec is spread together with other utility of the same developer – TestDisk. The resulting 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 process 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 Hhuy ransomware.

Upon the start, you will witness the screen showing you the full list of your disks. However, this information is presumably 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 choose the destination folder for the reclaimed 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 designate the file formats. This option 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 see the screen where the results of the scan and recovery are shown.

Hhuy files recovery Video Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

🤔 How can I open “.hhuy” files?

No way. These files are encrypted by ransomware. The contents of encrypted files are not available until they are decrypted.

🤔 This virus has blocked infected PC: I can’t get the activation code.

In this situation, you need to prepare the memory stick with a pre-installed

🤔 Decryptor did not decrypt all my files, or not all of them were decrypted. What should I do?

Have patience. You are infected with the new version of STOP/DJVU ransomware, and decryption keys have not yet been released. Follow the news on our website. We will keep you posted on when new keys or new decryption programs appear.

🤔 What can I do right now?

The Hhuy ransomware encrypts only the first 150KB of files. So MP3 files are rather large, some media players (Winamp for example) may be able to play the files, but – the first 3-5 seconds (the encrypted portion) will be missing. You can try to find a copy of an original file that was encrypted: Files you downloaded from the Internet that were encrypted and you can download again to get the original.

I need your help to share this article.

It is your turn to help other people. I have written this guide to help people like you. You can use buttons below to share this on your favorite social media Facebook, Twitter, or Reddit.

Brendan Smith