Active .HeroesOftheStorm virus infections can be recovered using our in-depth guide on restoring your computer and data, read our article to learn more.
Manual Removal Guide
Recover .HeroesOftheStorm Virus Files
Skip all steps and download anti-malware tool that will safely scan and clean your PC.
SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter
How Does .HeroesOftheStorm Virus Infiltrate the System?
At the moment the .HeroesOftheStorm virus is primarily distributed using the most popular ransomware spread tactics. One of the primary methods is the use of email messages that utilize social engineering tricks. There are different strategies that can be used to achieve the infections:
- Body Contents ‒ The .HeroesOftheStorm malware can be linked in the body contents of the emails. The victims can be lured into clicking on them by falling victim to various scams presented in the messages.
- File Attachments ‒ The samples can also be included as attachments directly to the messages.
- Email Payload Delivery ‒ In the last few years it has become popular to use payload downloaders to initiate the infections. Examples include software installers or documents containing scripts that lead to the virus infiltration.
Contaminated software installers are legitimate files that have been downloaded from the official vendors and modified to include the malicious .HeroesOftheStorm code. A similar action is performed with infected documents, they are usually made to appear as rich text documents, spreadsheets or databases. They are then distributed on
The actual .HeroesOftheStorm Virus is being distributed as a single executable file called restolocker.exe on different networks. The hacker or criminal collective behind the infections attempt to utilize all possible delivery strategies. Another option that is used is the configuration of malicious web browser plugins, also known as browser hijackers that redirect the victims to hacker-controlled site.
Infection Flow of .HeroesOftheStorm Virus
A new malware called the .HeroesOftheStorm virus, also known as the RestoLocker, has been identified in an ongoing attack wave. According to the available research the and initial code analysis shows that the virus is descendant from the Hidden Tear malware family.
Hidden Tear threats are one of the most popular threats whose code is readily available on hacker underground forums. As it has been used as a base for building malware a lot of detailed tutorials are available on black hat sites. This makes it possible even for novice users and wannabe hackers to create their own customized versions of it. Such is the case of the .HeroesOftheStorm virus.
Its name implies that it pays homage to the popular online game, supposedly the developer or hacker collective behind it are probably active players. While at this time the .HeroesOftheStorm virus does not showcase any advanced features it would not be difficult to add them on a later date. Possible additions include the following:
- Trojan Module ‒ Advanced forms of ransomware usually have module that add a surveillance feature which allows the remote attackers to spy the victims in real time.
- Data Retrieval ‒ Customized versions can be used to download files from the compromised machines.
- Persistent Installation ‒ These advanced forms of infiltration actively monitor the behavior of the users and prevent manual removal. Only a quality anti-spyware solution can effectively restore the computer.
During the infection phase the malware instance establishes a connection with the remote servers operated by the criminals. This is used to report the infections to the criminals and depending on the configuration it may be able to trigger remote commands on the victim machines. Like other ransomware the .HeroesOftheStorm encrypts user and system files according to a predefined list. In the most popular case the hackers seek to encrypt the most often used file type extensions: documents, videos, images, music, databases, backups and etc.
Once this is complete all affected data are renamed with the .HeroesOftheStorm extension. The following ransomware note is generated in a What is it?.txt files:
Hi. I encrypted your personal files.
Heroes Of The Storm is the god game. But, people don’t know that.
So, I made this program that make people to play Heroes Of The Storm.
To dectrypt your files, follow this procedure. First, You have to install Heroes Of The Storm. Second, Play Heroes Of The Storm 24hours. (Only Play Time Will Be Recorded)
NOW, Let’s play the King God Emperor General Chungmoogong Majesty Game HEROES OF THE STORM
*Warning* Do NOT KILL This Program and Computer.
Its important to note that in addition a lockscreen is imposed on the victim computers. It prohibits any ordinary computer interaction until the threat is completely removed. The lockscreen shows a background image taken from the game and the following text:
Play Heroes Of The Storm!
Your personal files are encrypted
The King God Game Ever
All of this is used to extort money from the victims. The interesting thing about this particular malware is that the .HeroesOftheStorm virus blackmails the victims into logging into the game and spending game time. This will not remove the threat, only deliberately confuse the users.
Remove .HeroesOftheStorm Virus and Restore Data
WARNING! Manual removal of .HeroesOftheStorm Virus requires being familiar with system files and registries. Removing important data accidentally can lead to permanent system damage. If you don’t feel comfortable with manual instructions, download a powerful anti-malware tool that will scan your system for malware and clean it safely for you.
SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter
.HeroesOftheStorm – Manual Removal Steps
Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network
This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently. The steps bellow are applicable to all Windows versions.
1. Hit the WIN Key + R
2. A Run window will appear. In it, write msconfig and then press Enter
3. A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named Boot
4. Mark Safe Boot option and then go to Network under it to tick it too
5. Apply -> OK
Show Hidden Files
Some ransomware threats are designed to hide their malicious files in the Windows so all files stored on the system should be visible.
1. Open My Computer/This PC
2. Windows 7
-
– Click on Organize button
– Select Folder and search options
– Select the View tab
– Go under Hidden files and folders and mark Show hidden files and folders option
3. Windows 8/ 10
-
– Open View tab
– Mark Hidden items option
4. Click Apply and then OK button
Enter Windows Task Manager and Stop Malicious Processes
1. Hit the following key combination: CTRL+SHIFT+ESC
2. Get over to Processes
3. When you find suspicious process right click on it and select Open File Location
4. Go back to Task Manager and end the malicious process. Right click on it again and choose End Process
5. Next, you should go folder where the malicious file is located and delete it
Repair Windows Registry
1. Again type simultaneously the WIN Key + R key combination
2. In the box, write regedit and hit Enter
3. Type the CTRL+ F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable
4. In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys
Click for more information about Windows Registry and further repair help
Recover .HeroesOftheStorm Virus Files
WARNING! All files and objects associated with .HeroesOftheStorm Virus should be removed from the infected PC before any data recovery attempts. Otherwise the virus may encrypt restored files. Furthermore, a backup of all encrypted files stored on external media is highly recommendable.
DOWNLOAD .HeroesOftheStorm Virus Removal ToolSpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter
1. Use present backups
2. Use professional data recovery software
Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery – a specialist tool that can restore partitions, data, documents, photos, and 300 more file types lost during various types of incidents and corruption.
3. Using System Restore Point
-
– Hit WIN Key
– Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps
4. Restore your personal files using File History
-
– Hit WIN Key
– Type restore your files in the search box
– Select Restore your files with File History
– Choose a folder or type the name of the file in the search bar
– Hit the “Restore” button
