Hawkeye Ransomware Virus (Removal Steps and Protection Updates)

The HawkEye ransomware is newly discovered virus threat that is under security investigation. Continue reading our removal guide to learn all the details about this new virus.

HawkEye Ransomware Description

Malware researchers have uncovered a new virus threat known as The HawkEye Ransomware. There is not much information currently available about it as it is under an active investigation.

The virus is primarily distributed as a single malicious binary file which upon infections unpacks itself and begins to execute its built-in commands. The analyzed samples indicate that it is capable of deploying several advanced features such as:

• Executing arbitrary commands – The virus contains code that allows the local infection to listen in for remote connections and possibily execute commands passed on from the operators.
• Keylogging – It is confirmed that the code has the ability to monitor the system clipboard and record the typed in keystrokes.
• Credentials Harvesting – According to the security analysis the virus can scan for any inputted account credentials that can be retrieved by the hackers
• System Information Harvesting – HawkEye ransomware has the ability to gather and extract a lot of details about the infected hosts

Upon infection the virus modifies key Windows configuration filed and variables to achieve maximum impact. It can impersonate local users and elevate its privileges to the administrative account. In addition to the above-mentioned features the Hawkeye ransomware can also start and modify device drivers and impair other key Windows modules.

At the moment we do not have information about the encryption engine and how the virus affects the target user data.

HawkEye Ransomware Distribution

Hawkeye ransomware is distributed mainly as an infected binary file that poses as a legitimate application served by a popular computer vendor (Acer).

The most likely distribution method is probably the phishing email messages. Computer criminals often employ large-scale botnet attacks with harvested data and send various types of email messages that social engineering tricks to infect their targets. You can also get infected by the HawkEye ransomware by visiting untrusted download sites and downloading iliegal software from BitTorrent trackers.

Hawkeye Ransomware Removal

For a faster solution, you can run a scan with an advanced malware removal tool and delete Hawkeye completely with a few mouse clicks.

STEP I: 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.

1) Hit 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

Or check our video guide – “How to start PC in Safe Mode with Networking”

STEP II: Show Hidden Files

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

STEP III: 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

STEP IV: Remove Completely Hawkeye Ransomware Using SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

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

STEP V: Repair Windows Registry

1) Again type simultaneously the Windows Button + R key combination
2) In the box, write “regedit”(without the inverted commas) 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

Further help for Windows Registry repair

STEP VI: Recover Encrypted Files

1) Use present backups
2) 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

3) Using System Restore Point

– Hit WIN Key
– Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps

STEP VII: Preventive Security Measures

1) Enable and properly configure your Firewall.
2) Install and maintain reliable anti-malware software.
3) Secure your web browser.
4) Check regularly for available software updates and apply them.
5) Disable macros in Office documents.
6) Use strong passwords.
7) Don’t open attachments or click on links unless you’re certain they’re safe.
8) Backup regularly your data.

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