Haters Ransomware Virus. How to Remove It and Restore Files

Haters Virus Description

Haters ransomware is a new virus threat which is also known under the alias CryptoCerber ransomware. At the moment its still in an early phase of development as it does not feature any advanced modules. Upon infection it immediately starts to execute its built-in encryption engine that targets a predefined list of file type extensions. At the moment we don’t have a copy of it yet, however we assume that the Haters ransomware targets the most commonly used data: archives, backups, photos, music, videos, configuration files, databases and etc.

Once this process is complete the ransomware institutes a virus lockscreen which prohibits ordinary computer interaction. Effectively until the virus threat is completely removed the victims may not be able to use their computers at all. The virus engine launches an application frame titled “Form2” which reads the following ransomware note:

Your Files Are Encrypted
button [Decrypted]

There are several important characteristics that we can note by looking at the display:

• Lack of a Proper Message – A typical ransomware note should include a brief information about the ransomware virus itself. The hackers use various social engineering strategies to convince the victims into paying them for decryption.
• No Fixed Ransomware Recovery Sum – The hackers behind the virus have not specified an exact sum. Other malware download the processed data which is then examined by the criminals to “judge” the amount.
• No Contact Options – One of the first indications that the discovered Haters virus samples are an early version is the fact that no contact information is provided. It usually comes in the form of an email address or a web form that the users can use via the application frame.

The malware researchers discovered that the victims can bypass the lockscreen virus frame by entering a hardcoded unlock code: masihmaubullyguaanjeng.

We expect to see a future version which can include further additions such as various surveillance modules that can seriously endanger the privacy of the victims. They may include remote control options or keyloggers that can harvest accounts, passwords and other related information.

Advanced ransomware virus iterations also create a persistent environment that effectively prevent manual removal options. They modify the operating system by bypassing various security measures and monitoring the users behavior in an automated way.

Note! Even though the user can interact freely with their computers does not mean that the virus has been completely removed. Victims can recover from the Haters ransomware with the help of a quality anti-malware solution.

Haters Virus Distribution

The Haters ransomware virus is being distributed globally via different methods. The captured samples associated with it are all packed in single binary files called CryptoCerber.exe. One of the possible reasons for this is an imitation of the infamous Cerber virus family. The Haters virus can be distributed using a variety of different methods.

Email spam messages are probably one of the easiest ways of sending copies of the Haters virus to potential victims. The hackers can customize their campaigns to include various social engineering tricks to make the targets infect themselves. The viruses are attached directly or linked in the body contents. They criminals may imitate famous brands, companies, organizations or individuals to lure the victims into interacting with their messages and file attachments. An example is the large-scale Quantum Code campaign.

Infected software bundles are another possible source of infections. Hackers obtain copies of legitimate installers of popular applications, games, utilities and patches which are modified to include the Haters virus code in them. The modified files are then uploaded to various hacker-controlled download portals, sites and P2P networks like BitTorrent. Social engineering tricks come into play here as well as the hackers make their sites appear as legitimate download sources.

Browser hijackers are another source of Haters virus samples. They can cause privacy and security issues by harvesting sensitive data such as cookies, stored account credentials, web history, bookmarks, settings and etc. Review browser hijacker removal guides if you are infected with one to prevent any ransomware infections.

In rare cases the criminals can opt to launch direct intrusion attempts against their targets by using automated vulnerability testing frameworks. Computer users can protect themselves by always running the latest versions of their installed software. The use of a quality-anti spyware solution also guarantees protection potential malware attacks. It can also remove active infections with only a few mouse clicks.

Summary of the Haters Ransomware Virus

Haters Ransomware Virus Removal

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 Haters 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 .haters Files

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 To Restore .haters Files

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

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