HCrypto Ransomware Virus (Removal Steps and Protection Updates)

The HCrypto Ransomware is one of the newest ransomware threats that have recently been discovered. The malware is developed with code from the HiddenTear open-source project. Learn how to remove it by following our removal guide.

HCrypto Ransomware Description

The HCrypto ransomware is one of the newer threats that have been been based on open-source code. This particular strain is based on the HiddenTear project and the first incidents with it have been discovered a few weeks ago.

The malware uses the AES and RSA ciphers algorithm that encrypts the target user files and appends a “.hcrypto” extension to them. When the ransomware is executed it starts to target the following extensions:

3gp, .7z, .apk, .avi, .bmp, .cdr, .cer, .chm, conf, .css, .csv, .dat, .db, .dbf, .djvu, .dbx, .docm, ,doc, .epub, .docx .fb2, .flv, .gif, .gz, .iso .ibooks,.jpeg, .jpg, .key, .mdb .md2, .mdf, .mht, .mobi .mhtm, .mkv, .mov, .mp3, .mp4, .mpg .mpeg, .pict, .pdf, .pps, .pkg, .png, .ppt .pptx, .ppsx, .psd, .rar, .rtf, .scr, .swf, .sav, .tiff, .tif, .tbl, .torrent, .txt, .vsd,.wmv, .xls, .xlsx, .xps, .xml, .ckp, zip, .java, .py, .asm, .c, .cpp, .cs, .js, .php, .dacpac, .rbw, .rb, .mrg, .dcx, .db3, .sql, .sqlite3, .sqlite, .sqlitedb, .psd, .psp, .pdb, .dxf, .dwg, .drw, .casb, .ccp, .cal, .cmx, .cr2.

The ransomware note is created as a “ext3t.pdf” file that is placed in every folder with infected files. The initial research shows that the HCrypt ransomware even runs on power events – reboots for example.

As the ransomware is based on open-source code we may see other modifications and variants of it in the near future.

HCrypto Ransomware Distribution

HCrypto is delivered primarily through social engineering tricks by sending spam email messages to various computer users. The messages usually contain contents that imitate financial documents, invoices, greeting cards and other similar types of information.

They often contain attachment or provide malicious links that lead to the infected binaries.

HCrypto Ransomware Removal

For a faster solution, you can run a scan with an advanced malware removal tool and delete HCrypto 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 HCrypto 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