HugeMe Ransomware Virus (Removal Steps and Protection Updates)

Malware researchers have alerted the discovery of the HugeMe ransomware, continue reading our in-depth removal guide to learn more about it.

HugeMe Ransomware Description

The HugeMe ransomware was just discovered by malware researchers. This is virus that originates from the EDA2 open-source family of viruses.

According to the initial security analysis this threat follows the typical behavior patterns that are featured in similar malware – it encrypts target user data and then extorts the computer victims for a ransomware fee payment.

The virus targets the following extensions:

.1cd, .3d, .3d4, .3df8, .3fr, .3g2, .3gp, .3gp2, .3mm, .7z, .aac, .abk, .abw, .ac3, .accdb, .ace, .act, .ade,
.adi, .adpb, .adr, .adt, .ai, .aim, .aip, .ais, .amf, .amr, .amu, .amx, .amxx, .ans, .ap, .ape, .api, .arc, .ari, .arj, .aro, .arr, .arw,
.asa, .asc, .ascx, .ase, .asf, .ashx, .asmx, .asp, .asr, .avi, .avs, .bak, .bay, .bck, .bdp, .bdr, .bib, .bic, .big, .bik, .bkf, .blp, .bmc,
.bmf, .bml, .bmp, .boc, .bp2, .bp3, .bpl, .bsp, .cag, .cam, .cap, .car, .cbr, .cbz, .cc, .ccd, .cch, .cd, .cdr, .cer, .cfg, .cgf, .chk, .clr,
.cms, .cod, .col, .cp, .cpp, .cr2, .crd, .crt, .crw, .cs, .csi, .cso, .ctt, .cty, .cwf, .dal, .dap, .dbb, .dbf, .dbx, .dcp, .dcr, .dcu, .ddc,
.ddcx, .dem, .der, .dev, .dex, .dic, .dif, .dii, .dir, .disk, .divx, .diz, .djvu, .dmg, .dng, .dob, .doc, .docm, .docx, .dot, .dotm, .dotx,
.dox, .dpk, .dpl, .dpr, .dsk, .dsp, .dvd, .dvi, .dvx, .dwg, .dxe, .dxf, .dxg, .elf, .eps, .eql, .erf, .err, .euc, .evo, .ex, .exif, .f90,
.faq, .fcd, .fdr, .fds, .ff, .fla, .flp, .flv, .for, .fpp, .gam, .gif, .grf, .gthr, .gz, .gzig, .h3m, .h4r, .htm, .html, .idx, .img, .indd, .ink,
.ipa, .isu, .isz, .itdb, .itl, .iwd, .jar, .jav, .java, .jc, .jfif, .jgz, .jif, .jiff, .jpc, .jpeg, .jpf, .jpg, .jpw, .js, .kdc, .kmz, .kwd, .lbi,
.lcd, .lcf, .ldb, .lgp, .log, .lp2, .ltm, .ltr, .lvl, .mag, .man, .map, .max, .mbox, .mbx, .mcd, .md3, .mdb, .mdf, .mdl, .mdn, .mds, .mef, .mic,
.mip, .mlx, .mod, .moz, .mp3, .mp4,.mpeg, .mpg, .mrw, .msg, .msp, .mxp, .nav, .ncd, .nds, .nef, .nfo, .now, .nrg, .nri, .nrw, .odb, .odc, .odf,
.odi, .odm, .odp, .ods, .odt, .oft, .oga, .ogg, .opf, .orf, .owl, .oxt, .p12, .p7b, .p7c, .pab, .pak, .pbf, .pbp, .pbs, .pcv, .pdd, .pdf, .pef,
.pem, .pfx, .php, .pkb, .pkh, .pl, .plc, .pli, .pm, .png, .pot, .potm, .potx, .ppd, .ppf, .pps, .ppsm, .ppsx, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .prc, .prt,
.psa, .psd, .pst, .ptx, .puz, .pwf, .pwi, .pxp, .qbb, .qdf, .qel, .qif, .qpx, .qtq, .qtr, .r3d, .ra, .raf, .rar, .raw, .res, .rev, .rgn,
.rng, .rrt, .rsrc, .rsw, .rte, .rtf, .rts, .rtx, .rum, .run, .rv, .rw2, .rwl, .sad, .saf, .sav, .scm, .scn, .scx, .sdb, .sdc, .sdn, .sds,
.sdt, .sen, .sfs, .sfx, .sh, .shar, .shr, .shw, .slt, .snp, .so, .spr, .sql, .sqx, .sr2, .srf, .srt, .srw, .ssa, .std, .stt, .stx, .sud,
.svi, .svr, .swd, .swf, .tar, .tax2013, .tax2014, .tbz2, .tch, .tcx, .text, .tg, .thmx, .tif, .tlz, .tpu, .tpx, .trp, .tu, .tur, .txd,
.txf, .txt, .uax, .udf, .umx, .unr, .unx, .uop, .upoi, .url, .usa, .usx, .ut2, .ut3, .utc, .utx, .uvx, .uxx, .val, .vc, .vcd, .vdo,
.ver, .vhd, .vmf, .vmt, .vsi,.vtf, .w3g, .w3x, .wad, .war, .wav, .wave, .waw, .wb2, .wbk, .wdgt, .wks, .wm, .wma, .wmd, .wmdb, .wmmp,
.wmv, .wmx, .wow, .wpd, .wpk, .wpl, .wps, .wsh, .wtd, .wtf, .wvx, .x3f, .xl, .xla, .xlam, .xlc, .xlk, .xll, .xlm, .xlr, .xls, .xlsb,
.xlsm, .xlsx, .xltx, .xlv, .xlwx, .xpi, .xpt, .xvid, .xwd, .yab, .yps, .z02, .z04, .zap, .zip, .zipx, .zoo

All affected data receive the standard .encrypted extension. After the process is complete a ransomware note is crafted in several files – DECRYPT.TXT, DECRYPT_ReadMe.TXT.ReadMe and DECRYPT_ReadMe1.TXT.ReadMe. They read the following message:

All your files encrypted with strong encryption.
To unlock your files you must pay 1 bitcoin to address :
1GvQ9GsMgwAUz91PKNpAJxrAwsztg1S7jy
Search google for how to buy and send bitcoin.
After you send the bitcoin email to :
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
use all email to communicate with the information of username and pcname and the time you send bitcoins.
When we will confirme the transaction you will receive decryption key and decryption program.
You have 5 days to make transaction after that your decryption key will be deleted. And your files gone forever.

In addition the virus deletes the local computer’s Shadow Volume Copies which prevents data recovery if the victim does not use a professional-grade solution.

HugeMe Ransomware Distribution

The HugeMe ransomware is distributed mainly via the most common infection strategies. They include the following:

• Email Spam Messages – They are used to link the virus payload in the contents of the message by using various social enginerring tricks. The virus can also be attached to the emails posing as various types of documents or other files of interest.
• Redirects – Various types of dangerous redirects such as browser hijackers and hacked sites can infect the visitors with the HugeMe ransomware and other similar payloads.
• Infected Installers – The HugeMe ransomware and other related malware can often be found bundled with software installers. Usually they are pirated copies of legitimate applications and games and are often found on BitTorrent trackers and hacker-controlled sites.

HugeMe Ransomware – How To Remove it and Prevent It From Coming Back

There are two ways of removal:

• With an anti-malware tool – this will also help prevention
  
• Manually – using the instructions below

HugeMe Ransomware Ransomware Removal

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