How to remove the HadesLocker Ransomware

The HadesLocker ransomware has been identified as a variant of the WildFire malware which was a popular threat a few months ago.

HadesLocker is a variant of WildFire

A newly identified ransomware has appeared bearing the name HadesLocker. According to the security researchers this is a variant of the famous WildFire ransomware which has plagued a lot of users. The new threat is distributed via different tactics, however the main sources of HadesLocker instances are spam messages. Large massive campaigns with HadesLocker infected attachments and links are sent to targets by botnets or hackers. The contents of the messages include attempts of social engineering, tricking the victims into executing the malicious binary file. The infections begins as soon as the file is executed.

Another major source of infection are the social media. Counterfeit and spam accounts are often employed by computer criminals to host ransomware and other types of threats.

HadesLocker Ransomware Behavior

The identified samples show that HadesLocker uses a payload that places the following files on the victim machine:

• %UserProfile%\AppData\Local\Temp\RarSFX0\
• %UserProfile%\AppData\Local\Temp\RarSFX0\Ronms.exe
• %UserProfile%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\Ronms.lnk
• %UserProfile%\AppData\Roaming\wow6232node\
• %UserProfile%\AppData\Roaming\wow6232node\Bamvenagxe.xml
• %UserProfile%\AppData\Roaming\wow6232node\Ronms.exe

The next step is to add entries to the Windows registry. that make it a persistent threat. These entries make sure that the malware code is started automatically when the computer boots.

• HKCU\Software\Wow6232Node\hwid [Your ID number]
• HKCU\Software\Wow6232Node\status 1

The following file types are affected by the ransomware:

.contact,.dbx,.doc,.docx,.jnt,.jpg,.mapimail,.msg,.oab,.ods,.pdf,.pps,
.ppsm,.ppt,.pptm,.prf,.pst,.rar,.rtf,.txt,.wab,.xls,.xlsx,.xml,.zip,
.1cd,.3ds,.3g2,.3gp,.7z,.7zip,.accdb,.aoi,.asf,.asp,.aspx,.asx,.avi,
.bak,.cer,.cfg,.class,.config,.css,.csv,.db,.dds,.dwg,.dxf,.flf,.flv,
.html,.idx,.js,.key,.kwm,.laccdb,.ldf,.lit,.m3u,.mbx,.md,.mdf,.mid,
.mlb,.mov,.mp3,.mp4,.mpg,.obj,.odt,.pages,.php,.psd,.pwm,.rm,.safe,
.sav,.save,.sql,.srt,.swf,.thm,.vob,.wav,.wma,.wmv,.xlsb,.3dm,.aac,
.ai,.arw,.c,.cdr,.cls,.cpi,.cpp,.cs,.db3,.docm,.dot,.dotm,.dotx,
.drw,.dxb,.eps,.fla,.flac,.fxg,.java,.m,.m4v,.max,.mdb,.pcd,.pct,.pl,.potm,.potx,.ppam,
.ppsm,.ppsx,.pptm,.ps,.pspimage,.r3d,.rw2,.sldm,.sldx,.svg,.tga,
.wps,.xla,.xlam,.xlm,.xlr,.xlsm,.xlt,.xltm,.xltx,.xlw,.act,.adp,
.al,.bkp,.blend,.cdf,.cdx,.cgm,.cr2,.crt,.dac,.dbf,
.dcr,.ddd,.design,.dtd,.fdb,.fff,.fpx,.h,.iif,.indd,
.jpeg,.mos,.nd,.nsd,.nsf,.nsg,.nsh,.odc,.odp,.oil,.pas,
.pat,.pef,.pfx,.ptx,.qbb,.qbm,.sas7bdat,.say,.st4,.st6,
.stc,.sxc,.sxw,.tlg,.wad,.xlk,.aiff,.bin,.bmp,.cmt,.dat,
.dit,.edb,.flvv,.gif,.groups,.hdd,.hpp,.log,.m2ts,.m4p,.mkv,
.mpeg,.ndf,.nvram,.ogg,.ost,.pab,.pdb,.pif,.png,.qed,.qcow,
.qcow2,.rvt,.st7,.stm,.vbox,.vdi,.vhd,.vhdx,.vmdk,.vmsd,.vmx,
.vmxf,.3fr,.3pr,.ab4,.accde,.accdr,.accdt,.ach,.acr,.adb,.ads,
.agdl,.ait,.apj,.asm,.awg,.back,.backup,.backupdb,.bank,.bay,
.bdb,.bgt,.bik,.bpw,.cdr3,.cdr4,.cdr5,.cdr6,.cdrw,.ce1,.ce2,
.cib,.craw,.crw,.csh,.csl,.db_journal,.dc2,.dcs,.ddoc,.ddrw,
.der,.des,.dgc,.djvu,.dng,.drf,.dxg,.eml,.erbsql,.erf,.exf,
.ffd,.fh,.fhd,.gray,.grey,.gry,.hbk,.ibank,.ibd,.ibz,.iiq,
.incpas,.jpe,.kc2,.kdbx,.kdc,.kpdx,.lua,.mdc,.mef,.mfw,.mmw,.mny,
.moneywell,.mrw,.myd,.ndd,.nef,.nk2,.nop,.nrw,.ns2,.ns3,.ns4,.nwb,
.nx2,.nxl,.nyf,.odb,.odf,.odg,.odm,.orf,.otg,.oth,.otp,.ots,.ott,
.p12,.p7b,.p7c,.pdd,.pem,.plus_muhd,.plc,.pot,.pptx,.psafe3,.py,.qba,
.qbr,.qbw,.qbx,.qby,.raf,.rat,.raw,.rdb,.rwl,.rwz,.s3db,.sd0,.sda,.sdf,.sqlite,
.sqlite3,.sqlitedb,.sr2,.srf,.srw,.st5,.st8,.std,.sti,.stw,.stx,.sxd,.sxg,.sxi,.sxm,
.tex,.wallet,.wb2,.wpd,.x11,.x3f,.xis,.ycbcra,.yuv

The malware encrypts them and then delivers ransom note instructions in several formats including .txt, .png and .html.

Here is a sample of the ransom message:

!! IMPORTANT INFORMATION !!

!! you have until Wednesday 12 october 2016 to buy the decryption key or the price will double !!

When the user visits the given site they are asked to provide their unique hardware ID number. When it is entered into the system payment instructions are given. As usual the computer hackers expect this to be done with the Bitcoin crypto currency system.

HadesLocker Ransomware Removal

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