Hc7 Ransomware Removal Guide

Do you know what Hc7 Ransomware is?

Hc7 Ransomware is a new version of HC6 Ransomware, crypto-malware analyzed by our malware researchers some time ago. Just like its predecessor, it has also been developed using Python, and, frankly speaking, it does not differ much from the original infection (HC6 Ransomware). The in-depth analysis carried out by our researchers has shown that this ransomware infection also opens the CMD window, encrypts all the most valuable files on compromised machines, and then drops a ransom note named RECOVERY.txt. Generally speaking, Hc7 Ransomware does not try to stay unnoticed on users’ PCs. Because of this, victims sooner or later realize that they have encountered the ransomware infection. This infection only wants your money, but you should not send a cent to crooks behind this crypto-threat because it asks a lot of money from users, but, unfortunately, there are no guarantees that it will be possible to unlock files after sending money to ransomware developers, so you should delete Hc7 Ransomware from your system right away, but you should not pay a ransom. The removal of this infection should not be complicated at all because it does not create any entries in the system registry, does not drop new files, and definitely does not block any system utilities, but you should still read this article till the very end before you take action.

Hc7 Ransomware goes to encrypt a number of files. Without a doubt, it targets those files users consider the most valuable, for example, .zip, .doc, .ARC, .dbf, .mpg, .mp3, .jpg, .das, .raf, .rar, .php, .odc, and others. Luckily, this infection does not encrypt any files that belong to the Windows OS. It is impossible not to notice that files have been encrypted because a) it is no longer possible to open them and b) they all have the .gotya (.GOTYA) extension appended. Once all files are locked, the ransomware infection also drops RECOVERY.txt on Desktop. There are two different versions of this ransom note, but they contain the same message – users must pay for the decryption of their files. The ransom note will tell you to pay $500 or $700 to get files decrypted on the individual computer and $5000 to get them unlocked on the entire network. Then, you will need to write an email to m4zm0v@keemail.me. If you want to hear our opinion, we are strictly against sending money to malicious software developers because you might make a payment for nothing – there are no guarantees that you will get a decryptor. At the time of writing, the free decryption tool did not exist, but it might be released in the future, so if you do not have a backup to restore your files from, you should not hurry to erase them from your system – it might be possible to unlock them for free one day.

Usual distribution methods are used to spread Hc7 Ransomware. Specifically speaking, this infection should be distributed via spam emails, specialists say. Also, it might slither onto your computer if your RDP credentials are unsafe. Unfortunately, we cannot make a promise to you that these are all distribution methods used to spread this threat. It is the reason we cannot promise that it will be easy to prevent this specific infection from entering the system either. Of course, it does not mean that you cannot ensure your system’s maximum protection. What you need to do to stay safe is to install security software on your computer.

It is not hard at all to disable Hc7 Ransomware. You just need to delete all recently downloaded suspicious files from %USERPROFILE%\Downloads, %USERPROFILE%\Desktop, and %TEMP% in order to erase the malicious file you have launched. Also, you need to delete the ransom note dropped on Desktop. If you do not have time for this, you can scan your system with a powerful antimalware tool too. It will erase this ransomware infection together with other active untrustworthy programs from your PC in no time.

How to delete Hc7 Ransomware

  1. Open Explorer (Win+E).
  2. Check %USERPROFILE%\Downloads, %USERPROFILE%\Desktop, and %TEMP%.
  3. Delete all suspicious recently downloaded files.
  4. Remove RECOVERY.txt from %USERPROFILE%\Desktop.
  5. Empty Trash.

In non-techie terms:

If Hc7 Ransomware finds a way to enter your system, it will encrypt all files on your computer right away, which is why it is considered one of those nasty malicious applications. It encrypts users’ files not without reason – it just wants their money. Do not pay money to cyber criminals because you do not know whether it will be possible to unlock the encrypted data after doing that. No matter what you decide, you still need to delete the ransomware infection from your system fully so that you would not launch it again.