Hakbit Ransomware Removal Guide

Do not let Hakbit Ransomware encrypt your files because it is unlikely that you will be able to restore them back to normal. If you want to prevent this malware from slithering in, our best advice is to keep your operating system updated and protected. To add a separate layer of protection for your personal files, create backups outside the operating system. Do NOT connect to backups if your system is infected, and all of your files are encrypted because you do not want to put your backups at risk too. If you have backups and you can replace the corrupted files, take care of that after you delete Hakbit Ransomware. When it comes to the removal of this infection, it does not look like you need to do much because the launcher is supposed to self-destruct after encryption. That being said, there are elements of this malware that you still need to take care of, and if you continue reading, you will learn how to do that.

According to our malware research team, it is likely that Hakbit Ransomware slithered into your operating system because it was not protected reliably. It is also possible that you are not familiar with the backdoors that cybercriminals can exploit to drop malware. For example, did you know that cyber attackers can employ email messages to trick you into executing malware? They can create a highly misleading message and send it to thousands of random addresses in the hopes of catching one victim. The launcher of the malicious Hakbit Ransomware can be concealed as a document file or an image file, and if the victim is tricked into opening it because they believe that the file holds important or interesting information, malware can slither in. Note that other backdoors exist too, and you are unlikely to stay safe just because you delete random spam emails that might flood your inbox. After execution, the ransomware is meant to encrypt files silently, and once that is done, all of them should have the “.crypted” extension attached to their names.

Once Hakbit Ransomware is ready to reveal itself, it drops “HELP_ME_RECOVER_MY_FILES.txt” and “wallpaper.bmp” files. Both of them represent the same message in two different ways. The first one is a text file, and you have to open it to find the message. The second one is an image file that shows the same message as the Desktop wallpaper. So, what is this message? Basically, the attackers behind Hakbit Ransomware expect you to purchase $300 worth of Bitcoin and transfer it to the cybercriminals’ wallet (12grtxACJZkgT2nGAvMesgoM4ADHJ6NTaW) in return for a decryption tool and password. Although $300 is not the biggest ransom ever, we still believe that it is too big. We would not pay the ransom even if the attackers requested $1. Why? That is because they cannot be trusted. Their promises to provide you with a decryptor are likely to be empty, and so fulfilling their demands is too risky. Do you think you can plead your case by contacting the attackers at hakbit@protonmail.com? Do not do this, unless you do not mind having your inbox flooded with new scam emails.

Undoubtedly, it is a terrible thing to have Hakbit Ransomware invade your system and encrypt your files. If you have backups stored outside the system, you can replace the encrypted files, but if you do not have backups, you have one option only, and that is to obey cybercriminals. Hopefully, you do not give in, and if you decide to pay the ransom, make sure you understand the risks. Note that you will not be able to recover the files using a restore point because the infection deletes shadow volume copies. After that, Hakbit Ransomware removes itself, and all you have left are the ransom note files and a malicious executable with a misleading name. You can learn how to remove these elements by following the steps below. If you want to have these elements deleted automatically and your operating system protected, you can install an anti-malware program that will take care of this for you. Have questions? Add them to the comments section.

How to delete Hakbit Ransomware

1. Launch Windows Explorer by tapping Win+E keys.
2. Type %TEMP% into the bar at the top and tap Enter.
3. Right-click and Delete the file named wallpaper.bmp.
4. Type %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup into the bar at the top and tap Enter.
5. Right-click and Delete the [unknown name].exe file. The name is likely to mimic legitimate software files, such as lsass.exe, svchst.exe, crcss.exe, chrome32.exe, firefox.exe, calc.exe, mysqld.exe, dllhst.exe, opera32.exe, memop.exe, spoolcv.exe, ctfmom.exe, or SkypeApp.exe.
6. Find the HELP_ME_RECOVER_MY_FILES.txt file, right-click and Delete it.
7. Empty Recycle Bin and then immediately install a trusted malware scanner.
8. Run a full system scan to check for leftovers that might still require removal.