How to remove CrazyHunter Ransomware and decrypt .Hunted3 files

What is CrazyHunter Ransomware

CrazyHunter Ransomware is a malicious program designed to encrypt user data and demand ransom payments for decryption. This ransomware appends the .Hunted3 extension to affected files, rendering them inaccessible without the decryption key. The malware utilizes advanced cryptographic algorithms, making it exceedingly difficult to break the encryption without the attackers’ assistance. Once the encryption process is complete, a ransom note titled Decryption Instructions.txt is created, usually found in the same directories as the encrypted files. This note informs victims about the data encryption, the deletion of backups, and the exfiltration of sensitive data. Victims are instructed to contact the attackers within a specific timeframe to avoid data leaks, often adding an element of urgency to the extortion attempt.

Currently, no public decryption tools are available to decrypt files affected by the .Hunted3 extension without paying the ransom. Cybercriminals typically store the decryption keys on remote servers, making independent data recovery almost impossible. Paying the ransom is discouraged, as it does not guarantee the attackers will provide the necessary decryption tools, and it supports their criminal activities. Instead, victims are advised to remove the ransomware from their systems using reliable anti-malware software. If backups exist, restoring files from these backups is the most effective way to recover encrypted data. Otherwise, tools like Recuva can be employed to attempt data recovery, though results may vary. Regular backups and vigilance against suspicious files and emails are crucial in preventing such infections and minimizing potential data loss.

How CrazyHunter Ransomware infects computers

CrazyHunter Ransomware infiltrates computers primarily through phishing and social engineering tactics, often disguised as or bundled with seemingly legitimate software or files. Commonly, it arrives via infected email attachments, malicious links, or downloads from untrustworthy sources, such as torrent sites and free file-hosting services. Once a user interacts with these compromised files, CrazyHunter executes, deploying its encryption payload across the system. It appends a “.Hunted3” extension to affected files, rendering them inaccessible and demanding a ransom for decryption. The ransomware also employs techniques to delete backups and exfiltrate sensitive data, maximizing its impact and coercing victims into paying the ransom. Users are advised to exercise caution with unsolicited emails and downloads, ensure robust anti-virus protection, and maintain regular data backups to mitigate such threats.

1. Download CrazyHunter Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .Hunted3 files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like CrazyHunter Ransomware

CrazyHunter Ransomware files:


Decryption Instructions.txt
{randomname}.exe


CrazyHunter Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .Hunted3 files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .Hunted3 files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .Hunted3 files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with CrazyHunter Ransomware and removed from your computer, you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually, you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .Hunted3 files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like CrazyHunter Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. CrazyHunter Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro