How to remove H0rus Ransomware and decrypt .h0rus13 files

What is H0rus Ransomware

H0rus Ransomware is a malicious software designed to extort money from its victims by encrypting their files and demanding a ransom for the decryption key. Once it infects a system, it scans the victim’s computer for specific file types and then encrypts them, making them inaccessible without the unique decryption key possessed by the attackers. The ransomware appends a unique file extension, typically .h0rus13, to the encrypted files, signaling that the victim’s data has been taken hostage. This makes it immediately evident to the user that their files have been compromised. The encryption algorithm employed by H0rus Ransomware is often highly sophisticated, using strong cryptographic methods such as AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) or RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) encryption, ensuring that decrypting the files without the private key is practically impossible. In addition to encrypting files, H0rus Ransomware leaves a ransom note, usually named #Recovery.txt, in each folder that contains the encrypted files.

This note provides instructions for the victim on how to pay the ransom, usually in cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, to receive the decryption key. Unfortunately, at the time of writing, there are no publicly available decryption tools specifically for H0rus Ransomware, making it extremely challenging for victims to recover their files without paying the ransom. However, victims are strongly advised not to pay the ransom, as it encourages the attackers and does not guarantee that the files will be decrypted. To decrypt .h0rus13 files, victims should ideally contact cybersecurity professionals who may be able to leverage backup solutions or other recovery techniques. It’s also crucial to invest in robust antivirus software and maintain regular backups of important data to mitigate the risks of ransomware attacks in the future.

How H0rus Ransomware infects computers

H0rus Ransomware typically infiltrates systems through phishing emails, malicious attachments, and compromised websites. Once a user inadvertently downloads and executes the malicious file, the ransomware begins by exploiting system vulnerabilities to gain administrative control. It then encrypts critical files on the victim’s computer using sophisticated encryption algorithms, making the data inaccessible without the decryption key. Additionally, H0rus Ransomware often disables system restore points and deletes shadow copies to prevent recovery. The final step involves displaying a ransom note demanding payment in cryptocurrency for the decryption key, often accompanied by threats of permanent data loss if the ransom is not paid promptly.

1. Download H0rus Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .h0rus13 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 H0rus Ransomware

H0rus Ransomware files:


#Recovery.txt
{randomname}.exe


H0rus Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .h0rus13 files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .h0rus13 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 .h0rus13 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 H0rus 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 .h0rus13 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 H0rus 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. H0rus 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