How to remove Halo Ransomware and decrypt .halo files

What is Halo Ransomware

Halo Ransomware is a type of malware designed to encrypt data and demand ransoms for decryption. It appends the .halo extension to the filenames of encrypted files. For example, a file initially titled 1.jpg would appear as 1.jpg.halo. After encrypting the files, Halo Ransomware creates a ransom-demanding message named !_INFO.txt. The note states that the victim’s files have been encrypted and can only be recovered by paying a ransom. The note warns against shutting down the system, renaming files, attempting manual decryption, or using third-party recovery tools, as these actions may render the data undecryptable. The specific file encryption algorithm used by Halo Ransomware is not known. However, ransomware programs typically use symmetric or asymmetric cryptographic algorithms to encrypt files.

There is no mention of a specific decryption tool for Halo Ransomware in the search results. However, you can try searching for ransomware decryption tools on websites like Emsisoft and No More Ransom Project. Keep in mind that these tools may not always work, as ransomware developers constantly update their malware to make it harder to decrypt. Decrypting Halo Ransomware files without the attacker’s interference is usually impossible. Paying the ransom is not recommended, as there is no guarantee that the attackers will provide the decryption tools, and it also supports their illegal activities. The best solution is to recover the encrypted files from a backup if one was created prior and stored elsewhere. To prevent further encryption by Halo Ransomware, it must be eliminated from the operating system.

How Halo Ransomware infects computers

Halo Ransomware primarily spreads through phishing and social engineering tactics. Malicious programs are often disguised as or bundled with ordinary software/media files, such as executables (.exe, .run, etc.), archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), documents (Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, PDF, etc.), and JavaScript. Some malicious programs can also self-spread through local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).

1. Download Halo Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .halo 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 Halo Ransomware

Halo Ransomware files:


!_INFO.txt
{randomname}.exe


Halo Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .halo files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .halo 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 .halo 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 Halo 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 .halo files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose 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 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 alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see 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 Halo 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. Halo 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