How to remove Hazard (Medusalocker) Ransomware and decrypt .hazard18 files

What is Hazard Ransomware

Hazard Ransomware is a harmful variant belonging to the MedusaLocker family of ransomware. This malware encrypts files on infected systems, adding unique file extensions to them. Specifically, it appends extensions such as .hazard18 to the filenames, indicating that the affected files have been encrypted. For instance, an original file named document.docx becomes document.docx.hazard18, signaling the encryption process has taken place. The ransomware employs RSA and AES encryption algorithms, which secure files by rendering them inaccessible without a specific decryption key known only to the attackers. Once the encryption occurs, the ransomware leaves a ransom note titled HOW_TO_BACK_FILES.html. This note typically appears in every folder containing encrypted files, informing the victim of the actions taken and providing instructions to contact the attackers for decryption details.

Unfortunately, no free decryption tools are currently available for Hazard Ransomware. The intricate encryption methods used, specifically RSA and AES, make unauthorized decryption particularly challenging. Thus, decryption of .hazard18 files usually requires a decryption key that only the ransomware operators possess. While paying the ransom may seem like an option, it is highly discouraged as it does not guarantee file recovery and supports criminal activities. Instead, victims are advised to focus on removing the ransomware from their systems to prevent further damage. For those looking to decrypt .hazard18 files, the best course of action is to rely on backups, if available, or consult reputable cybersecurity professionals who might offer alternative recovery methods.

How Hazard Ransomware infects computers

Hazard Ransomware typically infiltrates computers through several common vectors, often exploiting user behavior and system vulnerabilities. One primary method is via malicious email attachments, where unsuspecting users open seemingly legitimate documents embedded with harmful macros. Additionally, phishing emails containing deceptive links can direct users to compromised websites that automatically download the ransomware. Hazard Ransomware can also spread through infected software downloaded from untrusted sources such as peer-to-peer networks and third-party websites. Malicious advertisements, or “malvertising”, can also serve as a conduit, infecting systems through drive-by downloads when users click on seemingly benign ads. Finally, outdated software and unpatched system vulnerabilities provide critical entry points for this ransomware, emphasizing the need for regular updates and robust security measures.

1. Download Hazard Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .hazard18 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 Hazard Ransomware

Hazard Ransomware files:


HOW_TO_BACK_FILES.html
{randomname}.exe


Hazard Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .hazard18 files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .hazard18 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 .hazard18 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 Hazard 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 .hazard18 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 Hazard 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. Hazard 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