How to remove Heda Ransomware and decrypt .Heda files

What is Heda Ransomware

Heda Ransomware is a malicious software variant designed to encrypt files on infected computers, rendering them inaccessible to users. This specific strain is known for appending the .Heda extension to the filenames, a clear indicator that the file has been compromised. For instance, a typical file named document.txt would be transformed into document.txt.[Victim-ID].[hedaransom@gmail.com].Heda. Beyond just encrypting files, Heda also alters the desktop wallpaper and drops a ransom note titled #HowToRecover.txt in folders containing encrypted data. The note communicates the attackers’ demands, warning victims that their data has been stolen and encrypted, and provides contact information for ransom payment in exchange for a decryption tool. The attackers threaten to leak or sell sensitive data should victims refuse to cooperate, and they aim to dissuade the use of third-party decryption tools by warning of potential damage to the files.

Currently, there are no publicly available decryption tools for users affected by Heda Ransomware. This is primarily due to the complexity of the encryption algorithm employed by the malware, which has yet to be compromised by cybersecurity researchers. Victims are strongly advised against paying the ransom, as there is no guarantee of data recovery, and it further incentivizes criminal activities. Instead, individuals should focus on removing the ransomware from their systems to prevent additional damage. Once the ransomware is eliminated, alternative solutions like data recovery tools might offer some hope of retrieving lost files from backups, if available. Regularly updating and maintaining secure backups remain critical preventive measures. As every case is unique, consulting specialized forums or platforms, such as the No More Ransom Project, can provide guidance specific to any recent breakthroughs or available support.

How Heda Ransomware infects computers

Heda Ransomware infects computers through various deceptive tactics commonly employed by cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities and human error. One prevalent method is phishing emails, where attackers send malicious attachments or links disguised as legitimate communications, tricking users into executing the ransomware. Additionally, Heda can spread through compromised downloads from unofficial or unsafe sources, such as pirated software or fake updates, which often contain hidden malware. Cybercriminals also leverage malicious advertisements on untrustworthy websites, which can execute scripts to download and install ransomware without the user’s knowledge. Furthermore, Heda may infiltrate systems via infected USB drives or by exploiting security weaknesses in outdated software, emphasizing the importance of regular updates and cautious online behavior to prevent infection. Once inside a system, Heda encrypts valuable files, making them inaccessible and demanding a ransom for decryption, thus highlighting the critical need for robust cybersecurity practices and regular data backups.

1. Download Heda Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .Heda 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 Heda Ransomware

Heda Ransomware files:


#HowToRecover.txt
{randomname}.exe


Heda Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .Heda files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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