How to remove HellCat Ransomware and decrypt .HC files

What is HellCat Ransomware

HellCat Ransomware, a potent cyber threat, stealthily infiltrates systems, rendering victims’ files inaccessible by encrypting them and appending the .HC extension. It operates by utilizing advanced encryption algorithms, making unauthorized decryption efforts nearly impossible without the attacker’s decryption key. Victims typically find their desktop wallpaper altered, a stark indicator of the breach, and a ransom note dropped in each folder where files are encrypted. This note, usually titled _README_HELLCAT_.txt, contains demands and instructions for contacting the attackers, often highlighting a deadline for payment to prevent data leaks or permanent encryption. The note is designed to create urgency, with threats of repercussions if any attempts to decrypt the files without authorization are made.

Currently, there are no publicly available decryption tools for HellCat’s encrypted files, as the ransomware employs robust cryptography. This lack of available decryption options compels victims to reconsider paying the ransom. However, it is critical to remember that compliance does not guarantee file recovery and could furthermore perpetuate the unethical cycle of cybercrime. For the decryption of .HC files, preventive measures such as maintaining secure backups are the most reliable defense. Without a decryption tool or key provided by the attackers themselves—which is notoriously unreliable—victims are often left with data recovery as their only salvation. Employing legitimate antivirus software to remove the ransomware and consulting databases like the No More Ransom Project, although rarely successful, are advised measures if decryption tools eventually become available through vulnerabilities found in the ransomware.

How HellCat Ransomware infects computers

HellCat Ransomware typically infiltrates computers through deceptive tactics that exploit user vulnerabilities. Common infection vectors include phishing emails containing malicious attachments or links, which, when opened, execute the ransomware. Additionally, HellCat can spread via technical support scams, malicious advertisements, and compromised websites, luring users into downloading the malware. Cybercriminals may also leverage software vulnerabilities by distributing ransomware through pirated software, cracking tools, and unauthorized downloaders. In some instances, HellCat can proliferate across networks by infecting connected external storage devices and exploiting weak network security. To mitigate these risks, users should be vigilant about email attachments, maintain updated security software, and avoid downloading software from untrusted sources.

1. Download HellCat Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .HC 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 HellCat Ransomware

HellCat Ransomware files:


_README_HELLCAT_.txt
{randomname}.exe


HellCat Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .HC files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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