How to remove Hive Ransomware and decrypt .hive files

What is Hive Ransomware

Hive is a malicious program classified as ransomware. Its main purpose lies in running file encryption to blackmail users into paying the ransom. This ransom is a certain amount required in exchange for the blocked data. Users can spot that their files have been encrypted by the change of their names. Specifically, victims are seeing a random string of characters along with the .hive extension assigned to each data piece. Such a change makes files encrypted, which declines access to them. To recover the lost access to data, users are instructed to follow the details stated inside of a text note called HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt.

Cybercriminals inform the affected victims that their network has been hijacked, which led to immediate data encryption. To decrypt the compromised files, victims have to contact extortionists via the link attached to the note and purchase the decryption software. The last thing written by cybercriminals is how to avoid irreversible data damage. They say it is forbidden to run any manipulations with your data, e.g. do not shut your PC intentionally, modify or change file names, use a third-party software, and many other attempts to erase the encryption. Otherwise, such actions may lead to permanent loss of data. Although Hive developers are the only figures able to decrypt your data, there is a risk and financial inability of some victims to pay the required ransom. You can be fooled and do not receive any decryption tools at the end of transferring money. The best solution to recover your data with safety is using backup copies of data after removing the virus. Even though there are some third-party utilities famous for their decryption abilities, chances are they will be unable to decrypt the “.hive” files regardless. Whatever the case, it is necessary to delete the Hive Ransomware from your computer to prevent further encryption. Below, you will find a guidebook to do it.

How Hive Ransomware infected your computer

Just like other malware of different types, ransomware can be distributed via e-mail spam, trojans, unprotected RDP configuration, backdoors, keyloggers, forged software updates, and other suspicious channels that could be the intermediaries for malware delivery. We would like to elaborate on e-mail spam letters as they are most often abused by fraudulent figures. Cybercriminals create fake messages representing the content of legitimate companies (e.g. DPD, DHL, FedEx, etc.). The thing making users exposed to downloading malware are files or links attached to such messages. The most observed have been files with .DOCX, .PDF, .EXE, and .JS extensions. They can be a camouflage containing malicious software, which, if opened, will deliver malware potentially. This is why it is expressly advised against interacting with unknown content received from suspicious addresses. Along with the removal, our guide below will answer all questions regarding PC protection against such threats in the future.

1. Download Hive Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .hive 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 Hive Ransomware

Hive Ransomware files:


HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt
{randomname}.exe


Hive Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .hive files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .hive 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 .hive files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing of 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 Hive Ransomware and removed it 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 .hive 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 is 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 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 Hive 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 storages, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storages can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Hive 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