What is Hospitalhelper Ransomware
Hospitalhelper is the name of another ransomware infection. Although it is new, the virus copies traits of other popular versions. File encryption, new extension, and ransom note are the main changes brought by Hospitalhelper. For instance, a file like 1.pdf will change to something like this 1.pdf.hospitalhelper.7DD-X8F-BGG and reset its shortcut icon. While .hospitalhelper is a constant extension, XXX-XXX-XXX represents random combination of letters reflecting a victim’s ID. After your files have been altered this way, access to them will be no longer available. Hospitalhelper also creates a text note called !!! ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED !!!.TXT that contains ransom instructions.
!!! ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED !!!
All your files, documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted.
You are not able to decrypt it by yourself! The only method of recovering files is to purchase an unique private key.
Only we can give you this key and only we can recover your files.
To be sure we have the decryptor and it works you can send an email: hospital2021helper@getbackinthe.kitchen and decrypt one file for free.
But this file should be of not valuable!
Do you really want to restore your files?
Write to email: hospital2021helper@getbackinthe.kitchen
Your personal ID: -
Attention!
* Do not rename encrypted files.
* Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
* Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
The note says what kinds of data have been encrypted and how victims can recover them all. As claimed by developers, the only method to regain file access is to purchase unique decryption software from cybercriminals. Victims are also encouraged to test free decryption by sending one file to the attached e-mail address (hospital2021helper@getbackinthe.kitchen). The same address should be used for communication about complete decryption. The price for data recovery is not mentioned until victims get in touch with extortionists. Whatever the price, it is highly advised against paying the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive your files back. Many frauds tend to fool their victims and not send any decryption tools. Unfortunately, despite paying the ransom being risky, this might be the only way to decipher data without damage. At the moment, there is no proven capability of third-party decryptors to erase ciphers of Hospitalhelper. This is why the best option in this scenario is to use backup copies of data. You can try third-party instruments as well, but this should be a plan-B option. No matter which recovery method you choose, it is important to delete Hospitalhelper Ransomware from your computer. Follow our guide below to learn dedicated removal instructions and all possible recovery methods.
How Hospitalhelper Ransomware infected your computer
The list of methods used by cybercriminals to deliver ransomware infections is pretty extensive. Here you see the most popular distribution techniques abused by ransom extortionists:
E-mail spam letters, trojans, fake updates or program installers, backdoors, keyloggers, malicious ads, unprotected RDP configuration, and other popular channels.
The biggest number of ransomware infections has been spotted to happen via malicious attachments hidden inside of e-mail spam letters. These letters are usually disguised as messages sent from fake clones of legitimate companies like DHL, DPD, FedEx, and more. It is also common to see such messages highlighted with some clickbait text in the title or inner content. If you see files like .DOCX, .EXCEL, .PDF, .EXE, .RAR, .ZIP, or .JS with clickbait names, be sure they are likely to be infected. After opening them, users will turn into victims of ransomware or other malicious software. This is why it is important to keep your head on high alert and not trust such content received from fake sources. The same applies to other distribution techniques we mentioned above. If you want to secure yourself against such threats in the future, read through the instructions presented in our tutorial below.
- Download Hospitalhelper Ransomware Removal Tool
- Get decryption tool for .hospitalhelper files
- Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
- Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
- Restore files with Shadow Explorer
- How to protect from threats like Hospitalhelper Ransomware
Download Removal Tool
To remove Hospitalhelper Ransomware completely, we recommend you to use Norton Antivirus from Symantec. It detects and removes all files, folders, and registry keys of Hospitalhelper Ransomware and prevents future infections by similar viruses.
Alternative Removal Tool
To remove Hospitalhelper Ransomware completely, we recommend you to use SpyHunter 5. It detects and removes all files, folders, and registry keys of Hospitalhelper Ransomware. The trial version of Spyhunter 5 offers virus scan and 1-time removal for FREE.
Hospitalhelper Ransomware files:
!!! ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED !!!.TXT
{randomname}.exe
Hospitalhelper Ransomware registry keys:
no information
How to decrypt and restore .hospitalhelper files
Use automated decryptors
Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor
Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .hospitalhelper files. Download it here:
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 .hospitalhelper 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 Hospitalhelper 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 .hospitalhelper files
- Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
- Click Recover Data button.
- Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
- Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
- Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.
Using Windows Previous Versions option:
- Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
- Select Previous Versions tab.
- Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
- To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
- In case there is no items in the list choose alternative method.
Using Shadow Explorer:
- Download Shadow Explorer program.
- Run it and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
- Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
- Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
- In case there are no other dates in the list, choose alternative method.
If you are using Dropbox:
- Login to the DropBox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
- Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
- Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.
How to protect computer from viruses, like Hospitalhelper 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.
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. Hospitalhelper 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.
