How to remove HR (NAS) Ransomware and decrypt .hr files

What is HR (NAS) Ransomware

HR is a malicious program categorized as ransomware that infects users via NAS servers. In fact, ransomware is created for earning money by encrypting data and demanding a ransom. Likewise other file-encryption malware, HR blocks various files and assigns .hr extension. Thereafter, the virus drops a text file (RANSOM_NOTE.txt) on your desktop to notify that your data has been encrypted. It also displays a list of steps that you should do to restore files.

The following information says that you have to purchase a special key that costs 0.1130 BTC (1030$). Once payment is completed, you are asked to send them your ID number via the attached e-mail to check whether you have done the payment or not. Moreover, extortionists claim that using third-parties decryption tools is useless since they are obsolete and cannot handle ciphers generated by their ransomware. They try to incept you that they will not fool you and bring your files back in safety. Unfortunately, the integrity of scammers is pure random since there is no guarantee that they will keep their promises. In these circumstances, we recommend uninstalling HR Ransomware and restoring the encrypted data from an external backup.

How HR (NAS) Ransomware infected your computer

According to one of the affected users, the ransomware used a vulnerability in the Zyxel firmware (entering two special characters in the login field provides remote access with root rights to NAS devices without knowing the username and password). Often, ransomware use traditional methods of infiltrating computers such as e-mail spam, botnets, trojans, keylogger, untrustworthy downloads, and others. Although, HR is a special case since it is distributed by hacking NAS (Network Attached Storage). NAS is a computer data storage server connected to a computer network providing data access to a heterogeneous group of clients. Simply said, it is like a hard drive meant to store files but on the server. This way, developers try to exploit unprotected connections to get remote access to your computer. As a result, they are able to install ransomware without your consent. These infiltrations usually happen when visiting poorly protected websites, clicking on malicious ads, or downloading untrustworthy software that modifies settings making your device fully exposed. Check if the domain starts with “https” instead of “http” and try to visit websites that are established with an SSL certificate (Green lock located before the page name). If complied, you will by far decrease the chance of getting hacked and infected with malware. To remove HR ransomware from your computer, follow the steps below.

1. Download HR (NAS) Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .hr 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 HR (NAS) Ransomware

HR (NAS) Ransomware files:


RANSOM_NOTE.txt
{randomfilename}.exe


HR (NAS) Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .hr files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .hr 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 .hr 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 HR (NAS) 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 .hr 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 HR (NAS) 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. HR (NAS) 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 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 is 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 very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro