HackdoorCrypt3r Ransomware

The HackdoorCrypt3r Ransomware is a file-locking Trojan that's a variant of Utku Sen's Hidden Tear projec. The HackdoorCrypt3r Ransomware can use the usual means of blocking your computer's media by encrypting it, and will also leave ransom notes in Notepad format. You should withhold any ransom payments until after testing every other recovery method and use suitable anti-malware products for removing the HackdoorCrypt3r Ransomware infections safely.

Intruders Bumrushing Through the Door to Your Files

Free programming resources for file-locking Trojans are getting serious competition from user-friendly Ransomware-as-a-Services. Still, projects like Utku Sen's Hidden Tear keep all of their old viability as starting points for extortion through cyber-crime. The free Hidden Tear is the progenitor of many file-locking Trojans' campaigns, including the BulbaCrypt Ransomware, the BSS Ransomware, the Nog4yH4n Project Ransomware, the Shrug2 Ransomware, and the latest case in point, the HackdoorCrypt3r Ransomware.

The HackdoorCrypt3r Ransomware is targeting English-speaking victims and uses a standard, AES encryption-based attack for locking their files. As a variant of Hidden Tear, the HackdoorCrypt3r Ransomware includes a generous 'target' list for data types and can lock up to nearly four hundred types, from documents and pictures to much more obscure files. Symptoms related to this routine aren't present, although some users may identify the concealed process by checking a utility like Task Manager.

After completing this task, the HackdoorCrypt3r Ransomware replaces the background wallpaper with a generic, Anonymous hacktivist-themed image and drops a TXT ransom note. The note uses unique text but offers the typical deal of providing the decryptor for hundreds of dollars in Bitcoins. Interestingly, malware experts point out that the HackdoorCrypt3r Ransomware's prices are in line with many Ransomware-as-a-Service operations, showing that the Trojan's business model is running with the 'competition' in mind.

Shutting the Door on a Simple Hacking Operation

Although the HackdoorCrypt3r Ransomware does its best to nudge victims away from any recovery or security-related countermeasures, Hidden Tear's default encryption isn't robust particularly. Users may find hope of unlocking their files through freeware decryption services or customized efforts from experienced cyber-security researchers. Malware experts also continue recommending all users to establish remote and password-protected backups as, by far, the easiest way to keep one's media intact.

Although the HackdoorCrypt3r Ransomware includes an authorship line that mentions 'Pakistani hackers,' no clues are suggesting that its campaign is targeting Pakistan specifically. Keeping one's PC safe from possible attacks can involve choosing appropriate passwords, disabling unsafe browser features, and avoiding contact with files from dubious sources, such as unexpected e-mails or torrents. The majority of file-locking Trojans depend on installation exploits requiring initial mistakes from the victim.

Most anti-malware products provide database entries specific to Hidden Tear. Particularly if they're up-to-date, these programs should remove the HackdoorCrypt3r Ransomware easily and stop installation attempts in their tracks.

As new criminals get their hands on Hidden Tear, spin-offs like the HackdoorCrypt3r Ransomware become inevitable. All anyone can do is store their files under the assumption that an attack is possible before it strikes.