Once all files are encrypted, the ransomware will drops messages from its operators in files dubbed _readme.txt. These files are widely known as “ransom notes.” In short, the message in it demands the computer user to pay a ransom in order to receive a data recovery solution from cybercriminals.

Ransom note explained

The _readme.txt note warns the computer user that all of files stored on the compromised computer have been encrypted by HHJK virus. In addition, the note specifies that data can still be recovered. In order to restore them, the victim needs to purchase “special software and unique key” from the ransomware operators. This is nothing else but pure extortion. The criminals expect the victim to pay them for data recovery solution after they encrypt victim’s files with robust encryption algorithms. The ransom note suggests writing to the cybercriminals using one or both email addresses provided: manager@time2mail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc. They also advise attaching a sample of encrypted file (one that doesn’t contain valuable information) and promise to reply quickly and send back a decrypted file version. This way, the crooks are trying to prove that they’re capable of decrypting all of victim’s data and their words aren’t empty promises. Going further into ransom note contents, the victim finds out that data decryption tools cost $490 if one manages to contact the criminals within 72 hours. Otherwise, the crooks threaten to lift the price to $980. Both ways, the only acceptable payment form is cryptocurrency since the attackers do not want to be exposed. When it comes to ransomware-type threats, there’s a tendency to require the ransom payment to be made in Bitcoins. The crooks usually provide links to online cryptocurrency exchange platforms with instructions how to purchase the settled amount and ask to transfer it to their cryptowallet address. Beware that paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee data recovery. As advised by FBI, you shouldn’t pay the ransom as it simply helps to keep the ransomware cycle alive. Moreover, threat actors often tend to memorise victims who comply with their demands and try to target them again.

Beware of information-stealing Trojans dropped by this ransomware

Aside from data encryption, STOP/DJVU variants are also known to drop information-stealing threats that fall into Remote Access Trojans (RATs) category. Particular names associated with this ransomware strain are AZORULT and VIDAR as both were spotted bundled alongside the ransomware. Both of the aforementioned Trojans are used by the criminals to remotely view, delete or download files to computer, steal browser-saved passwords, Skype, Steam and Telegram login credentials, browsing history, cryptocurrency wallets and other sensitive information. Although it is unknown what particular goal of cybercriminals are, it is highly likely that collected data is used to blackmail the user. Computer users are advised to remove HHJK ransomware virus and related threats using an automatic malware removal tool. If you have an antivirus software, make sure you update it first. Then boot your PC in Safe Mode with Networking and start a full system scan to detect the malicious components. We do not advise manual ransomware removal option because it requires a lot of technical computer knowledge. After removing all threats, you may want to download RESTORO and run an additional scan. The tool can repair detected damage to Windows OS files automatically.

Ransomware Summary

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE

Ransomware distribution explained

Threat actors usually distribute ransomware with the help of pirated software copies, fake update tools or malicious email attachments. When it comes to STOP/DJVU versions including HHJK virus, the primary distribution method is illegal online downloads. The crooks often use popular software names as clickbait to trick the unsuspecting computer users into downloading the ransomware payload. Victims who have previously infected their computers with this ransomware strain report attempting to download these programs from various warez and crack sites:

Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop/Premiere Pro;AutoCad;Cubase;VMware Workstation;Tenorshare 4ukey;Corel Draw;WinRAR;Virtual DJ Pro;League of Legends;Internet Download Manager.

We advise computer users to only download programs from legitimate websites. Trying to cut corners and activate paid software illegally exposes your computer to a whole bouquet of cybersecurity risks that can cause so much damage to your privacy and computer-stored data. Malware distributors also frequently resort to malicious email spam when trying to reach potential victims. They tend to attach regular-looking files, often in DOCX, PDF, XLS, JS formats, dubbed as Invoice/Order Summary/Payment Details/Pending Payment or similarly. In most cases, the email contains a message urging the victim to take action, for example, click on inserted URL or attached file and reply to the sender as soon as possible. Once the victim opens the attached file, especially when no antivirus with real-time protection is enabled, the computer gets infected. Our tip is to avoid exploring emails that you weren’t waiting for and also look out for other red flags such as strange greeting line, typo mistakes, unfamiliar attachment format and similar. In addition, you should know that criminals often leverage email address spoofing technique to appear as trustworthy entities for the recipient. Victims infected with STOP/DJVU versions should know that there are many scammers who are trying to take advantage of ransomware victims and put them in even more miserable situation for their own benefit. For example, they might lure victims with fake data decryption tools that are simply another malware in disguise. In other scenarios, scammers often post comments in social networks promising they know a “hacker” who can decrypt files locked with “online” STOP/DJVU encryption type, the one that’s known as impossible to decrypt. Beware that these scammers only want to infect you with more malware or either rip you off financially. The only tools you can trust at the moment are developed by Emsisoft and DiskTuna.

Remove HHJK Ransomware Virus and Decrypt Your Files

We advise computer users to begin HHJK ransomware removal procedure by booting the computer in Safe Mode with Networking. This helps to start the computer system with limited functionalities and also stops unwanted malicious processes from blocking security software. You can find instructions on how to boot your PC in the said mode down below. One you’re in Safe Mode with Networking, run a genuine antivirus solution to remove HHJK ransomware virus securely. Afterward, consider downloading RESTORO to repair damaged Windows OS files automatically. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove HHJK Ransomware Virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users Now, you can search for and remove HHJK Ransomware Virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense If you’re looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek’s Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Decrypt HHJK files

Fix and open large HHJK files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. HHJK Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie. Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible. In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt HHJK files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The HHJK decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages: Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID] This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor’s database. No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible. Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future. If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn’t available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your HHJK extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Victims of HHJK Ransomware Virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can’t find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up “[your country name] report cyber crime”. This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities. Another recommendation is to contact your country’s or region’s federal police or communications authority.