I wrote this article to help you remove Hackerman Ransomware. This Hackerman Ransomware removal guide works for all Windows versions.
Hackerman is one of the newest additions to the big and notorious ransomware family. There is a reason why ransomware pieces are considered the worst possible parasite, which you can get infected with. Pretty much all ransomware threats follow the same steps. First, they trick you into letting them in your system, leaving you oblivious to it. Second, they lock all of your files you have stored on your machine. And last but not least, they blackmail you. They want you to pay a huge amount of money if you want to recover your lost data. Hackerman does the same. It doesn’t differentiate from its relatives.
For now, Hackerman is oriented in attacking mostly Spanish-speaking users but this doesn’t mean you are safe only because you are not Spanish. Distance and location have never been an obstacle when it comes to cyber infections. So, if you have been so unlucky to end up with this infection, you are in trouble. And you have to act fast in order to get rid of it. If you let it stay the problems will keep pouring. Luckily, we are offering you a removal guide, which will not only help you remove the threat from your system permanently but it will also help you recover your encrypted data. Before proceeding to the removal instructions you may want to read a bit more about the infection you are stuck with and the consequences of your other “options”.
After Hackerman slithers is undetected it immediately proceeds to step number two. The encryption process. It targets all of your files locking them with the AES encryption algorithm. Nothing is beyond its reach. It locks your pictures, videos, music, Word documents, work-related files… pretty much all of your data falls victim to this nasty ransomware. It goes without saying that after Hackerman finishes encryption your files, they are no longer accessible to you. You cannot open them. Moreover, your PC is now unable to recognize them due to the new malicious extension Hackerman appends. You are left with empty icons and renaming them or moving them into another folder doesn’t do anything.
Once the locking process has finished, Hackerman drops a ransom note on your Desktop as well as in each folder that contains encrypted data. The ransom note is a TXT file. A message from the crooks behind the ransomware explaining your unpleasant situation. Hackerman`s ransom note it named “Leeme Por Favor”, which, translated from Spanish means “Please, read me”. The text it contains is pretty standard. It says that all of your precious files are encrypted and the only way of getting them back is obtaining the decryption tool by paying the ransom sum. Of course, there are instructions on how exactly you are supposed to make the payment and some contact information for you to get in touch with the crooks.
This particular infection requires the payment to be done in the OXXO, which is a popular Mexican store. Whatever you do, do not pay. And do not contact these people. It won`t lead to anything good. You have zero guarantees that, after paying, you will receive a fully working decryptor if you receive any at all. There is a big chance you end up with no money and no files. Those are cybercriminals you are about to make a deal with and they are not famous for being trustworthy. The only care about getting your money. That’s what the ransomware has been created for. Your back account is its primary goal. And even if you do receive a decryptor and unlock your files, the ransomware remains on your PC ready to attack any time it wants.
There isn’t a scenario in which you walk out as a winner. Not to mention that by paying the ransom you expose your privacy at risk. You give the hackers access to your financial and identifiable information. Imagine what could happen if they get their hands on it. Your situation will worsen by the minute you may experience irreversible losses. And last but not least, if you decide to pay you basically become a sponsor to the ransomware industry. That’s right. Your money will go directly into the hackers` pockets and they will use it for nothing but more malware developments. Instead of risking everything and jeopardizing your private file, use our removal guide below.
However, free removal guides are not always available and sometimes you may end up in a situation in which paying may seem like the only option. As we explained, it is not a good one. That’s why make sure that you won`t be infected again. First, get yourself a reliable anti-malware tool, keep it up to date and perform scans on your PC on a regular basis. Second, think of how Hackerman managed to infect you this time and do your best to prevent another attack.
The infections cannot enter unless you let it in and because of that, it has to ask you. But not openly, of course. That leaves too much room for denial. Instead, it turns to other trickery methods to dope you and if you are not careful enough, it succeeds. Like in your case. You must have given Hackerman green light at some point otherwise, it wouldn’t have been able to enter. Usually, the ransomware poses as a fake program update and while you think you are updating your Java, your files are getting locked. Other tactics are spam messages, freeware, corrupted sites/links/ads/torrents, etc.
You have to be always on the alert when online because what infections need the most is your negligence. Without it, they are lost and no technique it good enough to get them in. So, be extra vigilant. Remember! Preventing an infection is much easier than dealing with it later.
Hackerman Ransomware Uninstall
Method 1: Restore your encrypted files using ShadowExplorer
Usually, Hackerman Ransomware deletes all shadow copies, stored in your computer. Luckily, the ransomware is not always able to delete the shadow copies. So your first try should be restoring the original files from shadow copies.
- Download ShadowExplorer from this link: http://www.shadowexplorer.com/downloads.html.
- Install ShadowExplorer
- Open ShadowExplorer and select C: drive on the left panel
- Choose at least a month ago date from the date field
- Navigate to the folder with encrypted files
- Right-click on the encrypted file
- Select “Export” and choose a destination for the original file
Method 2: Restore your encrypted files by using System Restore
- Go to Start –> All programs –> Accessories –> System tools –> System restore
- Click “Next“
- Choose a restore point, at least a month ago
- Click “Next“
- Choose Disk C: (should be selected by default)
- Click “Next“. Wait for a few minutes and the restore should be done.
Method 3: Restore your files using File Recovery Software
If none of the above method works, you should try to recover encrypted files by using File Recovery Software. Since Hackerman Ransomware first makes a copy of the original file, then encrypts it and deletes the original one, you can successfully restore the original, using a File Recovery Software. Here are a few free File Recovery Software programs:
