HolyCrypt ransomware - How to remove

HolyCrypt is a recently discovered threat, more precisely identified as a crypto-ransomware, written using the Python programming language. It drops its payload that looks like a completely harmless, incapable of hurting a fly, executable and begins to initiate a series of unfortunate events. From this virus, you can even smell the fresh scent of paint as it has only been clearly recognized today so we are hurrying to take a stand against this vicious infection.

About HolyCrypt Ransomware

HolyCrypt ransomware, disguised as a plain file, not attracting any attention, is placed in one of the directories of your PC. The destination might range so it can be quite difficult to discover this payload on your own: especially when it is crafted like an unremarkable piece of data. If not detected in time, HolyCrypt virus modifies Windows Registry Keys to be launched together with your entire system after you turn on your computer for a new day of tasks. Then, if no resistant movement is initiated from the infected victim, HolyCrypt virus runs a scan through your entire system for audio, Microsoft Office, databases, video, documents or other types of files. After successfully corrupting these files like an unscrupulous pirate, HolyCrypt ransomware adds, instead of a usually appended extension, a label before the title of the encrypted file. If your file was named song.mp3, it became (encrypted)song.mp3. In addition to this, HolyCrypt virus will add a straightforward letter to the unfortunate people and it is found as alert.jpg. Also, desktop image will display similar statements as the placed file. It is debated which encryption algorithm has HolyCrypt chosen: the remaining two candidates are RSA and AES codes.

“YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN LOCKED!

Your documents, photos, databases and other important files have been locked with strongest encryption and unique key, generated for this computer. Private decryption key is stored on a secret Internet server and nobody can decrypt your files until you pay and obtain the private key.
The server will eliminate the key after 24h.
Open http://test_ransonware.onion.link and follow the instruction for the payment”

How to Decrypt Files Encrypted by HolyCrypt Ransomware?

Do not even take under serious consideration the possibility to pay hackers the demanded fee. It is hardly plausible that crooks will actually take their time to stick to their promises. The letter left behind implies that hackers will only wait 24hours to receive the demanded sum. After that, all of your files will be permanently destroyed. If it is possible, demand that the creators of HolyCrypt virus would restore at least one encrypted file. With the reconstructed and the encrypted one it is possible to find a way to decrypt all of the corrupted data. Furthermore, give it a shot with other file-recovery tools that might help. For the future, be aware that storing your files in backup storages is a great idea even if you are playing safe around the Net.

How is HolyCrypt Ransomware Distributed?

HolyCrypt virus does not have a slightest scrupulosity and is distributed via spam letters. Even though the received message might be seemingly originating from a trustworthy source, it can actually be just manufactured this way to catch your attention. Do not open unanticipated letters from your friends that seem bizarre: contact them before you proceed. Furthermore, letters might originate from completely legitimate looking service providers. Pre-check if the source is actually reputable and safe. If you do open an email, it is easy to recognize an infectious content. Usually, hackers leave a shady link to another domain or add an attachment. Do not download such content as it might be a payload of a ransomware virus. For adequate security measures, employ antivirus tools like Spyhunter or Malwarebytes. It is important to eliminate this threat from your PC and find a way to regain control.

How to recover HolyCrypt ransomware encrypted files and remove the virus

Step 1. Restore system into last known good state using system restore

1. Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt:

for Windows 7 / Vista/ XP

• Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
• Press F8 key repeatedly until Advanced Boot Options window appears.
• Choose Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

for Windows 8 / 10

• Press Power at Windows login screen. Then press and hold Shift key and click Restart.
• Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings and click Restart.
• When it loads, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list of Startup Settings.

 

2.Restore System files and settings.

• When Command Prompt mode loads, enter cd restore and press Enter.
• Then enter rstrui.exe and press Enter again.
• Click “Next” in the windows that appeared.
• Select one of the Restore Points that are available before HolyCrypt virus has infiltrated to your system and then click “Next”.
• To start System restore click “Yes”.

 

Step 2. Complete removal of HolyCrypt ransomware

After restoring your system, it is recommended to scan your computer with an anti-malware program, like Spyhunter and remove all malicious files related to HolyCrypt virus. You can check other tools here.  

Step 3. Restore HolyCrypt ransomware affected files using Shadow Volume Copies

If you do not use System Restore option on your operating system, there is a chance to use shadow copy snapshots. They store copies of your files that point of time when the system restore snapshot was created. Usually HolyCrypt virus tries to delete all possible Shadow Volume Copies, so this methods may not work on all computers. However, it may fail to do so. Shadow Volume Copies are only available with Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. There are two ways to retrieve your files via Shadow Volume Copy. You can do it using native Windows Previous Versions or via Shadow Explorer. a) Native Windows Previous Versions Right-click on an encrypted file and select Properties → Previous versions tab. Now you will see all available copies of that particular file and the time when it was stored in a Shadow Volume Copy. Choose the version of the file you want to retrieve and click Copy if you want to save it to some directory of your own, or Restore if you want to replace existing, encrypted file. If you want to see the content of file first, just click Open.

b) Shadow Explorer It is a program that can be found online for free. You can download either a full or a portable version of Shadow Explorer. Open the program. On the left top corner select the drive where the file you are looking for is a stored. You will see all folders on that drive. To retrieve a whole folder, right-click on it and select “Export”. Then choose where you want it to be stored.

Step 4. Use Data Recovery programs to recover HolyCrypt ransomware encrypted files

There are several data recovery programs that might recover encrypted files as well. This does not work in all cases but you can try this:

• We suggest using another PC and connect the infected hard drive as slave. It is still possible to do this on infected PC though.
• Download a data recovery program.
• Install and scan for recently deleted files.

Note: In many cases it is impossible to restore data files affected by modern ransomware. Thus I recommend using decent cloud backup software as precaution. We recommend checking out Carbonite, BackBlaze, CrashPlan or Mozy Home.