HC6 Ransomware: How To Decrypt And Recover The Data

The HC6 ransomware, like other ransomware, requires victims to pay a ransom to send a decryption key. It renames files by adding the “.fucku” extension after the file’s name. 

Important: As soon as you realize your computer is infected with the HC6 ransomware, disconnect the device from the internet and then run a malware scan on your computer. 

If you notice the virus before it takes all your files, you have a higher chance of removing it and restoring the encrypted data immediately.

Never pay the ransom. Even if they send it, the decrypting tool and key may not work. And you’ll end up financing the cybercriminals behind the attack. 

Is there a public decryption tool for HC6 ransomware? 

Yes. There is compatible third-party decryption for the HC6 ransomware. Cyber security researcher, Michael Gillespie developed, with Emsisoft, a free tool that works as HC6 ransomware decryption.

How does the HC6 ransomware work?

The HC6 ransomware enters your device mostly through infected email attachments, such as invoices or PDF files passing as receipts, tickets, and other files you usually trust. One way to prevent this is to only open attachments from senders you trust, and scan them for malicious activity before downloading and opening them.

As the .fucku file extension encrypts the files, it adds a ransom note to all folders with encrypted files. On that note, the cybercriminals ask for ransom, which can be money or BitCoin, and instruct victims on how to pay.

However, there is no guarantee that you’ll get the decryption key, or that it actually works, if you pay the ransom. Looking for professional help is the best way to recover your data.

How does the HC6 ransomware spread?

The HC6 ransomware spreads by initially hacking into unsecured networks and then downloading itself onto a computer for replication. The usual targets are Remote Desktop services that show signs of being unsecured and poor. 

Once the hackers gain access to the network, the .fucku downloads malicious payload to a computer within the network. 

Summary: HC6 ransomware is known since 2017. As with any other ransomware, you should not pay the ransom. Once you know more about it and how it spreads, you can prepare better to avoid the infection.

How to remove the .fucku extension and recover data

The biggest challenge in removing the HC6 ransomware is that, unless you can locate and delete its core files, it will continue replicating. Sometimes, it may tempt you to just let go of some files and salvage whatever data is left. This move is usually futile, as more files will continue to be encrypted. You can essentially remove the .fucku ransomware by either locating its core files or by using malware removal tools.

Use a decryption tool

Note that if you feel comfortable doing it yourself, you can use the Emsisoft tool designed specifically to help you remove the malware from your computer and also aid data recovery.

After downloading the tool, you’ll need to install it on the affected computer. Once installed, you should be able to select the affected directories and decrypt the affected files as shown in the screenshot above. 

Clicking on the decrypt button should instantly decrypt and released all the files that were encrypted with the .fucku extension.

Contact a data recovery service

If you don’t feel comfortable recovering your files on your own, you can contact a data recovery service.

SalvageData’s ransomware data recovery experts will decrypt your files and send them back to you with no corruption.

Use an anti-malware software

Having anti-malware software installed on your computer can help you avoid hacker attacks and phishing. But, if the HC6 ransomware is already on your computer, after isolating it from other devices, you can install the anti-malware to scan and remove the HC6 ransomware.

Restore the files from a recent backup

After you successfully remove the ransomware, you can use an updated backup to restore your files and keep using them.

Remember to only plug another device into your computer after you make sure that there is no trace of the ransomware still on it. Otherwise, you can compromise your storage device along with your computer.

You can also use data recovery software to restore your files.

Summary: There are several solutions for you to recover your data and remove the ransomware after an HC6 attack. You can use a free decryption tool, or anti-malware, to restore data from a backup or with recovery software. And you can report on a data recovery service.

Tips for preventing future attacks

In a digital world where hacker sophistication is ever increasing, it has become clear that both individuals and corporations are constantly under threat from cyberattacks. You can, however, stay safe by following the following tips.

• Keep systems updated: Keep all vital systems from your computer updated. This will ensure that your security parameters are up to date and reduce the likelihood of a successful HC6 attack.
• Be vigilant against phishing: Don’t open or download files from suspicious emails. If there are suspicious attachments to an email, investigate what they might be before downloading it.
• Use anti-malware: You’ll need to ensure that your computer is running an up-to-date version of a reputable antivirus/anti-malware program.
• Use trustworthy download sources: Don’t download software from unofficial sources to reduce the likelihood of downloading an infected file to your computer.

Summary: Prevention is always the best solution for data security. Avoid any malicious cyber-attack by using anti-malware and be careful online.

If the HC6 ransomware has infected you and you’ve lost access to your files, get in touch with SalvageData for a consultation on data recovery options.