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HGEW Ransomware (.hgew File Extension)

HGEW a strain within the STOP/Djvu Ransomware family, employing the Salsa20 encryption algorithm to encrypt files on compromised systems. Victims are coerced into paying a ransom ranging from $490 to $980 in Bitcoins for the decryption key.

You may be interested in taking a look at our other antivirus tools:
Trojan Killer, and Online Virus Scanner.

About Hgew:


NameHgew Virus
Version0780
File Extension.hgew
Contact[email protected], [email protected]
FamilySTOP/Djvu Ransomware
Note_readme.txt
Offline IDNk8w6hJsuGrE3s2SYWM3ehMUHvjgVRqqgX84dat1
Last seenSeptember 12, 2023
AlgorithmSalsa20 encryption. If Hgew cannot establish a connection to crooks server before starting the encryption process, it uses the offline key. This key is the same for all victims(!), making it possible to decrypt .hgew files in the future.
RansomFrom $490 to $980 (in Bitcoins)
Damage
  1. ⮞ Can delete Volume Shadow copies to make victim’s attempts to restore data impossible;
  2. ⮞ Adds a list of domains to HOSTS file to block access to certain security-related sites;
  3. ⮞ Installs password-stealing trojan virus, like Redline Stealer, Vidar Stealer, Smokeloader, Azorult and others;
DistributionThird-party downloaders, installers, peer-to-peer networks, RDP exploits, etc.,
RSA Public Key-----BEGIN PUBLIC KEY----- MIIBIjANBgkqhkiG9w0BAQEFAAOCAQ8AMIIBCgKCAQEAw1e+B7evmv3FQSAV1LbZ ajkNpio2wBxH2z9/+xaw+EoWuAV5BVXZOW38a45FtuAJyocnDeCPGHjpsKD549xI 5ryKrKq1knUaPZQpObzTTvWXILI8blGGpZpB22himH/dAe0AzqvaOE87Aw13OZkH KNi45klV+ySpKKr0CXjjH0z3zO2efL3SlGmdhKoMXozNZ1rkOCXHU1Fimhe6iCC0 jCzGrT1ou7O3wyMfTVm7HGnKRfa7vzpCZ5Ad2OxB9sSZRTOEa2duuMdTfX2ZJseJ T3lysi2dGgqTshpfsogHYQq33OD8C8JACcaaozM7f7ut8JS7BV04SpRJw21yJGrl TQIDAQAB -----END PUBLIC KEY-----
Other variants
  • Hgfu Ransomware (.hgfu encrypted files)
  • Hgkd Ransomware (.hgkd encrypted files)
  • Rzml Ransomware (.rzml encrypted files)
  • HGEW Virus Removal Tool

    What is Hgew?

    A Hgew ransomware attack is undeniably distressing. It encrypts your files and demands a ransom in Bitcoins, typically around $1000. The primary objective of the cybercriminals spreading this malware is money laundering; they are not interested in personal information or other sensitive data.

    The encryption used by this virus is currently unbreakable. The challenge in decryption stems not only from the encryption method itself but also because the decryption keys are securely stored on a remote server under the control of the perpetrators. The sheer number of possible keys (2*10^78) renders brute force or any similar decryption attempts futile.

    In addition to encryption, Hgew malware implements changes to several crucial system settings, complicating the search for a decryption method. It blocks the execution of installation files and restricts access to anti-malware resources online. Other alterations to system settings further degrade the usability of your PC.

    Understanding how the infection occurred is vital for preventing future incidents. This virus typically proliferates via websites offering "free" versions of popular software. While downloading a pirated version of Photoshop might seem harmless, there's no guarantee that the software hasn't been tampered with to include malicious code.

    Hgew Encryption process

    The Hgew uses the Salsa20 encryption algorithm. That is not the strongest method, but it still provides an overwhelming amount of possible decryption keys. To brute force the 78-digit number of keys, you need 3.5 unvigintillion years (1*10^65), even if you use the most powerful regular PC. Quantum computers can show a bit better results, but it is still too slow to get your files back while you are alive.

    The exact algorithm of encryption is next: malware scans each folder for the files it is able to encrypt. Then, when it finds the target, it makes a copy of your file, removes the original one, encrypts the copy and leaves it instead of the removed original. Such a procedure is done to prevent the situation when you have already opened the file, so ransomware is not able to read it because of the Windows restrictions. To each encrypted copy, the virus adds the specific extension - ".hgew". Then, ransomware creates a _readme.txt file in the folder where the encrypted file is located, and goes to the next folder.

    .HGEW Files

    Such an encryption method can be exploited for file recovery. Since the original file is deleted, you may try to recover it using the file recovery tools. The less time is passed - the bigger the chance to get your files back, so hurry up!

    Another specific moment that can help you to use the files even after the encryption is the fact that Hgew ransomware encrypts only the first 150KB of each file. Hence, you can try to run a big file, such as video or music, without the encryption. Similar feature also works with other ransomware families - Dharma, Conti and Makop encrypt the same 150KB.

    Hgew note:

    Ransom note is the same for the whole STOP/DJVU family. In fact, it is one of the main signs of to which family the certain ransomware belongs. Here is the typical note for STOP/Djvu family:

    ATTENTION!

    Don't worry, you can return all your files!
    All your files like pictures, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
    The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
    This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
    What guarantees you have?
    You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
    But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
    You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
    https://we.tl/t-iTbDHY13BX
    Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
    Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
    Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
    Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.


    To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
    [email protected]

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    🔗 HowToFix.Guide: How To Decrypt .hgew Files?

    Indicators of Compromise(IOC)

    File NameMD5File Size
    📜 SAMPLE.EXE8a10220957fdf2698ebdf8acaa62013a216064
    📜 SAMPLE.EXEb4aeb6d3219f7f6bce12e046d71f682f277504
    📜 SAMPLE.EXE299d398d16d90f8d8a32096e5061cc70276992
    📜 SAMPLE.EXE114dc452d2dbf9e4812f427bbc4e198b225280
    📜 SAMPLE.EXEea39614938f85afca72f29463626d230206336
    📜 SAMPLE.EXEce799faf185f0c1757320abebf315a28205824
    📜 SAMPLE.EXE27f3b0c68e74df89766baea22941a3fc189952
    📜 SAMPLE.EXEb5c3da97ab0ab6d2b1ebc0928fe33dec222208