HELP_HELP_HELP virus – Cerber 2017 variant decryption and removal

Cerber ransomware keeps showing its ugly fangs as its latest variant goes live, which creates HTA and JPG _HELP_HELP_HELP ransom notes on infected computers.

Ransomware updates are a normal phenomenon in this sector of extortion-centered cybercrime. Old samples get refreshed regularly to be an ever-moving target for researchers and get anti-detection enhancements. In a predictable move, the authors of the Cerber ransomware have recently released a new edition of their nasty program. The tweak has brought about a couple of changes. First off, the infection now provides decryption steps through a new combo of ransom manuals. These include the following files: _HELP_HELP_HELP_[random_8_chars].hta and _HELP_HELP_HELP_[random_8_chars].jpg. Furthermore, Cerber does not bring its version number out in the open anymore, as opposed to its predecessors that indicated this information right on the desktop wallpaper.

Other than these modifications, the malicious code in question is still the same old Cerber. It is being distributed via two different techniques. One of these boils down to spam campaigns that deliver contagious Word files in ZIP archives. These objects are attached to emails impersonating business partners, Internet service providers or even government organizations. If a would-be victim gets curious enough to explore what this enclosed document is about and opens it, the file turns out blank or displays unintelligible content. To correct this, the user is prompted to enable macros, which pose an attack vector widely used by ransomware peddlers. What happens next is the associated VBScript downloads and installs the infection.

Another method of contaminating computers relies on exploit kits. This technique isn’t as straightforward as the spam route. When surfing the web, users may visit a compromised site that contains what’s called the pseudo-Darkleech script. This code reroutes the traffic to a page hosting the Rig-V EK (exploit kit), which in its turn finds and exploits a known software vulnerability on the targeted workstation. This way, the HELP_HELP_HELP variant of Cerber is executed on the system without raising any red flags.

The subsequent workflow of the attack is what security analysts are quite familiar with. Cerber deploys a massive data lookup on the infected machine’s hard drive as well as network shares and removable media that’s currently plugged in. During this scan, it searches for files that are likely to matter the most to the victim. In particular, these are various sorts of personal documents, objects stored in different graphical formats, video files, databases and the like. The pest is driven by the extension hallmark when performing this traversal.

When the full list of these matching items is ready, the ransomware makes them inaccessible. It implements the AES cryptographic algorithm immaculately, therefore there is negligible probability that brute-forcing of the secret decryption key will help. Every filename undergoes an alteration during this process. The malady turns them into arrays of 10 hexadecimal characters, which are appended with a victim-specific extension consisting of 4 characters. So it’s impossible to even work out what exactly has been scrambled on the PC.

To lend victims a “helping hand” in terms of recovery, the ransom Trojan adds the aforementioned help files to the desktop and all directories with affected data. According to these _HELP_HELP_HELP_[random_8_chars].hta/jpg files, the user will have to install Tor Browser and use it to visit a specific gateway called the Cerber Decryptor page. This service provides the amount of Bitcoin to pay for the decryption key, the destination BTC wallet address, and the deadline for doing it. This is certainly a disgusting deal, so it’s advised that victims try everything else first. If there are no data backups, the workarounds that may help include the use of specially crafted recovery software as well as tools that restore previous versions of encoded files.

HELP_HELP_HELP ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like HELP_HELP_HELP, one of the best shortcuts in terms of removal is to use Combo Cleaner, a lightweight and incredibly effective application with PC security and optimization features under the hood. It detects and thoroughly deletes threats while giving you insights into the overall health of your computer.

This program’s protection power spans modules that forestall all known types of malware, including ransomware and browser hijackers, and take your online security to the next level by blocking phishing sites and other suspicious web pages. Follow these simple steps to eliminate the infection for good:

1. Download Combo Cleaner installer.

Download HELP_HELP_HELP remover

^{Combo Cleaner scans your PC with no strings attached, but you’ll have to buy its fully functional version to remove the threats it detects. The disk optimization tools that find large files and duplicates are free to use.}

2. Open the CCSetup.exe file to get started. Several subsequent screens will allow you to make initial customizations so that the program works exactly as you need from the get-go.

3. The installation will be followed by an update of malware signatures. Once this process is through, click the Start Scan button in the left-hand sidebar.

4. Combo Cleaner will then check system locations that are most often polluted by Windows malware. The first scan can take a while to finish.

5. Combo Cleaner will display a system tray notification as soon as the scan is over. Click the Resolve found threats button to view the results.

6. The scan summary shows the names and types of the detected threats as well as their statuses and locations. Click the Remove all threats button and follow further on-screen prompts to get rid of these items.

Data recovery toolkit to the rescue

Some strains of ransomware are known to delete the original files after the encryption routine has been completed. As hostile as this activity appears, it can play into your hands. There are applications designed to revive the information that was obliterated because of malfunctioning hardware or due to accidental removal. The tool called Stellar Data Recovery features this type of a capability and therefore it can be applied in ransom attack scenarios to at least get the most important files back. So use the app to get an idea of what data can be restored and let it do the recovery job. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

2. Open the application, select the types of recoverable files to look for, and click Next.

3. Choose the areas you want the tool to recover from and click the Scan button.

4. Having scanned the specified locations, the program will display a notification about the total amount of recoverable data. Close the dialog and click the Recover button. This will hopefully help you get some of your valuable files back.

HELP_HELP_HELP ransomware manual removal and file recovery

Some ransomware strains terminate themselves after completing the encryption job on a computer, but some don’t. Furthermore, the HELP_HELP_HELP virus may prevent victims from using popular antimalware tools in order to stay on board for as long as possible. Under the circumstances, it may be necessary to utilize the Safe Mode with Networking or System Restore functionality.

Be advised that even after the ransomware is removed, files will still be encrypted and inaccessible. The malicious code cleanup part, however, is important because it keeps a relapse of the infection from occurring further on and eliminates all opportunistic malware.

Ways of non-ransom file recovery

Cracking the crypto used by this ransom Trojan is more of a science fiction thing rather than an attainable prospect for the masses. This is why the troubleshooting in predicaments of this sort is a matter of two approaches: one is to pay the ransom, which isn’t an option for many victims; and the other is to apply instruments that take advantage of the ransomware’s possible weaknesses. If the latter is your pick, the advice below is a must-try.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid HELP_HELP_HELP ransomware and other file-encrypting infections in the future, follow several simple recommendations:

These techniques are certainly not a cure-all, but they will add an extra layer of ransomware protection to your security setup.

Revise your security status

Post-factum assessment of the accuracy component in malware removal scenarios is a great habit that prevents the comeback of harmful code or replication of its unattended fractions. Make sure you are good to go by running an additional safety checkup. Another benefit of using the antimalware tool is that it will keep ransomware threats from intruding on your computer further on.

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