HakunaMatata ransomware virus removal and decryptor

Find out which ransomware strain appends the .HakunaMatata extension to encrypted files and get useful advice on restoring the data that got locked down.

A ransomware sample that’s presently in active rotation gives the phrase “hakuna matata” a completely new meaning. Instead of denoting a life with no worries, it has come to be associated with serious data accessibility problems for everybody infected. The crypto threat under consideration is called NMoreira 2.0, alias XPan or XRatTeam. The latest variant of this nasty virus affixes the .HakunaMatata extension to every single file on a contaminated computer that underwent the adverse cryptography-backed impact. For example, an original sample document named Keynote.pdf will turn into an off-limits Keynote.pdf.HakunaMatata entry. The new file extension sprinkled throughout a plagued system isn’t the only symptom of this digital onslaught. The offending application also leaves ransom notes inside folders so that victims can kick off with the paid decryption routine. These entities are called “Recovers files yako.html”.

According to the instructions provided by the threat actors, recovery is a matter of submitting a certain amount of money to their Bitcoin wallet address. The warning message starts with the following phrase,

Encrypted files! All your files are encrypted. Using AES256-bit encryption and RSA-2048-bit encryption. Making it impossible to recover files without the correct private key.

By the way, the punctuation and grammar of the alert is terrible, which suggests that the attackers aren’t native English speakers. Another interesting thing about the ransom note is that the crooks instruct users to install Bitmessage, a secure instant messaging solution allowing users to send encrypted messages. This way, those infected are supposed to reach the criminals and negotiate the terms of unencrypting the ransomed personal information.

The HakunaMatata version of NMoreira malady propagates via a methodology that ransomware researchers are well familiar with. Its payload arrives with spam. Although some people may consider junk emails to be simply annoying, that’s a very erroneous opinion these days. By conducting well-orchestrated spam campaigns, ransomware authors achieve their nefarious objectives with high infection rates. In the case of the HakunaMatata file virus, these rogue emails are designed as if they were from some reputable organization or government agency. However, once a recipient opens an attached file to learn more, it will stealthily fire NMoreira downloader. When inside, the crypto pest scans the local, removable and network drives in order to locate the user’s important files. Then, it utilizes the above-mentioned combo of symmetric and asymmetric encryption algorithms in order to make the data inaccessible.

Security analysts were able to craft an automatic free decryptor for the previous edition of this ransom Trojan, which concatenated the .__AiraCropEncrypted! or .maktub string to mutilated files and dropped “Recupere seus arquivos. Leia-me!.txt” or “How to decrypt your files.txt” ransom note. However, the current .HakunaMatata version features enhanced crypto and has not been cracked thus far. Under the circumstances, troubleshooting boils down to recovery practices that proved to work for quite a few ransomware samples. So be sure to give the steps below a shot before considering the ransom-based method.

HakunaMatata ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like HakunaMatata, 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 HakunaMatata 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.

HakunaMatata 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 HakunaMatata 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 recovery of .HakunaMatata files

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 HakunaMatata 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.

Download HakunaMatata removal tool