Hunters International (.locked) ransomware virus removal

What kind of malware is Hunters International?

Hunters International is a malicious program initially believed to be the rebrand of Hive ransomware following disruption of the latter's operations in 2023 by the FBI and Europol. The speculation regarding a rebrand was refuted by the group behind Hunters International and is further corroborated by other evidence.

Typically, ransomware is used to encrypt victims' data in order to demand ransoms for its decryption. However, Hunters International's group has announced that their operations are geared towards data exfiltration from large entities and not file encryption. This is confirmed by known attacks involving this ransomware.

The sample of Hunters International we analyzed – appended encrypted files with a ".locked" extension; e.g., a file originally named "1.jpg" appeared as "1.jpg.locked", "2.png" as "2.png.locked", etc. It is noteworthy that this ransomware is capable of forgoing filename alteration. After the encryption is completed, the ransomware drops a ransom note titled "Contact Us.txt".

Screenshot of files encrypted by Hunters International ransomware:

Ransom note overview

Hunters International ransomware's message provides instructions on how to contact the attackers. It recommends to inform the company's CEO without delay and show them the cyber criminals' data-leaking website.

Hunters International ransomware overview

It was initially speculated that Hunters International was a result of rebranding efforts undertaken by Hive ransomware. This was presumed to be the case due to the 60% match between the programs' codes. Hive had its operations thwarted by the FBI and Europol in January of 2023.

However, a statement released by the group behind Hunters International ransomware denied the rebranding claims. The threat actor stated that they had obtained Hive's source code and infrastructure from the now-defunct group. This is corroborated by other evidence.

Hunters International is written in the Rust programming language, which coincides with the last developments in Hive ransomware's code. The originator ransomware (Hive) had previously used the C programming language and Golang.

The known Hunters International variant's code has been simplified since the Hive iterations. The group behind the ransomware mentioned this; they have expressed dissatisfaction at the errors present in the original code – some of which were egregious enough to render decryption impossible.

Statements have been issued regarding the removal of the mistakes and that critical errors no longer prevent file recovery. However, malware analysts have detected flaws in Hunters International. The prevalent opinion is that this ransomware is still in development.

Hunters International ransomware allows for customization, such as the inclusion of an extension to be added to the locked files, deletion of the Volume Shadow Copies and other data recovery avenues, and indication of minimum file size necessary for encryption. Hunters International is designed to modify all files, and it only excludes predetermined file formats and directories.

Claims made by Hunters International's group and known attacks indicate that these cyber criminals lean towards data exfiltration rather than encryption. There have even been infections involving this ransomware wherein no encryption occurred.

Double-extortion tactics have become quite widespread, particularly amongst groups like Hunters International that target large entities (companies, organizations, institutions, etc.) rather than home users.

This threat actor does not appear to be exceedingly selective in which entities to attack – the infections seem to be more opportunistic in nature. Hunters International attacks have been noted in North and Central America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Generally, encrypted files cannot be restored without the attackers' interference. It is also common for victims not to receive the promised decryption keys/software – despite meeting the ransom demands. Therefore, it is expressly advised against doing so – since data recovery is not guaranteed, and paying also supports this illegal activity.

To prevent Hunters International ransomware from encrypting more files – it must be eliminated from the operating system. Unfortunately, removal will not restore already affected data. The sole solution is to recover the files from a backup (if one was created beforehand and is stored elsewhere).

Therefore, we strongly recommend keeping backups in multiple different locations (e.g., external hard drives, remote servers, etc.) – to ensure data safety.

Ransomware examples

We have analyzed thousands of ransomware samples; 1337, WannaDie, C3RB3R, and GoTiS are merely some of our latest finds.

Malware within this classification has two significant differences in-between – the cryptographic algorithms these programs use for encryption (symmetric or asymmetric) and the ransom size. The sums can vary drastically – between three and eight digits (in USD) – depending on the intended victim, i.e., home user vs. large entity.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

Cyber criminals predominantly use phishing and social engineering tactics to proliferate ransomware and other malware. Targeted attacks utilize custom-made lures.

Malicious software is usually disguised as or bundled with ordinary program/media files. They can be archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), documents (Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, PDF, etc.), JavaScript, and so on.

The most widespread malware distribution techniques include: malicious attachments/links in spam mail (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, etc.), drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), online scams, malvertising, illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates.

Some malicious programs can even self-proliferate via local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).

Threat Summary:

Name	Hunters International virus
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files locker
Encrypted Files Extension	.locked or no extension (depends on variant)
Ransom Demanding Message	Contact Us.txt
Ransom Amount	Depends on the victim
Free Decryptor Available?	No
Cyber Criminal Contact	Website on Tor network
Detection Names	Avast (Win64:Evo-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.Ransom.Hunters.B), Emsisoft (Trojan.Ransom.Hunters.B (B)), Kaspersky (Trojan-Ransom.Win64.Hive.k), Microsoft (Ransom:Win64/HiveCrypt.SU!MTB), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Symptoms	Cannot open files stored on your computer, previously functional files now have a different extension (for example, my.docx.locked). A ransom demand message is displayed on your desktop. Cyber criminals demand payment of a ransom (usually in bitcoins) to unlock your files.
Distribution methods	Infected email attachments (macros), torrent websites, malicious ads.
Damage	All files are encrypted and cannot be opened without paying a ransom. Additional password-stealing trojans and malware infections can be installed together with a ransomware infection.
Malware Removal (Windows)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

How to protect yourself from ransomware infections?

It is essential to treat incoming emails and other messages with caution. We advise against opening attachments or links found in suspicious/irrelevant mail, as they can be malicious. Additionally, fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and harmless – hence, we recommend being careful while browsing.

Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. Another recommendation is to activate and update software by using legitimate functions/tools, as those obtained from third-parties may contain malware.

It is paramount for device and user safety to have a reputable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. Security programs must be used to run regular system scans and to remove threats/issues. If your computer is already infected with Hunters International, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this ransomware.

Screenshot of Hunters International ransomware's text file ("Contact Us.txt"):

Text presented in this message:

HUNTERS
INTERNATIONAL
                                                                             
To contact us follow the instructions:

 

1) Install and run “Tor Browser” from hxxps://www.torproject.org/download/
2) Go to -
3) Log in using the credentials: -

 

---
Don't waste time. Inform your CEO about the incident ASAP. Show Data Leak Site: -

Screenshot of Hunters International's payment/contact website:

Screenshot of Hunters International's data-leaking website:

Hunters International ransomware removal:

Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Video suggesting what steps should be taken in case of a ransomware infection:

Quick menu:

• What is Hunters International virus?
• STEP 1. Reporting ransomware to authorities.
• STEP 2. Isolating the infected device.
• STEP 3. Identifying the ransomware infection.
• STEP 4. Searching for ransomware decryption tools.
• STEP 5. Restoring files with data recovery tools.
• STEP 6. Creating data backups.

Reporting ransomware to authorities:

If you are a victim of a ransomware attack we recommend reporting this incident to authorities. By providing information to law enforcement agencies you will help track cybercrime and potentially assist in the prosecution of the attackers. Here's a list of authorities where you should report a ransomware attack. For the complete list of local cybersecurity centers and information on why you should report ransomware attacks, read this article.

List of local authorities where ransomware attacks should be reported (choose one depending on your residence address):

•  USA - Internet Crime Complaint Centre IC3
•  United Kingdom - Action Fraud
•  Spain - Policía Nacional
•  France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
•  Germany - Polizei
•  Italy - Polizia di Stato
•  The Netherlands - Politie
•  Poland - Policja
•  Portugal - Polícia Judiciária

Isolating the infected device:

Some ransomware-type infections are designed to encrypt files within external storage devices, infect them, and even spread throughout the entire local network. For this reason, it is very important to isolate the infected device (computer) as soon as possible.

Step 1: Disconnect from the internet.

The easiest way to disconnect a computer from the internet is to unplug the Ethernet cable from the motherboard, however, some devices are connected via a wireless network and for some users (especially those who are not particularly tech-savvy), disconnecting cables may seem troublesome. Therefore, you can also disconnect the system manually via Control Panel:

Navigate to the "Control Panel", click the search bar in the upper-right corner of the screen, enter "Network and Sharing Center" and select search result:

Click the "Change adapter settings" option in the upper-left corner of the window:

Right-click on each connection point and select "Disable". Once disabled, the system will no longer be connected to the internet. To re-enable the connection points, simply right-click again and select "Enable".

Step 2: Unplug all storage devices.

As mentioned above, ransomware might encrypt data and infiltrate all storage devices that are connected to the computer. For this reason, all external storage devices (flash drives, portable hard drives, etc.) should be disconnected immediately, however, we strongly advise you to eject each device before disconnecting to prevent data corruption:

Navigate to "My Computer", right-click on each connected device, and select "Eject":

Step 3: Log-out of cloud storage accounts.

Some ransomware-type might be able to hijack software that handles data stored within "the Cloud". Therefore, the data could be corrupted/encrypted. For this reason, you should log-out of all cloud storage accounts within browsers and other related software. You should also consider temporarily uninstalling the cloud-management software until the infection is completely removed.

Identify the ransomware infection:

To properly handle an infection, one must first identify it. Some ransomware infections use ransom-demand messages as an introduction (see the WALDO ransomware text file below).

This, however, is rare. In most cases, ransomware infections deliver more direct messages simply stating that data is encrypted and that victims must pay some sort of ransom. Note that ransomware-type infections typically generate messages with different file names (for example, "_readme.txt", "READ-ME.txt", "DECRYPTION_INSTRUCTIONS.txt", "DECRYPT_FILES.html", etc.). Therefore, using the name of a ransom message may seem like a good way to identify the infection. The problem is that most of these names are generic and some infections use the same names, even though the delivered messages are different and the infections themselves are unrelated. Therefore, using the message filename alone can be ineffective and even lead to permanent data loss (for example, by attempting to decrypt data using tools designed for different ransomware infections, users are likely to end up permanently damaging files and decryption will no longer be possible even with the correct tool).

Another way to identify a ransomware infection is to check the file extension, which is appended to each encrypted file. Ransomware infections are often named by the extensions they append (see files encrypted by Qewe ransomware below).

This method is only effective, however, when the appended extension is unique - many ransomware infections append a generic extension (for example, ".encrypted", ".enc", ".crypted", ".locked", etc.). In these cases, identifying ransomware by its appended extension becomes impossible.

One of the easiest and quickest ways to identify a ransomware infection is to use the ID Ransomware website. This service supports most existing ransomware infections. Victims simply upload a ransom message and/or one encrypted file (we advise you to upload both if possible).

The ransomware will be identified within seconds and you will be provided with various details, such as the name of the malware family to which the infection belongs, whether it is decryptable, and so on.

Example 1 (Qewe [Stop/Djvu] ransomware):

Example 2 (.iso [Phobos] ransomware):

If your data happens to be encrypted by ransomware that is not supported by ID Ransomware, you can always try searching the internet by using certain keywords (for example, a ransom message title, file extension, provided contact emails, crypto wallet addresses, etc.).

Search for ransomware decryption tools:

Encryption algorithms used by most ransomware-type infections are extremely sophisticated and, if the encryption is performed properly, only the developer is capable of restoring data. This is because decryption requires a specific key, which is generated during the encryption. Restoring data without the key is impossible. In most cases, cybercriminals store keys on a remote server, rather than using the infected machine as a host. Dharma (CrySis), Phobos, and other families of high-end ransomware infections are virtually flawless, and thus restoring data encrypted without the developers' involvement is simply impossible. Despite this, there are dozens of ransomware-type infections that are poorly developed and contain a number of flaws (for example, the use of identical encryption/decryption keys for each victim, keys stored locally, etc.). Therefore, always check for available decryption tools for any ransomware that infiltrates your computer.

Finding the correct decryption tool on the internet can be very frustrating. For this reason, we recommend that you use the No More Ransom Project and this is where identifying the ransomware infection is useful. The No More Ransom Project website contains a "Decryption Tools" section with a search bar. Enter the name of the identified ransomware, and all available decryptors (if there are any) will be listed.

Restore files with data recovery tools:

Depending on the situation (quality of ransomware infection, type of encryption algorithm used, etc.), restoring data with certain third-party tools might be possible. Therefore, we advise you to use the Recuva tool developed by CCleaner. This tool supports over a thousand data types (graphics, video, audio, documents, etc.) and it is very intuitive (little knowledge is necessary to recover data). In addition, the recovery feature is completely free.

Step 1: Perform a scan.

Run the Recuva application and follow the wizard. You will be prompted with several windows allowing you to choose what file types to look for, which locations should be scanned, etc. All you need to do is select the options you're looking for and start the scan. We advise you to enable the "Deep Scan" before starting, otherwise, the application's scanning capabilities will be restricted.

Wait for Recuva to complete the scan. The scanning duration depends on the volume of files (both in quantity and size) that you are scanning (for example, several hundred gigabytes could take over an hour to scan). Therefore, be patient during the scanning process. We also advise against modifying or deleting existing files, since this might interfere with the scan. If you add additional data (for example, downloading files/content) while scanning, this will prolong the process:

Step 2: Recover data.

Once the process is complete, select the folders/files you wish to restore and simply click "Recover". Note that some free space on your storage drive is necessary to restore data:

Create data backups:

Proper file management and creating backups is essential for data security. Therefore, always be very careful and think ahead.

Partition management: We recommend that you store your data in multiple partitions and avoid storing important files within the partition that contains the entire operating system. If you fall into a situation whereby you cannot boot the system and are forced to format the disk on which the operating system is installed (in most cases, this is where malware infections hide), you will lose all data stored within that drive. This is the advantage of having multiple partitions: if you have the entire storage device assigned to a single partition, you will be forced to delete everything, however, creating multiple partitions and allocating the data properly allows you to prevent such problems. You can easily format a single partition without affecting the others - therefore, one will be cleaned and the others will remain untouched, and your data will be saved. Managing partitions is quite simple and you can find all the necessary information on Microsoft's documentation web page.

Data backups: One of the most reliable backup methods is to use an external storage device and keep it unplugged. Copy your data to an external hard drive, flash (thumb) drive, SSD, HDD, or any other storage device, unplug it and store it in a dry place away from the sun and extreme temperatures. This method is, however, quite inefficient, since data backups and updates need to be made regularly. You can also use a cloud service or remote server. Here, an internet connection is required and there is always the chance of a security breach, although it's a really rare occasion.

We recommend using Microsoft OneDrive for backing up your files. OneDrive lets you store your personal files and data in the cloud, sync files across computers and mobile devices, allowing you to access and edit your files from all of your Windows devices. OneDrive lets you save, share and preview files, access download history, move, delete, and rename files, as well as create new folders, and much more.

You can back up your most important folders and files on your PC (your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders). Some of OneDrive’s more notable features include file versioning, which keeps older versions of files for up to 30 days. OneDrive features a recycling bin in which all of your deleted files are stored for a limited time. Deleted files are not counted as part of the user’s allocation.

The service is built using HTML5 technologies and allows you to upload files up to 300 MB via drag and drop into the web browser or up to 10 GB via the OneDrive desktop application. With OneDrive, you can download entire folders as a single ZIP file with up to 10,000 files, although it can’t exceed 15 GB per single download.

OneDrive comes with 5 GB of free storage out of the box, with an additional 100 GB, 1 TB, and 6 TB storage options available for a subscription-based fee. You can get one of these storage plans by either purchasing additional storage separately or with Office 365 subscription.

Creating a data backup:

The backup process is the same for all file types and folders. Here’s how you can back up your files using Microsoft OneDrive

Step 1: Choose the files/folders you want to backup.

Click the OneDrive cloud icon to open the OneDrive menu. While in this menu, you can customize your file backup settings.

Click Help & Settings and then select Settings from the drop-down menu.

Go to the Backup tab and click Manage backup.

In this menu, you can choose to backup the Desktop and all of the files on it, and Documents and Pictures folders, again, with all of the files in them. Click Start backup.

Now, when you add a file or folder in the Desktop and Documents and Pictures folders, they will be automatically backed up on OneDrive.

To add folders and files, not in the locations shown above, you have to add them manually.

Open File Explorer and navigate to the location of the folder/file you want to backup. Select the item, right-click it, and click Copy.

Then, navigate to OneDrive, right-click anywhere in the window and click Paste. Alternatively, you can just drag and drop a file into OneDrive. OneDrive will automatically create a backup of the folder/file.

All of the files added to the OneDrive folder are backed up in the cloud automatically. The green circle with the checkmark in it indicates that the file is available both locally and on OneDrive and that the file version is the same on both. The blue cloud icon indicates that the file has not been synced and is available only on OneDrive. The sync icon indicates that the file is currently syncing.

To access files only located on OneDrive online, go to the Help & Settings drop-down menu and select View online.

Step 2: Restore corrupted files.

OneDrive makes sure that the files stay in sync, so the version of the file on the computer is the same version on the cloud. However, if ransomware has encrypted your files, you can take advantage of OneDrive’s Version history feature that will allow you to restore the file versions prior to encryption.

Microsoft 365 has a ransomware detection feature that notifies you when your OneDrive files have been attacked and guide you through the process of restoring your files. It must be noted, however, that if you don’t have a paid Microsoft 365 subscription, you only get one detection and file recovery for free.

If your OneDrive files get deleted, corrupted, or infected by malware, you can restore your entire OneDrive to a previous state. Here’s how you can restore your entire OneDrive:

1. If you're signed in with a personal account, click the Settings cog at the top of the page. Then, click Options and select Restore your OneDrive.

If you're signed in with a work or school account,  click the Settings cog at the top of the page. Then, click Restore your OneDrive.

2. On the Restore your OneDrive page, select a date from the drop-down list. Note that if you're restoring your files after automatic ransomware detection, a restore date will be selected for you.

3. After configuring all of the file restoration options, click Restore to undo all the activities you selected.

The best way to avoid damage from ransomware infections is to maintain regular up-to-date backups.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How was my computer hacked and how did hackers encrypt my files?

Victims themselves often open ransomware executables, as these files are usually presented as ordinary content. This malware is mainly spread via drive-by downloads, online scams, spam mail, malvertising, dubious download channels (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), illegal program activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.

How to open ".locked" files?

Ransomware-encrypted files can neither be opened nor otherwise used – unless they are decrypted.

Where should I look for free decryption tools for Hunters International ransomware?

In case of a ransomware attack, we advise you to check out the No More Ransom project website (more information above).

I can pay you a lot of money, can you decrypt files for me?

We do not offer decryption services. In fact, aside from cases involving severely flawed ransomware, data recovery is usually impossible without the cyber criminals' interference. Therefore, third-parties offering paid decryption are often scams or middleman services between victims and criminals.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Hunters International ransomware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected ransomware infections. Keep in mind that while using anti-virus software is the first step in ransomware recovery – security programs are incapable of restoring encrypted data.

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