What is Hunt ransomware?
Hunt is a ransomware-type virus that emerged in April of 2024, following the detection of source code that contained similarities with the notorious DHARMA ransomware strain. It is believed to have been deployed in an operation attributed to members of the recently disrupted Hive cartel, with an attack chain that involves the exfiltration of target data and extortion of victims with a ransom demand in exchange for the return of the stolen data. The Hunt ransomware appends the “.hunt” extension to target files, creates “info-hunt.txt”, and displays pop-up windows containing instructions on how the victim can contact the threat actor group on the dark web to initiate the negotiation process.
In summary, Hunt ransomware is a dangerous and sophisticated type of malware that can encrypt a victim’s data, files, devices, or systems, rendering them inaccessible and unusable until the ransom is paid. To prevent ransomware attacks, organizations need a multi-pronged strategy that includes defense-in-depth security, advanced security controls, employee education, and regular backups. By taking a proactive approach to ransomware prevention, organizations can reduce their risk of becoming a victim of this increasingly common and sophisticated type of cyber attack.
Screenshot of encrypted by Hunt virus files:
There are two solutions to remove Hunt Ransomware and decrypt your files. The first is to use an automated removal tool. This method is suitable even for inexperienced users since the removal tool can delete all instances of the virus in just a few clicks. The second is to use the Manual Removal Guide. This is a more complex way that requires special computer skills.
The content of ransom note (pop-up window):
All your files have been encrypted!
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
If you want to restore them, write to the mail: bughunt@keemail.me YOUR ID –
If you have not answered by mail within 12 hours, write to us by another mail:bughunt@airmail.ccWe strongly recommend that you do not use the services of intermediaries and first check the prices and conditions directly with us
The use of intermediaries may involve risks such as:
-Overcharging: Intermediaries may charge inflated prices, resulting in improper additional costs to you.-Unjustified debit: There is a risk that your money may be stolen by intermediaries for personal use and they may claim that we did it.
-Rejection of the transaction and termination of communication: Intermediaries may refuse to cooperate for personal reasons, which may result in termination of communication and make it difficult to resolve issues.
We understand that data loss can be a critical issue, and we are proud to provide you with encrypted data recovery services. We strive to provide you with the highest level of confidence in our abilities and offer the following guarantees:
—Recovery demo: We provide the ability to decrypt up to three files up to 5 MB in size on a demo basis.Please note that these files should not contain important and critical data.
Demo recovery is intended to demonstrate our skills and capabilities.
—Guaranteed Quality: We promise that when we undertake your data recovery, we will work with the utmost professionalism and attention to detail to ensure the best possible results.
We use advanced technology and techniques to maximize the likelihood of a successful recovery.
—Transparent communication: Our team is always available to answer your questions and provide you with up-to-date information about the data recovery process.
We appreciate your participation and feedback.
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
How Hunt ransomware gets on my computer?
Cybercriminals use various techniques to deliver the virus to the target computer. Ransomware viruses can infiltrate victims’ computers more than in one or two ways, in most cases, cryptoviral extortion attack is carried out with the help of the following methods:
| Name | Hunt ransomware |
| Type of threat | Ransomware, cryptovirus, file-locking virus |
| File Extension | .hunt |
| Ransom Note | info-hunt.txt and pop-up windows |
| Contact | bughunt@keemail.me, bughunt@airmail.cc |
| Distribution | Spam email attachments, RDP, pirated software, torrent websites, phishing sites |
| Removal Tool |
In order to completely remove ransomware from your computer, you will need to install an antivirus software. We recommend using SpyHunter |
| Recovery Tool |
The only effective method to restore files is to copy them from a saved backup. If you don’t have a suitable backup, you may use third-party recovery software such as Stellar Data Recovery |
How to remove Hunt ransomware?
Recommended Solution:
Try SpyHunter
SpyHunter is a powerful tool that is able to keep your Windows clean. It would automatically search out and delete all elements related to malware. It is not only the easiest way to eliminate malware but also the safest and most assuring one. The full version of SpyHunter costs $42 (you get 6 months of subscription). By clicking the button, you agree to EULA and Privacy Policy. Downloading will start automatically.
Try Stellar Data Recovery
Stellar Data Recovery is one of the most effective tools that can recover lost and corrupted files — documents, emails, pictures, videos, audio files, and more — on any Windows device. The powerful scan engine can detect compromised files and finally save them to specified destination. Despite its advancedness, it’s very concise and simple so that even the most inexperienced user can figure it out.
Try MailWasher
Email security is the first line of defense against ransomware viruses. To do this, we recommend that you use MailWasher. MailWasher blocks ransomware viruses coming through spam and phishing, and automatically detects malicious attachments and URLs. In addition, malicious messages can be blocked even before the recipient opens them. Since the main source of the spread of ransomware viruses are infected emails, antispam significantly reduces the risk of a virus appearing on your computer.
After the virus is completely removed from your system, you can already start restoring your files directly.
How to decrypt files infected by Hunt Ransomware?
Method 1. Restore your files with the help of Recovery Tool
In case your PC has been attacked by ransomware, you may restore your files by using file recovery software. Stellar Data Recovery is one of the most effective tools that can recover lost and corrupted files — documents, emails, pictures, videos, audio files, and more — on any Windows device. The powerful scan engine can detect compromised files and finally save them to specified destination. Despite its advancedness, it’s very concise and simple so that even the most inexperienced user can figure it out.
- Run Stellar Data Recovery.
- Select type of files you want to restore and click Next.
- Select the drive and folder where your files are located and date that you want to restore them from and press Scan.
- Once the scanning process is done, click Recover to restore your files.
- After this, select a destination and click Start Saving to save restored data.
Since new ransomware-type viruses appear almost every day, there is no technical possibility to issue a decryptor for each virus. In this case, the recovery tool comes to the rescue. Despite the fact that this is one of the most effective methods in the absence of a decryptor, this is not 100 percent and not the only way.
Method 2. Restore the system using System Restore
Although the latest versions of Hunt Ransomware can remove system restore files, this method may help you partially restore your files. Give it a try and use standard System Restore to revive your data. The entire process is preferably carried out in Safe Mode with Command Prompt:
For Windows XP/Vista/7 users:
Restart your computer and before your system starts – hit F8 several times. This will prevent system from loading and will show Advanced boot options screen. Choose Safe mode with Command Prompt option from the options list using up and down arrows on your keyboard and hit Enter.
For Windows 8/10 users:
- Click the Start button, then select Settings
- Click Update & Security, then select Recovery and click Restart now.
- After your device reboots, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options >Startup Settings > Restart
- After your PC restarts, you should press F5 key to Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
After the system is loaded in Safe Mode with Command Prompt, do following:
- In the Command Prompt window, type cd restore and hit Enter.
- Then type rstrui.exe and hit Enter again.
- Once a new window shows up, click Next.
- Choose the date before the infection appearance and click Next again
- In the opened pop-up window, click Yes to start system restore.
For Windows 11 users:
- Click the Start button from the Taskbar and then click Settings.
- In the System interface, go to the right pane, scroll down to find, and click Recovery.
- In the new window, you can see some recovery options. Just click the Restart now button next to Advanced startup.
- Click Restart now again and Windows will enter the recovery environment.
- Then, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- You can see three options to enter Safe Mode. Just press F4, F5, or F6 based on your needs.
Method 4. Roll the files back to the previous version
Previous versions can be copies of files and folders created by Windows Backup (if it is active) or copies of files and folders created by System Restore. You can use this feature to restore files and folders that you accidentally modified or deleted, or that were damaged. This feature is available in Windows 7 and later versions.
- Click the encrypted file and choose Properties
- Open the Previous Version tab
- Select the latest version and click Copy
- Click Restore
How to prevent your system from Ransomware?
No one is safe from infection with a virus that secretly encrypts your data. But in order to minimize this risk, you need to follow the rules:
1. Always make Windows updates on time and keep them up to date. Remember that these updates close the security holes in the system through which the virus can enter your computer.
2. The most efficient way to avoid data loss is of course to make a backup of all important data from your computer. It is enough just to synchronize the necessary folders with one of the cloud services, so as not to be afraid to see the text requiring the payment of bitcoins in exchange for a decryption key. It can be a cloud or a remote hard drive on the network. If you store all your files on the Internet, the likelihood of virus infection will be lower. Do not make copies to external hard drives, as this could damage them.
3. Since spam email is the most popular form of spreading ransomware-type viruses, the user should never open email attachments without first having scanned them with antivirus. Just clicking on the link or opening the attachment can damage the operating system (Windows) in a few minutes, damage important data, and infect other machines with the virus.
Try MailWasher
Email security is the first line of defense against ransomware viruses. To do this, we recommend that you use MailWasher. MailWasher blocks ransomware viruses coming through spam and phishing, and automatically detects malicious attachments and URLs. In addition, malicious messages can be blocked even before the recipient opens them. Since the main source of the spread of ransomware viruses are infected emails, antispam significantly reduces the risk of a virus appearing on your computer.
3. Ransomware-type viruses often crawl into a system using the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). RDP is a legitimate and useful feature that allows a user to take control of a remote computer or virtual machine over a network connection. But, at the same time, this is its Achilles’ heel as it’s poorly secured and has many vulnerabilities that can give hackers easy entry into the victim’s computer. In this case, we advise you to set a different from 3389 TCP port and use a more strong password. You can additionally protect yourself from virus penetration through an RDP connection with the help of a reliable firewall such as GlassWire’s Firewall
5. All previous methods do not matter if you do not have a reliable antivirus. The presence of anti-virus protection on your computer can prevent all these unpleasant surprises. Anti-virus protection will protect you from malware, money loss, time loss, invasion of your personal life. Now the antivirus market is so huge that it is difficult to make a choice in favor of one of them. If you have not decided who to give preference to, we suggest you familiarize yourself with our Top 5 Antivirus Software for Windows
Written by Ilyas J