Hunter Ransomware: A New Variant of Prince Ransomware – Removal & Prevention Guide

A new ransomware threat named Hunter has emerged, encrypting victims’ files and demanding payment in cryptocurrency for decryption. Hunter ransomware is based on Prince ransomware, a previously known malware family. This ransomware appends the .Hunter extension to encrypted files and drops a ransom note titled “Decryption Instructions.txt.” Additionally, it modifies the victim’s desktop wallpaper to reinforce its ransom demand.

Victims are instructed to contact attack-tw1337@proton.me for further instructions. However, paying the ransom is not recommended, as there is no guarantee that cybercriminals will provide the decryption key.

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Hunter Ransomware Overview

Threat Summary

Attribute	Details
Name	Hunter Ransomware
Threat Type	Ransomware, File Locker
Encrypted File Extension	.Hunter
Ransom Note File Name	Decryption Instructions.txt
Contact Email	attack-tw1337@proton.me
Detection Names	Avast (Win32:Dh-A [Heur]), Combo Cleaner (Generic.Ransom.Prince.A.2D1448B6), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of WinGo/Filecoder.HG), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win64.Generic), Microsoft (Ransom:Win64/PrinceRansom.YAA!MTB)
Symptoms of Infection	Files encrypted with .Hunter extension, ransom note appears, wallpaper changed, files become inaccessible
Damage	Data encryption, financial loss, potential for additional malware infections
Distribution Methods	Malicious email attachments, infected software downloads, phishing websites, torrent sites
Danger Level	High

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How Hunter Ransomware Works

Hunter ransomware follows a five-step attack sequence, similar to other ransomware variants:

Initial Infection

Hunter infiltrates systems via:

• Malicious email attachments (often disguised as invoices, job applications, or other legitimate files).
• Infected downloads (pirated software, fake updates, or cracked applications).
• Compromised websites and ads (drive-by downloads triggered by visiting an infected page).
• Exploited software vulnerabilities (outdated software with security gaps).

File Encryption

Once executed, Hunter scans the system for targeted file types, including:

• Documents (.docx, .xlsx, .pdf)
• Images (.jpg, .png, .gif)
• Videos (.mp4, .mov)
• Databases (.sql, .mdb)
• Executable files (.exe)

Each file is encrypted with a strong cryptographic algorithm, and the .Hunter extension is appended.

Example:

• photo.jpg → photo.jpg.Hunter
• document.pdf → document.pdf.Hunter

Ransom Note Drop

After encryption, Hunter places "Decryption Instructions.txt" on the desktop and inside affected folders.

Desktop Wallpaper Change

The ransomware modifies the victim’s wallpaper to further intimidate them.

Ransom Demand

The ransom note provides instructions to email attack-tw1337@proton.me for payment instructions.

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Hunter Ransomware Ransom Note

Below is the text displayed in the Hunter ransomware ransom note:

---------- Hunter Ransomware ----------
Your files have been encrypted using Hunter Ransomware!
They can only be decrypted by paying us a ransom in cryptocurrency.
Encrypted files have the .hunter extension.
IMPORTANT: Do not modify or rename encrypted files, as they may become unrecoverable.
Contact us at the following email address to discuss payment.
attack-tw1337@proton.me
---------- Hunter Ransomware ----------

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How Did Hunter Ransomware Infect My Computer?

Hunter ransomware spreads through multiple attack vectors:

1. Email Attachments (Phishing Campaigns)
   • Hackers send fraudulent emails with infected attachments disguised as:
     • Invoices
     • Shipping updates
     • Bank statements
     • Job offers
   • These attachments contain macro-enabled documents, ZIP files, or JavaScript files that execute malware.
2. Fake Software Downloads
   • Cybercriminals often bundle ransomware with pirated software, cracks, or key generators.
   • Downloading from torrent sites, free file-sharing platforms, or unverified sources increases risk.
3. Compromised Websites & Drive-By Downloads: Visiting infected websites or clicking on malicious ads can trigger automatic downloads.
4. Exploiting Software Vulnerabilities: Outdated applications and unpatched Windows OS are prime targets for ransomware exploits.

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How to Remove Hunter Ransomware

Step 1: Scan and Remove Hunter Ransomware Using SpyHunter

SpyHunter is a powerful anti-malware tool capable of detecting and removing Hunter ransomware and related threats.

Download and Install SpyHunter

• Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Launch SpyHunter after installation.

Perform a Full System Scan

• Click "Start Scan" to check for Hunter ransomware infections.
• Wait for SpyHunter to detect all threats.

Remove Hunter Ransomware

• Select Hunter ransomware and related malware from the scan results.
• Click "Fix Threats" to eliminate them.

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Step 2: Restore Encrypted Files

Since no free decryptor exists, victims have limited options for recovering encrypted files:

Restore from Backup

• If you have external backups or cloud storage, restore files from there.

Use Windows Previous Versions

• Right-click the encrypted file > Properties > Previous Versions tab.
• Restore an earlier version if available.

Try Data Recovery Software

• Tools like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard or Recuva may recover deleted copies of files.

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How to Protect Your System from Ransomware

Preventing ransomware requires strong cybersecurity practices:

1. Use a Reliable Anti-Malware Solution: Install SpyHunter to detect and prevent ransomware attacks.
2. Regularly Update Software & OS: Keep Windows, antivirus, and third-party applications up to date.
3. Avoid Suspicious Emails & Links: Do not open attachments from unknown senders. Hover over links before clicking to verify legitimacy.
4. Disable Macros in Microsoft Office: Cybercriminals often use macro-enabled documents to execute ransomware.
5. Use a Firewall & Network Security Tools: Block unauthorized network access.
6. Backup Your Data: Store backups on external drives or secure cloud storage.
7. Avoid Untrusted Websites & Software: Download applications only from official sources.

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Conclusion

Hunter ransomware, derived from Prince ransomware, is a dangerous threat that encrypts user files and demands payment. Victims are advised not to pay the ransom, as there is no guarantee of file recovery. Instead, SpyHunter can remove the infection, while backup strategies and security best practices can prevent future attacks.