Hudson Ransomware

Hudson ransomware is a newly identified file-encrypting malware that was first discovered by cybersecurity researchers during an analysis of recent VirusTotal submissions. Like most ransomware threats, Hudson encrypts victims’ files and demands a ransom in exchange for a decryption key. This malicious program targets personal data, including documents, databases, images, and other important files—effectively holding them hostage.

Once executed on a victim’s system, Hudson encrypts files and adds a unique extension to each filename in the following format: .{victim's_ID}.hudson. For example, a file named 1.jpg would be renamed to 1.jpg.{06AC060A-81E0-F117-81C3-FC148F9E3AC8}.hudson. After the encryption process, a ransom note titled README.TXT is generated in every affected folder.

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Ransom Note Message (“README.TXT”)

YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED

Your files, documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted.

You are not able to decrypt it by yourself! The only method of recovering files is to purchase a unique private key.
Only we can give you this key and only we can recover your files.

To be sure we have the decryptor and it works you can send an email:
hudsonL@cock.li and decrypt one file for free.
But this file should be of not valuable!

Do you really want to restore your files?
Write to email:
hudsonL@cock.li

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 ours) or you can become a victim of a scam.
• Do not contact the intermediary companies. Negotiate on your own. No one but us will be able to return the files to you. As evidence, we will offer to test your files.

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Hudson Ransomware Threat Overview

Attribute	Details
Threat Name	Hudson Ransomware
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files Locker
Encrypted File Extension	.{victim's_ID}.hudson
Ransom Note File Name	README.TXT
Associated Email	hudsonL@cock.li
Detection Names	Avast (Win32:MalwareX-gen [Ransom]), ESET (Win32/Filecoder.OOW), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/FileCoder.ARAE!MTB), Kaspersky (VHO:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Agent.gen), Combo Cleaner (Dump:Generic.Ransom.BlackLockbit.A.6)
Symptoms of Infection	Files become unreadable and renamed with .hudson extension; ransom note appears
Damage	Complete encryption of files; potential data loss; no free decryptor available
Distribution Methods	Malicious email attachments, torrents, software cracks, fake updates, infected websites
Danger Level	High – Causes severe data loss; attackers may not provide decryption even after payment

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Manual Ransomware Removal Guide

Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users:

1. For Windows 10, 11:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
   • Go to the Boot tab.
   • Check Safe boot and select Network.
   • Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.
2. For Windows 7, 8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
2. Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
3. Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes

For Windows Users:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
3. Right-click on the process and select End Task.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unusual processes.
3. Select the process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Malicious Files

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Windows\System32
4. Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and delete suspicious folders.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/LaunchAgents and remove unknown .plist files.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings

For Windows Users:

Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
4. Right-click and select Delete.

For Mac Users:

1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/Preferences and remove malicious .plist files.

Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
2. Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
3. Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.

Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)

• Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.

Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup

• If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.

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Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter

If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter

Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe).
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
3. Once installed, launch SpyHunter.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click on Start Scan Now.
2. SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.

Step 4: Remove Detected Threats

1. After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.

Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)

If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.

Step 6: Restore Your Files

If your files are encrypted:

• Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
• Restore from cloud storage or external backups.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
• Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
• Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
• Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
• Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.

Conclusion

Hudson is part of a growing trend of ransomware variants that use customized file extensions and unique victim IDs to target individuals and businesses alike. Like its counterparts—such as RestoreBackup, Chewbacca, and Hush ransomware—Hudson operates by encrypting data and attempting to extort money from users under the guise of file recovery.

Unfortunately, based on industry research and experience, paying the ransom rarely guarantees data recovery. In many cases, attackers simply take the money without delivering a working decryptor. This highlights the importance of secure offline backups and proactive security measures—though those are outside the scope of this article.

Hudson’s ransom message strongly discourages users from renaming files or using third-party decryption tools. It even warns that going through intermediary recovery companies could result in higher costs or scams. However, this is a typical psychological tactic used by cybercriminals to discourage victims from seeking legitimate help.