Hunters Ransomware

Ransomware remains one of the most devastating cyber threats today, with new variants emerging frequently. Hunters ransomware, a newly discovered strain from the Xorist family, encrypts victims’ files and demands a hefty ransom of $10,000 in Bitcoin for decryption. This article explores the characteristics, impact, and mitigation strategies for this malware, as well as a step-by-step guide for its removal.

Threat Summary

To provide a quick overview of the Hunters ransomware threat, we have compiled a detailed summary table:

Attribute	Details
Name	Hunters Virus
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, File Locker
Encrypted File Extension	..Remember_you_got_only_36_hours_to_make_the_payment_if_you_dont_pay_prize_will_triple_hunters_Ransomware
Ransom Note File Name	HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt
Associated Contact	qTOX
Detection Names	Avast (Win32:Filecoder-M [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.Ransom.AIG), ESET-NOD32 (Win32/Filecoder.Q), Kaspersky (Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Xorist.er), Microsoft (DDoS:Win32/Nitol!pz)
Symptoms of Infection	– Inability to open files – Files renamed with a long extension – Ransom note displayed demanding Bitcoin payment – Decreased system performance
Damage	All files encrypted and inaccessible Potential additional malware infections, including password stealers
Distribution Methods	Malicious email attachments (macros) Torrent websites Malicious advertisements Software cracks and keygens
Danger Level	High

How Hunters Ransomware Works

Hunters ransomware infiltrates systems using various attack vectors, including phishing emails, software cracks, and exploit kits. Once executed, it encrypts all personal and business files, renaming them with an unusually long extension:

..Remember_you_got_only_36_hours_to_make_the_payment_if_you_dont_pay_prize_will_triple_hunters_Ransomware

Following encryption, the ransomware drops a ransom note titled HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt, which states:

YOUR SYSTEM IS LOCKED AND ALL YOUR IMPORTANT DATA HAS BEEN ENCRYPTED.
DON'T WORRY YOUR FILES ARE SAFE.
TO RETURN ALL THE NORMALLY YOU MUST BUY THE CERBER DECRYPTOR PROGRAM.
PAYMENTS ARE ACCEPTED ONLY THROUGH THE BITCOIN NETWORK.
YOU CAN GET THEM VIA ATM MACHINE OR ONLINE
https://coinatmradar.com/ (find an ATM)
hxxps://www.localbitcoins.com/ (buy instantly online any country)
1. Visit qtox.github.io
2. Download and install qTOX on your PC.
3. Open it, click "New Profile" and create profile.
4. Click "Add friends" button and search our contact -
677DD06ED071E4B557FF3D9236ACD21AFECBA485C6643AB84F766060B967DC6E0CFC34DDD9A0
Subject : SYSTEM-LOCKED-ID: 90890423
Payment 10 000$ BTC

How Did Hunters Ransomware Infect Your Computer?

Cybercriminals use several deceptive tactics to spread ransomware:

• Phishing Emails: Malicious attachments and links disguised as legitimate business correspondence.
• Software Cracks & Keygens: Illegal downloads that bundle malware.
• Malicious Ads & Websites: Drive-by downloads from compromised or deceptive sites.
• P2P & Torrents: Shared infected files on peer-to-peer networks.
• Exploiting Vulnerabilities: Unpatched software flaws enable silent infiltration.

How to Remove Hunters Ransomware

Step 1: Use SpyHunter to Remove Malware

To remove Hunters ransomware safely, follow these steps:

1. Download SpyHunter.
2. Install and Run a Full Scan: Detect and eliminate malicious files.
3. Remove All Threats: Click "Fix Threats" to remove ransomware-related files.
4. Restart Your Computer: Ensure complete removal of malware.

Step 2: Restore Encrypted Files

Since no free decryptor is available, consider the following recovery options:

• Backups: Restore files from a secure backup.
• Windows System Restore: If System Restore was enabled, roll back your OS.
• Data Recovery Software: Tools like Recuva or EaseUS may help recover lost files.

Step 3: Prevent Future Infections

To avoid future ransomware attacks:

• Regular Backups: Use cloud services or external drives.
• Update Software: Keep operating systems and apps patched.
• Use Reliable Antivirus: Enable real-time protection.
• Avoid Suspicious Emails: Do not open unknown attachments.
• Disable Macros: Prevent malicious document execution.
• Use Strong Passwords: Prevent unauthorized access.

Conclusion

Hunters ransomware, part of the Xorist family, is a severe cyber threat demanding a $10,000 Bitcoin ransom. Unfortunately, decrypting files without paying is nearly impossible. The best course of action is to remove the malware immediately using SpyHunter, restore files from backups, and strengthen cybersecurity practices to prevent future infections.