How to Remove CrazyHunter Ransomware

The CrazyHunter ransomware is a newly identified cyber threat designed to encrypt victims’ files and extort money through fear and intimidation. Discovered via a VirusTotal submission and later analyzed in a controlled lab environment, this malware proves to be highly dangerous with its aggressive encryption behavior, data exfiltration tactics, and public data leak threats.

CrazyHunter Ransomware Summary

Attribute	Details
Threat Name	CrazyHunter
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, File Locker
Encrypted File Extension	.Hunted3
Ransom Note File	Decryption Instructions.txt
Cybercriminal Contact	Telegram: @Magic13377, Tor site (CrazyHunter Official Site)
Associated Emails	Not listed
Detection Names	Avast (Win32:Dh-A [Heur]), Combo Cleaner (Generic.Ransom.Prince.A.FBE649A3), ESET (WinGo/Filecoder.Prince.B), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win64.Generic), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Sonbokli.A!cl)
Symptoms of Infection	Files have “.Hunted3” extension, ransom note appears, data inaccessible
Damage	Files encrypted, backups deleted, sensitive data stolen and threatened to leak
Distribution Methods	Malicious email attachments, cracked software, fake updates, torrents, malvertising
Danger Level	Critical – Involves encryption, backup deletion, and data exfiltration

Once executed, CrazyHunter encrypts files on the infected system and appends a “.Hunted3” extension to each filename. For example, “image.jpg” becomes “image.jpg.Hunted3.” A ransom note named “Decryption Instructions.txt” is then dropped into affected directories, providing instructions for contacting the attackers and paying the ransom.

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Ransom Note Content (Decryption Instructions.txt):

vbnetCopyEdit---------- Hi ******** ----------
I'm CrazyHunter, you must have heard of me. Sorry, I encrypted all your systems, overwrote and deleted your NAS backups, Vmware backups, and Veeam backups. At the same time, I stole your file server data, CRM data, bpm data, eip, erp and other sensitive data. A total of 800GB If you don't want your data to be made public, please cooperate with me. If you cooperate with me, I will give you a decryptor that will delete all the data and make sure it doesn't appear anywhere. At the same time, I will be your network security consultant and tell you the traces of our intrusion.

warn! Please contact me within 24 hours after reading this message, otherwise I will release the first batch of data at 20:00 Taiwan time on 2025/4/1

Telegram @Magic13377

If you are unable to contact me via Telegram, you can also visit our official website and use the chat room to communicate with me

Crazyhunter Official Site Tor Onion
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---------- Hi ******** ----------

The note emphasizes urgency, demanding contact within 24 hours or else sensitive exfiltrated data—claiming to be 800GB in volume—will be leaked online. The ransomware actors claim to have deleted backups from NAS, VMware, and Veeam systems, and threaten further consequences if payment is not made.

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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.

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Conclusion

CrazyHunter is a severe ransomware strain that targets not only file access but also the privacy and integrity of data. It uses a combination of encryption and blackmail, claiming to have stolen hundreds of gigabytes of sensitive files from corporate systems. Victims are warned not to trust the attackers, as paying the ransom does not guarantee the recovery of files or privacy.

As no free decryptor currently exists for CrazyHunter, organizations and individuals must rely on secure, isolated backups for recovery. Recognizing the infection early—based on symptoms like file renaming and the sudden appearance of threatening text files—is essential for mitigating the spread and limiting damage.