How to Remove HellCat Ransomware

HellCat is a destructive ransomware infection that encrypts files on a victim’s computer and adds the “.HC” extension to them. Once encryption is complete, it drops a ransom note titled _README_HELLCAT_.txt and changes the desktop wallpaper. HellCat is known for using two slightly different ransom note formats, both designed to pressure victims into paying the attackers for a decryption key.

This ransomware functions by locking essential data, rendering it inaccessible without a decryption key, which only the attackers allegedly possess. Files like “photo.jpg” or “document.docx” become renamed to “photo.jpg.HC” and “document.docx.HC” after the attack. Victims are then instructed to contact cybercriminals to potentially retrieve their files, often under the threat of permanent data loss or data leaks.

Overview of the HellCat Threat

Below is a summary of key details related to the HellCat ransomware:

Category	Details
Threat Name	HellCat virus
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files Locker
Encrypted Extension	.HC
Ransom Note File	_README_HELLCAT_.txt
Email Contact	hellcat@5222.de, Tox messenger ID (in ransom note)
Detection Names	Avast (Win64:MalwareX-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Tedy.747536), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Generik.HAAFOLO), Kaspersky (Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Encoder.acms), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Wacatac.B!ml)
Symptoms	Files encrypted and renamed with .HC, ransom note appears on desktop, user cannot open previously functional files
Damage	Permanent file encryption, risk of data theft and leaks, potential installation of additional malware (password-stealers)
Distribution Methods	Malicious email attachments (macro-enabled docs), torrent sites, malicious ads, pirated software, infected USB drives
Danger Level	Critical – Severe data loss and potential identity theft

---

HellCat Ransom Note (Variant 1)

README_HELLCAT.txt

All your files have been encrypted!

Do not try to decrypt them yourself — you will damage them.

We have also collected your data and will leak it if you do not contact us.

To get your files back and prevent data leaks, write to us:

Contact us via Tox chat (ID provided in the file)

Time is limited!

---

HellCat Ransom Note (Variant 2)

README_HELLCAT.txt

Your documents, photos, and other important files have been encrypted.

To restore them, you must pay the ransom in Monero (XMR) or Bitcoin (BTC).

You have 336 hours to contact us or your files will be permanently lost.

Contact emails:

hellcat@5222.de

You can also use Tox messenger (ID in the note).

Do not rename or modify encrypted files! This will make recovery impossible.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

Ransomware Behavior

HellCat behaves like a classic crypto-ransomware threat: encrypts files, renames them with a custom extension, and demands payment under the threat of data exposure or loss. It’s not just a local threat — HellCat can also spread laterally across a network and may be bundled with other malicious tools, increasing the risk of password theft or further infection.

Victims often face a difficult decision. Since there’s no free decryptor available, many are tempted to pay. But payment carries the risk of losing both data and money — cybercriminals do not guarantee the delivery of a decryption key even after the ransom is paid.