Hero Ransomware (.hero77)

Hero ransomware is a dangerous file-locking malware strain that belongs to the Proton ransomware family. First discovered by cybersecurity researchers during a routine analysis of new file uploads to VirusTotal, this ransomware variant follows the common pattern of encrypting user files and demanding a ransom payment in return for decryption access.

Unlike many other strains, Hero appends encrypted files with both a contact email address and a specific extension—“.hero77.” For instance, a file named photo.jpg would be renamed to photo.jpg.[hero77@cock.li].hero77. Upon completing the encryption, Hero sets a new desktop wallpaper and generates a ransom note titled #Read-for-recovery.txt, though notably, the note lacks any direct mention of the ransom amount or payment method. Instead, victims are simply instructed to reach out via email.

Due to the absence of a free decryption tool and the unpredictability of cybercriminal behavior, paying the ransom is highly discouraged. Victims are advised to remove the ransomware using a reliable anti-malware program, such as SpyHunter, and restore files from secure backups if available.

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Hero Ransomware Threat Summary

Category	Details
Threat Name	Hero ransomware
Threat Type	Ransomware, File Locker, Crypto Virus
Encrypted Extension	.hero77 (e.g., file.jpg.[hero77@cock.li].hero77)
Ransom Note File	#Read-for-recovery.txt
Email(s) Used	hero77@cock.li (mentioned twice)
Wallpaper Message	“Email us for recovery: hero77@cock.li”
Detection Names	Avast (Win32:MalwareX-gen [Ransom]), ESET (Win32/Filecoder.OOY), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Generic), Microsoft (Ransom:Win32/Conti!rfn), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Lazy.335837)
Infection Symptoms	Files renamed and locked, desktop wallpaper changed, ransom note appears
Distribution Methods	Phishing emails, malicious attachments, torrent sites, cracked software, fake updaters
Damage Level	🔥 High – Files encrypted, system potentially compromised by other malware
Free Decryptor	❌ No
Recommended Removal Tool	✅ SpyHunter

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Understanding the Threat

Once Hero ransomware gains access to a system, it begins encrypting stored files using complex cryptographic algorithms. Victims will quickly notice that their documents, photos, and other media files are no longer accessible. The extension .hero77 along with an email address is added to every locked file, signaling the presence of this malware.

The ransomware changes the desktop wallpaper with a generic message prompting users to contact the attacker’s email address for decryption instructions. The same message is duplicated in the ransom note file, which is saved to the desktop as #Read-for-recovery.txt.

Hero’s ransom note and wallpaper both list the contact email hero77@cock.li and instruct the victim to email both copies of the address if no reply is received within 24 hours. Oddly, there is no specific mention of a ransom amount, time limit, or cryptocurrency address.

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Why Paying Is Risky

There’s no guarantee that the threat actors behind Hero ransomware will honor the decryption promise—even if you pay the ransom. Victims risk losing both their money and their data, which is why paying is strongly discouraged by cybersecurity professionals. Furthermore, ransomware attacks may be used to install additional threats, including info-stealing Trojans or backdoors, which can cause further damage or data theft.

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How to Remove Hero Ransomware

To eliminate Hero ransomware and prevent further file encryption, use a professional-grade anti-malware tool like SpyHunter. This tool is designed to detect, quarantine, and remove ransomware threats and related malware components.

👉 Download SpyHunter here

Note: Removing the malware will not decrypt your files. Only a backup stored outside the infected system can restore your data.

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

Hero ransomware is a destructive and dangerous file-locker that encrypts data using strong cryptography, leaving victims with limited recovery options. It provides no ransom amount upfront, only instructing victims to initiate email contact. Since paying the ransom offers no guarantee of file recovery, your best course of action is to remove the malware using trusted software like SpyHunter, and rely on secure, offline backups to recover lost files.

Stay cautious with downloads, email attachments, and software updates to avoid future infections.