Remove Hush Ransomware

Hush is a newly discovered ransomware variant that encrypts files on an infected system, appends the “.hush” extension, and demands a ransom payment for decryption. It closely resembles another ransomware strain known as MoneyIsTime. The cybercriminals behind Hush leave a ransom note named “README.TXT,” instructing victims to contact them via email or Telegram to negotiate the ransom payment.

This malware threatens not only the loss of encrypted data but also the possibility of data being leaked if victims do not comply. Hush spreads through malicious email attachments, fake software downloads, and other deceptive methods. The best course of action for affected users is to remove the ransomware immediately rather than paying the ransom, as there is no guarantee that the attackers will provide a decryption key.

Hush Ransomware Threat Details

Attribute	Details
Threat Name	Hush Ransomware
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, File Locker
Encrypted File Extension	.hush
Ransom Note File	README.TXT
Associated Email Addresses	pasmunder@zohomail.eu, famerun@email.tg
Telegram Contact	@pasmunder
Detection Names	Avast (Win32:RansomX-gen [Ransom]), Combo Cleaner (Dump:Generic.Ransom.BlackLockbit.A.D827E35D), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Filecoder.OOW), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Generic), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/FileCoder.ARAE!MTB)
Symptoms of Infection	Files are inaccessible and have a .hush extension, a ransom note appears demanding payment, warning against renaming files or using third-party decryption tools
Damage	Encrypts all files, rendering them inaccessible, and threatens to sell or leak stolen data
Distribution Methods	Malicious email attachments, pirated software, key generators, malicious ads, infected websites, and software vulnerabilities
Danger Level	Severe

How Hush Ransomware Works

Once executed, Hush begins its malicious process by scanning the system and encrypting all accessible files. The ransomware then renames each file by appending a victim-specific ID and the “.hush” extension. For example:

• Original file: document.docx
• Encrypted file: document.docx.{46C24BB5-0253-9846-ECCA-6ED8EE59F446}.hush

The presence of these encrypted files is an immediate indicator of infection.

After locking the files, Hush drops its README.TXT ransom note, which contains instructions for contacting the cybercriminals. The message also warns against renaming files or attempting third-party decryption, claiming this could cause permanent data loss.

How Does Hush Ransomware Infect Systems?

Hush ransomware spreads through several infection methods, including:

• Malicious email attachments – Victims receive phishing emails disguised as legitimate messages, often containing attachments or links leading to the ransomware.
• Torrent websites and pirated software – Attackers distribute ransomware through cracked software, key generators, and fake downloads.
• Malicious advertisements – Cybercriminals use drive-by downloads to install ransomware via compromised websites or fake ads.
• Vulnerabilities in outdated software – Exploiting security weaknesses in unpatched systems allows ransomware to enter undetected.

Once inside a system, Hush can spread through local networks, encrypting files on shared drives and external storage devices.

Hush Ransomware Ransom Note Text

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 an 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: pasmunder@zohomail.eu 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: pasmunder@zohomail.eu
Reserved email: famerun@email.tg
Telegram: @pasmunder

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 our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
 * We have been in your network for a long time. We know everything about your company most of your information has already been downloaded to our server. We recommend you to do not waste your time if you don’t want us to start the second phase.
 * You have 24 hours to contact us.
 * Otherwise, your data will be sold or made public.

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

Hush ransomware is a highly dangerous malware that encrypts files and demands payment in exchange for a decryption key. Victims are advised not to pay the ransom, as cybercriminals may not provide the decryption tool. Instead, it is crucial to have strong security measures in place, such as keeping backups, using updated software, and avoiding suspicious email attachments.

This ransomware highlights the growing threat of cyber extortion and the importance of proactive cybersecurity awareness to prevent such infections.