How to Remove Nullhexxx Ransomware

Nullhexxx ransomware is a newly identified crypto-virus discovered through submissions on VirusTotal. Operating as a file-locking malware, Nullhexxx encrypts personal data, renames files by appending the attacker’s email address and a victim-specific ID, and leaves behind a ransom note demanding payment in exchange for decryption.

Victims of this malware will notice drastic changes to their system, including modified file extensions, desktop wallpaper changes, and a ransom note named READ-ME-Nullhexxx.txt found in every affected folder. The attackers communicate via the email address nullhexxx@gmail.com or through the encrypted messaging platform TOX.

Threat Overview

How Nullhexxx Ransomware Operates

Once executed, Nullhexxx scans the system for target file types and encrypts them using a secure encryption algorithm. It then renames each file by adding an email identifier and a unique victim ID. For example:

• 1.jpg → 1.jpg.[nullhexxx@gmail.com].9ECFA84E
• 2.png → 2.png.[nullhexxx@gmail.com].9ECFA84E

Following encryption, the malware changes the desktop wallpaper to a threatening image stating:

All your files are encrypted
For more information see #Recover-File.txt that is located in every encrypted folder
Time left: 72 hours

This time-based threat is meant to pressure victims into compliance.

Ransom Note Text (READ-ME-Nullhexxx.txt)

The contents of the ransom note left by Nullhexxx are as follows:

cssCopyEdit\\ All your files are encrypted...

All your files have been encrypted !!!

To decrypt them send e-mail to this address : nullhexxx@gmail.com

If you do not receive a response within 24 hours, Send a TOX message

TOX ID : 5551C47D78A6C295B805270C49D6C072095ABD5A1CD2545F1EABAA773CBF6A1C8231E8BF49CE

You can access it from here.
https://tox.chat

\\ Your ID : {-}

Enter the ID of your files in the subject !

\\ What is our decryption guarantee ?

Before paying you can send us up to 2 test files for free decryption !

The total size of files must be less than 2Mb.(non archived) !

Files should not contain valuable information.(databases,backups) !

Compress the file with zip or 7zip or rar compression programs and send it to us!

This message is designed to instill urgency and provide a false sense of security by offering a “decryption guarantee” for small, non-sensitive files.

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.

Final Thoughts

Nullhexxx is part of a growing class of ransomware strains that prioritize psychological pressure tactics, strong encryption, and multiple communication channels to ensure victims feel compelled to pay. Unfortunately, there is no known free decryptor available at this time. Users should treat any communication from attackers with caution and avoid paying ransoms, as there is no assurance of receiving a decryption key.