VHD ransomware

VHD ransomware is the cryptovirus that uses a mix of AES and RSA encryption algorithms while locking files

 VHD ransomware is the typical threat that focuses on encoding users’ files so there is a reason for ransom demands. It makes all the possible things more difficult for the victim, so there are not many options left besides paying the demanded amount of cryptocurrency. For example, this threat creates a new key for each affected file, so it becomes merely impossible to decrypt these files yourself. Researchers^[1] also report that this is not likely to get the decryption tool developed. At least yet. All is due to the complexity of the coding methods and methods that help to evade AV detection programs. The name for this virus comes from .vhd! file marker that appears added on files after encoding procedures during which the original code of existing data gets changed making files locked and useless. This is the most frustrating thing, but there are many other functions to this threat that cannot be noticed due to the background processes. However, ransomware is one of the more dangerous and powerful cyber infections for a reason.

VHD ransomware virus starts the attack with infiltration and file encryption, so the text file HowToDecrypt.txt that contains ransom note can deliver the particular instructions for victims and encourage them to pay up. The paying should, allegedly, ensure that the decryption tool will get to the victim, and their files may get recovered. Unfortunately, this is not a trustworthy group of people that developed this threat and released it to people all over the globe. Experts^[2] never recommend trusting them or even paying cybercriminals, even though it seems to be the only option to get your files back. Even contacting these people via their emails [email protected], [email protected] can lead to issues with your privacy or expose you to the dangerous material. In most cases, malicious actors collect money and keep those files encrypted.

VHD ransomware is not the threat that can be surely associated with any other malware family, so this is new and still need to be fully analyzed. Unfortunately, that also means that decryption is nor possible for files that get affected during the infection. Researchers may come up with a solution, but until then, you need to tackle the virus and get rid of the possible damage that ransomware caused on your computer.

You can become a victim of this threat no matter where you are because VHD ransomware targets English-speaking users and can spread around the world with all the deceptive, stealthy, and malicious techniques. Even though the attack focuses on file locking and ransom demands malware like this can easily infiltrate and affect settings or more crucial parts of the system.

VHD ransomware adds files and runs processes to stop particular programs and system functions like Microsoft Health Manager, server agents, security assistants, anti-malware programs, security functions, applications that allow data recovery to happen. Malware creators want to get as many payments as possible, so keeping your options to a minimum helps them to ensure that.

However, no experts recommend paying or even contacting those criminals behind this malicious cryptovirus. You need to remove VHD ransomware from your machine as soon as possible instead and try to repair all the functions yourself or with the help of programs like Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego that can find and re[air system settings, files belonging to the operating system or needed for important programs. 
VHD ransomware is the cryptovirus that scares victims into paying the demanded amount of cryptocurrency by showing these text files with their messages.

VHD ransomware is the cryptovirus that scares victims into paying the demanded amount of cryptocurrency by showing these text files with their messages.

Even though the following ransom note contains suggestions to pay and claims that there are no other options but to pay up, you need to ignore the VHD ransomware creators if you want to avoid money and data loss.

All data on your pc were encrypted with strongest encryption method.
The only way to get your data back is to purchase unique key for you.
* You can get cheaper price if you contact us as soon as possible. *
After three days from now, it will be difficult to recover your data.
Good luck.
contact address:
[email protected]
[email protected] 

If you contact these criminals, you may expose yourself to the more dangerous connection that the infection of the cryptovirus itself. VHD ransomware developers want to get profit from easily scared people, and when you write them or even pay the ransom you indefinitely put yourself at risk. Your files probably will remain damaged even if you transfer the number of Bitcoin you got asked. This is a common outcome of such incidents. 

Stay calm and try to ignore those messages from malware developers. You need to perform the VHD ransomware removal as soon as you get the demanding message placed on the machine and go straight to cleaning the traces of this infection. You need to do that because anything related to data restoring cannot start until virus is fully terminated. 

When you get the VHD ransomware on your machine it manages to alter Windows registry, startup preferences, and disable many programs that run on your device, install files, and apps behind your back. You cannot deal with these alterations and issues yourself because manual alterations in system files can cause even further damage than this virus itself.  
VHD ransomware – the particular threat that gets its name from a marker that appears on each encoded file.

VHD ransomware – the particular threat that gets its name from a marker that appears on each encoded file.

The infection gets spread with the help of malicious script injections 

The payload of the ransomware can end up dropped on the machine without your knowledge because criminals rely on stealthy methods, misleading spam campaigns, malicious programs, and even hacking tools and online content. There are many options and the possibility that the wide-spread virus is distributed by at least a few of them at the time. 

The first method is email campaigns during which receivers get notifications with alleged financial documents, and those MS files ask to enable the macro content that result sin macro virus release and triggers the ransomware infiltration. You should pay attention to grammar mistakes, typos, and any minor suspicions about the sender or the email itself, to avoid this type of infiltration.

Another issue with malicious files can be pirating services because of software cracks, game cheats, and other files that include scripts triggering the cryptovirus payload installation. You cannot notice these instances because executables get added alongside the wanted program or file. Staying away from these services and torrent sites entirely can help you keep the machine clear of malware. Also, scanning the system with an AV tool occasionally ensures that there are no flaws and possible infections that may lead to these serious attacks. 

VHD ransomware virus removal guide

You need to take this VHD ransomware virus infection seriously because it is new and can get updated. Malware relies on encryption and uses two army-grade algorithms to achieve all the goals of cybercriminals who are money-driven hackers. Paying is not an option, you need to remember that and take care of the virus infection.

The best way to remove VHD ransomware and other more serious threats that infiltrate the machine and make all the alterations is by using anti-malware programs and applications designed to clean the system, repair files and functions. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes cold be the best options for your security tools.

Since threat actors included the code that disables AV engines and security tools VHD ransomware removal may get difficult. We have included a few options below that help to avoid that like Safe Mode reboot. When you terminate the malware, get Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego and run it on the computer, so all the affected system files get repaired. Then, data recovery can happen without risks of getting encryption repeat itself.

Remove VHD using Safe Mode with Networking

Reboot the machine in Safe Mode with Networking, so you can freely run the AV tool and remove this malware from your device

• Windows 7 / Vista / XP
  1. Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
  2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list

  Windows 10 / Windows 8

  1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
  2. Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
  3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking in Startup Settings window.

• Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete VHD removal.

If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.

Remove VHD using System Restore

You can rely on System Restore feature and get rid of VHD ransomware this way

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove VHD from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.

If your files are encrypted by VHD, you can use several methods to restore them:

Data Recovery Pro is the optional program when you don’t have backups of encrypted data

When VHD ransomware virus encodes your files or you delete some of them yourself, you can rely on the program like Data Recovery Pro and restore those files yourself

• Download Data Recovery Pro;
• Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
• Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by VHD ransomware;
• Restore them.

Windows Previous Versions can help with encrypted data too

When you sue System Restore as the option for virus removal, you can rely on Windows Previous Versions and manage to recover individual files

• Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
• Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
• Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.

ShadoExplorer is the way to restore files after VHD ransomware virus attack

When Shadow Volume Copies are still left untouched, ShadowExplorer can be a great alternative for your data backups

• Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
• Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
• Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
• Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.

Decryption tool for VHD ransomware is not developed yet

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from VHD and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes