How to remove Hawk Eye Ransomware and decrypt your files

What is Hawk Eye Ransomware

Hawk Eye Ransomware is a damaging variant of malware derived from the Chaos ransomware family. It operates by infiltrating a system and encrypting valuable data to extort a ransom from the victim. When files are encrypted by Hawk Eye, they are appended with an extension composed of four random characters, such as .z1bg, which is affixed to each file name. This extension marks the files as inaccessible without the proper decryption key. The ransomware employs robust encryption algorithms, typically making decryption impossible without the specific key generated during encryption. Alongside the encryption, Hawk Eye Ransomware drops a ransom note titled read_it.txt on the victim’s system. This note not only informs the victim of the encryption but also threatens to leak personal data acquired during the infection if the ransom is not paid.

Ransom notes from Hawk Eye emphasize double extortion tactics, mentioning both the encryption of files and the theft of sensitive data. Typically, victims are directed to a webpage detailing how to make the ransom payment, usually around 0.02 BTC (Bitcoin), to recover their files. However, there are currently no known decryption tools available for Hawk Eye ransomware, which makes recovering data particularly challenging. Using security software like Combo Cleaner can help in detecting and removing the ransomware, but it cannot decrypt already encrypted data. To decrypt files encrypted by Hawk Eye, the victim would theoretically need the decryption key held by the attackers, making paying the ransom a tempting but risky option. It’s essential to report such incidents to authorities and consult cybersecurity professionals for potential recovery and further advice.

How Hawk Eye Ransomware infects computers

Hawk Eye Ransomware employs a range of sophisticated tactics to infiltrate computers, primarily leveraging phishing and social engineering techniques. Cybercriminals often dispatch emails containing malicious attachments or links that, when opened, trigger the ransomware’s installation. Additionally, drive-by downloads and compromised websites serve as common infection vectors, where unsuspecting users inadvertently download the malware. Trojans and backdoor loaders also facilitate the spread of Hawk Eye, often bundled with seemingly legitimate software from untrustworthy download sources or peer-to-peer networks. Furthermore, cyber adversaries exploit software vulnerabilities and outdated security protocols to penetrate systems, underscoring the importance of vigilant browsing habits and up-to-date antivirus protection.

1. Download Hawk Eye Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for encrypted files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like Hawk Eye Ransomware

Hawk Eye Ransomware files:


read_it.txt
{randomname}.exe


Hawk Eye Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore encrypted files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt encrypted files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of encrypted files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with Hawk Eye Ransomware and removed from your computer you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore encrypted files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like Hawk Eye Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Hawk Eye Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro