Do you know what Hermes666 Ransomware is?
You might have found a strange “.Hermes666” extension added to your files, and now they do not open properly. That means that Hermes666 Ransomware has encrypted your files. This infection should only encrypt personal files, leaving system files alone. Unfortunately, it is your personal files that you might be most attached to because they cannot be replaced that easily. In fact, they can be replaced only if backups exist, and not all people are diligent about creating and maintaining backups. If you have them, you do not need to worry about the recovery of the encrypted files because you can delete them and transfer the backups in their place. However, if you do not have replacements, you might feel stuck. In any case, you need to remove Hermes666 Ransomware, and we suggest that you take care of it now.
The installer of Hermes666 Ransomware is likely to be sent to you via email, but you could also be exposed to it via malicious bundled downloaders. Also, cybercriminals could use vulnerabilities within RDP (remote desktop protocol) to drop the infection onto your computer without your knowledge. Regardless of how the infection is dropped, if the attackers find a way in, that means that your operating system is not secure, and that is a problem as well. Of course, you might want to focus on Hermes666 Ransomware first, but note that you will not be safe until your operating system is fully safeguarded. After all, this infection is not the only one that could slither in and encrypt your personal files. In fact, it belongs to the Maoloa Ransomware family. Another well-known infection that belongs to it is TROLL Ransomware, and you can already find a removal guide for this threat on our website.
Hermes666 Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
Once Hermes666 Ransomware is done encrypting your files, you should find the “HOW TO BACK YOUR FILES.txt” file created next to them. The message delivered via this file demands that you follow the instructions to obtain a “decrypt tool.” These instructions include sending a personal ID (included in the message) to egenexphi1988@protonmail.com, waiting for further instructions, and then paying a ransom. Unfortunately, we cannot say how much the attackers would demand from you. Of course, even if the ransom is relatively small, we do not recommend paying it because the attackers are unlikely to give you a decryptor in return. We do not even recommend sending the message in the first place because we do not want you getting exposed to misleading emails. So, what should you do? If you have backups that can replace the corrupted files, initiate the removal of Hermes666 Ransomware right away. If you do not have backups, think if you want to take risks or if you want to accept the loss.
If you can find the file that executed the threat, the launcher, and the ransom note file, you can delete Hermes666 Ransomware yourself. That being said, you also want to think about the future because if you do not secure your system, new threats could invade again. Therefore, we suggest installing an anti-malware program. If it is trustworthy and legitimate, it will automatically remove Hermes666 Ransomware, and it will also overhaul your system’s protection to keep new incoming threats away. Of course, you must also not forget to backup your files because that is the best insurance you can have.
Remove Hermes666 Ransomware
- Delete recently downloaded suspicious files (e.g., files you downloaded attached to spam emails).
- Find and Delete every copy of the ransom note file, HOW TO BACK YOUR FILES.txt.
- To eliminate these files fully, Empty Recycle Bin.
- Inspect your operating system for potential leftovers using a trusted malware scanner.
In non-techie terms:
Hermes666 Ransomware is a not-so-friendly reminder that Windows operating systems are vulnerable and that personal files are at risk. If you do not secure your system and do not backup your personal files, this malicious infection can do a lot of damage because once files are encrypted, restoring them is not possible. Now, if backups exist, you can easily replace the corrupted files, but before that, you need to delete Hermes666 Ransomware. The guide at the top explains what needs to be done to have the threat removed manually, but that is not the only option you’ve got. You can install a legitimate anti-malware program to have the infection removed automatically too. In fact, this is the better option because the program can also ensure full-time protection, which you definitely cannot skip out on.