Do you know what HorseLeader Ransomware is?
HorseLeader Ransomware is a terrifying computer infection that might leave you struggling to access your data that has been locked behind a very strong encryption algorithm. Unfortunately, there is no public decryption key available for this infection. Therefore, you might have to depend on a file backup, and if you don’t have one, it could prove to be challenging to restore your files. On the other hand, you can remove HorseLeader Ransomware without too much difficulty. Simply follow the manual removal instructions below to get rid of this infection.
Our research team says that HorseLeader Ransomware belongs to the GarrantyDecrypt family, and the program has the same behavior as Horsedeal Ransomware. We can assume that those programs are different versions of the same infection. However, since HorseLeader Ransomware is similar to Horsedeal Ransomware, we can more or less be sure that you are in real trouble if you get infected with it.
For one, we know that these programs seem to be infecting users in certain regions. For example, Horedeal Ransomware would not encrypt files on systems that are in Armenian, Azerbaijani, Belarusian, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajik, and Tatar. Looks like the infection is programmed to skip some of the CIS member states. So, perhaps it wouldn’t be too far-fetched to assume that the developers of this infection are from one of those countries, too.
HorseLeader Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
Nevertheless, we can assume that HorseLeader Ransomware spreads using the most common ransomware distribution methods. That would be spam email or a malicious downloader. For example, spam email attachments have been one of the most popular mean of ransomware distribution for years now. Users are tricked into downloading a malware installer file thinking they download an important document.
That is to say, if you learn the main ransomware distribution patterns, it would be possible to avoid the likes of HorseLeader Ransomware. For now, the bottom line is that you have to be careful, and it would be a good idea to scan all of the downloaded files before you open them. If you use a reliable security tool to scan your computer, you will surely intercept potentially harmful files before you run them.
On the other hand, if HorseLeader Ransomware enters your computer, you can expect the usual ransomware repertory from this program. The infection will encrypt almost all of the files on your computer, and the affected files will get the “.horseleader” extension once the encryption is complete. Needless to say, it is impossible to open the encrypted files as the system cannot read them.
Just like most of the other ransomware infections, HorseLeader Ransomware also displays a ransom note. It’s displayed in a picture with running horses. The note is really short, and here’s what it says:
Nee your files!
Contact us!
ICQ – @Horseleader
XMPP – horseleader@xmpp.jp
Unlike most of the other ransomware infections that present elaborate notifications, this one is rather concise. It also doesn’t tell you how much you are supposed to pay for your files. You will only find out if you contact these criminals.
But of course, you should never do that because you would only fall deeper into the trap that pushes you to give your money away for the decryption tool. Please note that there is no guarantee this infection would issue the decryption tool in the first place.
Therefore, you need to look for other ways to restore your files. As mentioned, the best way to do that is from a file backup. If you regularly save copies of your files on an external hard drive, it shouldn’t be much of a problem. But if you do not have a designated backup, you might want to check your mobile device or your inbox for the latest files. You might be able to recover a lot more than you think!
Also, you need to remove HorseLeader Ransomware today. If you don’t want to deal with that on your own, you can always invest in a licensed security tool that will delete this infection automatically. While you are at it, you should also learn more about ransomware distribution and how it would be possible to avoid these infections. After all, it is better to avoid them than to deal with the infection consequences.
How to Remove HorseLeader Ransomware
- Delete the most recent files from Desktop.
- Remove the most recent files from the Downloads folder.
- Press Win+R and type %TEMP%. Click OK.
- Remove the most recent files from the directory.
- Delete the ransom note file and scan your PC with SpyHunter.
In non-techie terms:
HorseLeader Ransomware is a cunning infection that can block you from accessing your files. This program requires you to contact the criminals so you could purchase the decryption key. Keep your money to yourself and remove HorseLeader Ransomware from your system immediately. Once you have this infection removed, please be sure to address local professionals so they could guide you through multiple file recovery options. Also, if you are not sure where you start, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment below.