Hi Buddy Ransomware

What is Hi Buddy Ransomware?

If your operating system is not protected from malicious threats, Hi Buddy Ransomware might invade it sooner than you think. This devious infection could use various methods to enter your operating system, and one of them is using corrupted spam emails. It is also possible for this threat to enter your PC with the help of malicious installers. Of course, if that happens, you might encounter other threats as well. Whether or not other malicious infections are active, right now you need to focus on the ransomware that takes your personal files hostage. The types of files that this infection targets includes .asp, .aspx, .mp3, .js, .txt, .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt,.sql, .mdb, .pptx, .odt, .jpg, .png, .php, .html, .xml, .psd, and .pdf. Needless to say, these are the files that you cannot replace with a click of a button, and that is exactly why they are targeted by the developers of this ransomware. Do you want to learn more about the encryption of your files and find out how to remove Hi Buddy Ransomware? If you do, please continue reading.

How does Hi Buddy Ransomware work?

Hi Buddy Ransomware uses AES encryption to encrypt your personal files. Other infections that were found to do the same include PadCrypt Ransomware, Crysis Ransomware, and TorLocker Virus. A specific algorithm is used to encrypt your files. An encryption key is created simultaneously; however, it is sent to a server that belongs to the creator of the ransomware. This key is inaccessible to regular users, which is why the attacks of ransomware are often successful. Different decryption tools have been developed over the time to help users decrypt files; however, they rarely work for the victims of ransomware. According to our researchers at Anti-Spyware-101.com, it is impossible to decrypt the files locked by Hi Buddy Ransomware without making the requested payment. At the moment, users are requested to pay 0.40347888 Bitcoins (~$170) using Tor2web. According to the information provided via the interface, the encryption takes 10 minutes. To make the process as simple as possible, the ransomware also provides general information about Bitcoins, and promotes two different services (Bitboat and Localbitcoin) that sell Bitcoins. The problem is that we cannot guarantee that your files would be decrypted if you paid the huge ransom.

The interface of Hi Buddy Ransomware is a very important feature. This interface not only provides all of the necessary information but it also works as a shield that blocks you from accessing your operating system. Even if you try launching programs using keyboard shortcuts, the interface will come in front to make it impossible for you to use them. This means that you will not be able to install software or search for information using your browsers. Well, you can browse the web from the interface of the ransomware where a “Search google” option is added besides the links routing to Bitcoin shops. Nonetheless, this will not make the removal of this threat any easier. Of course, information about this infection – for example, this report – can help you make your next move. If you choose to pay the ransom, you still need to remove this ransomware. If you choose to lose your personal files (unless you have them backed up, for example, in an external drive), you need to erase this infection and get rid of all encrypted files.

How to delete Hi Buddy Ransomware

You should not waste any time with Hi Buddy Ransomware. As long as this program remains active on your operating system, you will not be able to use your computer in a normal manner. Because it can be difficult to identify the files of this malicious infection, we encourage users to implement automated malware detection and removal software for the elimination of this ransomware. Installing this software might seem impossible, but we have a solution that works. Use the guide below to reboot your Windows operating system in Safe Mode with Networking. We have also added the steps that might help you erase the devious ransomware manually, but you still need to reboot your PC in Safe Mode with Networking. Are you leaning toward manual removal? Do not forget that other malicious threats might be active as well, and only anti-malware software can erase all of them simultaneously.

Removal Guide Step 1:

Windows XP, Windows 7, and Windows Vista:

1. Restart the PC, wait for BIOS to load, and start tapping the F8 key on the keyboard.
2. Using arrow keys select Safe Mode with Networking and tap Enter.
3. Click YES to confirm your access.

Windows 8 and Windows 8.1:

1. In Metro UI click the Power Options button.
2. Press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard and select Restart.
3. Select Troubleshoot for more options.
4. Move to Advanced options and click Startup Settings.
5. Click Restart and tap reboot your PC in Safe Mode with Networking (press F5).

Windows 10:

1. Click the Windows logo on the left of the Taskbar and click Power.
2. Press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard and select Restart.
3. Open the Troubleshooting menu and click Advanced Options.
4. Click Startup Settings and click Restart.
5. Tap F5 (Safe Mode with Networking).

Removal Guide Step 2:

1. Tap Win+E to launch Explorer.
2. Type %USERPROFILE%\downloads into the address bar and tap Enter.
3. Look for a malicious file, right-click it, and select Delete.
4. Type %APPDATA% into the address bar and tap Enter.
5. Repeat step 3.
6. Type %TEMP% into the address bar and tap Enter.
7. Repeat step 3.
8. If you cannot detect malware, install an automated malware remover, SpyHunter (you can download it from http://www.anti-spyware-101.com/download-sph).

Download Removal Tool100% FREE spyware scan and
tested removal of Hi Buddy Ransomware*