Remove Hero Ransomware (.hero77)

Hero Ransomware is a dangerous file-encrypting malware categorized under the Proton ransomware family. This malicious threat was recently discovered during routine analysis of malware samples submitted to VirusTotal. Like many ransomware strains, Hero encrypts data on infected systems and alters filenames to include the attacker’s email and a unique extension—“.hero77”.

Once it completes the encryption, the ransomware leaves a ransom note titled “#Read-for-recovery.txt” and changes the system’s wallpaper to further communicate with the victim. Unlike typical ransomware notes, the message left by Hero does not directly mention a ransom amount or payment method. Instead, it simply urges victims to reach out to the attackers through the provided email address.

On infected systems, Hero appends filenames with the extension .hero77, and includes the attacker’s email address as part of the name format. For example, a file originally named 1.jpg becomes 1.jpg.[hero77@cock.li].hero77.

While the malware doesn’t explicitly state the ransom demand in its message, it is designed to pressure victims into contacting the attackers. It’s important to note that even if a ransom is paid, there is no guarantee that data will be restored. Ransomware operators frequently fail to deliver decryption tools after receiving payment.

The ransomware does not offer any free decryption solution, and attempts to decrypt files without the attackers’ assistance are currently ineffective. Victims are advised to not pay the ransom and instead seek alternative methods, such as restoring data from secure backups or using professional anti-malware tools like SpyHunter, which can remove the malicious program to prevent further damage.

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Hero Ransomware – Threat Summary Table

Attribute	Details
Threat Name	Hero ransomware
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, File Locker
Encrypted Extension	.hero77
Ransom Note File	#Read-for-recovery.txt
Cybercriminal Email	hero77@cock.li
Wallpaper Message	Email us for recovery: hero77@cock.li
Detected As	Avast (Win32:MalwareX-gen [Ransom]) Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Lazy.335837) ESET (A Variant Of Win32/Filecoder.OOY) Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Generic) Microsoft (Ransom:Win32/Conti!rfn)
Symptoms	Files renamed with email and .hero77 extension, ransom note, altered wallpaper
Damage Caused	Data encryption, loss of access to files, possible additional malware payloads
Distribution Methods	Infected email attachments, torrent sites, malicious ads, cracks, social engineering
Danger Level	High – encrypts data and demands contact with criminals
Removal Tool	SpyHunter

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Manual Ransomware Removal Process

Important: Manual removal is recommended only for experienced users, as incorrect actions can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of the ransomware. If unsure, consider the SpyHunter Removal Method for a guided, automated solution.

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Immediately disable Wi-Fi or unplug the Ethernet cable to prevent the ransomware from communicating with remote servers.
2. This can prevent additional encryption or further infections.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users

1. Windows 10/11:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
   • Under the Boot tab, select Safe boot and check Network.
   • Click Apply, then OK, and restart your PC.
2. Windows 7/8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows starts.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users

1. Restart your Mac and hold the Shift key immediately after the startup chime.
2. Release the key when the Apple logo appears.
3. Your Mac will boot in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Identify and Terminate Malicious Processes

Windows

1. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Look for unusual processes consuming high CPU or memory.
3. Right-click on the suspicious process and select End Task.

Mac

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unknown or high-resource-consuming processes.
3. Select the suspicious process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Ransomware Files

Windows

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Windows\System32
2. Identify and delete suspicious files (randomly named or recently modified items).
3. Clear temporary files:
   • Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
   • Delete all files in the Temp folder.

Mac

1. Open Finder and select Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and check for unfamiliar files or folders.
3. Remove unknown .plist files from ~/Library/LaunchAgents.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware Entries from Registry or System Settings

Windows

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Identify and delete ransomware-related registry entries.

Mac

1. Open System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Select the Login Items tab and remove any unknown startup programs.
3. Check ~/Library/Preferences for malicious settings.

Step 6: Restore System Using a Backup or Restore Point

Windows

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and press Enter.
2. Choose a restore point from before the infection and proceed.

Mac

1. Restart your Mac and enter macOS Utilities by holding Command + R.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup and restore a safe backup.

Step 7: Attempt to Decrypt Files

• Check No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for available decryption tools.
• If unavailable, restore files from backups.

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Automated Ransomware Removal with SpyHunter

If manual removal is too complex or risky, SpyHunter offers a safer, automated method for detecting and removing ransomware.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

• Get SpyHunter from the official Enigma Software website.

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe or .dmg for Mac users).
2. Follow the installation prompts.
3. Launch SpyHunter upon completion.

Step 3: Run a Full System Scan

1. Click Start Scan Now to detect malware and ransomware.
2. Wait for the scan to complete and review detected threats.

Step 4: Remove Detected Ransomware

1. Click Fix Threats to remove identified ransomware components.
2. SpyHunter will clean your system automatically.

Step 5: SpyHunter’s Custom Malware HelpDesk

1. If ransomware persists, use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk for custom malware fixes.

Step 6: Restore Files

• Use backups stored on external drives or cloud storage.
• If no backup is available, check No More Ransom for decryption tools.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups: Use cloud storage or an external hard drive.
• Install a reliable security tool: SpyHunter offers real-time protection against malware.
• Enable Windows Defender or Mac security features for additional protection.
• Avoid phishing emails and unknown attachments.
• Regularly update Windows, macOS, and installed applications.

Conclusion

Hero ransomware poses a severe risk to users by encrypting critical files and demanding communication with threat actors. As part of the Proton ransomware family, it uses sophisticated encryption techniques that make data recovery nearly impossible without the decryption key. Victims are advised against paying the ransom due to the lack of guarantee in file recovery. Immediate removal of the ransomware using tools like SpyHunter is essential to stop further encryption and secure the system. Regular backups and proactive cybersecurity hygiene remain vital in mitigating the damage from such infections.