Hajd Ransomware: Data Recovery & Removal

Like any other ransomware, Hajd ransomware encrypts your files and demands a ransom for the decryption key. 

After a ransomware infection, the first thing you should do is disconnect from the internet and then run a malware scan on your computer. If you notice the virus before it takes all your files, you have a higher chance of removing it and restoring the encrypted data immediately.

Like most ransomware, Hajd adds the extension .hajd to the end of the file name. So, if you have a file named doc1.pdf, the ransomware changes it to doc1.pdf.hajd.

Once the hajd ransomware finishes encrypting your files, it adds a _readme.txt with the ransom note.

Never pay the ransom. Besides financing the hacker group, they may not send the decryption key, or the key may not even work and your files can get corrupted.

How to remove Hajd ransomware and recover the files

Even before removing the ransomware, alert authorities about the virus. Ransomware is a cybercrime and must be reported. In the US you can contact the FBI. If you’re in any other country, contact the national police.

Solution 1. Try a decryption tool

Is there a public decryption tool for Hajd ransomware? 

Only for older variants of the Hajd ransomware, you can try to use the Emsisoft free decryption tool to recover files from the Hajd ransomware attack. However, the tool may not work with the Hajd variant on your device. And for new variants of ransomware, there are no public decryption tools. 

Solution 2. Use an anti-malware software

Having anti-malware software installed on your computer can help you avoid hacker attacks and phishing. Of course, not opening files and attachments you’re not sure of origin also helps with ransomware attack prevention.

Yet, an anti-malware tool can scan your computer and remove the ransomware. It won’t damage further and you may restore your data and device. There are plenty of efficient and affordable anti-malware services in the market that you can install, remove the hajd ransomware, and prevent further attacks.

Solution 3. Restore data with a previous backup

Using a backup to restore your files is the easiest and quickest way you can recover your data after a ransomware attack. For this reason, it is important that you keep an updated backup of your files. 

After you successfully remove the ransomware, you can plug in your device with the backup and continue your work.

One security tip is to send your files to an external drive when offline, then you don’t have any risk of having that data hacked while you’re making the backup.

Solution 4. Use a recovery software

Use a data recovery program to recover your files after a ransomware attack. There are many programs available, and some may work better than others, depending on the type of encryption used by the hajd ransomware. If you can find a program that can decrypt your files, you may get your data back without paying the ransom.

SalvageData data recovery software is built to help you recover your files under any circumstances.

Solution 5. Contact a data recovery service

If anything else fails or if you don’t feel comfortable recovering your files on your own, you can contact a data recovery service.

One of the most effective ways to recover your data, except for backup, is to contact a data recovery service. SalvageData’s ransomware data recovery experts will decrypt your file, and send them back to you with no corruption. 

TL;DR. Hajd ransomware encrypts your computer files by adding “.hajd” after each filename. Always report the ransomware attack to authorities and don’t pay the ransom. There is an existing public decryption key that can decrypt your files as long as it’s not a new variant of the malware. You can always count on anti-malware or recovery software to restore your files, as well as contact a data recovery advisor at SalvageData for a free consultation.

From decryption tools, backups, and data recovery software and services, you have enough options to restore your data after a hajd ransomware attack. But, prevention is always the best solution. Make sure to be careful online and learn how you got infected in the first place. This information can help you avoid new cyberattacks in the future.

SalvageData experts are ready to help you as you need to recover data from a hajd ransomware attacks. If you prefer, you can also go to the nearest data recovery center and request help there.