Hydra Virus: The Monster With Multiple Heads

Two viruses seem to go by the name “Hydra virus.” However, both can cause significant worry and stress if you don’t know what to do. Continue reading to find out which one you have and how to remove it. 

Hydra Pop-Up Window Virus

This virus runs on Microsoft Windows. The name and concept come from the Greek monster Hydra, also called the Lernean Hydra. In Greek mythology, the monster had many heads. If someone cut off one of them, two more heads would grow.

Similarly, the virus’s first window presented to the user states, “Cut Off A Head And Two More Will Take Its Place [Hydra ViRuS BioCoded by WiPet].” 

If the user tries to close the window, two more will appear. The windows will also begin to move in multiple directions. 

Because this virus does not block Task Manager, ending the task in Task Manager inactivates the virus.

How To Open Task Manager

1. Press Windows+R.
2. Type taskmgr.
3. Click OK or hit Enter. 
4. Select the Hydra application. Note: This may be an application you do not recognize or that Windows did not pre-install. Double-check what the application is if you are unsure. 
5. Click End Task.  

Hydra Ransomware

The other Hydra virus is more malicious than the previously mentioned one. 

This virus is ransomware. After the virus infiltrates your device, it encrypts your files and threatens to delete them unless you pay a ransom. 

If your filenames have been renamed ending in .HYDRA, you have been infected with the virus.

Ransom Note

Below is an example of a ransom note from the Hydra Virus:

“I want to play a game with you. Let me explain the rules: Your personal files are being deleted. Your photos, videos, documents, etc… But, don’t worry! It will only happen if you don’t comply. However I’ve already encrypted your personal files, so you cannot access them. Every hour I select some of them to delete permanently, therefore I won’t be able to access them, either. Are you familiar with the concept of exponential growth? Let me help you out. It starts out slowly then increases rapidly. During the first 24 hours, you will only lose a few files, the second day a few hundred, the third day a few thousand, and so on. If you turn off your computer or try to close me, when I start next time you will get 1000 files deleted as a punishment. Yes, you will want me to start next time, since I am the only one that is capable of decrypting your personal data for you. Now, let’s start and enjoy our little game together! Bitcoin address: 1Hd3tU8MDmuVotMgGJTJ7svzvPey6bfUgm Please, send at least 10$ worth of money here: JIGSAW3363@GMAIL.COM using PayPal.”

General Steps To Remove A Virus From Your Computer

1. Disconnect from the internet: Disconnecting from the internet can help prevent the spread of the virus and further damage to your system.
2. Enter Safe Mode: Restart your computer and press the appropriate key (usually F8 or Shift+F8) during startup to enter Safe Mode. Safe Mode disables most non-essential applications and services, making it easier to remove the virus.
3. Install or update antivirus software: If you don’t have antivirus software installed, use another computer to download a reputable antivirus program and transfer it to the affected computer using a USB drive. If you already have antivirus software, update it to the latest version.
4. Run a full system scan: Perform a thorough scan of your computer using the antivirus software. This should detect and remove the virus.
5. Clean up and repair: After the virus has been removed, use the antivirus software or other tools to clean up any remaining traces of the virus and repair any damaged files or system settings.
6. Update your software and operating system: Ensure your software and operating system are up-to-date to prevent future infections. Regularly update your antivirus software and perform periodic system scans.
7. Create backups: Regularly create backups of your important files to protect against data loss in case of future infections.

If the steps above don’t resolve the issue, you may need to consult a professional technician or consider reinstalling your operating system. Remember to back up your important files before reinstalling the operating system to avoid data loss.

Next Steps

Assuming the hackers have created a successful encryption method, decrypting them without their help is virtually impossible. Unless the ransomware infection was not fully developed or has serious security flaws, restoring your files is a challenging task to achieve yourself. 

It’s advisable not to pay the ransom. There is no accountability for the hacker to follow through on their promise. Instead, look for backups of your files and aim to remove the malware. 

In the future, never click on links in spam emails or download files from sites or applications you do not trust.

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