Haze Ransomware

Haze Ransomware is a newly-detected malware developed by cyber criminals for money extortion. Currently, it acts more than a screenlocker because it does not encrypt files even though it opens a red window with a message claiming that all hard disks have been locked. Although it does not act as a typical ransomware infection today, it does not mean that its new updated version cannot be released in the future. No matter which of the versions of this ransomware infection show up on your system, you must remove this threat without further consideration. The chances are high that none of your personal files have been encrypted, so we see no point in sending cyber criminals the required money. Users should not give malware developers what they want even if their files become encrypted because malicious software creators will definitely take the money sent to them, but there are no guarantees that they will unlock files or give the decryption tool in exchange. Additionally, victims encourage cyber criminals to continue developing bad applications by sending money to them, so our advice would be to find another way to unlock files if they ever become locked.

We are sure that Haze Ransomware is the one that has infiltrated your computer if you have been presented with a message “Press any key” in a flashy background before finding your screen locked. Although it does not encrypt any files, this infection still demands money from users, so it is very likely that it is its only goal. At the time of writing, it was asking the ransom of €25, but the size of the ransom might change. Unlike some other ransomware infections, it does not tell users to send money in the Bitcoin currency. Instead, it needs a Paysafecard code. Users are told that they will get the key for unlocking files via email soon after sending the code, but, unfortunately, there are no guarantees that this will really happen, so do not rush to send money to cyber criminals behind Haze Ransomware. To be frank, we see no point in sending money to cyber crooks because it is very likely that your files have not been encrypted. You can check them by pressing Win+D – you will return to Desktop and could try opening your files. Last but not least, you should not send the required money also because you could unlock the window placed over your Desktop and remove the ransomware infection quite easily. Unfortunately, the malicious file that can launch the ransomware again will stay on your system even if you pay a ransom, so, in the opinion of specialists at pcthreat.com, victims should keep the money in their pockets.

Haze Ransomware cannot be called a prevalent infection because it has not affected many computers yet. Despite the fact that it is not distributed very actively, it is already known how it usually enters users’ computers. First, it can arrive on users’ PCs when they open a malicious attachment from a spam email. These attachments are made to look like important documents, so it does not surprise specialists at all that many users open them and get infected with serious malware. Researchers have also noticed that Haze Ransomware might enter computers illegally due to unsafe RDP configuration as well. Most probably, other distribution methods might also be used to spread ransomware, so it might not be easy to protect the system from the entrance of malware alone. We know one simple trick to ensure the system’s protection – enable a reputable security application on your computer. It will protect your PC 24/7, and you will no longer have to worry about the entrance of bad software.

Most likely, Haze Ransomware has not locked any of your files, so its removal is your only task. It is not one of those threats that drop a bunch of new files on affected systems or make significant modifications on them, so you should be able to remove it fully manually. If the manual method is not for you, you can always erase malware from your system using an automated malware remover. Of course, you will first need to acquire a powerful antimalware scanner even if you already have some kind of tool installed on your computer.

Delete Haze Ransomware

1. Tap Win+D to return to Desktop.
2. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc.
3. Open Processes and kill the process of Haze Ransomware.
4. Remove all recently downloaded files (they should be located on Desktop (%USERPROFILE%\Desktop) or in the Downloads folder (%USERPROFILE%\Downloads).
5. Empty Recycle bin.