Skip to main content
Skip to main content
Microsoft Security Intelligence
Cart 0 items in shopping cart
Sign in
Published Sep 11, 2016 | Updated Aug 07, 2019

Ransom:Win32/HydraCrypt.A

Detected by Microsoft Defender Antivirus

Aliases: No associated aliases

Summary

Microsoft Defender Antivirus detects and removes this threat. This ransomware can stop you from using your PC or accessing your data. It might ask you to pay money to malicious hacker.

We have seen this threat distributed by exploit kits (Neutrino, Axpergle, and Exploit:Win32/CVE-2016-0034), and through URLs embedded in spam emails that points to malicious macro downloaders.

Our ransomware FAQ page has more information on this type of threat.

The trend towards increasingly sophisticated malware behavior, highlighted by the use of exploits and other attack vectors, makes older platforms so much more susceptible to ransomware attacks. From June to November 2017, Windows 7 devices were 3.4 times more likely to encounter ransomware compared to Windows 10 devices.

Read our latest report: A worthy upgrade: Next-gen security on Windows 10 proves resilient against ransomware outbreaks in 2017.

There is no one-size-fits-all response if you have been victimized by ransomware. There is no guarantee that paying the ransom will give you access to your files.

If you've already paid, see our ransomware page for help on what to do now.

Run antivirus or antimalware software

Use the following free Microsoft software to detect and remove this threat:

You should also run a full scan. A full scan might find hidden malware.

Advanced troubleshooting

To restore your PC, you might need to download and run Windows Defender Offline. See our advanced troubleshooting page for more help.

You can also ask for help from other PC users at the Microsoft virus and malware community.

If you’re using Windows XP, see our Windows XP end of support page.

Use cloud protection

The Microsoft Active Protection Service (MAPS) uses cloud protection to help guard against the latest malware threats. It’s turned on by default for Microsoft Security Essentials and Windows Defender for Windows 10. 

Get more help

You can also see our advanced troubleshooting page for more help or search the Microsoft virus and malware community for more help.

If you’re using Windows XP, see our Windows XP end of support page.

Follow us