File Informer ransomware / virus (Decryption Steps Included) - Easy Removal Guide
File Informer virus Removal Guide
What is File Informer ransomware virus?
File Informer is undecryptable ransomware virus that demands to pay 55 USD for data recovery
File Informer is a new file-encrypting virus that has been spotted by malware researchers at the end of May 2017. It encrypts documents, photos, videos, archives and other files using AES-256 cryptography and appends the .brickr file extension to each of them. Due to the name of extension malware might be alternatively called as BrickR ransomware. Following data encryption, the virus changes affected computer’s background with the black picture with red letters informing about encrypted files. File Informer ransomware also drops a ransom note named “READ_DECRYPT_FILES.txt” and runs a pop-up window with the same instructions. Cyber criminals ask to transfer 55 USD in Bitcoins to the provided address. Before making a transaction, victims can send one encrypted file to decryptmystuff@protonmail.com and criminals will send back a decrypted file for free as a guarantee that they have a working software. However, it may be the only one file saved file after the cyber attack. Once you transfer the money, hackers may forget their promise to restore your data. Indeed, it’s not fair. That’s why you should not have any business with cyber criminals. After the attack, you should focus on File Informer removal. Scanning computer with FortectIntego or other malware removal program helps to protect the system and personal information from further damage.
The ransom-demanding message left by File Informer includes explanation what happened to files and how users can get back access to them. Indeed, strong encryption algorithm and appended file extension prevents people from opening and using their files. According to cyber criminals, no one can restore corrupted files, neither IT experts nor antivirus programs. Indeed, data recovery might be nearly impossible without specific decryption key that is held in secret hackers’ server unless victims have backups. Ransomware viruses are often capable of deleting Shadow Volume Copies and system backups. However, there’s hope that File Informer might fail to complete this task and leave people a chance to retrieve their files without following criminals’ rules. Crooks ask to pay Bitcoins, transfer them to provided address, and then send unique victim’s ID number and wait for the decryption key. Hackers promise to send it within 12 hours, and once people get it, they have to enter it, and all the files are supposed to be decrypted automatically. However, we have already warned that this scenario may not happen. Ransomware type viruses are blackmailing tools and data recovery is just the matter of hackers’ conscience. We know numerous cases when people paid but never received a decryption key.[1] Thus, we want to discourage you from paying the ransom as well. Please, remove File Informer without any delays and then try our suggested data recovery options at the end of the article.
The distribution methods of the ransomware virus
File Informer payload is mostly spread as an obfuscated email attachment. Cybercriminals use social engineering techniques and might send emails that look like sent from reliable companies, such as PayPal, Amazon or FedEx. Phishing emails[2] usually inform about a serious problem and ask to open the attached document or visit the website by clicking a link or button. Thus, clicking this content launches the installation of malware executable. Moreover, authors of File Informer ransomware virus might be distributed with the help of malvertising, fake software updates and downloads, exploit kits, and using other strategies. Thus, in order to avoid this and similar cyber threats, you should take precautions, avoid visiting high-risk sites, double-check information before opening email attachments, and store data backups in Cloud or external storage devices.
Elimination of the File Informer
File Informer removal has to be completed using reputable and powerful malware removal program. File-encrypting viruses can download numerous malicious files, affect legitimate system processes or even install other malware. Thus, it’s nearly impossible to find and delete all these dangerous entries manually without causing damage to the system. In order to install and access antivirus or anti-malware program, you have to reboot the computer to the Safe Mode with Networking (instructions are provided below). We suggest to remove File Informer using FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes. Once ransomware is eliminated from the device, you can restore your files from backups or try alternative recovery methods.
Getting rid of File Informer virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Follow the steps below to disable File Informer virus and run automatic removal.
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
Remove File Informer using System Restore
If you cannot perform automatic ransomware removal, please follow the steps below and try again.
-
Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
-
Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
-
Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
-
Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
-
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
-
Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
-
When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of File Informer. After doing that, click Next.
-
Now click Yes to start system restore.
-
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove File Informer from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.Currently, the only safe and effective to restore files after ransomware attack is data backups. If you do not have them, you should try additional recovery methods.
This tool might be helpful in data recovery. Follow the steps below to give it a try:
[/GIS]
If your files are encrypted by File Informer, you can use several methods to restore them:
Restore files encrypted by File Informer with the help of Data Recovery Pro
- Download Data Recovery Pro;
- Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
- Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by File Informer ransomware;
- Restore them.
Take advantage of Windows Previous Versions feature
If System Restore has been enabled before File Informer attack, you could restore some of your files by following these steps:
- Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
- Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
- Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.
Try ShadowExplorer
If ransomware failed to delete Shadow Volume Copies of the targeted files, this tool might useful for you.
- Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
- Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
- Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
- Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.
File Informer Decryptor is not available yet.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from File Informer and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.
If this free guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be appreciated.
- ^ Michael Collis. Hospital Paid the Ransom, but the Criminals Didn’t Decrypt the Files. WatchPoint Data Blog. The blog about cyber security, latest cyber threats and industry news.
- ^ Phishing. Computer Hope. Free computer help and support.