File Security Protected ransomware / virus - Virus Decryption
File Security Protected virus Removal Guide
What is File Security Protected ransomware virus?
File Security Protected – a treacherous malware that infects Windows devices
File Security Protected virus is a crypto-ransomware[1] that has been reportedly infecting computers and encrypting victims’ personal files stored on them. Please note that you may already know this virus as Fake WindowsUpdater or FakeWU ransomware.
We have already talked about it in one of our previous articles. Since this ransomware has no specific name given to it by its creators, the users and malware researchers have thought of their own ways to call it. Both of the names stem from different aspects of the malware.
In particular, titles of the malicious executable and the ransom note pop-up window. When the ransomware is done encrypting files, it automatically opens up a pop-up window, titled “File Security Protected” which contains information about what happened to the system and instructs the victim what to do in order to recover the encrypted files.
| name | File Security Protected virus |
|---|---|
| Type | Cryptovirus, ransomware |
| Ransom amount | 0.2 Bitcoins |
| appended file extension | .encrypted |
| Elimination | For the removal of this ransomware it is highly recommended to use reliable anti-malware software |
| System health | To repair the damage caused to core system files, use the FortectIntego PC repair tool |
According to the note, the victim has to pay a 0.02 Bitcoin[2] ransom, and they will receive a personalized decryption key. No matter what the extortionists may offer, do not collaborate with them and remove File Security Protected from your computer right away.
You can’t possibly tell what the virus creators are really up to. Perhaps they are not even planning on sending you the decryption key and are only waiting for you to pay so they can simply vanish with your money. Anti-malware software such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes can help speed up the elimination process and make sure no malware components are left on your computer to continue messing up your system.
For those concerned with malware technicalities, it might be interesting to know that File Security Protected ransomware uses an AES-256 encryption algorithm[3] to render files unreadable. This particular ciphering technique often applied in ransomware development since it proves virtually uncrackable.
In addition to the enciphering, this ransomware also appends files with “.encrypted” extensions which appear at the filename endings. These extensions will not disappear unless the victim pays a ransom and sends payment credentials to the indicated email address, ransomwareinc@yopmail.com. As you would not drop your money into the trash, you should not pay the extortionists either.
Concentrate on File Security Protected removal instead. Though this will not help you recover the encrypted documents, your device will not be exposed to destructive software anymore, and you will be safe to create new data on your computer. In case you desperately need to get some of your files back, you will be able to do that following recovery guides provided just below this article. But do that only after scanning your system with the FortectIntego software to ensure that the system files and settings are in order.
Ransomware infiltration methods
File Security Protected is nothing short of a sneaky parasite. It typically enters computers via infected email attachments [4]. Currently, the malicious executable is concealed under a supposed Word file called Transaction-Report.docx. Upon downloading this document, the victims cannot see the .exe extension at the end, so there is not much that could trigger suspicion.
Once this file is deployed on the computer, it connects malicious servers and finally downloads the File Security Protected executable on the PC. This file can then start executing data encryption. What you can do to prevent yourself from encountering such cyber infections is refrain from opening and downloading suspicious email attachments.
Also, you should carefully select what websites you are visiting and what software you are downloading, because unsafe domains are a perfect ground for ransomware distribution. To protect your files from such unexpected incidents, you should also keep a backup of your files stored in some secure location [5].
Remove File Security Protected ransomware with proper AV tools
File Security Protected removal won’t solve all the problems that the malware provokes on your computer. The encrypted files will remain in their unreadable state, and the .encrypted extensions will not disappear automatically. Nevertheless, it is absolutely crucial to remove ransomware from the infected computer so that the system could function like it's supposed to. We suggest using either Malwarebytes or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner for the elimination.
Besides, without proper malware elimination, you will not be able to take up data recovery, so that’s another reason to get started with the removal right away. Once it's done, run system diagnostics with the FortectIntego software to get your machine back on its feet. Only then recover your data from backups or use recommended data recovery software.
Getting rid of File Security Protected virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
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 Security Protected using System Restore
-
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 Security Protected. 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 Security Protected from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.If your files are encrypted by File Security Protected, you can use several methods to restore them:
Option 1: recover files encrypted with 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 Security Protected ransomware;
- Restore them.
Option 2: Windows Previous Versions feature and its application for data recovery
Windows Previous Versions feature is a perfect solution for those who are looking for an alternative data decryption method. You can learn how to use this feature in the brief guide presented below:
- 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”.
Option 3: Recovery of files using ShadowExplorer
The tutorial below will explain how the ShadowExplorer can be used to recover encrypted files. Please keep in mind that this method relies on the state of the Volume Shadow Copies: if they have been corrupted or destroyed by the virus, it will not work.
- 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.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from File Security Protected and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.
If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like Private Internet Access can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files. More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.
Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, Data Recovery Pro can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.
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.
- ^ What is crypto ransomware?. TheMerkle. Technology news and education.
- ^ Dean Takahashi. Ransomware has exploded thanks to Bitcoin’s anonymity. VentureBeat. Tech News That Matters.
- ^ Advanced Encryption Standard. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ Chris Hoffman. How to spot a dangerous email attachment. MakeUseOf. Technology, Simplified.
- ^ Wes Simons. How do I back up my data?. PCworld. News, tips and reviews from the experts on PCs, Windows, and more.