How to remove Fatboy ransomware virus

Virtual extortion tool – Fatboy ransomware is being sold on Russian Hacking Forum

Fatboy virus is a malicious ransomware-type program that renders victim’s files useless, adds .crypted file extensions to their filenames and then demands a ransom. The virus first emerged in March 2017 and security researchers dubbed it as PyCL ransomware. The malware uses AES-256 cipher and individual keys to encrypt all files on the target system, and then encrypts those keys with an RSA-2048 cipher. After completing this procedure, it creates a folder called How_Decrypt_My_Files in C\Users\AppData\Roaming directory. Here, it stores these files: index.html, pay_creditcard.html, read_me.txt and send_btc.html. On the desktop, the virus creates a ransom note called How Decrypt My Files. The file contains instructions on how to recover encrypted files. Obviously, the attackers seek to swindle money from the victim; therefore they ask to pay a ransom. To skyrocket their earnings, cybercriminals decided to launch an affiliate system for those interested in making money using this virtual extortion tool. Authors currently advertise Fatboy ransomware on Russian Hacking Forums^[1], which means that the virus falls into Ransomware-as-a-Service category^[2].

The new virus comes with a set of features that were described in the aforementioned hacking forum. The ransomware is written in C++ programming language and works on all Windows operating systems, both x86/x64. It comes with a pre-installed language pack that contains 12 different languages as well. What makes this piece of malware stand out the most is that it sets the ransom price based on victim’s geolocation. The ransomware first check’s victim’s IP address, detects which country the IP is assigned to, and then uses the so-called Big Mac Index^[3] to calculate the ransom price for the victim. The malware launches a lengthy HTML ransom note via victim’s web browser, which explains that paying the ransom is the only data recovery option and that attempts to recover data using third-party tools can permanently corrupt them. It suggests copying and saving the provided Bitcoin wallet address, then purchasing Bitcoins with a credit card or PayPal, and finally transferring the sum to the provided Bitcoin address. According to the cybercriminal, the malicious program automatically detects if the payment was completed and decrypts all files. However, if such virus attacked your computer, we suggest you remove Fatboy virus first. Keeping it on your system won’t do any good to your computer and simply increases the risk of infecting the system with even more malware. Besides, you get no guarantees that files will be restored after paying up. You should ask yourself if you’re willing to pay a huge amount of money to cyber criminals just to expect them to help you. We suggest you use your money for better purposes and start thinking about Fatboy ransomware removal options instead. You should delete the virus using a powerful anti-malware software, and our team suggests using FortectIntego software.

Ransomware authors suggest taking part in a partnership for the monetization of ransomware downloads

Fatboy ransomware authors decided to invite other cybercriminals to join the organized crime group and distribute the ransomware more effectively. The potential buyers of the ransomware get access to a special partner panel that provides detailed information about affected computers and payments received. It is believed that cybercriminals choose mail spam as the main attack vector. Therefore, we advise computer users to take certain protection measures to avoid accidentally installing ransomware. The virus is likely to come in an email message that looks entirely trustworthy, because the attackers tend to compose convincing ones. Such emails typically have one attachment that is designed to look as a document. No matter if it is an invoice or subpoena, do not open it unless you are sure that the sender is a trustworthy individual/company.

Remove Fatboy virus right now

Look no further if you seek to remove Fatboy virus from your computer. We have prepared comprehensive instructions for those who want to eliminate the ransomware without a computer technician’s help. You need to disable the virus by starting your computer in a Safe Mode, and then launch the malware removal tool. Remember that attempts to launch security software in normal mode might result in failure. Be very careful, and read the provided Fatboy ransomware removal tutorial before you take any actions.