FenixLocker ransomware virus. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
How dangerous is FenixLocker ransomware?
Questions about FenixLocker ransomware virus
FenixLocker virus, which is also known as centrumfr@india.com ransomware, is yet another file-encrypting virus that spreads at alarming rates. It can silently enter the computer system by exploiting security vulnerabilities found in outdated software and similar methods. Once Fenix Locker gets inside the system, it activates itself and starts encrypting data with AES encryption[1]. This procedure transforms your useful files into broken records that cannot be opened or manipulated in any way. Besides, it also renames these files by adding .centrumfr@india.com file extension to them. It can take from one to a few hours to encrypt all files, and once finished, the virus crafts a ransom note and saves it on computer’s desktop. For some reason, the virus names the ransom note as CryptoLocker.txt or Help to decrypt.txt. It might be that it has been using such names just to scare its victims and mislead them into thinking that the virus they are dealing with is an infamous ransomware called Cryptolocker.[2] However, this malware can be called one of low quality ransomware threats[3] that seeks to earn the money for its creators, so there is no doubt that you must remove FenixLocker ransomware as soon as it shows up on your computer. The ransom note provided by this cyber threat claims:
All of your files are encrypted, to decrypt them write me to centrumfr@india.com
Your key: [Victim’s ID]
We already know how everything goes after victims send a letter to the provided email – crooks ask them to pay the money via Bitcoin payment system using Tor browser[4]. Please do not start searching for your wallet and bitcoins because you should not pay the ransom. Not only because you will support cyber criminals by funding their projects. Also, there is a free FenixLocker decrypter released by security experts some time ago. However, before using this tool we highly recommend you to remove this malware from the system. For instance, you can use Reimage to remove malicious files from your computer. We do not recommend opting for manual FenixLocker removal because this can be done only by advanced IT experts who know how to deal with such viruses and where do criminals tend to save malicious components. If you have no experience in dealing with malware, better use a professional automatic virus removal software instead.
How did this virus infect my computer?
FenixLocker ransomware spreads over the Internet concealed as a safe-looking file, in other words, it attempts to utilize Trojan horse technique. It can be added to malicious emails that criminals send to victim’s; it might also enter the system after installing a fake Java update[5]. Besides, now criminals are so advanced that they can infect even legitimate websites by delivering malware-laden ads; they also use exploit kits to take advantage of vulnerabilities in software that victim has installed on his/hers computer. The only way to prevent such malicious programs as FenixLocker from attacking the system is to establish a reliable protection software and avoid visiting suspicious domains, opening questionable emails or clicking on pushy ads. It is also a good idea to enable automatic updates to allow programs install their latest updates automatically – this way you will be sure that they are less vulnerable to computer threats and cannot be exploited that easily.
How do I remove FenixLocker virus from the infected computer?
If you have already been infected with this ransomware, you have to remove FenixLocker virus from the system without wasting your time. Please, do NOT postpone this and perform a full removal procedure on your computer immediately to prevent additional loss of your files. For that, we highly recommend using Reimage, Malwarebytes and similar software which is considered powerful in ransomware removal. Besides, it will help you if you do not want to deal with the similar damage on your computer in the future. After you remove this cyber infection fully, you can use the free FenixLocker decryption tool and restore encrypted data. Make sure you don’t mix these steps and use the decrypter AFTER FenixLocker removal. Otherwise, you can find that your files are encrypted by this ransomware again.
To remove FenixLocker virus, follow these steps:
Remove FenixLocker using Safe Mode with Networking
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Networking
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.
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Select Safe Mode with Networking 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.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Remove FenixLocker
Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete FenixLocker removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove FenixLocker using System Restore
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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.
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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.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
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Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of FenixLocker. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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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 FenixLocker 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 FenixLocker, you can use several methods to restore them:
Relying on Data Recovery Pro to decrypt files encrypted by FenixLocker ransomware
If you are infected with FenixLocker ransomware, you can use Data Recovery Pro to recover your encrypted files. To use this program, follow the steps given below:
- 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 FenixLocker ransomware;
- Restore them.
Using FenixLocker decrypter for unblocking encrypted files
To restore files encrypted by FenixLocker, remove the infection first using instructions provided above. Then download this FenixLocker decryption tool, install it and drag an example of encrypted file into it. Then the decrypted will sort out the decryption password needed to decrypt the rest of your data.
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References
- ^ Advanced Encryption Standard. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
- ^ Jake Doe. What is Cryptolocker and how to remove this ransomware?. 2spyware. News and removal guides.
- ^ Karsten Hahn. The Rise of Low Quality Ransomware. G Data Security Blog.
- ^ What is Tor Browser?. Tor Browser Project.
- ^ Topher Kessler. Beware of fake Java updates. CNET Blog. Reviews, news, video.