Fgui ransomware (virus) - Decryption Methods Included
Fgui virus Removal Guide
What is Fgui ransomware?
Fgui ransomware is one of the most dangerous threats out there because it is coming from the well-known family
The infection can start way before you see those locked and renamed files, but the Fgui file virus infection is critical. Decryption options are extremely limited, so file recovery cannot be possible at this time. The main issue and concern is the removal of the infection because the longer such a threat is running the more permanent damage gets created.
Fgui virus can be spread quickly because it infects devices by releasing various files with the malware payload. The infection starts off when someone clicks on an infected link or opens a malicious email attachment that downloads this particular type of ransomware onto the device.
Fgui ransomware can spread around silently and quickly because threat actors trigger the persistence by releasing various files containing malware on the machine. The infection starts with infiltration, then runs the processes on the PC and locks all commonly used files. Data that gets encrypted by crypto-virus is unopenable until demands of money are met. The information is provided via the ransom note _readme.txt.
Ransomware infections and dangers
With the rise in cryptocurrency, ransomware attacks have also increased. This type of malware will not only lock down computers and scare victims into paying by claiming that decryption is even possible. Threats can also use double and triple extortion methods.[1] Criminals focus on making money.
The encryption process happens immediately after infection, so you might not even notice any other symptoms besides seeing files already locked. Pop-ups with the ransom demand should be ignored. We recommend ignoring them as they are false update alerts of the OS or program processes that can be there to just distract you from malicious processes.
When the encryption is complete, Fgui file virus drops a ransom note – instructions from cybercriminals. It explains to victims what happened, and claims that they can only get back their files by paying for an unlocking tool which will be sent after payment has been made. However, this isn't always happening.
There is a danger in contacting criminals via email support@sysmail.ch or helprestoremanager@airmailcc. too. Especially because there's no way of knowing if those messages actually come through without being monitored, and you can risk getting additional malware sent to you instead of the decryption tool.
| Name | Fgui ransomware |
|---|---|
| Type | Cryptovirus, file-locker |
| File marker | .fgui |
| Family | Djvu ransomware |
| Distribution | Files attached to emails, data promoted via pirating platforms and services |
| Contact emails | support@sysmail.ch, helprestoremanager@airmail.cc |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom amount | It is offered to pay $490 in the first 72 hours, but the amount then goes back to $980 |
| Removal | Anti-malware tools are needed t find and remove the infection properly |
| Repair | The system can be affected by the virus and system issues need to be repaired. Try FortectIntego for that |
When it comes to the Fgui virus, you can get them on your computer through various means. The most common way this ransomware family spreads is by pirating platforms. You should think about delivering malware via game cracks or software packages because threats can be often downloaded without permission and knowledge of the user.
Some of the emails can contain malware – this will trigger encryption algorithms. Such messages often have misleading subjects, involve claims about known services or programs, and may try to get you into opening their attachment by saying it's something helpful. Downloading anything from a shady source could put your computer at risk for virus infiltration.
Remove the infection fully to stop ransomware activities
If you're unfortunate enough to get hit by this ransomware attack then not only are all those valuable pictures locked away from editing but even accessing them could trigger an array of failures including deletion or secondary encryption. You need to remove the ransomware properly and fully stop the malicious procedures on the computer.
You need to remove Fgui ransomware properly, and this is the best step for victims. Detection[2] and anti-malware tools are showing success when removing threats in this family. It is exceptionally important and helpful with ransomware removal because the terminated virus is no longer affecting the machine. You can stop the malicious program and avoid secondary encryption, so files can be safely repaired using alternate methods.
If you are a victim of Fgui ransomware, you should employ anti-malware software for its removal. Some ransomware can self-destruct after the file encryption process is finished. Even in such cases, malware might leave various data-stealing modules or could operate in conjunction with other malicious programs on your device.
Security tools and applications like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes can detect and eliminate all ransomware-related files, additional modules, along other viruses that could be hiding on your system. The security software is really easy to use and does not require any prior IT knowledge to succeed in the malware removal process. Stop the Fgui infection and help to get your device back to a normal state.
Repair issues with the system processes caused by malware
Do not risk causing damage to the machine and permanent losses of files by firstly going to your file repair. The termination of threats and the direct removal of the Fgui ransomware virus is crucial. The damage that is already caused on the machine, so you need to take care of that to stop the threat and be able to use the computer again. Experts[3] recommend double-checking before any data recovery alternatives.
Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software is not capable of doing anything about it, leaving it just the way it is. Consequently, users might experience performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a full Windows reinstall is required.
Therefore, we highly recommend using a one-of-a-kind, patented technology of FortectIntego repair. Not only can it fix virus damage after the infection, but it is also capable of removing malware that has already broken into the system thanks to several engines used by the program. Besides, the application is also capable of fixing various Windows-related issues that are not caused by malware infections, for example, Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc.
- Download the application by clicking on the link above
- Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
![Reimage download]( "Reimage download")
- If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
- Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
![Reimage installation]( "Reimage installation")
- The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
- Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
- You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
- If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.
![Reimage results]( "Reimage results")
Decryption option for the Fgui ransomware
Official tools are not yet released for these advanced and improved Djvu ransomware variants, so it is not possible to fully decrypt the Fgui file virus and recover files affected by the encryption method. You need to keep thinking about risks and possible damage on the machine.
Cryptocurrency extortion-based threats can affect more than you think, but the most worrisome fact is the data damage. That is understandable, but eliminate the threat first and then take care of the files that are affected directly by the malware. You can store some of the files related to the malware and wait for the official decryption, but the family is releasing versions each week, and the development of such tools take a lot of time.
However, there are some of the options for you right now. The decryption and success of the process are based on ids used during the encryption procedure. Fgui virus and other newer threats use online IDs that are unique to each device and cannot be obtained without paying or shutting ransomware operations fully.
Offline IDs are more accessible and useful because ID is formed for the version and all affected devices get the same key. This is how the decryption tools mainly work because users pay up or researchers obtain the key from criminals, so many of the affected devices can get decrypted. This is a rare option for the versions after August 2019, like Fgui ransomware. However, try the option available now.
If your computer got infected with one of the Djvu variants, you should try using Emsisoft decryptor for Djvu/STOP. It is important to mention that this tool will not work for everyone – it only works if data was locked with an offline ID due to malware failing to communicate with its remote servers.
Even if your case meets this condition, somebody from the victims has to pay criminals, retrieve an offline key, and then share it with security researchers at Emsisoft. As a result, you might not be able to restore the encrypted files immediately. Thus, if the decryptor says your data was locked with an offline ID but cannot be recovered currently, you should try later. You also need to upload a set of files – one encrypted and a healthy one to the company's servers before you proceed.
- Download the app from the official Emsisoft website.
- After pressing Download button, a small pop-up at the bottom, titled decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe should show up – click it.
- If User Account Control (UAC) message shows up, press Yes.
- Agree to License Terms by pressing Yes.
![Fgui ransomware]( "Fgui ransomware")
- After Disclaimer shows up, press OK.
- The tool should automatically populate the affected folders, although you can also do it by pressing Add folder at the bottom.
![Fgui ransomware]( "Fgui ransomware")
- Press Decrypt.
![Fgui ransomware]( "Fgui ransomware")
From here, there are three available outcomes:
- “Decrypted!” will be shown under files that were decrypted successfully – they are now usable again.
- “Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID:” means that the keys for this version of the virus have not yet been retrieved, so you should try later.
- “This ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible” – you are unable to decrypt files with this tool.
Getting rid of Fgui virus. Follow these steps
Important steps to take before you begin malware removal
File encryption and ransomware infection are two independent processes (although the latter would not be possible without the former). However, it is important to understand that malware performs various changes within a Windows operating system, fundamentally changing the way it works.
IMPORTANT for those without backups! →
If you attempt to use security or recovery software immediately, you might permanently damage your files, and even a working decryptor then would not be able to save them.
Before you proceed with the removal instructions below, you should copy the encrypted files onto a separate medium, such as USB flash drive or SSD, and then disconnect them from your computer. Encrypted data does not hold any malicious code, so it is safe to transfer to other devices.
The instructions below might initially seem overwhelming and complicated, but they are not difficult to understand as long as you follow each step in the appropriate order. This comprehensive free guide will help you to handle the malware removal and data recovery process correctly.
If you have any questions, comments, or are having troubles with following the instructions, please do not hesitate to contact us via the Ask Us section.
IMPORTANT! →
It is vital to eliminate malware infection from the computer fully before starting the data recovery process, otherwise ransomware might re-encrypt retrieved files from backups repeatedly.
Restore Windows "hosts" file to its original state
Some ransomware might modify Windows hosts file in order to prevent users from accessing certain websites online. For example, Djvu ransomware variants add dozens of entries containing URLs of security-related websites, such as 2-spyware.com. Each of the entries means that users will not be able to access the listed web addresses and will receive an error instead.
Here's an example of “hosts” file entries that were injected by ransomware:
In order to restore your ability to access all websites without restrictions, you should either delete the file (Windows will automatically recreate it) or remove all the malware-created entries. If you have never touched the “hosts” file before, you should simply delete it by marking it and pressing Shift + Del on your keyboard. For that, navigate to the following location:
C:\\Windows\\System32\\drivers\\etc\\
Restore files using data recovery software
Since many users do not prepare proper data backups prior to being attacked by ransomware, they might often lose access to their files permanently. Paying criminals is also very risky, as they might not fulfill the promises and never send back the required decryption tool.
While this might sound terrible, not all is lost – data recovery software might be able to help you in some situations (it highly depends on the encryption algorithm used, whether ransomware managed to complete the programmed tasks, etc.). Since there are thousands of different ransomware strains, it is immediately impossible to tell whether third-party software will work for you.
Therefore, we suggest trying regardless of which ransomware attacked your computer. Before you begin, several pointers are important while dealing with this situation:
- Since the encrypted data on your computer might permanently be damaged by security or data recovery software, you should first make backups of it – use a USB flash drive or another storage.
- Only attempt to recover your files using this method after you perform a scan with anti-malware software.
Install data recovery software
- Download Data Recovery Pro.
- Double-click the installer to launch it.
- Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
- As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
- Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
- Press Next.
- At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
- Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
- You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
- Press Recover to retrieve your files.
Create data backups to avoid file loss in the future
One of the many countermeasures for home users against ransomware is data backups. Even if your Windows get corrupted, you can reinstall everything from scratch and retrieve files from backups with minimal losses overall. Most importantly, you would not have to pay cybercriminals and risk your money as well.
Therefore, if you have already dealt with a ransomware attack, we strongly advise you to prepare backups for future use. There are two options available to you:
- Backup on a physical external drive, such as a USB flash drive or external HDD.
- Use cloud storage services.
The first method is not that convenient, however, as backups need to constantly be updated manually – although it is very reliable. Therefore, we highly advise choosing cloud storage instead – it is easy to set up and efficient to sustain. The problem with it is that storage space is limited unless you want to pay for the subscription.
Using Microsoft OneDrive
OneDrive is a built-in tool that comes with every modern Windows version. By default, you get 5 GB of storage that you can use for free. You can increase that storage space, but for a price. Here's how to setup backups for OneDrive:
- Click on the OneDrive icon within your system tray.
- Select Help & Settings > Settings.
- If you don't see your email under the Account tab, you should click Add an account and proceed with the on-screen instructions to set yourself up.
- Once done, move to the Backup tab and click Manage backup.
- Select Desktop, Documents, and Pictures, or a combination of whichever folders you want to backup.
- Press Start backup.
After this, all the files that are imported into the above-mentioned folders will be automatically backed for you. If you want to add other folders or files, you have to do that manually. For that, open File Explorer by pressing Win + E on your keyboard, and then click on the OneDrive icon. You should drag and drop folders you want to backup (or you can use Copy/Paste as well).
Using Google Drive
Google Drive is another great solution for free backups. The good news is that you get as much as 15GB for free by choosing this storage. There are also paid versions available, with significantly more storage to choose from.
You can access Google Drive via the web browser or use a desktop app you can download on the official website. If you want your files to be synced automatically, you will have to download the app, however.
- Download the Google Drive app installer and click on it.
- Wait a few seconds for it to be installed.
- Now click the arrow within your system tray – you should see Google Drive icon there, click it once.
- Click Get Started.
- Enter all the required information – your email/phone, and password.
- Now pick what you want to sync and backup. You can click on Choose Folder to add additional folders to the list.
- Once done, pick Next.
- Now you can select to sync items to be visible on your computer.
- Finally, press Start and wait till the sync is complete. Your files are now being backed up.
Report the incident to your local authorities
Ransomware is a huge business that is highly illegal, and authorities are very involved in catching malware operators. To have increased chances of identifying the culprits, the agencies need information. Therefore, by reporting the crime, you could help with stopping the cybercriminal activities and catching the threat actors. Make sure you include all the possible details, including how did you notice the attack, when it happened, etc. Additionally, providing documents such as ransom notes, examples of encrypted files, or malware executables would also be beneficial.
Law enforcement agencies typically deal with online fraud and cybercrime, although it depends on where you live. Here is the list of local authority groups that handle incidents like ransomware attacks, sorted by country:
- USA – Internet Crime Complaint Center IC3
- United Kingdom – ActionFraud
- Canada – Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
- Australia – ScamWatch
- New Zealand – ConsumerProtection
- Germany – Polizei
- France – Ministère de l'Intérieur
If your country is not listed above, you should contact the local police department or communications center.
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.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Fgui and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Protect your privacy – employ a VPN
There are several ways how to make your online time more private – you can access an incognito tab. However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of Private Internet Access VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise. Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and Private Internet Access VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals.
No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool
If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers – human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence. In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.
If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. Data Recovery Pro is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market – it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.
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.
- ^ Ransomware Double Extortion and Beyond: REvil, Clop, and Conti. Trendmicro. IT and cybersecurity research reports.
- ^ Virus sample. VirusTotal. online malware scanner.
- ^ Dieviren. Dieviren. Online virus removal guides.