How to remove Fhkf ransomware

Fhkf file virus is an encryption-based threat that asks for money directly from victims

Fhkf ransomware can be installed by the user unknowingly, but the infiltration is not noticed or avoided. The infection starts with other processes, but the only symptom is file-locking. Data gets locked by encryption and then marked using .fhkf file appendix that comes after the original filename and the type of the piece. The threat then can demand money from people by stating that the only way to get files recovered is by paying this ransom.

The notorious infection drops the _readme.txt file that is the message from these creators focused on the money. Fhkf virus is not new, the threat belongs to a Djvu ransomware virus family and is coming after other 370 variants. This file is named the same for years, the text in the message also hasn't been changed for a while. These versions come out each week, and the only things that get changed are file extensions, contact emails.

The threat can be extremely persistent because over the years these threat actors can make advanced changes and improvements to the product. Fhkf ransomware demands the ransom that starts with $490 because criminals try to convince people into paying the group of criminals.

There are no recommendations from experts^[1] to pay up. Bitcoins are commonly chosen because of their popularity, but transferring funds like this cannot ensure file recovery. Criminals can send you malware instead of the decryption tool, so do not fall for their tricks.

The family of dangerous threats

Fhkf virus is known for years now, and the recent changes completely changed the danger level of the threat. With the release of new variants, Djvu ransomware is becoming more and more sophisticated. The latest updates to this virus show no signs of decryption being possible as they altered their encryption procedures from previous versions.

The latest versions of this ransomware family are not decryptable, even though the previous ones have been. Those include Zaqi, Miia, Nqhd. Since August 2019, threat group has implemented changes to ensure the persistence and danger of this threat. The alterations were done to file encryption procedures, and evading detection techniques affected persistence for this whole family – with Fhkf being its last member released so far!

Cybercriminals behind the attack can ask for a ransom payment in return for unique keys that will unlock your files. However, these claims from Fhkf ransomware are false and cannot be trusted. Paying them isn't recovering any encrypted data on the machine and even contacting these criminals can lead to issues with additional infections or security.

There are particular things that haven't been altered for years, and the family still successfully releases new versions every few days. It was the big year for the threat actors, and they managed to minimally alter the code and leave the contact emails, ransom note name and text, the amount demanded, contact information the same for all of the variants.

The _readme.txt reads:

ATTENTION!

Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like pictures, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
hxxps://we.tl/t-ZYodHvPkHI
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.

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. The Fhkf file virus uses mainly online keys now to keep the decrytpion options outside of the criminal operations limited.

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.
  
  
• 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.
  
• Press Decrypt.

Removing the infection

Malware is a virus that can be downloaded to your computer without you knowing, and it starts the operations immediately. It is not preventable when access to your machine is already initiated. The best way is to remove this Fhkf virus quickly by relying on detection tools. These methods are included in tools like antivirus software like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes.

Don't pay them anything unless it's absolutely necessary. Companies know that the opportunity to get files repaired or recovered back to the previous stage is slim, so big organizations that suffer from ransomware attacks do not pay.^[3] You shouldn't even think about contacting these criminals too.

It's no surprise that you're worried about your data. It is imperative, however, to remove the infection before making any decisions on what should be done with it. Once the machine is cleared from threats, do not forget about altered settings and system damage too. Fhkf ransomware can leave leftovers, cause issues with the performance and significantly affect data recovery procedures.

The infection can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. 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 reinstallation 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
  
  
• If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
• Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
• 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.

Possible options for the file recovery

Fhkf file virus is a type of malware that infects your computer when you open an infected email or download cracked software. In some cases, it might also be included in games or game cheats and updates from untrustworthy sources online. Torrent sites, pirating platforms, and other free download sites can be used to spread these threats.

You can protect yourself by only using trustworthy programs downloaded directly through official websites like Google Play Store. Cracking tools are used by hackers to activate legitimate software. It is illegal for you to use pirated programs, and a big part of the cracking tool or installer contains malware that will infect your computer with threats like Fhkf ransomware when opened.

The infection can affect more than data that is locked with the help of encryption algorithms. The threat creates frustration, and users mainly worry about the affected files. If the virus is completely removed and processes get terminated, the encryption cannot happen again.

Fhkf virus is capable of affecting the machine again if the new data gets added to the system. It is important to remove the threat and repair the performance fully, so there are no risks of getting data encrypted again. The sooner you do so the better because you can move on to file recovery without the risk of permanent damage to your machine or financial losses.

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

1. Download Data Recovery Pro.
2. Double-click the installer to launch it.
   
3. Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
4. As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
5. Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
6. Press Next.
7. At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
8. Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
9. You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
10. Press Recover to retrieve your files.