How to remove 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.

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 SpyHunterCombo Cleaner and MalwarebytesMalwarebytes 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 MalwarebytesMalwarebytes or SpyHunterCombo 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.