FileFrozr ransomware virus. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
FileFrozr RaaS – the new threat on the horizon
Questions about FileFrozr ransomware virus
March 19 is the day when FileFrozr virus debuted in the ransomware industry[1]. It seems that FileFrozr ransomware developer kit is currently being sold on underground forums for approximately 100-150 USD, which obviously reveals that this virus is Ransomware-as-a-Service type[2]. Apparently, cyber criminals have even set up a Tor website for those who want to contribute to virus’ distribution. Here’s a short explanation of what is the purpose of this virus, which is widely known as ransomware – it is a malicious program that encodes all files on the system and leaves a message in a .txt or .html file to inform the victim about the attack and ask to pay a ransom in exchange for data recovery tool.
Select 'Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next'
Select your restore point and click 'Next'
Click 'Yes' and start system restore
Offenders who sell this extortion[3] program dubbed FileFrozr say that it is capable of encrypting more than 250 file types, generating a random key for every target file and using a mixture of AES-256 and RSA-4096 encryption standards to lock files securely. The ransomware itself is built using C# programming language, and, according to its authors, “no public sources were used, which makes File Frozr fully undetectable.” Later on, crooks mention a few anti-ransomware programs that cannot detect it due to ransomware builds that are obfuscated at secret servers. Finally, the presentation of the ransomware ends with a slideshow that presents “easy to use and minimalistic panel” that wannabe cybercriminals are going to use after purchasing the virus development kit. For support, potential customers are invited to contact crooks via filefrozr@protonmail.com email address.
While other RaaS viruses(Dot, Stampado, Satan, Petya and others) provide malware development kits[4] for free, giving amateur hackers a chance to get their hands on a ready-to-use extortion tool and keeping a percentage of the profits that affiliates earn. However, FileFrozr developers did not seek to create an affiliate system – they chose to sell the ransomware as a product. Unfortunately, we have to say that easy money attracts a lot of bad people, so we expect the number of this virus’ versions to escalate shortly. If you have suspicions that your computer was compromised by this virus, run a system scan with anti-malware software like Reimage and let it remove FileFrozr virus for you. We highly recommend you not to try to delete the virus manually because this way it could damage your files even more severely. To start the FileFrozr removal procedure, we suggest you read the instructions given below the text.
How can I get infected with this malicious virus?
Since this virus can get into hands of random cyber criminals, we assume that it is going to be distributed using all kinds of malware distribution tricks. Most likely, the majority of these viruses will be distributed via so far the most “popular” ransomware distribution technique – email spam. It means that criminals are going to do their best creating convincing messages, renaming the malicious executives or pressing them down into ZIP archives or transforming them into malware-laden Word documents[5]. In case the described virtual extortion tool gets into hands of more advanced cyber criminals or even a cybercrime gang, it is likely that the virus is going to be disseminated using exploit kits or malware-laden ads. Such malicious attacks can be easily prevented, but many computer users still do not know how to protect their computers from ransomware. Here’s what we recommend doing:
- Create a data backup. It is one of the most important things you should do!
- Install anti-malware software and keep it up-to-date at all time.
What is the right way to remove FileFrozr ransomware?
We are afraid that the distribution of FileFrozr ransomware is about to begin shortly, so prepare for it in advance – create a data backup. In case you have become a victim of such cyber attack, we strongly recommend you to remove FileFrozr virus rather than paying the ransom to frauds. Despite the fact that virus corrupted your files, despite the fact that you cannot recover them, do not obey to criminals’ commands and do not give your money to them. No one gives you guarantees that your files will be recovered; therefore, we suggest you invest that money somewhere else. If you haven’t deleted the virus yet, we suggest you to follow these FileFrozr removal instructions:
To remove FileFrozr virus, follow these steps:
Remove FileFrozr using Safe Mode with Networking
To remove FireFrozr ransomware variant, use these traditional ransomware removal instructions.
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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 FileFrozr
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 FileFrozr removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove FileFrozr using System Restore
In case the method 1 didn’t help you to eliminate FileFrozr virus, follow these instructions.
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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.
-
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 FileFrozr. 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 FileFrozr 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 FileFrozr, you can use several methods to restore them:
Recover files instantly using System Restore point
If you created a system restore point in the past, you should thank yourself now. You can restore corrupted files – follow these steps carefully.
- Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
- Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
- Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.
FileFrozr decryptors are not available at the moment
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from FileFrozr and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage, Plumbytes Anti-MalwareWebroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus or Malwarebytes Anti Malware
About the author
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References
- ^ Gina Hall. The $1 billion industry you don't want any part of, and how to protect your business from it. The Business Journals. Business News.
- ^ Dan Turkel. There are now programs that anyone can use to extort money from you. Business Insider. Fast-Growing Business Site with Deep Financial, Media, Tech, and Other Industry Verticals.
- ^ Ransomware: the Tool of Choice for Cyber Extortion. FireEye Blog. Threat Research and Analysis.
- ^ Paul Ducklin. Satan ransomware: old name, new business model. Naked Security. Computer Security News, Advice and Research.
- ^ Rakesh Krishnan. How Just Opening an MS Word Doc Can Hijack Every File On Your System. The Hacker News. Cyber Security, Hacking News.