LittleFinger ransomware (Free Guide) - Decryption Steps Included
LittleFinger virus Removal Guide
What is LittleFinger ransomware?
LittleFinger ransomware – a virus that uses file marker to encrypt your files
LittleFinger ransomware is a computer virus that belongs to the group of the most dangerous cyber threats because it corrupts files on the computer and might install various malicious components that can cause damage to the system. This virus uses file marker 0x3737451845184518 for file encryption. Most of these ransomware type viruses use extensions on these files, so this feature makes it quite unusual.
| Name | LittleFinger |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware |
| Danger level | High. Makes system changes and encrypts files |
| Extension/Encryption | 0x3737451845184518 |
| Indicated email address | decryptmefinger@gmailcom |
| Amount of the ransom | 0.001 BTC |
| Distribution | Infiltrates the system via infected email attachments |
| Elimination | FortectIntego is the best tool for LittleFinger ransomware removal |
After the infiltration, LittleFinger virus finds various data to encrypt. Immediately after the encryption is complete, you get a ransom note from cyber criminals. In this console text message, you get your individual “ fingerprint” that helps cyber criminals to identify you.
YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED YOUR FINGERPRINT: [redacted]
SEND 0.01 BTC to address: [redacted]
SEND TRANSACTIONID AND FINGERPRINT to decryptmefinger@gmailcom
YOU RECEIVE DECRYPTION INBOX
Also, authors of LittleFinger ransomware encourage you to pay a 0.01 Bitcoin and contact them via provided email address for file decryption tool. But we do not recommend to pay or contact those virus developers in any way. It may have no positive results. The situation might get even worse – you might lose the money and still don't have access to your files.
It is known that cybercriminals disappear after the payment is done. Unfortunately, they tend to ignore their victims. They can say that the only way for you to restore your files is their decryption tool, but it might be not the case. Cybercriminals[1] might not even have those decryption tools. That is why the virus elimination is necessary here.
The only way you can restore your files is using external backup, but you should only do that after you remove LittleFinger ransomware from your computer completely. Use certified anti-malware tool for this, to ensure your success. We can recommend FortectIntego.
However, LittleFinger ransomware removal might be difficult, because the virus may contain other malicious components that block security software. If you are dealing with such problems, you should use the guidelines below that will explain how to disable the virus and get rid of it.
Dubious email attachments can contain dangerous viruses
Suspicious email content, questionable and never before seen addresses can be the first things you notice and need to avoid. When you get spam email with an attachment from unknown address delete them without opening. This can ensure that you are not getting any viruses or other malware[2] installed on your computer.
Security specialists from virusi.bg[3] also report that some of the malicious emails might be hard to identify. Scammers can create legit-looking emails that seem to be sent from well-known companies or organizations. So, you should always double-check the information before opening the attachment.
Other things that can be there with those attachments are Trojan viruses. These malicious cyber creatures can open doors for the ransomware and other dangerous viruses. Also, always download and install software from known, certified providers. Do not use free sharing networks for getting your essential software.
First step: eliminate LittleFinger ransomware from your computer
Be aware that you need to remove LittleFinger ransomware from your computer before proceeding with data recovery. File restoration from external drive at this point can be useless if you still have the virus on your system. After the system reboot, malware can encrypt your files again.
LittleFinger ransomware removal can be tricky because of the attached files and programs, but you can use professional anti-malware tools to make sure it is done correctly. We can recommend FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes. Of course, you can choose other professional programs, but do not forget to update them first.
Getting rid of LittleFinger virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
If your anti-virus tools are not working, you can try to restart your computer to the Safe Mode with Networking
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.
Remove LittleFinger using System Restore
If the previous method did not work, you can try System Restore
-
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.
-
Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
-
Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
-
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
-
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 LittleFinger. After doing that, click Next.
-
Now click Yes to start system restore.
-
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 LittleFinger from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.You should never pay the ransom. This can give you no positive results. Instead of thinking about the ransom amount, you should consider investing in legitimate anti-virus/anti-malware software
If your files are encrypted by LittleFinger, you can use several methods to restore them:
Use Data Recovery Pro for recovering encrypted files
Restore your LittleFinger ransomware encrypted data with Data Recovery Pro. This tool is certified and created to help people to restore encrypted or accidentally deleted files. To recover your files, using this program, follow these steps:
- 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 LittleFinger ransomware;
- Restore them.
Restore your data using Windows Previous Versions feature
Ransomware encrypted data can be decrypted using Windows Previous versions feature. This method can help you to restore individual files. Although, using this method can be helpful only if the System Restore function is enabled on your computer. Use this guide:
- 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”.
Use ShadowExplorer for files encrypted by LittleFinger ransomware
If this ransomware does not delete Shadow Volume Copies of the encrypted files, you can recover your data with ShadowExplorer:
- Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
- Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
- Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
- Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.
The official decrypter is not available.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from LittleFinger and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
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