Home > Ransomware > Remove FabSysCrypto Ransomware and Restore .locked Files
THREAT REMOVAL

Remove FabSysCrypto Ransomware and Restore .locked Files

This article has been made to instruct you how to remove FabSysCrypto ransomware and try to restore your .locked files in case they have been encrypted by this infection.

A ransomware virus, going by the tech-savvy name FabSysCrypto has been reported to be causing trouble for users. The virus is in English and is believed to utilize the AES encryption algorithm in a clever method to encrypt important documents and ask for ransom from the user of this device. The virus is believed to be made in a Visual Studio environment by someone known as “fabsys”. It demands 0,5 BTC to be paid from the victim to the criminals behind the virus to send back a decryptor or the decryption key. In case you have become a victim of the FabSysCrypto ransomware infection, recommendations are to focus on restoring your encrypted files via multiple different methods.

Threat Summary

Name

FabSysCrypto

Type Ransomware
Short Description The malware encrypts users files using a strong encryption algorithm, called AES, making direct decryption possible only via a unique decryption key available to the cyber-criminals.
Symptoms The user may witness ransom notes and “instructions” in a _HELP_instructions.txt file, asking to pay a ransom of 0.5 BTC to the cyber-criminals. Files are encrypted with the .Horas-Bah extension added..
Distribution Method Via an Exploit kit, Dll file attack, malicious JavaScript or a drive-by download of the malware itself in an obfuscated manner.
Detection Tool See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware

Download

Malware Removal Tool

User Experience Join our forum to Discuss FabSysCrypto.
Data Recovery Tool Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive.

FabSysCrypto Ransomware – Further Analysis

FabSysCrypto is a ransomware type of malware that is of the file encryption kind, meaning it uses an encryption mode to render the files on the compromised machine no longer able to be opened.

FabSysCrypto Ransomware – Infection Process

Ever since this virus became active in the beginning of March, it has been reported to be possibly spread via e-mail spam messages. Such messages promise that the attachments or web links embedded in them are legitimate and use any type of deceptive statements to convince the victim into opening the malicious attachment. The malicious attachment may be of different types:

A .vbs script that activates certain pre-configured actions.
A .js script or other type of JavaScript that causes an infection immediately after being opened.
Other executable files that are masked as multiple legitmate documents.
Documents or .PDF files that have malicious macros enabled. This means that after you open the document and click on “Enable Viewing” or “Enable Editing”, the script causes the infection. This is achievable by embedding the macros code with file joiners which are sold In the black market.

But e-mail may not be the only mean of infecting a user. The virus may be published on torrent websites as a fake game patch or fake program installer.

In addition to this, the virus may also be available on shady websites as a fake program or pretending to be something it isn’t.

Last but not least, the FabSysCrypto ransomware may be hiding in malicious scripts behind URLs or other short links as well. These may be sent out also in e-mails or via spam bots as private messages or in Social Media. To learn more on how to protect yourself from such menaces, please visit the following related article:

FabSysCrypto Ransomware – Post-Infection Activity

After infecting a given system, the FabSysCrypto virus begins to drop malicious files. So far, the files known to be dropped by this virus are:

  • fabsyscrypto.exe
  • _HELP_instructions.txt

But there may be multiple other types of files on the compromised computer. They may have different names and may exist in different administrative Windows folders:

After already dropping the malicious files on the compromised computers, the FabSysCrypto ransomware threat may be pre-programmed in order to modify the Windows Registry Editor so that malicious files can run on startup and some settings can be modified in order to prevent obstructions during encryption. The most often modified registry entries are the following:

→ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce

FabSysCrypto Ransomware Virus – The Encryption Process

The encryption process of this ransomware is conducted with the assistance of the AES encryption algorithm which is classified as a Suite 2 encryption by DoD. It is used by the department for concealing hidden files so that they can be seen only if you have a unique unlock key. The same is the case here, only the unlock key is held by the cyber-crook(s) behind this virus and it asks a payoff to be made for their unlocking.

Amongst the affected files by the FabSysCrypto virus may be the following types of files:

→ .asp, .aspx, .csv, .doc, .docx, .html, .jpg, .mdb, .odt, .php, .png, .ppt, .pptx, .psd, .sln, .sql, .txt, .xls, .xlsx, .xml

In addition to this, the virus may also encrypt web pages saved on the infected computer, other documents, text files, database files, photos and other files.

After encryption, FabSysCrypto adds a .locked file extension to the encrypted files, making them appear like the following:

The virus also makes another move – it notifies the user of the situation by possibly automatically opening it’s _HELP_instructions.txt file. The file has the following message which asks the user to use the TOR browser and access a custom web-page:

→ $=~~|~_+|_~+$$=$
!!! IMPORTANT INFORMATION !!!!
All of your files are encrypted with RSA-2048 and AES-128 ciphers.
More Information about the RSA and AES can be found here:
https://en.wlklpedla.org/wlkl/RSA_Ccryptosysten)
https://en.wlklpedla.org/wlkl/Advanced_Encryptlon_Standard
Decrypting of your files Is only possible with the private key and decrypt program, which Is on our secret server.
To receive your private key follow one of the links:
1. xxxx://32kl2rwsjvqjeul7.tor2web.org/{Random A-Z 0-9 ID CODE}2. xxxx://32kl2rwsjvqjeul7.onion.to/{Random A-Z 0-9 ID CODE}
3. xxxx://32kl2rwsjvqjeul7.onlon.cab/{Random A-Z 0-9 ID CODE}
If all of this addresses are not available, follow these steps:
1. Download and Install Tor Browser: xxxxs://www.torproject.org/download/download-easy.html
2. After a successful Installation, run the browser and wait for Initialization.
3. Type In the address bar: 32kl2rwsjvqjeul7.onlon/56D592DC7A9DDlDB
4. Follow the Instructions on the site.
!!! Your personal Identification ID: {Random A-Z 0-9 ID CODE}

The web page, if able to be opened may contain additional instructions on how to pay and open the files that have been encrypted by this ransomware virus.

FabSysCrypto Virus – Remove and Try to Get .locked Files Back

For the removal of this virus, it is important to first do it safely. This is why we recommend backing the .locked and other files from your computer, just in case. Then, it is very important to follow the removal instructions below. They are created to methodologically create a safer environment for the removal. If you lack the experience of manually removing malware, experts always recommend using an advanced anti-malware program that will automatically take care of the threat for you and protect your PC in the future.

After having removed FabSysCrypto ransomware, it is time to try and get the files back to their working state. We have suggested several alternatives that include data recovery, shadow explorer, network sniffing and direct decryption with tools for other viruses. We suggest trying them out, but trying the direct decryption method only with copies of the encrypted files, because it may damaged them, if they have a fail-safe mechanism. The methods are not 100% effective, however they may result in the decoding of a portion of the files. You can find them below in step “2. Restore files encrypted by FabSysCrypto” below.

Ventsislav Krastev

Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.

More Posts - Website

Follow Me:
Twitter


  • Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3
  • Step 4
  • Step 5

Step 1: Scan for FabSysCrypto with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.


It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.


2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 2


3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 3


4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 4

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide

Step 2: Uninstall FabSysCrypto and related malware from Windows

Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:


1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
delete ransomware from windows step 1


2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
delete ransomware from windows step 2


3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
delete ransomware from windows step 3Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.


Step 3: Clean any registries, created by FabSysCrypto on your computer.

The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:

  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce

You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by FabSysCrypto there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
delete ransomware virus registries step 1


2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
delete ransomware virus registries step 2


3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
delete ransomware virus registries step 3 Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.

IMPORTANT!
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.

Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove FabSysCrypto

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows Key + R.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 1


2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 2


3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
remove ransomware in safe mode step 3
Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.


4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 4


5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 5


Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by FabSysCrypto.

Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.

Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.

Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:

1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:

stop ransomware decryptor step 1

2. Agree with the license terms:

stop ransomware decryptor step 2

3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:

stop ransomware decryptor step 3

4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.

stop ransomware decryptor step 4

Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.

Method 2: Use data recovery software

Ransomware infections and FabSysCrypto aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.

1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.


FabSysCrypto-FAQ

What is FabSysCrypto Ransomware?

FabSysCrypto is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files. 

Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.

What Does FabSysCrypto Ransomware Do?

Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.

Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.

How Does FabSysCrypto Infect?

Via several ways.FabSysCrypto Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.

Another way you may become a victim of FabSysCrypto is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.

How to Open .FabSysCrypto files?

You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .FabSysCrypto files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.

What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?

Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .FabSysCrypto files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.

Can I Restore ".FabSysCrypto" Files?

Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .FabSysCrypto files. 

These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.

How To Get Rid of FabSysCrypto Virus?

The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.

It will scan for and locate FabSysCrypto ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .FabSysCrypto files.

Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?

In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.

Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:

Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:

Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei

United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre

United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police

France - Ministère de l'Intérieur

Italy - Polizia Di Stato

Spain - Policía Nacional

Netherlands - Politie

Poland - Policja

Portugal - Polícia Judiciária

Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)

India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell

Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center

Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.

Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?

Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.

Can FabSysCrypto Ransomware Steal Your Data?

Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.

In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.

Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?

Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.

Should I Pay Ransomware?

No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.

What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?

If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.

Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?

Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.

It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.

Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?

Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.

About the FabSysCrypto Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this FabSysCrypto how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.


How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?

Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.

Furthermore, the research behind the FabSysCrypto ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.

To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.


As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.

How to recognize trustworthy sources:

  • Always check "About Us" web page.
  • Profile of the content creator.
  • Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
  • Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
I Agree