| Name | FBI Header Ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | This is a typical Police Ransomware posing as the law and demanding ransom to decrypt encrypted user files of importance. |
| Symptoms | Encrypts user files with strong file encryption and uses unfamiliar extension to encrypt them (.crypt, .locker, .crpt, .fbi, etc). |
| Distribution Method | It may be distributed via crack or keygen programs in torrent sites. It may also be distributed via unsafe browsing, corrupted attachments, drive-by downloads, malicious apps, bundling etc. |
| Detection tool | Download Advanced anti-malware tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected By FBI Header Ransomware |
| User Experience | Join our forum to follow the discussion about FBI Header Ransomware. |
| 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. |
A new Ransomware has emerged out into the open, resembling an authentic message from law enforcement. You may think: ‘My PC is secure I am careful and I never open cat videos from unauthorized sites’. But imagine this scenario – One day you come back home, switch on your PC to watch your favorite kitty fails and then ‘BANG!’ – you suddenly see your whole computer being helpless against a dangerous virus, locking out your access and encrypting your files. What you see is a message, saying that you have committed different crimes against humanity like pedophilia, downloading illegal porn, mp3s or any other sick activities and you must pay a ‘fine’ to the FBI to get your files back. This particular threat is not to be taken lightly, and experts advise to disconnect immediately your PC from the web and seek ways to decrypt your data.
FBI Header Ransomware – How Did It Infect My PC?
You may think that you are experienced in categorizing which sites are dangerous to your computer. But what if you have a suspicious browser extension on your PC that causes random pop-ups and redirects to third-party domains to flow? Or what if you had previously been affected with a rootkit virus on your computer that changes the locations you go to when you click on your search results on Google? These traps are so good that they have even made some experienced Power Users susceptible to them. Imagine you download your favorite program from a software site for the first time and you install it. Next thing you know while internetting, you get a malicious redirect that installs the malware by drive-by downloading it on your computer without your consent.
More about FBI Header Ransomware
Similar to FBI Moneypak, FBI uberarbeitet, FBI Cyber Department, FBI remanie, FBI renovo and other police ransowmare variants, this threat encrypts important files with strong encryption, making them next to impossible to decrypt in the best case. Once activated on the computer, the virus initially begins scanning the user PC for different file formats of relevance to the user (.pdf, .docx, .vdi, .xml, .txt, etc.). It then encrypts them with a strong algorithm, making them to look like corrupt for your PC.
After it has completed its initial phase, the virus then may leave a ransom note as your home page, your wallpaper or simply a document on your desktop. This nasty infection uses the reputation of FBI to induce fear in users and make them pay ransom money. Users report that except including instructions on payment methods that enable criminals to stay anonymous, it also had demanded 500$. The ransomware is also reported to feature a deadline after which the decryption keys are allegedly deleted forever.
And since it is a Trojan Horse after all, it might as well have downloader functions. Such may enable the nasty virus to not only track user activity on the PC at all times but also download other tools onto the PC that assist attackers. However, most ransomware criminals prefer only to encrypt the files and then break any active connection with the user because they cannot be traced back.
Removing FBI Header Ransomware
A professional would eliminate this ransomware by immediately reinstalling his OS and checking it for rootkits because professionals tend not to keep their vital data on their PCs. However, if you are stuck with your valuable data, immediately disconnect the computer from the internet. And don’t do it via the conventional Windows way either – you should either plug out the cable or turn off the Wi-Fi card on your computer. This will prevent any traps that may be activated in the form of scripts if you try to do manually anything other than following the cyber-criminals’ instructions.
This is why after disconnecting you should immediately restart your computer in Safe Mode (instructions for which we have provided below) and scan it with an advanced anti-malware program that will eradicate the thread from the ground up.
1. Start Your PC in Safe Mode to Remove FBI Header Ransomware.
For Windows XP, Vista, 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu.
2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 systems:
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
Step 2: Whilst holding down Shift button, click on Power and then click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, the aftermentioned menu will appear. From there you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu you can choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: Click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You should choose Safe Mode by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
2. Remove FBI Header Ransomware automatically by downloading an advanced anti-malware program.
To clean your computer you should download an updated anti-malware program on a safe PC and then install it on the affected computer in offline mode. After that you should boot into safe mode and scan your computer to remove all FBI Header Ransomware associated objects.
Decrypting Your Files
To attempt decrypting your data, please check one of these two options.
Option Number 1 – Using file decryption software in Windows.
Option Number 2 –Using file decryption software in Linux based OS.
Bear in mind that if done right, these decryption methods may take from hours to months and even years (i.e. never) depending on the strength and encryption algorithm. (AES, RSA)
Protecting and Restoring Your Backed Up Files
Security engineers recommend that you back up your files immediately, preferably on an external memory carrier in order to be able to restore them. In order to protect yourself from FBI Header Ransomware (For Windows Users) please follow these simple instructions:
For Windows 7 and earlier:
1-Click on Windows Start Menu
2-Type Backup And Restore
3-Open it and click on Set Up Backup
4-A window will appear asking you where to set up backup. You should have a flash drive or an external hard drive. Mark it by clicking on it with your mouse then click on Next.
5-On the next window, the system will ask you what do you want to backup. Choose the ‘Let Me Choose’ option and then click on Next.
6-Click on ‘Save settings and run backup’ on the next window in order to protect your files from possible attacks by FBI Header Ransomware.
For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10:
1-Press Windows button + R
2-In the window type ‘filehistory’ and press Enter
3-A File History window will appear. Click on ‘Configure file history settings’
4-The configuration menu for File History will appear. Click on ‘Turn On’. After its on, click on Select Drive in order to select the backup drive. It is recommended to choose an external HDD, SSD or a USB stick whose memory capacity is corresponding to the size of the files you want to backup.
5-Select the drive then click on ‘Ok’ in order to set up file backup and protect yourself from FBI Header Ransomware.
Enabling Windows Defense Feature:
1- Press Windows button + R keys.
2- A run windows should appear. In it type ‘sysdm.cpl’ and then click on Run.
3- A System Properties windows should appear. In it choose System Protection.
5- Click on Turn on system protection and select the size on the hard disk you want to utilize for system protection.
6- Click on Ok and you should see an indication in Protection settings that the protection from FBI Header Ransomware is on.
Restoring a file via Windows Defense feature:
1-Right-click on the encrypted file, then choose Properties.
2-Click on the Previous Versions tab and then mark the last version of the file.
3-Click on Apply and Ok and the file encrypted by FBI Header Ransomware should be restored.
In case the instructions on how to make back-up are unclear, you can also check out this video. Also, make sure you find the right anti-malware program to protect yourself from any threats that may bring harm to your information or your PC.
Spy Hunter scanner will only detect the threat. If you want the threat to be automatically removed, you need to purchase the full version of the anti-malware tool.Find Out More About SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool / How to Uninstall SpyHunter
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for FBI Header Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall FBI Header Ransomware 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by FBI Header Ransomware 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 FBI Header Ransomware there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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.
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 FBI Header Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by FBI Header Ransomware.
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:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
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 FBI Header Ransomware 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.
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.
FBI Header Ransomware-FAQ
What is FBI Header Ransomware Ransomware?
FBI Header Ransomware 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 FBI Header Ransomware 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 FBI Header Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.FBI Header Ransomware 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 FBI Header Ransomware 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 .FBI Header Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .FBI Header Ransomware 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 .FBI Header Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".FBI Header Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .FBI Header Ransomware 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 FBI Header Ransomware 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 FBI Header Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .FBI Header Ransomware 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 FBI Header Ransomware 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 FBI Header Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this FBI Header Ransomware 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 FBI Header Ransomware 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.
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