If your personal documents, photos and work projects suddenly stop opening and every file ends with .f*ckfbi, you are most likely dealing with the F*ckFBI Virus – a new ransomware strain that encrypts data and demands a Bitcoin payment to restore access. Seeing a ransom note on your desktop is frightening, but what you do next is critical. Read this article to find out what the F*ckFBI ransomware is, how it got into your system, what exactly it does to your files, and how you can remove it and attempt to recover .f*ckfbi files safely.
In the guide below, you will find a structured, technically oriented overview suitable for both regular users and IT admins. It explains how the malware works internally, why paying the ransom is risky, and which incident-response and recovery steps you should follow before you touch any of your encrypted data.
What is F*ckFBI Virus?
F*ckFBI Virus is a file-encrypting ransomware variant that targets Windows systems. Once executed, it scans the system for user data and encrypts a wide range of file types (documents, images, databases, archives, multimedia, project files, and more). It then appends a specific extension – shown as .f*ckfbi – to every locked file and drops a ransom note, typically named READ_ME_FBI.txt, in affected folders and on the desktop.
The main objective of this ransomware is extortion. After the encryption process, F*ckFBI instructs victims to contact the attackers and send them a so-called “key file” and a payment in Bitcoin in exchange for a decryption tool. In observed samples, the demanded amount is around 0.5 BTC, but this can change over time as operators adjust their campaigns.
From a technical classification perspective, F*ckFBI is a typical crypto-ransomware / file locker threat. It doesn’t aim to destroy the operating system; instead, it selectively attacks user data while keeping Windows bootable so the victim can “interact” with the ransom note and payment instructions.
F*ckFBI Virus – Details
| File Extension | .f*ckFBI Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The F*ckFBI Virus Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending a .f*ckFBI Virus extension to them. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | READ_ME_FBI.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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F*ckFBI Ransomware – Key Characteristics
Based on current analysis, the F*ckFBI virus displays several distinctive traits:
- File marking: encrypts files and appends the .f*ckfbi extension to their original names (for example, invoice.docx becomes invoice.docx.f*ckfbi).
- Ransom note: creates a text file (READ_ME_FBI.txt) in multiple directories with instructions about email contact, key-file submission and Bitcoin payment.
- Focused encryption: targets personal data locations like Desktop, Documents, Downloads, media folders and work/project directories while leaving system files and program executables mostly untouched.
- Unique victim ID / key file: generates a key file that identifies the individual victim and is required by the attackers to produce a matching decryptor.
- Strong cryptography: uses modern encryption algorithms; without the correct private key or a vulnerability in the implementation, brute-forcing the decryption is practically infeasible.
Importantly, current public research indicates that no free decryption tool is known for F*ckFBI at the moment of writing. That makes secure backups and careful response planning absolutely crucial for affected victims.
How Did I Get It (F*ckFBI Ransomware Infection Vectors)?
Like most contemporary ransomware families, F*ckFBI is delivered through classic social-engineering and drive-by infection channels rather than exploiting some exotic, zero-day vulnerability. In other words, the infection usually starts with a user action – opening the wrong attachment, running an untrusted executable, or installing cracked software.
Typical F*ckFBI Infection Scenarios
Below are the most common ways a system may become infected with the F*ckFBI virus:
- Malicious email attachments (malspam) – phishing or business-themed emails that pretend to be invoices, delivery notifications, payment confirmations, HR documents, etc., often carry a malicious attachment (macro-enabled Office document, PDF with embedded script, ZIP archive with a loader, or a disguised executable). Opening and enabling macros or “content” can trigger the ransomware payload.
- Cracked software and keygens – pirated software installers, cracks, “activators” and license bypass tools are frequently used as carriers for ransomware. Running such tools with administrator rights effectively hands full control of the machine to the attacker.
- Fake updates and installers – deceptive web pages may offer “critical browser/Flash/driver updates” or “codec packs,” which in reality download a F*ckFBI downloader or the ransomware executable itself.
- Malicious ads and compromised sites – malvertising campaigns and hacked legitimate sites may silently redirect users to exploit pages or direct-download links that drop the ransomware when certain conditions are met (browser version, plugins, geolocation, etc.).
- Bundled installers and shady download portals – “download managers” and third-party installers from untrusted sites often include unwanted components. In some cases, these bundles contain droppers that later pull ransomware like F*ckFBI from a remote server.
- Infected removable media – USB flash drives or external disks that previously connected to a compromised machine can carry droppers or “installer” files that users run on new systems, triggering the infection again.
In corporate or poorly secured environments, additional vectors such as exposed Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) services, weak administrator passwords, and unpatched public-facing servers may also be abused, but home users are primarily hit through emails and risky downloads.
Red Flags You May Have Missed Before Infection
In many incidents, users later recall several suspicious signs that were ignored just before the attack:
- An email with unusual grammar or urgent tone requesting immediate opening of an attached file.
- An Office document prompting you to “Enable Content” or “Enable Macros” for correct viewing.
- Executing a crack, patch, or keygen that requested administrator rights for no clear reason.
- Installing software from a random download site instead of the official vendor.
Recognizing these patterns is essential, not only for understanding how F*ckFBI entered your system, but also for preventing future ransomware incidents.
What Does It Do (Behavior of F*ckFBI Ransomware)?
Once launched on a Windows system, the F*ckFBI virus follows a behavior chain typical for modern ransomware. It prepares the environment, encrypts data, notifies the victim, and then attempts to stay resident or exit quietly depending on how the operators designed the build.
1. System Reconnaissance and Preparation
After execution, F*ckFBI typically performs several preparatory actions:
- Environment checks: basic anti-analysis techniques such as looking for virtual machines, debuggers, or sandboxes to evade automated detection environments.
- Process and service manipulation: may attempt to terminate backup-related services, security tools, or processes locking files that need to be encrypted.
- Shadow copy and backup targeting: attempts to remove Windows shadow copies and possibly disable built-in backup mechanisms in order to make recovery harder.
These steps are designed to maximize the impact of the encryption phase and reduce the victim’s ability to roll back changes easily.
2. File Encryption and .f*ckfbi Extension
Once the environment is prepared, F*ckFBI starts its core operation: file encryption. It scans local drives and, in many cases, accessible network shares for user data. System files and essential executables are usually skipped to keep the OS functional.
Each targeted file is encrypted with a strong cryptographic algorithm, and the malware appends the .f*ckfbi extension to mark it as locked. Examples:
- photo.jpg → photo.jpg.f*ckfbi
- report.xlsx → report.xlsx.f*ckfbi
- database.mdb → database.mdb.f*ckfbi
After the process completes, the original content of each file is replaced by encrypted data; renaming or changing the extension back does not restore access.
3. Ransom Note: READ_ME_FBI.txt
When encryption is done, F*ckFBI drops a text note, usually named READ_ME_FBI.txt, into folders with encrypted data and on the desktop. The note informs the victim that:
- Personal documents, photos, videos, music, archives, databases, and similar files have been encrypted.
- System and program files are intentionally left untouched, so Windows continues to operate.
- All encrypted files now carry the .f*ckfbi extension.
- The victim must send a specific key file to an attacker-controlled email address (for example, a ProtonMail mailbox) and pay a ransom in Bitcoin.
- There is a short deadline (often 72 hours) after which the price may increase or the key may allegedly be deleted.
The note also warns victims not to rename or modify the encrypted files and discourages them from using third-party tools, claiming this would permanently destroy the data. These statements are common psychological pressure tactics in ransomware campaigns.
4. Communication, Payment and Double-Extortion Risk
Victims are instructed to:
- Contact the attackers via a specified email address.
- Attach the generated key file so the operators can identify the victim and their symmetric key.
- Transfer the requested amount of Bitcoin to the provided wallet address.
There is no guarantee that paying the ransom will result in working decryption. Attackers may simply ignore the victim after payment, send a broken or partial decryptor, or continue extorting by threatening to leak sensitive data if additional payments are not made (double-extortion). For this reason, security professionals strongly advise against paying whenever possible.
5. Can You Decrypt .f*ckfbi Files?
At the time of writing, there is no publicly known free decryptor specifically for F*ckFBI. If the ransomware has been implemented correctly and uses robust cryptography with unique keys per victim, brute-force decryption is practically impossible.
However, there are still several avenues worth exploring:
- Offline and external backups: the safest recovery method is to restore clean copies of your files from backups that were not reachable by the ransomware (offline drives, disconnected NAS snapshots, or cloud backups with versioning).
- Previous versions / shadow copies: if the ransomware failed to wipe all volume shadow copies or older versions, you may be able to restore some files via built-in Windows features or backup tools.
- Third-party recovery tools: data recovery utilities can sometimes restore deleted pre-encryption copies if the space hasn’t been overwritten yet. Results are highly situational, but it is worth trying after the system is clean.
- Future decryptor releases: if law enforcement or researchers later obtain the master keys or find a cryptographic flaw, a free decryptor may appear. Keeping some encrypted samples and the ransom note is useful for future attempts.
Whatever you try, always work on copies of .f*ckfbi files, not the originals, to avoid irreversible damage.
How to Remove It
Dealing with F*ckFBI requires two separate but equally important tasks:
- Completely removing the ransomware and any associated malware from the system.
- Attempting safe data recovery from backups or other sources, without making the situation worse.
Follow the high-level strategy below before you start any detailed step-by-step removal tutorial.
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.
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Step 1: Scan for F*ckFBI with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall F*ckFBI 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 F*ckFBI 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 F*ckFBI 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 F*ckFBI
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by F*ckFBI.
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 F*ckFBI 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.
F*ckFBI-FAQ
What is F*ckFBI Ransomware?
F*ckFBI 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 F*ckFBI 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 F*ckFBI Infect?
Via several ways.F*ckFBI 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 F*ckFBI 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 .F*ckFBI files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .F*ckFBI 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 .F*ckFBI files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".F*ckFBI" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .F*ckFBI 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 F*ckFBI 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 F*ckFBI ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .F*ckFBI 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 F*ckFBI 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 F*ckFBI Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this F*ckFBI 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 F*ckFBI 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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