This article explains what issues occur in case of infection with .fire files virus and provides a detailed guide on how to remove malicious files and how to potentially recover files encrypted by this ransomware.
A ransomware dubbed .fire has been detected in the wild. This threat infects some major system settings in order to encrypt valuable data stored on a compromised device. As identified by security researchers it belongs to the infamous Dharma ransomware family. In case of infection with .fire ransomware you won’t be able to access data stored by files renamed with an extension of the same name. In addition you could see a ransom message to appear on your screen.
Threat Summary
| Name | .fire Files Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | A variant of Dharma ransomware that encrypts valuable data and restricts the access to it. |
| Symptoms | Important files are corrupted and renamed with a sequence of extensions that ends with the extension .fire. Ransom message urges you to contact hackers for files restoration instructions. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .fire Files Virus. |
| 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. |
.fire Files Virus – Distribution
Email spam campaigns that are distributing malicious code are likely to be the main infection vector used by .fire files virus’s authors. It is well-known fact that we all receive many emails in our inboxes on a daily basis. Among all the spam we see lots of important details there. For instance, there we get our invoices, banking documents, work files, and other data that we usually open as soon as we receive it. Unfortunately, this behavior pattern is the key to successful ransomware attack campaigns.
Along with all the urgent data we see in our email correspondence we could also receive the activation code of devastating malware threats. However, it is not always easy to recognize when the content of a recently received email endangers the security of your device and your data. Often hackers pose as representatives of legitimate institutions or consumer services and present a spoofed email address. By doing so they hope to trick us into following their instructions presented as a text message and eventually trigger their malicious code on our devices.
Where the ransomware usually resides is in an attached file or on an infected web page link to which is shown in the email. A good prevention tip we could give you is to check the security status of all suspicious and potentially harmful elements presented in your emails. One way to do this is by using the help of free online scanners like VirusTotal and ZipeZip.
.fire Files Virus – Overview
The so-called .fire files virus is named after an extension of the same name that is appended to all files encrypted by this threat. Security researchers who had conducted analyses of its samples reported that it belongs to Dharma ransomware family. This family is notorious for its thousands of victims worldwide.
In case that your system has been infected by .fire files virus you should consider its complete removal as soon as possible. Here are some of the reasons why it is advisable to do so. Once loaded on your device this threat alters some major system settings and passes through several infection stages.
During the initial infection stage, .fire Dharma ransomware establishes its malicious files and objects on the system. For the purpose it could either write some files directly on the system or download them from its command and control server. There are several system folders that are commonly used by ransomware threats like .fire for the storage of malicious files and objects and they are:
- %Roaming%
- %Windows%
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %Temp%
When these files are established successfully on the system, the ransomware starts to execute them in a predefined order. Their functionalities allow it to evade detection and at the same time become part of all essential files that load on each system start. How it achieves the second is by accessing the Registry Editor. The Registry Editor is a hierarchical database with lots of registry keys in it. These registry keys manage almost all system processes and store derails about all specific settings set by the user.
By setting specific malicious values under the registry sub-key Run as well as under RunOnce, .fire files virus becomes able to load its infection files each time you start the compromised operating system. So for its complete removal you should definitely check your registries for malicious entries and clean all harmful values.
.fire Files Virus – Encryption Process
What happens after .fire ransomware is ready with all malicious system modifications is data encryption process. For it the ransomware launches its built-in encryption module. This mechanism enables it to transform parts of the original code of target files which in turn enables it to extort a ransom payment from you.
Unfortunately, all files that contain sensitive data could be on the target data list of .fire files virus. Eventually, you may find all of the following types of files, encrypted by the ransomware:
- Audio files.
- Videos.
- Image files.
- Databases.
- Archives.
Following encryption, corrupted files appear as broken. In addition they have different names. After their original names you could see a string of extensions that ends with the extension .fire.
Soon after the encryption process ends, the threat is likely to drop a file with a ransom message in it. This message has the purpose to force you to contact hackers for further details on how to restore .fire files. It presents the following contact email address – suppfirecrypt@qq.com.
Even though that hackers claim their selves to be the only ones who possess a decryption solution, we recommend you to avoid contacting them as this could result in another breach of your trust.
Instead be advised to check our suggestions for tested alternative data recovery solutions as they could also help you in attempting to restore .fire files without hiding the risk of further abuses.
Remove .fire Files Virus and Restore Data
The so-called .fire files virus is a threat with highly complex code that plagues not only your files but your whole system. So you need to clean and secure your infected system properly before you could use it regularly again. Below you could find a step-by-step removal guide that may be helpful in attempting to remove this .fire Dharma ransomware. Choose the manual removal approach if you have previous experience with malware files. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps select the automatic section from the guide. Automatic steps enable you to check the infected system for ransomware files and remove them with a few mouse clicks.
In order to keep your system safe from ransomware and other types of malware in future, you should install and maintain a reliable anti-malware program. Additional security layer that could prevent the occurrence of ransomware attacks is anti-ransomware tool.
Make sure to read carefully all details mentioned in the step “Restore files” if you want to understand how to fix encrypted files without paying the ransom. Beware that before data recovery process you should back up all encrypted files to an external drive as this will prevent their irreversible loss.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Step 1: Scan for .fire Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .fire Files Virus 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 .fire Files Virus 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 .fire Files Virus 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 .fire Files Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .fire Files Virus.
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 .fire Files Virus 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.
.fire Files Virus-FAQ
What is .fire Files Virus Ransomware?
.fire Files Virus 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 .fire Files Virus 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 .fire Files Virus Infect?
Via several ways..fire Files Virus 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 .fire Files Virus 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 ..fire Files Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..fire Files Virus 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 ..fire Files Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..fire Files Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..fire Files Virus 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 .fire Files Virus 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 .fire Files Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..fire Files Virus 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 .fire Files Virus 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 .fire Files Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .fire Files Virus 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 .fire Files Virus 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.
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- Always check "About Us" web page.
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