Foop virus file extension – are your files encrypted with it? If so, then your system has been attacked by a severe crypto infection – another iteration of the infamous STOP ransomware. This article will provide you with instructions on what to do, once your files have been encrypted with the .foop extension.
Foop Virus
The Foop virus encrypts personal data via a strong encryption algorithm. Once this process is finished, you can’t operate with your files until they are decrypted. They all have the extension .foop appended to their names. At the end of the attack the Foop ransomware drops a ransom message file, _readme.txt, on the infected system to blackmail you to pay a ransom fee for the alleged decryption of their files.
Threat Summary
| Name | Foop |
| File Extension | .foop |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | A ransomware that is designed to encrypt personal files to make victims pay a specific amount of ransom, usually in Bitcoin. |
| Symptoms | Important files are encrypted and renamed with the virus extension .foop A ransom message forces victims to contact hackers in order to receive instructions on how to pay the ransom for the decryption key. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails; Email Attachments; Corrupted Websites; Software Installers |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Foop. |
| 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. |
Foop Ransomware Overview
Foop virus is part of the STOP ransomware family which has appeared on the malware scene before a few years. This last STOP/Djvu iteration acts in the same way as its predecessors Rezm, Lokd and Mmnn.
Soon after Foop ransomware virus is started on a computer system, it creates a bunch of malicious files that will support all subsequent operations. By executing these files in a strictly defined order, the threat evades the detection of all active security measures and passes through several attack stages.
Current ransomware variants are usually more sophisticated than older ones, and they can perform various malicious activities that seriously disrupt the operating system. To become persistent the Foop ransomware adds malicious values under specific registry keys. Such a key is the RUN registry key.
Once the Foop virus affects the key RUN, it can start its malicious files on each system reboot. Thus, the best advice we can give you is to check your system’s registries and clean malicious entries while also removing Foop ransomware from your system.
Long story short, the sole purpose of all malicious stages of the ransomware operation is the encryption of your files. For the encryption to take place, the Foop virus launches a built-in cipher module after it scans specific folders for certain file types typically utilized for storage of personal data.
Each time the module detects a target file, it applies changes that alter the original code of the file to encrypt it. Then the encrypted file receives the extension .foop and remains inaccessible until its code is reverted back to the original state.
Security researchers have managed to find weaknesses in its code and released a free decryption tool. However, at the moment, the free decryption tool does not support decryption of .foop files. As soon as we notice security researchers’ announcement about an update that supports the decryption of Foop ransomware, we will update this article with the latest information.
As for the distribution of the Foop virus, it is believed to be happening via malspam (malicious spam).
Malspam campaigns let cybercriminals reach a large userbase which in turn has proven to be efficient. Malicious emails usually contain malicious code hidden in commonly used file types, such as documents and archives attached to the email message. In most cases, such malicious emails pretend to be send by legitimate sources, such as largely known organizations and companies.
NOTE. You should know that files which should activate the Foop virus on Windows can be:
- Invoice coming from reputable sites, like PayPal, eBay, etc
- Document that appear to be sent from your bank
- An online order confirmation note
- Receipt for a purchase
- Tax bill
Once the encryption stage is finalized, the virus drops the _readme.txt ransom note, which should say the following:
ATTENTION!
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-7YSRbcuaMa
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.
Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
helpmanager@firemail.ccReserve e-mail address to contact us:
helpmanager@iran.irReserve e-mail address to contact us:
Your personal ID:
The files are encrypted with an added .foop file extension, which appears like the following:
Note that getting in touch with cybercriminals is highly inadvisable. This action does not guarantee the recovery of your encrypted files, and it would also enable further criminal operations involving ransomware and other malware.
Foop Virus – Ransomware Removal Instructions
The so-called Foop ransomware virus is a threat with a highly complex code that disrupts system security in order to encrypt personal files. Hence the infected system could be used in a secure manner. again only after the complete removal of all malicious files and objects created by the Foop virus. That’s why we recommend that all steps presented in the removal guide below to be completed. Beware that the manual ransomware removal is suitable for more experienced computer users. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps, you can refer to the automatic part of the guide.
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 Foop with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Foop 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 Foop 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 Foop 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 Foop
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Foop.
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 Foop 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.
Foop-FAQ
What is Foop Ransomware?
Foop 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 Foop 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 Foop Infect?
Via several ways.Foop 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 Foop 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 .Foop files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Foop 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 .Foop files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Foop" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Foop 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 Foop 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 Foop ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Foop 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 Foop 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 Foop Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Foop 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 Foop 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.
I have three hard disks on my computer and when I realized that there was a virus. I formatted the HD with windows. However, all files on the other hard drives are encrypted. I already removed the virus. But I haven’t been able to recover any files yet.
Hi marlon,
Did the virus put the .foop file extension to your encrypted data?
for me its is yes. all my files have an extension of .foop
Yes, I have almost 500GB files with extension .foop in my others HD.
Hi,
On mine i recovered my SSD (Windows) But is seems on my second drive, almost all the files especially JPG files all have the .FOOP extension. How can i recovered these?