This article explains the issues that occur in case of infection with Fappy ransomware and provides a complete guide on how to remove malicious files and how to potentially recover files encrypted by this ransomware.
Fappy Ransomware
Fappy ransomware is a computer virus infection designed to invade operating systems with the purpose to reach personal files and encrypts them. It won’t corrupt essential system files as it will prevent it from extorting a ransom fee from its victims. However, the impact of this nasty ransomware makes the system more vulnerable to other malware infections. Furthermore, victims cannot use infected PCs in a regular way as the threat will continue corrupting newly created files until it is totally removed. Files corrupted by Fappy ransomware could be recognized by an extension of the same name .Fappy that is appended to their names. Another hint of the presence of this ransomware virus on a PC is a file called HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt. This file is likely to appear on the desktop and/or in folders that contain encrypted files. Here we need to advise victims to avoid ransom payment and better use the help of alternative data recovery methods.
Fappy Ransomware Summary
| Name | Fappy |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware that utilizes strong cihper algorithm to encrypt files stored on the infected computer. Then it demands a ransom fee (0.00117 BTC) for a decryption solution. |
| Symptoms | Important files are locked and renamed with .Fappy extension. Hackers demand a ransom payment |
| Ransom Demanding Message | HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Software Packages |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Fappy 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. |
Fappy Ransomware – More Information
Security researchers who are analyzing the code of Fappy ransomware shared that the threat is based on the code of the HiddenTear cryptovirus. Fappy ransomware infects computer systems by tricking people to run it inadvertently. This issue tends to occur with the help of the shady propagation techniques used for the delivery of Fappy ransomware samples on target computers. Such techniques are known to be emails with malicious attachments, malvertising, software bundling, and website corruption. Hackers prefer these techniques as they easily trick people into believing that they are opening a legitimate file or a secure website.
However, they are all designed to execute malicious software like Fappy on every PC they are opened on. Once the ransomware access a computer operating system, it performs a highly complex infection process. By passing through a few stages it corrupts valuable system settings like those of the startup apps and encrypts personal files like images, documents, archives, projects, presentations, videos, audio files, etc. You could not miss corrupted files as they are all marked with the malicious extension .Fappy.
The bad news is that the ransomware uses the sophisticated cipher algorithm AES to encode target files. This process leaves them completely out of order. The good news is that many strains of the same ransomware family have been successfully decrypted by security experts. Eventually, this one will be soon decrypted as well. We will report about free .Fappy files decryption tool as soon as it is released in the wild.
The primary purpose of this threat is to extort a ransom payment from its victims. So once it encodes target files it drops a specific ransom image that has the following look:
In addition, the threat drops a ransom note file called HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt to inform victims the following:
—-Fappy Ransomware—–
All your important files have been encrypted!
If you want to recover them you need to pay for decryption in BitcoinsWhat is Bitcoin?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BitcoinHow to pay & buy Bitcoins:
1. Create a Bitcoin wallet on blockchain.com/Fappy-virus-remove/
2. Buy 0.00117 BTC on localbitcoins.com or blockchain.com
3. Transfer that 0.00117 BTC you bought to:
12G7MqTejCHAr7fsKwXNdxJpBbnaZeM***After doing those steps e-mail us with proof of payment
Our e-mail: fappism@opentrash.comThank you for your cooperation!
Goodbye
—-Fappy Ransomware—–
This ransom message could appear on the screen in an attempt to force victims to contact hackers and ask them for further details on data restoration and ransom payment. At this point, it is known that hackers who stand behind this nasty Fappy ransomware demand an amount of 0.00117 BTC. Beware that there is no evidence of their decrypter being an efficient one. So paying the ransom may not guarantee the recovery of your .Fappy files.
Remove Fappy Ransomware and Restore .Fappy Files
The so-called Fappy ransomware is a threat with highly complex code that plagues not only your files but your whole system. So the infected system should be cleaned and secured 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 Fappy 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. Steps there 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 the future, you should install and maintain a reliable anti-malware program. Additional security layer that could prevent the occurrence of ransomware attacks is an anti-ransomware tool.
Make sure to read carefully all the details mentioned in the step “Restore files” if you want to understand how to fix encrypted files without paying the ransom. Beware that before the 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 Fappy Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Fappy 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 Fappy 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 Fappy 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 Fappy Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Fappy 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 Fappy 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.
Fappy Ransomware-FAQ
What is Fappy Ransomware Ransomware?
Fappy 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 Fappy 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 Fappy Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.Fappy 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 Fappy 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 .Fappy Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Fappy 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 .Fappy Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Fappy Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Fappy 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 Fappy 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 Fappy Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Fappy 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 Fappy 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 Fappy Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Fappy 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 Fappy 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.
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