This article is created to help you remove the .fartplz ransomware virus and restore files that have been encrypted by it.
A ransomware virus, known as the funny extension it uses (.fartplz) has been reported to be out in the wild and cause infections to unsuspecting users’ computers. The ransomware encodes files by using the AES encryption algorithm and then leaves a ransom note with instructions on how to pay 2.5 BTC to the cyber-criminals so they can eventually restore the encrypted files. In case you have become a victim by the .fartplz file extension ransomware it we recommend reading the following material.
Threat Summary
Name |
.Fartplz Virus |
|
Type | Ransomware | |
Short Description | Encrypts files on compromised systems after which demands 2.5 BTC ransom payoff and 30 BTC payoff for a multiple affected computers in an enterprise. | |
Symptoms | Files encrypted with the added file extension .fartplz. | |
Distribution Method | Via an Exploit kit, Dll file attack, malicious JavaScript or a drive-by download of the malware itself in an obfuscated manner. | |
Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
|
User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss .Fartplz 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. |
.fartplz Ransomware – Infection Process
Regarding the infection process of .fartplz ransomware infection, the virus may spread via different methods. The primary one of them is sending the infection files which are intermediary malware via e-mail. Such intermediary malware are either droppers, downloaders or other malicious files. Such may be posing as legitimate documents or other types of invoices, receipts or letters in the spam e-mails, similar to what the example below displays:
Other methods of replicating this malware may also include the usage of fake updates of Java or Adobe programs, fake Windows updates, via a previous Trojan infections or via malicious torrent files.
The .fartplz Ransomware – Activity
After infection by this ransomware infection, it may connect remotely to a command and control server and distribution site, where the virus may download the payload. It may consist of several files which could be located in the following places under different names:
Then, the .fartplz infection may modify the Windows registry entries on the victim’s computer to run the file encryption on system boot. To do this, the following Windows registry keys are targeted:
- 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
The .fartplz ransomware may also delete Windows backups and disable Windows recovery service with the bcedit and vssadmin commands:
→ process call create “cmd.exe /c
vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet
bcdedit.exe /set {default} recoveryenabled no
bcdedit.exe /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
.Fartplz File Ransomware – The Encryption
This ransomware infection may target multiple different types of files for encryption. Among them may be documents, music, videos, pictures and other file types. The file extensions may be in the hundreds and may vary, for example:
After encryption, the files appear like the following:
The algorithms for the encryption employed by this .fartplz extension ransomware may be the following:
- Rivest-Shamir-Adleman also known as RSA with a bit strength of 2048. (strongest stable)t
- Advanced Encryption Algorithm also known as Rijndael with a bit strength of 256. (strongest stable)
An encryption process conducted by this virus may look similar to the following graphic:
The final step for .fartplz ransomware infection is to drop a ransom note, named ReadME_Decrypt_Help_{uniqueID}.html:
“All of your files locked and protected by a strong encryption with and ciphers.
More information about the RSA and AES can be found here:
In summery you can‘t read or work with your files, But with our help you can recover them.
It’s not possible to recover your files without private key and our unlocking software
How to get private key or unlocking software?
You must send us ( per affected computers) OR ( for all affected computers) to receive private key and unlocking soflware-
Our Bitcoin wallet is available in our site”
Remove .fartplz Ransomware and Restore Files
For the removal of .fartplz ransomware infection, recommendations are to focus on following the removal instructions below. They are specifically designed to help you remove this ransomware infection from your computer. In case manual removal represents a challenge, security experts strongly recommend users to download and install an advanced anti-malware tool. It will professionally take care of the .fartplz ransomware infection, while in the same time protect your computer In the future.
But, bear in mind that the files are non decryptable yet. This is why you can try the alternative tools for file recovery in step “2. Restore files encrypted by .fartpls Virus”.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for .Fartplz Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .Fartplz 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .Fartplz 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 .Fartplz Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 .Fartplz Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .Fartplz 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 .Fartplz 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.
.Fartplz Virus-FAQ
What is .Fartplz Virus Ransomware?
.Fartplz 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 .Fartplz 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 .Fartplz Virus Infect?
Via several ways..Fartplz 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 .Fartplz 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 ..Fartplz Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..Fartplz 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 ..Fartplz Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..Fartplz Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..Fartplz 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 .Fartplz 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 .Fartplz Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..Fartplz 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 .Fartplz 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 .Fartplz Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .Fartplz 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 .Fartplz 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.
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