This article aims to help you by showing how to remove the .fat32 files ransomware virus from your computer and how to restore files that have been encrypted with the added .fat32 file extension.
A ransomware infection, going by the extension .fat32 which it adds to the files of the infected computer after it encrypts them has been reported to be spread via a multitude of ways online. The virus is from the file encryption kind, meaning that it replaces portions of data from the original files with data from the encryption algorithm it uses, making the files no longer able to be opened. After this is done, the ransomware adds a ransom note, named info.txt. In it, there are instructions on how to pay a hefty ransom of $700 in order to get the files decrypted and working. If you have been infected by the .fat32 files virus, read this article in order to learn how to remove this ransomware and how to try and restore .fat32 encrypted files without having to pay the ransom.
Threat Summary
| Name | .fat32 Files Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Aims to encrypt the files on your computer and then asks for $700 dollars as a payoff for their decryption. |
| Symptoms | Adds the .fat32 file extension to the encrypted files and an info.txt ransom note on the infected computer. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .fat32 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. |
Distribution Methods
For the .fat32 files virus to infect a computer, the malware uses various different types of techniques. The primary of those is to slither onto your computer via e-mail spam. To do this, the malware uses multiple different setups and techniques that obfuscate it’s infection file. The infection file itself may be masked as different fake legitimate files such as:
- Invoices.
- Receipts.
- Documents.
- Fake program installers.
- Game patches.
- Game cracks.
Most of the files, that could infect your computer with the .fat32 files virus may be sent to you via the same spam e-mail tactict possibly as a previously detected ransomware virus, named Stroman which is very similar to the .fat32 files virus in that it uses similar ransom note, but demands less as ransom. The tactic which may be used by .fat32 may include uploading the malicious file as a fake document and sending it via e-mail to unsuspecting users, while including various deceitful messages to the file, like the following:
In addition to this, the ransomware virus, may also cause infection via fake setups, game patches and other seemingly legitimate executables that are uploaded on torrent sites or suspicious software-provider websites.
.Fat32 Files Ransomware – More Information
Once the .fat32 file infection has compromised your computer, the primary malicious file of this virus is dropped and alongside it other support files may also be dropped on your drive. The malicious files are usually located in the following Windows folders:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
As soon as the files are copied on your computer, the ransomware may connect to the server of the cyber-criminals operating it and enlist your computer in a list of infected devices, available to them only. This happens either via your unique key or an identifier created for your computer.
In addition to the dropped files, .fat32 virus also drops a ransom note which is called info.txt and has the following ransom note:
“Your data set are encrypted.
We can help decrypted files.
Price for full decrypt all files 700$
You will get decrypt soft + personal key + manual.
For recover your files – contact us email:
BM-2cVCMjYXg5ZwLi2t6mETUeQYhMNDmbfFA2@bitmessage.ch
Please use public email for contact: gmail etc.
For you to be sure, that we can decrypt your files
You can send us 1-2 encrypted files and we will send back it in a decrypt format FREE.
For download files use only dropmefiles.com not more then 10 Mb
Send us an email:
1.Personal ID
2.link dropmefiles.com
after wait decrypted files and further instructions.
Personal ID:
Hef0b1e0pI2y98boOKa7ciG2lUV8XIHAdoC5me99
Do not rename encrypted files
Not use false encryption key, it cause pernament data loss”
You must pay within 72 hours, or the price will be more.
The BitCoin payment address of this ransom virus is the same like the one used with the recently detected Stroman ransomware detection, suggesting that the two infections may have more in common than initially thought. In addition to this, the .fat32 files virus may also add registry value entries with sub-keys in them that are specifically created in order to make it so that the file, responsible for encryption runs automatically on system start. The targeted sub-keys for this to happen 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
In addition to those, the .fat32 ransomware may also modify the following reigstry sub-keys as well:
→ HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\
HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop\
Futhermore, .fat32 files virus may also attack the system recovery and shadow volume copies on your computer and delete them, by utilizing the following commands in Windows Command Prompt as an administrator:
→ process call create “cmd.exe /c
vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet
bcdedit.exe /set {default} recoveryenabled no
bcdedit.exe /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
.Fat32 Ransomware – Encryption Process
For the encryption, .fat32 files virus does not choose just any file to encode. The ransomware uses very specific tactic – it skips the important Windows files in the %Windows% and other system directories, while in the same time hunts of the most often used files on your computer, like the following:
- Documents.
- Microsoft Office files.
- Images.
- Music.
- Archives.
- Program files that are used very often.
- Virtual drive files.
- Database files.
- Other often used file types.
The way the encryption process is conducted Is that the ransomware hunts for specific file types, like the following:
“PNG .PSD .PSPIMAGE .TGA .THM .TIF .TIFF .YUV .AI .EPS .PS .SVG .INDD .PCT .PDF .XLR .XLS .XLSX .ACCDB .DB .DBF .MDB .PDB .SQL .APK .APP .BAT .CGI .COM .EXE .GADGET .JAR .PIF .WSF .DEM .GAM .NES .ROM .SAV CAD Files .DWG .DXF GIS Files .GPX .KML .KMZ .ASP .ASPX .CER .CFM .CSR .CSS .HTM .HTML .JS .JSP .PHP .RSS .XHTML. DOC .DOCX .LOG .MSG .ODT .PAGES .RTF .TEX .TXT .WPD .WPS .CSV .DAT .GED .KEY .KEYCHAIN .PPS .PPT .PPTX ..INI .PRF Encoded Files .HQX .MIM .UUE .7Z .CBR .DEB .GZ .PKG .RAR .RPM .SITX .TAR.GZ .ZIP .ZIPX .BIN .CUE .DMG .ISO .MDF .TOAST .VCD SDF .TAR .TAX2014 .TAX2015 .VCF .XML Audio Files .AIF .IFF .M3U .M4A .MID .MP3 .MPA .WAV .WMA Video Files .3G2 .3GP .ASF .AVI .FLV .M4V .MOV .MP4 .MPG .RM .SRT .SWF .VOB .WMV 3D .3DM .3DS .MAX .OBJ R.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG ..CRX .PLUGIN .FNT .FON .OTF .TTF .CAB .CPL .CUR .DESKTHEMEPACK .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG”
After this has occurred, the ransomware virus may further begin to perform other types of activities, such as leave behind the .fat32 file extension to the encrypted files, making them appear like the image at the beginning of the article displays.
Remove .fat32 Ransomware and Restore Encrypted Files
In order to remove this ransomware infection from your computer, recommendations are to focus on removing the malicious files either manually or automatically (proffered) using the ransomware removal instructions below. They are specifically desgined to help you isolate the threat first and then remove it safely. For maximum effectiveness of the removal, malware researchers strongly advise to use an advanced anti-malware software which can help you delete the malicious files of .fat32 automatically and protect your PC against future infections as well.
If you want to restore files that have been encrypted by this ransomware virus, recommendations are to try out the alternative tools for file recovery below. They are specifically designed to help you recover as many files as possible without having to pay the ransom.
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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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
About the .fat32 Files Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .fat32 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 .fat32 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.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
- Guide 1: How to Remove .fat32 Files Virus from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of .fat32 Files Virus from Mac OS X.
How to Remove .fat32 Files Virus from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .fat32 Files Virus
1. Hold Windows Key + R.
2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Uninstall .fat32 Files Virus and related software 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:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .fat32 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 .fat32 Files Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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: Scan for .fat32 Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .fat32 Files Virus.
Ransomware infections and .fat32 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of .fat32 Files Virus from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall .fat32 Files Virus and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to .fat32 Files Virus:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to .fat32 Files Virus. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash
”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to .fat32 Files Virus. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove .fat32 Files Virus via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as .fat32 Files Virus. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .fat32 Files Virus.
Ransomware infections and .fat32 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
.fat32 Files Virus FAQ
What is .fat32 Files Virus ransomware and how does it work?
.fat32 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 algorithm how 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.
How does .fat32 Files Virus ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways..fat32 Files Virus Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of .fat32 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 ..fat32 Files Virus files?
You can't. At this point the ..fat32 Files Virus files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your ..fat32 Files Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by .fat32 Files Virus ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore "..fat32 Files Virus" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..fat32 Files Virus files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of .fat32 Files Virus ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate .fat32 Files Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..fat32 Files Virus files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like .fat32 Files Virus ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.
