The FBLocker virus is a new malware that does not originate from any of the known malware families. The collected samples so far are test versions and we expect to see forthcoming attacks with it. The virus engine encrypts target user data with the .facebook extension, read our removal guide for further information on deleting active infections.
Threat Summary
| Name | FBLocker |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts sensitive information on your computer system with the .facebook extensions and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files with a strong encryption algorithm. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss FBLocker. |
| 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. |
FBLocker Virus – Distribution Ways
FBLocker virus is an example of a malware that uses the typical virus delivery tactics. At this point there is no information about the preferred method because of the small size of the attacks. As such we assume that the most popular methods are going to be used.
An example attack can facilitate email messages that make use of social engineering tactics in order to manipulate the victims into interacting with the threat. Usually the preferred way for the hackers behind the FBLocker virus is to create messages that use text and graphics from well-known sites and services and attempt to scam the targets into opening a dangerous file. From its name we can assume that the probable victim would be Facebook. Usually the virus files are either attached or hyperlinked in the body contents of the emails. They are also among the most common methods for delivering virus-infested payloads. Two of the most often used types are the following:
- Software Installers — The criminals bundle the dangerous code in application installers of popular applications: productivity suites, creative utilities, system optimization solutions or computer games. This is done by taking the legitimate files from the official download site and modifying them with the dangerous code. They are then uploaded to various hacker-controlled sites, P2P networks and other distribution channels.
- Documents — The same mechanism can be used with documents of different types: rich text documents, spreadsheets or presentations. The embedded scripts launch a notification prompt that asks the victims to enable the built-in scripts. If this is done the virus will be downloaded from a remote server and the infection follows.
The hackers behind the FBLocker virus can also employ browser hijackers that represent malware browser extensions. They are often made compatible with the most popular web browsers: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Safari and Opera. The hackers use elaborate descriptions and fake user reviews and developer credentials in order to advertise it on the relevant software plugin repositories.
Using various web scripts the threat can be delivered to legitimate and popular sites as well. This is done using all manners of banners, pop-ups and redirects.
FBLocker Virus – In-Depth Analysis
The FBlocker appears to be an original creation of the hacker or criminal collective behind the threat. The initial security analysis does not reveal any correlation with any of the famous malware families.
The virus files taken the name svchost and MicrosoftWindowsOperating System in order to mask their appearance from the users. Following the security examination it appears that it is still under development. We expect to see further updates in the forthcoming attacks.
So far the engine does not seem to execute an initial infiltration step. In future versions it may launch a data harvesting module that is programmed to gather their personal information. The type of data that is being harvested can reveal the identity of the victims by hijacking their name, address, telephone number, interests, location, passwords and account credentials. In connection with this the harvested data can be fed to a stealth protection mechanism. It uses the acquired information in order to scan for applications that can interrupt the correct execution of the virus. This includes all manners of anti-virus software, virtual machine hosts or debug/sandbox environments. In certain cases the malware may be instructed into deleting itself to avoid detection if it is not able to bypass this step.
After this is done the next step may be the institution of various system changes. Depending on the exact configuration this can lead to Windows Registry entries modification. When done against the operating system and user-installed applications strings the victims may be unable to start certain functions and will experience performance issues. The Windows registry is also used to lead to a persistent state of execution which starts the FBLocker virus every time the computer is booted. The system changes induced by the threat can also lead to the removal of Shadow Volume Copies which makes it very difficult to recover the data without the use of specialized software, refer to our guide below.
Considering that the FBLocker virus may be updated in the future we suspect that the next versions might include a
FBLocker Virus – Encryption Process
The ransomware component is launched once all preliminary components have finished execution. It uses a custom cipher in order to affect the target data which is chosen based on a built-in list of target file types. An example list includes the following targets:
- Archives
- Documents
- Backups
- Databases
- Images
- Videos
- Music
As a result of the encryption engine all victim files are renamed with the .facebook extension. A sample ransom note (that can have many names and extensions) reads the following:
What Happened to My Computer?
Your important files are encrypted. Many of your documents, photos, videos, databases and other files are no longer accessible because they have been encrypted. Do not waste your time looking for a way to recover your files. Nobody can recover your files.
Can I Recover My Files?
No. My name is Mark Zuckerberg and I have encrypted your files without saving any encryption keys. I appreciate you executing my program because you have allowed me to ruin more lives.
“A squirrel dying in front of your house may be more relevant to your interests right now than people dying in Africa.”
Remove FBLocker Virus and Restore .FBLocker Files
If your computer system got infected with the FBLocker ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for FBLocker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall FBLocker 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 FBLocker 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 FBLocker 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 FBLocker
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by FBLocker.
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 FBLocker 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.
FBLocker-FAQ
What is FBLocker Ransomware?
FBLocker 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 FBLocker 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 FBLocker Infect?
Via several ways.FBLocker 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 FBLocker 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 .FBLocker files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .FBLocker 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 .FBLocker files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".FBLocker" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .FBLocker 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 FBLocker 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 FBLocker ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .FBLocker 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 FBLocker 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 FBLocker Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this FBLocker 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 FBLocker 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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