What Is Fdcz Virus?
Fdcz virus is the name of a ransomware cryptovirus that is part of the STOP Ransomware family of threats. These are all threats which share the same code and the same purpose – to infect your computer and encrypt all your files, adding their own file extension and the _readme.txt note. This note is set to extort you into paying a ransom to the criminals who are behind this nasty threat.
The Fdcz virus uses a sophisticated encryption on your important files, which makes them unable to be opened and they have the .fdcz file extension added to them. Be advised not to trust the cyber-criminals and paying the ransom may not be the solution for your problems. Instead, read this article to learn more on how to remove this virus safely and how to try and restore your files for free.
Fdcz Summary
| Name | Fdcz also known as Trojan.GenericKD.35978248, Trojan.Win32.Stop.j!c, Trojan.Ransom.Stop, Trojanransom.Stop, A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HIMQ, Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.qq |
| File Extension | .fdcz |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | This variant of STOP ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .fdcz extension to them. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Torrent Files |
| Detection Tool |
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Fdcz Virus – More Information
Fdcz virus is a part of one of the most active ransomware virus families out there, known as STOP/DJVU. This virus family includes some other recently detected threats, like the Reig, Ygkz and Plam ones.
But how did the Fdcz virus end up on your computer? Well, the answer to this is rather simple.
One possible scenario which accounts for more than 80% of ransomware infections out there is if the file that infects computers is sent to you via e-mail. If so, this file may conveniently pretend to be an invoice, order confirmation, flight ticket or other very important document that you are motivated into opening. Once this e-mail attachment is downloaded and ran, infection with the virus is immediate.
Another way you may have become a victim of the Fdcz virus is if you have downloaded the infection file yourself. If so, then the virus may have seemed like it is some sort of a program, crack, patch, update or any other application available for free download. But, instead of what you are looking to download, you get this ransomware.
Once Fdcz is in your computer, it may run several administrative commands that allow it to download files and crate and modify files in it. This is how it may drop its virus modules, that may be located likely in some of the following directories in Windows:
- %Local%
- %AppData%
- %ProgramData%
- %Windows%
- %System%
- %LocalLow%
- %Temp%
- %system32%
- %Roaming%
Among the dropped files by this nasty threat on your computer is the ransom note, called _readme.txt. It has the following extortionist message directed towards victims:
The main activities of the Fdcz virus revolves around making sure all your backups are deleted and scanning for important files that you have in order to encrypt those. It may perform the following actions before you even realize its in your computer:
- Run as administrator.
- Obtaining read and write authorizations.
- Analyzing If it has infected your computer system previously and if so deletes itself.
- Establish a connection with the cyber-criminals running it.
- Creating Windows registry entries in the “Run” or “RunOnce” Registry sub-keys.
.fdcz Files
The files that are encrypted by the Fdcz virus are all types of data used by you, besides critical Windows components. This is done so that you can still use your computer to pay the ransom to the criminals who are behind this infection.
The files targeted for encryption are the following:
- Back-ups.
- Docs.
- Music.
- Videos.
- Pictures.
- Databases.
- Archives.
- Anything conserved in a USB or other drive.
These files are encoded by using Advanced Encryption Standard, also known as AES. This is a very tough cipher to crack and it changes blocks of data from the original file, to make it no longer functioning. The result of this encryption is that a unique decryptor key is generated that can reverse the process and make your files usable again. Keep reading this article if you want to learn proper ways to safely remove this ransomware and more options on recovering your files.
Remove Fdcz Virus and Try to Restore Files
If you want to fully erase this virus from your computer, then the removal guide below will help you do that. However, be advised that it takes some experience with malware removal to do this manually. This is why, for the best removal, security experts recommend running an automatic scan with anti-malware. Such a software will detect and delete all files, belonging to Fdcz virus and make sure they are safely gone without causing further harm to your important data.
Since the Fdcz virus belongs to STOP/DJVU ransomware, this means that it uses two keys that can decrypt your files – online and offline keys. You have no way of knowing which is your key, but if it is an offline, it usually takes about a week time for Emsisoft researchers to release a Fdcz Decryptor. If the key is online, you should backup the encrypted files and make sure to check out the alternative solutions for file recovery listed in the instructions below. They may not be 100% solution, but they may help you restore some or even most of your files.
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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Step 1: Scan for Fdcz Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Fdcz 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Fdcz 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 Fdcz Virus 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 Fdcz Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Fdcz 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 Fdcz 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.
Fdcz Virus-FAQ
What is Fdcz Virus Ransomware?
Fdcz 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 Fdcz 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 Fdcz Virus Infect?
Via several ways.Fdcz 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 Fdcz 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 .Fdcz Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Fdcz 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 .Fdcz Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Fdcz Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Fdcz 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 Fdcz 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 Fdcz Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Fdcz 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 Fdcz 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 Fdcz Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Fdcz 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 Fdcz 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.
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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- Always check "About Us" web page.
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