Foop virus file extension – are your files encrypted with it? If so, then your system has been attacked by a severe crypto infection – another iteration of the infamous STOP ransomware. This article will provide you with instructions on what to do, once your files have been encrypted with the .foop extension.
Foop Virus
The Foop virus encrypts personal data via a strong encryption algorithm. Once this process is finished, you can’t operate with your files until they are decrypted. They all have the extension .foop appended to their names. At the end of the attack the Foop ransomware drops a ransom message file, _readme.txt, on the infected system to blackmail you to pay a ransom fee for the alleged decryption of their files.
Threat Summary
| Name | Foop |
| File Extension | .foop |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | A ransomware that is designed to encrypt personal files to make victims pay a specific amount of ransom, usually in Bitcoin. |
| Symptoms | Important files are encrypted and renamed with the virus extension .foop A ransom message forces victims to contact hackers in order to receive instructions on how to pay the ransom for the decryption key. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails; Email Attachments; Corrupted Websites; Software Installers |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Foop. |
| 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. |
Foop Ransomware Overview
Foop virus is part of the STOP ransomware family which has appeared on the malware scene before a few years. This last STOP/Djvu iteration acts in the same way as its predecessors Rezm, Lokd and Mmnn.
Soon after Foop ransomware virus is started on a computer system, it creates a bunch of malicious files that will support all subsequent operations. By executing these files in a strictly defined order, the threat evades the detection of all active security measures and passes through several attack stages.
Current ransomware variants are usually more sophisticated than older ones, and they can perform various malicious activities that seriously disrupt the operating system. To become persistent the Foop ransomware adds malicious values under specific registry keys. Such a key is the RUN registry key.
Once the Foop virus affects the key RUN, it can start its malicious files on each system reboot. Thus, the best advice we can give you is to check your system’s registries and clean malicious entries while also removing Foop ransomware from your system.
Long story short, the sole purpose of all malicious stages of the ransomware operation is the encryption of your files. For the encryption to take place, the Foop virus launches a built-in cipher module after it scans specific folders for certain file types typically utilized for storage of personal data.
Each time the module detects a target file, it applies changes that alter the original code of the file to encrypt it. Then the encrypted file receives the extension .foop and remains inaccessible until its code is reverted back to the original state.
Security researchers have managed to find weaknesses in its code and released a free decryption tool. However, at the moment, the free decryption tool does not support decryption of .foop files. As soon as we notice security researchers’ announcement about an update that supports the decryption of Foop ransomware, we will update this article with the latest information.
As for the distribution of the Foop virus, it is believed to be happening via malspam (malicious spam).
Malspam campaigns let cybercriminals reach a large userbase which in turn has proven to be efficient. Malicious emails usually contain malicious code hidden in commonly used file types, such as documents and archives attached to the email message. In most cases, such malicious emails pretend to be send by legitimate sources, such as largely known organizations and companies.
NOTE. You should know that files which should activate the Foop virus on Windows can be:
- Invoice coming from reputable sites, like PayPal, eBay, etc
- Document that appear to be sent from your bank
- An online order confirmation note
- Receipt for a purchase
- Tax bill
Once the encryption stage is finalized, the virus drops the _readme.txt ransom note, which should say the following:
ATTENTION!
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-7YSRbcuaMa
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.
Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
helpmanager@firemail.ccReserve e-mail address to contact us:
helpmanager@iran.irReserve e-mail address to contact us:
Your personal ID:
The files are encrypted with an added .foop file extension, which appears like the following:
Note that getting in touch with cybercriminals is highly inadvisable. This action does not guarantee the recovery of your encrypted files, and it would also enable further criminal operations involving ransomware and other malware.
Foop Virus – Ransomware Removal Instructions
The so-called Foop ransomware virus is a threat with a highly complex code that disrupts system security in order to encrypt personal files. Hence the infected system could be used in a secure manner. again only after the complete removal of all malicious files and objects created by the Foop virus. That’s why we recommend that all steps presented in the removal guide below to be completed. Beware that the manual ransomware removal is suitable for more experienced computer users. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps, you can refer to the automatic part of the guide.
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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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.
How to Remove Foop from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Foop
Step 2: Uninstall Foop 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Foop 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 Foop 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: Scan for Foop with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Foop.
Ransomware infections and Foop 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of Foop from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Foop 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:
- 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 Foop 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:
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 Foop.
Ransomware infections and Foop 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Foop FAQ
What is Foop ransomware and how does it work?
Foop 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 Foop ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Foop 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 Foop 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 .Foop files?
You can't. At this point the .Foop 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 .Foop files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Foop 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 ".Foop" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Foop 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 Foop 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 Foop ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Foop files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Foop 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.
I have three hard disks on my computer and when I realized that there was a virus. I formatted the HD with windows. However, all files on the other hard drives are encrypted. I already removed the virus. But I haven’t been able to recover any files yet.
Hi marlon,
Did the virus put the .foop file extension to your encrypted data?
for me its is yes. all my files have an extension of .foop
Yes, I have almost 500GB files with extension .foop in my others HD.
Hi,
On mine i recovered my SSD (Windows) But is seems on my second drive, almost all the files especially JPG files all have the .FOOP extension. How can i recovered these?