Another Fsociety themed ransomware virus is on the loose. The name is based on that of the hacker ring in the popular TV show “Mr. Robot” and is written in a semi-leet format – Fs0ci3ty. This cryptovirus will encrypt your files while adding the extension .realfs0ciety@sigaint.org.fs0ciety as an appendix to each of them. The price asked as a ransom is 1.5 Bitcoins, but increases with up to 1 Bitcoin on a daily basis. To see how to remove this virus and how you can try to restore your files, read the whole article.
Threat Summary
| Name | Fs0ci3ty |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware will encrypt your files and display a ransom note in which it states the initial price for decryption of 1.5 Bitcoins. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will display a ransom message after encryption is complete and lock files with the .realfs0ciety@sigaint.org.fs0ciety extension appended to them. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Fs0ci3ty. |
| 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. |
Fs0ci3ty Virus – Delivery Ways
Fs0ci3ty ransomware might infect computer devices using various ways for delivery. Spam email campaigns can be delivering its payload file. Those kinds of email campaigns try to convince you that you need some update for a driver. With the electronic letter you will see a driver_update.exe file put as an attachment. There might be a document file with it that will have gibberish text inside, which will try to make you enable macros on Microsoft Word. The email will state that you need the update from the executable file. Once opened, the malicious code from the file will infect your entire PC system.
More delivery ways could be initiated for the Fs0ci3ty virus. The malware could use social media networks or file share services as outlets for the payload. The ransomware makers might have placed the driver_update.exe file on platforms like these and use them for infecting people’s systems. Try to be careful while you are surfing cyberspace. Refrain from opening files in dubious emails, and links, too. A file scan with a security application and doing a simple check for file signatures and sizes is a broadly welcomed idea. You should check out more tips for preventing ransomware in our forum topic.
Fs0ci3ty Virus – Detailed Information
The Fs0ci3ty virus is a ransomware type, which encrypts files on a compromised machine before asking for ransom. The interesting thing here is that its name is obviously inspired by the hacker group fsociety from the famous TV show “Mr. Robot”. In the show, the hackers infected computers with another, very popular cryptovirus – namely, CryptoWall ransomware.
When the Fs0ci3ty virus executes its payload file, it will then create entries in the Registry of Windows to retain persistence. These entries will most probably make the malware launch automatically with each start of the Windows operating system. Afterward, your files will get encrypted and a file called fs0ci3ty.html will be placed on your desktop. If you open this file it will load this page:
The file fs0ci3ty.html reads the following:
Welcome To Fs0ci3ty
realfs0ciety@sigaint.org
You Will need to make a Payment of 1.5 Bitcoins within the next 24 Hours or Ransome goes to 1 Btc more daily Your File System has been encrypted using state of the art Technology
You may already understand how this works, if you do good but if you are confused or are unaware of how this works we are hoping to be more informative with our clients.
buying bitcoins can be very hard to do, so to make this more trust worthy than most we are going to have a secure cold payment system set up that will allow us to secure bitcoins.
as well as a different wallet address per client, each user is given a unique identifier by the server that is used to track distributed keys as well wallet addresses assigned.
you can head to https://localbitcoins.com/ and create a new account in seconds flat, than go to the wallet and send 1.5 btc to the address you were given in the ransome message
you will use the bitcoin you get through local bitcoins to pay to the unique wallet we gave you the identifier in the bottom left of this page is tied to your key contact us via email
As you can see above, the Fs0ci3ty ransomware gives an initial price for decryption of 1.5 Bitcoins which equals to around 920 US dollars. That is the price if you pay within the first-day time-frame. If you go over the first 24 hours, you would have to pay with up to 1 Bitcoin more for each day that has passed.
You shouldn’t pay the cybercriminals for a number of reasons. First, no one can guarantee you that you will restore your files by paying. Second, you will financially aid the crooks, and the money will be used for other criminal activity or to fund another ransomware project. Third, you might be infected again by another ransomware they make in the future. In any way, do NOT pay anything – you could be able to decrypt your files for free.
The list of file extensions which the virus seeks to encrypt is unknown contrary to the previously known Fsociety ransomware, which uses the same name but written a bit differently.
Documents, pictures, and databases are the top of the file types which could be encrypted as they are still the most widely used ones for important files by any Windows user. All encrypted files will have the .realfs0ciety@sigaint.org.fs0ciety extension as their appendix, after their original file name. The extension is also the contact e-mail left by the cybercriminals. The mail server Sigaint is used, which is very similar to the ProtonMail service. This is how the main page of the Sigaint mail server looks like:
The ransomware is believed to utilize a 256-bit AES encryption algorithm. The Fs0ci3ty ransomware is very likely to erase all Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system. Read on to see how you can try to restore some if not all of your data.
Remove Fs0ci3ty Virus and Restore .realfs0ciety@sigaint.org.fs0ciety Files
If your computer got infected with the Fs0ci3ty ransomware virus, you should have some experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as fast as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect more computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide given below. To see ways that you can try to recover your data, see the step titled 2. Restore files encrypted by Fs0ci3ty.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Fs0ci3ty with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Fs0ci3ty 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 Fs0ci3ty 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 Fs0ci3ty 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 Fs0ci3ty
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Fs0ci3ty.
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 Fs0ci3ty 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.
Fs0ci3ty-FAQ
What is Fs0ci3ty Ransomware?
Fs0ci3ty 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 Fs0ci3ty 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 Fs0ci3ty Infect?
Via several ways.Fs0ci3ty 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 Fs0ci3ty 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 .Fs0ci3ty files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Fs0ci3ty 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 .Fs0ci3ty files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Fs0ci3ty" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Fs0ci3ty 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 Fs0ci3ty 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 Fs0ci3ty ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Fs0ci3ty 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 Fs0ci3ty 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 Fs0ci3ty Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Fs0ci3ty 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 Fs0ci3ty 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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