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 |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal 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.
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 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.
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
How to Remove Fs0ci3ty from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Fs0ci3ty
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 Fs0ci3ty 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 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:
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 Fs0ci3ty 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 Fs0ci3ty.
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.
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 Fs0ci3ty from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Fs0ci3ty 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 Fs0ci3ty:
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 Fs0ci3ty. 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 Fs0ci3ty. 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 Fs0ci3ty 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 Fs0ci3ty. 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 Fs0ci3ty.
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.
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.
Fs0ci3ty FAQ
What is Fs0ci3ty ransomware and how does it work?
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 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 Fs0ci3ty ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Fs0ci3ty 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 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. At this point the .Fs0ci3ty 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 .Fs0ci3ty files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Fs0ci3ty 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 ".Fs0ci3ty" files (Other Methods)?
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% 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 Fs0ci3ty 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 Fs0ci3ty ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Fs0ci3ty files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Fs0ci3ty 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.