This article will help you to remove FunFact ransomware using the .cry file extension. It will also help you try and restore some of the .cry encrypted files.
A ransomware virus has appeared out in the wild, encrypting archives, pictures, Microsoft office documents and other important files. The virus is dubbed FunFact and has a note.ini ransom note which it opens after encrypting the files. In the ransom notes, clear demands are made by the cyber-criminals to pay a requested amount in around 1.6 BitCoin in a 7-day deadline. In case you have become a victim of this ransomware virus, advises are to focus on removing it immediately and trying to restore files encrypted via RSA and AES ciphers by FunFact.
Threat Summary
Name |
FunFact |
Type | Ransomware |
Short Description | The malware encrypts users files using a combination of the AES and RSA encryption algorithms. |
Symptoms | The user may see a ransom note named note.ini asking to pay in BTC to an address. Files may be encrypted with the .cry file extension. |
Distribution Method | Via an Exploit kit, Dll file attack, malicious JavaScript or a drive-by download of the malware itself in an obfuscated manner. |
Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss FunFact. |
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. |
FunFact Ranosmware – How Does It Infect Users
FunFact is no different than any other ransomware virus. It could be spread via e-mail spam and the spam may contain malicious attachments which have:
- Exploit kits embedded.
- Malicious JavaScript or .js types of files.
- Files that are legitimate .doc, .docx, xls or .pdf format, containing malicious macros.
To cause an infection, the criminals may make it seem as if the spammed messages are sent out as if they are legitimate messages from well-known companies or organizations.
Once they open the e-mail attachment and become infected by the malware, the virus may establish contact with multiple domains and addresses:
- 23.239.26.248:80 (to get your IP address)
- ocsp.usertrust.com
- ocsp.comodoca.com
- crl.comodoca.com
After this has been done, the payload of FunFact ransomware may be downloaded. It consists of the following files:
note.ini
clsign.dll
trc.dll
tst.tst
rar.exe
wallet.jpg
%TEMP%\{random A-Z 0-9}.tmp
%LOCALAPPDATA%\ow\Microsoft\CryptnetUrlCache\MetaData\
FunFact Ranosmware – Post-Infection and Encryption
Besides obtaining the IP address of the infected computer, the FunFact virus may begin to scan for various files to encrypt. Amongst the encrypted files by this virus may be the following file types:
The encrypted files may be encoded with the Advanced Encryption Algorithm (AES) and for the encryption key, an algorithm called RSA may be used. The files are reported to possibly have the .cry file extension added to them. They may appear like the following:
After encryption, the FunFact ransomware adds it’s distinctive note.ini ransom note and automatically opens it. The note has the following message for the victim:
Remove FunFact Ransomware and Try Restoring Your Files
In order to remove this ransomware virus completely from your computer, it is strongly recommended to follow our removal instructions posted down below. They are specifically designed to perform effective removal by either manually look for the files or automatically taking care of them via an advanced anti-malware tool (recommended).
After having already removed FunFact ransomware from your computer, it is strongly recommended to focus on restoring your data via some of the alternative methods which we have mentioned below in step “2. Restore files encrypted by FunFact”. These methods may not work on 100 percent but they may also restore some of your files, it really depends on the situation.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for FunFact with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall FunFact 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by FunFact 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 FunFact there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 FunFact
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by FunFact.
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 FunFact 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.
FunFact-FAQ
What is FunFact Ransomware?
FunFact 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 FunFact 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 FunFact Infect?
Via several ways.FunFact 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 FunFact 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 .FunFact files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .FunFact 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 .FunFact files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".FunFact" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .FunFact 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 FunFact 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 FunFact ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .FunFact 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 FunFact 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 FunFact Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this FunFact 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 FunFact 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.
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.