Ransomware virus from the “@” family has been reported yet again on security forums to encrypt files of unsuspecting users. The ransomware is believed to be widespread via e-mails that contain malicious attachments and it uses a powerful cipher to make the files of the computers it infects inaccessible. In addition to that, this virus demands a ransom payoff either In BTC or via other online payments service and will not give a decryptor until the payment is complete. Since decryption may be possible with time, users are strongly advised not to contact the e-mail of the cyber criminals for payments. Instead, it is strongly recommended to remove the Mr.fox8 Ransomware yourself and try alternatives like the ones in this article to restore your files.
Threat Summary
| Name | TeslaCrypt 3.0 |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware searches for files with various extensions and encrypts them. Then, it asks for money to decrypt the files, and describes upon contacting the e-mail where to send it. |
| Symptoms | Files get encrypted with a .cbf extension with the unique e-mail of Mr.fox8. |
| Distribution Method | Malicious Sites, Spam emails with attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join our forum to discuss TeslaCrypt with .micro Extension. |
Mr.fox8 Ransomware – Distribution Ways
To be widespread, the Mr.fox8 ransomware also referred to as a cryptovirus uses the same methods It communicates with users – e-mail. The criminals behind the ransomware may use different spamming software to spread the malicious files of their virus:
- They may send spam mails with the virus files attached in an archive, like .zip or .rar.
- They may post web links that redirect to malicious URLs which contain a JavaScript, Exploit Kit or other malware.
Mr.fox8 Ransomware In Detail
After a successful infection, Mr.fox8 starts scanning for files which are often used by the user, for example:
- Microsoft Office documents.
- Pictures.
- Audio Files.
- Videos.
- Databases.
- Text Files.
After encryption, the ransomware adds a unique ID and the .cbf extension. File encrypted by Mr.fox8 ransomware may look like the following:
→ New Text Document.txt. id-{8-alpha-numerical-symbols}.{mr.fox8@india.com}.cbf
After encrypting the data on the compromising device Mr.Fox8 Ransomware is not reported to leave behind a ransom note, change the wallpaper or perform any other malicious activity.
Researchers believe this that the Mr.fox8 is one of the Rakhni ransomware variants, for which, fortunately enough a decryptor exists. The ransomware of Mr.fox8`s type are also believed to be a part of a so-called RaaS – Ransomware-as-a-Service. Essentially they may be sold from couple of hundred to thousands of dollars online on the deep web markets. The “service” offered is to choose custom file extensions and to choose a cipher. Some of the ciphers associated with this ransomware may be:
- Base64 Encoding.
- RSA.
- AES.
Users who have been infected with the ransomware are advised by research experts not to pay any sort of ransom money and try to restore the data themselves.
Remove Mr.fox8@india.com Ransomware and Try to Restore Your Files
To expel this ransomware permanently from your computer, we advise you to follow our instructions below. In case you cannot manually find the malicious files of Mr.fox8 Ransomware, we advise you to focus on removing the virus automatically using an advanced Anti-Malware program. It will not only find the files but will also revert any settings modified by the ransomware and protect your PC in the future as well.
To restore your files, we strongly advise downloading Rakhni decryptor from the Kaspersky Decryptors link in step “3.Restore Files Encrypted by Mr.fox8” below.
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 Mr.fox8 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Mr.fox8 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 Mr.fox8 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 Mr.fox8 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 Mr.fox8
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Mr.fox8.
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 Mr.fox8 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.
Mr.fox8-FAQ
What is Mr.fox8 Ransomware?
Mr.fox8 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 Mr.fox8 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 Mr.fox8 Infect?
Via several ways.Mr.fox8 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 Mr.fox8 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 .Mr.fox8 files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Mr.fox8 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 .Mr.fox8 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Mr.fox8" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Mr.fox8 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 Mr.fox8 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 Mr.fox8 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Mr.fox8 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 Mr.fox8 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 Mr.fox8 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Mr.fox8 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 Mr.fox8 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.
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