You are very likely to be visiting this removal guide article because your PC has been infected with a ransomware infection called Fair. First and foremost we need to tell you that the sooner you uninstall malicious files installed by Fair ransomware the better. Otherwise, you risk that your infected PC will be attacked once again by hackers.
Fair Ransomware Virus
Fair is another cryptovirus that has joined the threats of the ransomware landscape. This malicious piece of code is developed to damage essential system settings in order to leave it extremely vulnerable to additional malware attacks and ready for the data encryption process. The reason why this ransomware encrypts personal data is money extortion. Soon after it encodes important personal files stored on the infected system, it drops a text file named readme-warning.txt that aims to extort a ransom fee from victims. Encrypted files could be recognized by their changed names. All files that have the extension .fair as part of their names will remain inaccessible until their code is reverted back to its original state.
We strongly advise all victims of Fair ransomware to refrain from communicating with cyber crooks via their email fairexchange@qq.com. These people should not be trusted. They can only take advantage of your unpleasant situation and make it even worse by stealing your money and not providing a decryption solution.
Threat Summary
| Name | Fair |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Malicious Extension | .fair + ID number and email address |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware that utilizes strong cihper algorithm to encrypt personal files stored on the infected computer. It demands a ransom for a decryption solution. |
| Symptoms | Important files are locked and renamed with a long sequence of extensions which ends with the .fair extension. Corrupted files remain unusable until their code is reverted back to original state. |
| Ransom Message | readme-warning.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Corrupted Websites, Software Installers |
| Detection Tool |
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Fair Ransomware (.fair Files) – Overview
Let’s begin by saying that ransomware threats like the Fair virus tend to access computer operating systems by being presented to people as important documents attached to spam email messages. The malicious ransomware payload may be uploaded to a corrupted site and presented as some kind of useful application as well. And since the Internet is full of malicious pieces of code that aim to harass people we should be very aware of the sites we visit, the ads we click, and the files we download. When we follow all basic security measures it is less likely to fall victim to nasty hackers.
Now let’s look at the malicious Fair ransomware – your current enemy. This virus was identified to be based on the code of another known ransomware called Makop. Why do you need to know that? Because the moment security researchers manage to find weaknesses in the code of Makop ransomware and release a free decryption tool, you will be able to download this tool and try to restore your .fair files.
Files corrupted by Fair ransomware are likely to contain three extensions – an ID, an email address (fairexchange@qq.com) and .fair. The worst is that they will be completely inaccessible. You can see them on your machine but you can not open them with any program different than the decryption tool.
As a way to force you to pay a ransom fee, hackers have programmed their Fair virus to drop a ransom message file on your PC. So when you find and open the file readme-warning.txt you will be informed the following:
::: Greetings :::
Little FAQ:
.1.
Q: Whats Happen?
A: Your files have been encrypted and now have the “fair” extension. The file structure was not damaged, we did everything possible so that this could not happen..2.
Q: How to recover files?
A: If you wish to decrypt your files you will need to pay in bitcoins..3.
Q: What about guarantees?
A: Its just a business. We absolutely do not care about you and your deals, except getting benefits. If we do not do our work and liabilities – nobody will cooperate with us. Its not in our interests.
To check the ability of returning files, you can send to us any 2 files with SIMPLE extensions(jpg,xls,doc, etc… not databases!) and low sizes(max 1 mb), we will decrypt them and send back to you. That is our guarantee..4.
Q: How to contact with you?
A: You can write us to our mailbox: fairexchange@qq.com.5.
Q: How will the decryption process proceed after payment?
A: After payment we will send to you our scanner-decoder program and detailed instructions for use. With this program you will be able to decrypt all your encrypted files..6.
Q: If I don’t want to pay bad people like you?
A: If you will not cooperate with our service – for us, its does not matter. But you will lose your time and data, cause only we have the private key. In practice – time is much more valuable than money.:::BEWARE:::
DON’T try to change encrypted files by yourself!
If you will try to use any third party software for restoring your data or antivirus solutions – please make a backup for all encrypted files!
Any changes in encrypted files may entail damage of the private key and, as result, the loss all data.
If you want to prevent being tricked once again by cybercriminals, you should avoid paying them the ransom. There is no guarantee that they can send you back a working decryption solution for .fair files. Instead, consider the completion of the removal steps below as they will help you to clean your system from malicious files. In addition, you will be presented with several alternative data recovery solutions.
Remove Fair Ransomware Virus and Attempt to Restore Files
The so-called Fair 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 ransomware. That’s why it is recommendable that all steps presented in the ransomware removal guide below should 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 navigate to the automatic part of the guide. For the recovery of encrypted .fair#8523! files you should check the instructions in step four.
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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Step 1: Scan for Fair with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Fair 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 Fair 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 Fair 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 Fair
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Fair.
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 Fair 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.
Fair-FAQ
What is Fair Ransomware?
Fair 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 Fair 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 Fair Infect?
Via several ways.Fair 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 Fair 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 .Fair files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Fair 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 .Fair files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Fair" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Fair 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 Fair 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 Fair ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Fair 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 Fair 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 Fair Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Fair 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 Fair 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.