Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Note! Your computer might be affected by FCRYPT Ransomware and other threats.
Threats such as FCRYPT Ransomware may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
In this article, you will find more information about FCRYPT ransomware as well as a step-by-step guide on how to remove malicious files from an infected system and how to potentially recover files encrypted by this ransomware.
When your system is infected with FCRYPT ransomware your important files will be encrypted and renamed with the extension .FCrypt. In addition, you will have a file called #HELP-DECRYPT-FCRYPT1.1#.txt dropped on your system. This file could be automatically loaded on your screen. It contains more information about the ransomware, impacts caused by it and instructions on further steps for data recovery.
Threat Summary
Name
FCRYPT Ransomware
Type
Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description
A data locker ransomware that corrupts valuable files and renames them with .FCrypt extension.
Symptoms
Important files are locked and renamed with .FCrypt extension. They get lock icons and cannot be opened.
Distribution Method
Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Detection Tool
See If Your System Has Been Affected by FCRYPT Ransomware
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.
FCRYPT Ransomware – Distribution
FCRYPT ransomware has been released in active attack campaigns. Its distribution is likely to happen with the help of commonly used techniques such as malspam, corrupted freeware installers, software cracks, infected web pages, fake software update notifications and other. Preferred by hackers is believed to be malspam. It is a well-known fact that almost every user has an email address where a large number of emails appear a daily basis. Considering this, hackers often attempt to deliver their ransomware by disguising it as important documents, shopping offers, and payment notifications. When misused by hackers, these files are often attached to emails that pose as representatives of popular businesses, frequently used services, and governmental institutions. As you might guess by loading such a file on your device you automatically infect it with the malicious code embedded in the code of this file.
Another way to disguise their ransomware activator is by injecting it into the code of any web page and set this page to trigger an automatic download whenever loaded in a web browser. URLs to infected pages could be again presented in emails that attempt to deliver the malicious code on your device, tied to online advertisements, shared in forum communities or displayed on social media channels.
FCRYPT is the name given to a ransomware infection that plagues computer systems in an attempt to reach valuable files stored on it and encode them by utilizing a specialized cipher algorithm. It’s version 1.1 of this threat that has recently been launched in active attack campaigns.
FCRYPT Ransomware – Overview
In the beginning of the infection process, FCRYPT creates a bunch of malicious files which it afterward uses for the completion of all infection stages. To realize this step, the ransomware could be configured to either write the files directly on the system or download them from a contacted command-and-control server. Either way, it could choose some of the following system folders for their storage:
%AppData%
%Local%
%LocalLow%
%Roaming%
%Temp%
By executing these files on your system, FCRYPT v1.1 accesses some fundamental system components so that it can compromise certain settings and eventually become able to complete the attack to the end.
Analyses of FCRYPT’s sample reveal that its code is designed to gain entry to Windows Registry Editor where some low-level system and apps settings are stored. Once it is there FCRYPT ransomware adds values under predefined registry keys, often Run and RunOnce in order to become able to misuse their functionalities for malicious purposes. Values added under the registry key Run support the persistent presence of FCRYPT on your computer because of key’s functionality to load automatically all listed files and processes on every system start.
Since RunOnce registry key is capable of loading files and processes instantly, the ransomware could be configured to use it for the display of its ransom note. This usually happens at the end of the attack when all previous infection stages including the data encryption are completed. As of the note, it could be found in the file #HELP-DECRYPT-FCRYPT1.1#.txt dropped by the ransomware. Here is the message it presents:
–= FCRYPT V1.1 =– Warning! All your important files are encrypted and have the extension: .FCrypt No one else can decrypt your file! Please follow the steps below: 1. Send this file (#HELP-DECRYPT-FCRYPT1.1#.txt) to E-mail : [email protected] 2. Uninstall all anti-virus software on your computer. 3. Waiting for our reply . You DON’T need to pay any money for decryption. NOTE! IN ORDER TO PREVENT DATA DAMAGE: # DO NOT MODIFY ENCRYPTED FILES # DO NOT CHAGE DATA BELOW …..BEGIN CERTIFICATE….. hQEMAwPklKRCsUg0AQgAgYvhOX9OYzDYPtlWet2NBve7dlZKpo6IpdhYWUdpRTpygip0QF010rxAHEz0mTEga7uFovhMzmu/I8quySllRsS7XypaP7SGdvbyrikpUnAR *****
It’s interesting that hackers demand no ransom for the recovery of .FCrypt files just an email at [email protected] . However, it is a possible scenario that their reply message will try to blackmail you into transferring them a ransom in any cryptocurrency.
Even if they send you a working decryption solution you should ensure that no malicious files and objects are present on your infected PC. As long as they are running on it, you could not consider it safe.
FCRYPT Ransomware – Encryption Process
During the encryption stage, FCRYPT v1.1 activates a built-in cipher module to localize target files and then encode their original code. Encrypted files get lock icons and the extension FCrypt appended to their names.
Corrupted by this threat could be:
Audio files
Video files
Document files
Image files
Backup files
Banking credentials, etc
Remove FCRYPT Ransomware
The so-called FCRYPT ransomware is a threat with highly complex code designed to corrupt both system settings and valuable data. So the only way to use your infected system in a secure manner again is to remove all malicious files and objects created by the ransomware. For the purpose, you could use our removal guide that reveals how to clean and secure your system step by step. In addition, in the guide, you will find several alternative data recovery approaches that may be helpful in attempting to restore files encrypted by FCRYPT ransomware. We remind you to back up all encrypted files to an external drive before the recovery process.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by FCRYPT Ransomware and other threats. Scan Your PC with SpyHunter SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as FCRYPT Ransomware. Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
To remove FCRYPT Ransomware follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove FCRYPT Ransomware files and objects
OFFER
Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
For Windows XP, Vista and 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu. 2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Step 1: Open up the Start Menu.
Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
2. Find files created by FCRYPT Ransomware on your PC
Find files created by FCRYPT Ransomware
1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
Step 1:
On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
Step 2:
Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
Step 3:
Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
Step 1:
Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
Step 2:
After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
Step 3:
After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
IMPORTANT! Before starting the Automatic Removal below, 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.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Scan your PC and Remove FCRYPT Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for FCRYPT Ransomware and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove FCRYPT Ransomware. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
Step 1: Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup.
4. Try to Restore files encrypted by FCRYPT Ransomware
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by FCRYPT Ransomware
Ransomware infections and FCRYPT Ransomware aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software. Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors. If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for FCRYPT Ransomware and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
