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 malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss FCRYPT Ransomware. |
| 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. |
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 Ransomware – Overview
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.
At 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 : fcrypt@qq.com
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 fcrypt@qq.com . 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.
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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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 FCRYPT Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this FCRYPT Ransomware 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 FCRYPT Ransomware 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
- Guide 1: How to Remove FCRYPT Ransomware from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of FCRYPT Ransomware from Mac OS X.
How to Remove FCRYPT Ransomware from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove FCRYPT Ransomware
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 FCRYPT Ransomware 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 FCRYPT Ransomware 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 FCRYPT Ransomware 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 FCRYPT Ransomware 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 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 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 FCRYPT Ransomware from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall FCRYPT Ransomware 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 FCRYPT Ransomware:
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 FCRYPT Ransomware. 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 FCRYPT Ransomware. 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 FCRYPT Ransomware 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 FCRYPT Ransomware. 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 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 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.
FCRYPT Ransomware FAQ
What is FCRYPT Ransomware ransomware and how does it work?
FCRYPT Ransomware 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 FCRYPT Ransomware ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.FCRYPT Ransomware 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 FCRYPT Ransomware 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 .FCRYPT Ransomware files?
You can't. At this point the .FCRYPT Ransomware 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 .FCRYPT Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by FCRYPT Ransomware 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 ".FCRYPT Ransomware" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .FCRYPT Ransomware 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 FCRYPT Ransomware 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 FCRYPT Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .FCRYPT Ransomware files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like FCRYPT Ransomware 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.
