This is an article that provides specific details on a new strain of Matrix ransomware dubbed FDFK virus. In it you will also find a step-by-step guide that will help you with the removal process of all malicious files that were activated on the system. Since your data is of paramount importance we included alternative data recovery approaches that could potentially restore .FDFK files.
The ransomware dubbed FDFK virus belongs to Matrix threat family. The infection has recently been detected in the wild by security researchers. In case of infection with this threat, you will be forced to pay a ransom fee for a tool that is supposedly able to decrypt corrupted files. The ransomware corrupts valuable files with the help of two sophisticated cipher algorithms and renames them with three malicious file extensions the last of which is .FDFK It drops a ransom note called !FDFK_INFO!.rtf for the extortion stage.
Threat Summary
| Name | FDFK virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware that utilizes combination of two sophisticated cipher algorithms to encrypt valuable files stored on devices it infects and requests payment for .FDFK files recovery. |
| Symptoms | Important files are corrupted and renamed with the .FDFK extension. Ransom note appears on screen to extors a ransom payment. |
| Ransom Note | !FDFK_INFO!.rtf |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Corrupted Web Pages |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss FDFK virus. |
| 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. |
FDFK Virus (Matrix Ransomware) – Spread and Imact
Hackers utilize various shady methods for the spread of FDFK virus’ payloads. All methods aim to trick you into starting the payload on your PC without considering the risk that it will trigger a ransomware infection process.
The main spread technique is believed to be malwspam. It enables bad actors to send spam email messages to large number of people around the globe. These messages usually pretend to be sent by legitimate companies/businesses like internet providers, banking institutions, popular websites, delivery companies and sometimes governmental institutions.
The senders of these emails may pose as representatives of the above-mentioned services in an attempt to make you more prone to follow the instructions provided by the text messages. The text messages usually contain strong call-to-action that urges you to review the content of an attached file or a presented link as soon as possible. In case that you fall victim to their scam, you unnoticeably grant the ransomware access to your system.
The so-called FDFK files virus known to be a Matrix ransomware strain, creates lots of additional malicious files soon after its executio on the system. Тhere are several folders that are likely to store these files:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
- %Windows%
Afterward, the code of the initial payload could trigger predefined commands that execute malicious files in an exact order. The sequence of malicious actions enables the ransomware to plague essential system components and complete its attack.
The FDFK virus was identified to belong to the Matric ransomware family. Being a strain of this family it is likely to apply a combination of two sophisticated cipher algorithms (AES-128 + RSA-2048) to encrypt target types of files.
During this process the ransomware transforms parts of the original code of target files in order to restrict the access to the data they store. Unfortunately, an infection with this crypto virus could lead to the corruption of valuable files including but not limiting to your:
- Audio files
- Video files
- Document files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials, etc
Upon encryption, all corrupted files appear with three extensions the last of which is the extension .FDFK. The encryption process is associated with the generation of the unique decryption key that is supposedly able to recover encrypted files. However, you should not believe hackers as they could trick you again by sending you a broken decryption key that won’t decrypt your .FDFK files.
Soon after the ransomware completes system and data modifications it drops a ransom note file called !FDFK_INFO!.rtf in one or several folders. The text presented by this message reveals you the presence of the ransomware and blackmails you into paying hackers certain ransom for a decryption solution.
Remove FDFK Ransomware Virus and Restore Data
Below you could find how a step-by-step FDFK ransomware removal guide that could be helpful in attempting to remove FDFK virus. Since the manual removal approach demands a bit of technical knowledge and experience with recognizing malicious traits, the guide provides an automatic approach as well. Beware that ransomware is a threat with highly complex code that plagues not only your files but your whole system which in turn limits its regular and secure usage. So let’s begin with the removal..
Unfortunately, at this point, there is no evidence of any free decryption tool that works for this FDFK Matrix ransomware. The good news is that there are some alternative data recovery methods that may be helpful in restoring .FDFK files. So make sure to get familiar with the details listed under our “Restore Files” step. Beware that before the beginning of a recovery process you should back up all encrypted files to an external drive and this way prevent their irreversible loss.
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 FDFK virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall FDFK virus 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 FDFK virus 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 FDFK virus 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 FDFK virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by FDFK virus.
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 FDFK virus 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.
FDFK virus-FAQ
What is FDFK virus Ransomware?
FDFK virus 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 FDFK virus 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 FDFK virus Infect?
Via several ways.FDFK virus 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 FDFK virus 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 .FDFK virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .FDFK virus 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 .FDFK virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".FDFK virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .FDFK virus 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 FDFK virus 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 FDFK virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .FDFK virus 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 FDFK virus 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 FDFK virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this FDFK virus 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 FDFK virus 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.
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