The article will help you to remove FireCrypt cryptovirus efficiently. Follow the ransomware removal instructions at the bottom of the article.
FireCrypt is a ransomware cryptovirus that has been made with a malware builder called BleedGreen. The virus will encrypt your files while putting the extension .firecrypt to every one of them. The FireCrypt cryptovirus will show a ransom note after the encryption process finishes. Keep reading to see how you could try to potentially restore some of your files.
Threat Summary
| Name | FireCrypt |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer and displays a ransom note. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files and append the extension .firecrypt on your files after it completes its encryption process. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss FireCrypt. |
| 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. |
FireCrypt Virus – Distribution Ways
FireCrypt ransomware could distribute its infection via different ways. The payload file that initiates the malicious script for the ransomware in question has been circling the Internet and detected by most anti-virus software. Your computer system will become infected if such a payload file is executed. You can preview one such payload file on the Payload Security service:
FireCrypt ransomware might also distribute its payload on social media networks and file-sharing websites. Freeware distributed on the Web can be presented as useful but could also hide the malicious script for the cryptovirus in question. Refrain from opening files right after you have downloaded them, especially if they come from suspicious sources like links and emails. Instead, you should scan them with a security tool, beforehand. Also you should do a check on the size and signatures of these files, for anything out of the ordinary. Read the tips for ransomware prevention in the forum to see how you can avoid infection.
FireCrypt Virus – Technical Information
FireCrypt ransomware is also a cryptovirus. The extension .firecrypt is to be appended to all files that become encrypted by it. The ransomware is made with the help of a malware builder tool called BleedGreen. You can see that tool in the image below:
The tool is command-line software that automatically compiles specific parameters and puts everything inside a custom payload file.
FireCrypt ransomware could make entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence or also launch and repress processes in Windows. The virus closes the Task Manager process and creates the following:
- The folder with a path name “%AppData%\SysWin32“
- A file with a path “%AppData%\SysWin32\files.txt“
- A file with a path “%UserProfile%\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\[random name].exe“
- A file with a path “%UserProfile%\Desktop\[random characters]-READ_ME.html“
- A file with a path “%UserProfile%\Desktop\[random characters]-filesencrypted.html“
- A file with a path “%Temp%\[random characters]-[counter].html“
The ransom note will be displayed when the encryption process is complete. That ransom note contains instructions for decrypting your files along with the demands for payment by the cybercriminals that distribute the malware.
Here is what the ransom note looks like:
That ransom note reads the following:
Key Will Be Destroyed On:
[Date]Your Files Are Encrypted:
[Date]Your files have been encrypted on this PC: photos, videos, documents, etc. Click “Encrypted Files” link to view a complete list of encrypted files, and you can personally verify this. Encryption was produced using a unique public key AES-256 generated for his computer. To decrypt files you need to obtain the private key. The only copy of the private key, which will allow to decrypt your files, is located on a secret server on the Internet; the server will eliminate the key after a time period specified in this window. Once this has been done, nobody will ever be able to restore files… In order to decrypt the files you will need to send $550 UDS in for of BTC to the following bitcoin address:
1H91foPkEGFqurFdq5zek4frCshzPZbq9V (How to buy Bitcoins?)
After payment contact gravityz3r0@sigant.org with your transaction details and “User ID”. Once the payment is confirmed you will receive decryption key along with decryption software. Any attempt to remove or corrupt this software will result in immediate elimination of the private key by the server. Beware.
FireCrypt ransomware demands the amount of 550 US dollars as payment in Bitcoin and gives an email for contact on the encrypted mailing service Sigant.org. However, you should NOT under any circumstances pay the cybercriminals, nor contact them. Your files may not get restored, and nobody could give you any guarantee for that. Moreover, giving money to these criminals will most likely motivate them to create more ransomware or do other criminal acts.
There is another version of the ransom note that says “Deadly” on top of it, and that being the major difference between the two. You can preview that sign in the picture down here:
You can see the complete list with file extensions that the FireCrypt ransomware seeks to encrypt, right here:
→.txt, .jpg, .png, .doc, .docx, .csv, .sql, .mdb, .sln, .php, .asp, .aspx, .html, .htm, .csx, .psd, .aep, .mp3, .pdf, .torrent
Every one of the files that get encrypted will receive the same extension appended at the end of their names, which is the .firecrypt extension. The encryption algorithm which is utilized by the ransomware is AES 256-bit, which is also mentioned in the ransom note.
The ransomware can connect to https://www.pta.gov.pk/index.php and fill up the disk drives with downloads of that website’s files.
The FireCrypt cryptovirus is highly likely to erase the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows Operating System by using the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
Read on through and see for yourself what type of ways you can try to potentially restore some of your data.
Remove FireCrypt Virus and Restore .firecrypt Files
If your computer got infected with the FireCrypt ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for FireCrypt with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall FireCrypt 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 FireCrypt 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 FireCrypt 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 FireCrypt
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by FireCrypt.
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 FireCrypt 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.
FireCrypt-FAQ
What is FireCrypt Ransomware?
FireCrypt 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 FireCrypt 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 FireCrypt Infect?
Via several ways.FireCrypt 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 FireCrypt 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 .FireCrypt files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .FireCrypt 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 .FireCrypt files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".FireCrypt" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .FireCrypt 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 FireCrypt 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 FireCrypt ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .FireCrypt 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 FireCrypt 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 FireCrypt Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this FireCrypt 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 FireCrypt 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.