A ransomware virus, carrying the name Flyper, based on the HiddenTear virus project has been caught out in the wild to infect user PCs. The virus uses a very strong RSA-2048 file encryption mechanism to encipher the files of unsuspecting users, adding it’s distinctive .flyper file extension to the encrypted files. Users are asked in an instructions.txt file to pay in BitCoin a ransom payoff to cyber criminals. Everyone who has been affected by the Flyper virus are warned NOT to pay the ransom money, since there may be alternative methods to decrypt your files. We have provided further instructions on removing Flyper ransomware from your computer and trying to restore your files, so we suggest to read this article carefully.
Threat Summary
Name |
Flyper |
Type | Ransomware |
Short Description | The malware encrypts users files using a strong encryption algorithm, making direct decryption possible only via a unique decryption key available to the cyber-criminals. |
Symptoms | The user may witness ransom notes and “instructions.txt” all linking to a web page and a decryptor. Changed file names and the file-extension .flyper has been used. Also changes the wallpaper to a “You have been hacked!” message. |
Distribution Method | Via an Exploit kit, Dll file attack, malicious JavaScript or a drive-by download of the malware itself in an obfuscated manner. |
Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss Flyper 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. |
Flyper Ransomware – How Does It Spread
To infect users, Flyper uses a file that has a very long name, for example:
The file itself is an executable type of file, but it is cleverly masked to resemble an Adobe Reader .pdf file. Such files may be disguised on spam e-mail addresses as well as dropped on your computer via other malware, like Trojan.Downloader, for example. They may also be downloaded via a malicious URL that you may have landed on as a result of a potentially unwatned program that displays ads on your computer.
Flyper Ransomware – More Information
As soon as the malicious file of Flyper has been activated, it may briefly freeze your computer and the opened Windows may enter “Not Responding” state.
Then a command prompt window may open, suggesting the Flyper virus also deletes the shadow volume copies using the following command:
After erasting the shadow copies, the Flyper virus immediately gets down to business. It scans for most Widely used type of file extension and if they are present on the computer, the virus encrypts them:
The ransomware then displays a text document, named Instructions.txt. The ransom not in it notifies the users his files are encoded and gives further instructions on how to pay the ransom money in BitCoin:
We present a decrypter software which allows to decrypt and return control to all your encrypted files.
We accept a payment with Bitcoin, there are many methods to get them.
On these sites you can buy Bitcoin
Localbitcoin.com cex.io btcdirect.eu
To get KEY and Decrypter Program :
1)Send 0.5 BTC bitcoins to this address with Description your PC Computer Name
Bitcoin Address 1PniPmm5kiuuAhXpBWR3QiUtpfAAFm2SS
2)Contact me by email to get your key
Flyper01@sigaint.org”
Since this is a part of the open source HiddenTear projects, researchers may discover a decryption method and release a free decrypter.
Until then, users are advised to remove Flyper Ransowmare and try to restore their files, using the instructions provided below.
Remove Flyper Ransomware and Restore .Flyper Files
After Flyper attacks your computer and encrypts your files, the first advisable step is to remove it from your PC. You can do this by following the step-by-step instructions below. Malware reverse engineers also advise using a more automatic approach and downloading an advanced anti-malware program to remove this virus from your computer.
If you want to try and restore your files, please check the alternative methods in step “3. Restore files Encrypted by Flyper” below.
Furthermore, we also advise you to follow this article since we will update it as soon as a decrypter for Flyper has been released.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Flyper with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Flyper 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Flyper 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 Flyper there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 Flyper
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Flyper.
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 Flyper 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.
Flyper-FAQ
What is Flyper Ransomware?
Flyper 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 Flyper 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 Flyper Infect?
Via several ways.Flyper 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 Flyper 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 .Flyper files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Flyper 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 .Flyper files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Flyper" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Flyper 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 Flyper 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 Flyper ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Flyper 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 Flyper 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 Flyper Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Flyper 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 Flyper 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.
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