A ransomware Trojan, Threat Finder encrypts the files on the compromised machine, locks the computer and demands a $300 fee in order to restore the encrypted data. Experts suggest that the currently spread version Threat Finder v4.2 is a copy of the infamous CryptoLocker ransomware. Threat Finder applies the same timer that gives the victim a four-day-period to pay the fine, or it threatens to delete the files permanently. To put more pressure on the user, Threat Finder even displays an exact date when the private key needed for the encryption of the files will be eliminated.
Threat Finder Ransomware – Distribution and Infection
Threat Finder is usually distributed via email attachments or drive-by downloads from corrupted websites. The infection can also be delivered to machines that are a part of certain botnets. Cyber crooks are also known to use social engineering as a distribution method, for example, posts with corrupted links on social platforms like Twitter or Facebook. Just through one click the infection will be downloaded to the targeted computer and exploit weak spots in the affected computer’s security.
For the file-encrypting process Threat Finder uses RSA 2048 cryptosystem.
Threat Finder – The Ransom
Detailed information about the payment options is displayed in the ransom message in quite a simple way for everyone to understand. The fee is to be paid via MoneyPak or BitCoin, and the victim is provided with instructions on how to pay via each of the both services. Naturally, the whole effort the attackers have put in the instructions serves one purpose only – to make the payment process as easy as possible so they can get their hand on more money.
Experts reveal that the file-encryption and the timer activated on the targeted machine are real and unfortunately, the victims have two options – to restore their files from a backup or to pay the ransom and hope that the attackers will send back the private key. This is why it is crucial for the safety of your system to backup your important data on a regular basis and to keep your AV tool up-to-date.
The ransom message displayed by Threat Finder contains the following information:
→Threat Finder v2.4
Warning! Your personal files are encrypted!
Don’t switch off your computer and/or internet, otherwise your key will be disabled
Your important files encryption produced on this computer: photos, videos, documents, etc. Here is a complete list of encrypted files, and you can personally verify this.
Encryption was produced using a unique public key RSA-2048 generated for this computer. To decrypt the files, you need to obtain the private key.
The single copy of the private key, which will allow you to decrypt the files, located on a secret server on the Internet, the server will destroy the key after a time specified in this window. After that, nobody and never will be able to restore files.
To obtain the private key for this computer, which will automatically decrypt files, you need to pay 300 USD / 300 EUR / similar amount in another currency.
Any attempt to remove or damage this software will lead to immediate destruction of the private key by the server.
What Can You Do If Your Files Were Encrypted By Threat Finder?
Malware experts advise against paying the ransom unless there are some really important files among the encrypted data. And even if you pay the fee, there is no guarantee that you will receive the private key needed for the decryption of your files. Your information can be restored with the help of Shadow Explorer and other tools designed for such operations. Follow the instructions below to remove Threat Finder and restore the encrypted files.
How to Remove Threat Finder and Restore the Encrypted Files
Stage One: Remove Threat Finder
1. First and most important – download and install a legitimate and trustworthy anti-malware scanner, which will help you run a full system scan and eliminate all threats. 
Spy Hunter FREE scanner will only detect the threat. If you want the threat to be automatically removed, you need to purchase the full version of the anti-malware tool. Find Out More About SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
2. Run a second scan to make sure that there are no malicious software programs running on your PC. For that purpose, it’s recommended to download ESET Online Scanner.
Your PC should be clean now.
Stage Two: Restore the Encrypted Files
Option 1: Best case scenario – You have backed up your data on a regular basis, and now you can use the most recent backup to restore your files.
Option 2: Try to decrypt your files with the help of Kaspersky’s RectorDecryptor.exe and RakhniDecryptor.exe. They might help you in the process but keep in mind that they were not specially designed to encrypt information that was decrypted by this particular ransomware.
Option 3: Shadow Volume Copies
1. Install the Shadow Explorer, which is available with Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows XP Service Pack 2.
2. From Shadow Explorer’s drop down menu choose a drive and the latest date you would like to restore information from.
3. Right-click on a random encrypted file or folder then select “Export”. Select a location to restore the content of the selected file or folder.
Remove Threat Finder Automatically with Spy Hunter Malware – Removal Tool.
Spy Hunter scanner will only detect the threat. If you want the threat to be automatically removed, you need to purchase the full version of the anti-malware tool.Find Out More About SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool / How to Uninstall SpyHunter
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Threat Finder with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Threat Finder 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 Threat Finder 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 Threat Finder 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 Threat Finder
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Threat Finder.
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 Threat Finder 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.
Threat Finder-FAQ
What is Threat Finder Ransomware?
Threat Finder 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 Threat Finder 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 Threat Finder Infect?
Via several ways.Threat Finder 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 Threat Finder 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 .Threat Finder files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Threat Finder 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 .Threat Finder files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Threat Finder" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Threat Finder 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 Threat Finder 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 Threat Finder ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Threat Finder 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 Threat Finder 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 Threat Finder Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Threat Finder 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 Threat Finder 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.