Unicorn ransomware encrypts personal files and requires a ransom for their recovery. The steps in our guide will help you clean malicious files from your PC and keep it secure against future attacks.
Unicorn Ransomware
This is malicious software that is designed to infect essential system components with the purpose to infect valuable files. The ransomware disrupts system security by installing malicious files and entries. Its nasty operations support a sophisticated data encryption process that leads to restricted access to information stored by .fu**unicorn[random string] files. Once Unicorn ransomware finishes its attack over a computer operating system, victims can notice a text file READ_IT.txt where a ransom note in Italian is stored. The message aims to blackmail victims into paying a hefty ransom fee to hackers.
Unicorn ransomware Summary
| Name | Unicorn |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| File Extensions | .fu**unicorn[random string] |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware designed to plague system settings, utilize strong cihper algorithm and encrypt valuable files. |
| Symptoms | Important files are locked and renamed with the malicious extensions. Ransom message insists on ransom payment for a decryption tool. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | READ_IT.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Hacked Websites |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Unicorn ransomware. |
What is Unicorn Ransomware?
The Unicorn ransomware is a computer virus infection that completes a long sequence of malicious operations once started on a target operating system. It disrupts system security and becomes able to load whenever you start the infected system. Most of the harmful processes happen in the background of all other running apps. Here is why the data corruption phase remains undetected.
For the encryption stage, Unicorn ransomware activates a built-in cipher module. This module scans predefined system drives for target types of files to modify their code with a strong cipher algorithm. Once the encryption process is done you cannot access the data stored by valuable files like:
- Audio files
- Video files
- Document files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials, etc
Following encryption, corrupted files could be recognized by the extensions .fu**unicorn[random string] which are appended to their names.
At last, Unicorn ransomware drops a ransom note file to extort a hefty ransom fee for the decryption of encrypted files. The note could be found in a file called READ_IT.txt. It is written in Italian and here is a copy of its content:
La lunga serpe sul bastone di Asceplio si è ribellata, ed una nuova era sta per sopraggiungere!
Questa è la vostra possibilità per redimervi dopo anni di peccati e soprusi.
Sta a voi scegliere. Entro 3 giorni il pegno pagare dovrai o il fuoco di Prometeo cancellerà
i vostri dati così come ha cancellato il potere degli Dei sugli uomini. Il pegno è di solamente 300 euros, da pagare
con i Bitcoin al seguente indirizzo : 195naAM74WpLtGHsKp9azSsXWmBCaDscxJ dopo che pagato avrai,
una email mandarci dovrai. xxcte2664@protonmail.com il codice di transazione sarà la prova.
Dopo il pegno pagato riceverai la soluzione per spegnere il fuoco di Prometeo. Andare dalla
polizia o chiamare tecnici a niente servirà, nessun essere umano aiutarti potrà.
The purpose of this message is to convince you that you should contact hackers at a given email address and wait for an answer with more details on a ransom payment process. It becomes clear that hackers require a 300 euros ransom for their decryption tool. Beware that they may not act as promised. For the sake of your security, refrain from paying the requested ransom.
As regards the propagation of Unicorn ransomware, it is most likely realized via malspam. Malspam is a technique preferred by hackers due to the fact that it enables them to deliver malicious software on computer operating systems on a large scale. Spam emails that are part of ransomware attack campaigns usually contain one or more of the following components:
- A link to compromised web page that is set to download and execute infection files directly on the PC. The URL address to this page may be presented as an in-text link, banner, image, button, or full URL address.
- A malicious file attachment that is presented as legitimate document by the text message. It could be uploaded in a .rar or .zip archive. Such a file could be set to evade active security measures and trick you into running the ransomware on your PC.
Other channels that may be part of the distribution strategy for Unicorn ransomware are malvertising, freeware installers, corrupted web pages, compromised software setups, fake software updates, malicious files shared on forums and other.
Remove Unicorn Ransomware and Restore Files
What should you do when your PC and data have been hit by Unicorn ransomware? Here we will present the secure way to deal with Unicorn ransomware and similar infections. First, you have to ensure that no malicious files are still running on the infected operating system. For the purpose you need to locate these malicious files and entries and remove them. This will prevent them from causing an impact on regular system performance.
Once you secure the system against nasty ransomware operations, you should back up encoded files to an external drive. Finally, you can proceed with the data recovery process. In the guide below we included alternative data recovery methods that may be efficient for some of your .unicorn files. Bear in mind that these methods may be helpful to some degree. They do not guarantee the full recovery of all encoded files.
In the event that we spot a release of a free decryption tool for Unicorn ransomware, we will include all needed details in this ransomware removal guide. Keep in touch.
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 Unicorn ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Unicorn ransomware 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 Unicorn 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 Unicorn ransomware 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 Unicorn ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Unicorn ransomware.
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 Unicorn 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.
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.
Unicorn ransomware-FAQ
What is Unicorn ransomware Ransomware?
Unicorn 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 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 Unicorn ransomware 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 Unicorn ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.Unicorn ransomware 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 Unicorn 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 .Unicorn ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Unicorn ransomware 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 .Unicorn ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Unicorn ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Unicorn ransomware 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 Unicorn ransomware 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 Unicorn ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Unicorn ransomware 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 Unicorn ransomware 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 Unicorn ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Unicorn 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 Unicorn 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.
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