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In this article we are going to try and help you remove FireCrypt Ransomware. Our instructions cover all Windows versions.
Ransomware viruses are currently a huge issue and every single day more computers fall victim to this particular type of malware. These programs are capable of getting onto your machine without getting noticed whatsoever and encrypting all personal files rendering them inaccessible until a ransom amount is paid.
FireCrypt Ransomware
With the recent release of FireCrypt, a new Ransomware virus, this malicious software family has gotten even bigger. In the next several paragraphs, we will attempt to provide our users with some crucial information regarding this particular type of harmful programs. You will be acquainted with how these viruses work and what their goal is. Additionally, an instruction manual on how to remove FireCrypt will be available to you below the article. Thus, if your PC is currently infected by the malicious piece of software, you can use the removal guide in order to resolve your problem. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that the instructions there will help with every instances of Ransomware infection but it is still worth the shot.
Antivirus programs cannot detect it!
One extremely important aspect of Ransomware viruses is that they usually do not get detected by most types of antivirus software. The reason for that comes from the approach that Ransomware viruses take when invading your PC. As we already mentioned, the method used to lock your files is known as encryption. What’s important about this is that this is actually not a harmful process. In fact, it is commonly used for data protection by a lot of legit programs. Therefore, the majority of antivirus programs do not intercept the process, since they regard it as non-threatening. Because of this, the malicious virus is able to execute its process under your radar and before you know it all your personal files get locked by it. After the encryption is over, most Ransomware viruses display a message on the user’s screen, in which a ransom payment is return for the key for the encrypted files. Usually, there are detailed instructions on how to make the payment since this often includes buying bitcoins and using the Tor network.
Symptoms
Though they might be difficult to notice, there are actually several symptoms of a Ransomware infection. Thus, if you are vigilant enough, you might just be able to spot the virus manually even if your antivirus software does not detect it. The most common signs of a Ransomware infection are unusually increased RAM and CPU usage as well as less free HDD space than you would normally have, without having installed or downloaded any new software. The reason for these symptoms comes from the encryption process itself. You see, in order for the encryption to be completed, your files first need to be copied and it is those copies that are actually locked. When this is finished,the original data gets deleted and the only thing left is the inaccessible encrypted copies. Depending on how powerful your PC is and how much data you have stored on it, this process can take quite some time. During this period, you can technically notice the virus if you pay close attention to what’s happening with your PC. If you suspect a Ransomware infection, the best course of action would be to shut down your machine immediately and then reach out for professional aid.
We advise against the ransom payment
A lot of users might be tempted to get it over with by paying the money. We believe this to be a very bad idea. Consider this: the usage of bitcoins allows the hacker, who’s using the virus, to remain completely anonymous since the aforementioned cryptocurrency is practically untraceable. This means that the hacker has no fear of being exposed. Thus, there’s just no guarantee that even if you strictly follow the instructions from the Ransomware message and make the payment you’d actually get the encryption key. Therefore, we advise you to try our guide and see if it works for you instead of paying money to cyber-criminals.
Tips for dealing with Ransomware viruses
The next several rules and guidelines will help you prevent and handle any future Ransomware attacks so make sure you remember them:
- Make sure that your browser does not download stuff automatically. Your permission should be required at all times when a file is going to be downloaded onto your PC.
- Get a reliable scanner tool and an antivirus program. Developers have recently started to include certain Ransomware-protection features in their software. Additionally, an antivirus program can help you detect and remove any backdoor viruses that might get onto your PC. Such viruses are very commonly used for infecting people’s computers with Ransomware.
- Create a full backup of all personal files so that even in the event of a Ransomware attack, you’d still have safe and accessible copies of your personal data.
- Keep away from sites with a questionable reputation or ones that are illegal.
- Be careful when checking your e-mail, since there might be spam messages that contain FireCrypt or any other Ransomware virus. If a letter looks like it might be spam, directly delete it without even opening it.
- If you think that your PC might be infected, do not connect any external devices or the files on them might get encrypted as well making matters even worse.
FireCrypt Ransomware Removal
# 1
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Enter Windows Safe mode.
- Win 7 Users: Restart your PC –> keep on clicking F8 –> In the subsequent Menu select Safe Mode with Networking.
- Win 8 Users: Start Button –> Control Panel –> System and Security –> Administrative Tools –> System Configuration –> In the subsequent Menu select Safe Boot –>
- Win 10 users: Start Menu –> Power Options Menu –> Hold down the SHIFT button while clicking on Restart –> Troubleshoot –> Advanced Options –> Startup Settings –> Restart –> In the subsequent Menu select Safe Mode with Networking.
# 2
Open Task Manager and locate any processes associated with FireCrypt.
- Press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC keys simultaneously –> Processes Tab –> Select a suspicious process (use Google or ask us in the comments if you are not sure about a process) –> Right Click and Open File Location –> End the suspicious process in Task Manager –> Delete the Folders containing the suspicious files.
# 3
Open the Registry Editor and search for FireCrypt.
- Win 7 Users: Click Start and type regedit –> Enter –> Press CTRL + F buttons –> Type Cryp1 Virus in the search field.
- Win 8/10 users: Start Button –> Choose Run –> type regedit –> Enter Press CTRL + F buttons –> Type FireCrypt in the search field.
# 4
Try to recover your files. First you will need System Restore.
- Win 7 Users: Start button –> Type Windows System Restore –> Enter –> Open System Restore –> Select a Restore Point and revert to it.
- Win 8 Users: Hold down the Windows key + Q –> Type Recovery –> Settings –> Choose the Recovery icon –> Open System Restore –> Select a Restore Point.
- Win 10 Users: Start Menu –> Power Options Menu –> Hold down the SHIFT button while clicking on Restart –> Troubleshoot –> Advanced Options –> System Restore –> Select a Restore Point and apply it.
Secondly use program that can access your Shadow Copies.
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- Use Google to find the official website of such a program and download it.
- Use the program to select the file types and the hard drive locations you want the program to scan for.
- Start the scan and keep in mind that it might take a while.
- Once the scan has been completed just select the files you want to be recovered.
If you have questions or suggestions feel free to use our comments section!