I wrote this article to help you remove Fs0ci3ty Ransomware. This Fs0ci3ty Ransomware removal guide works for all Windows versions.
Most of you have probably heard of the famous USA Network TV show, Mr. Robot. If not, it is about the life of the talented security engineer, Elliot, who also has a second personality as Mr. Robot, the leader of the FSociety hacking team. As it turned out, Mr. Robot is not only loved by millions of fans but it also appeared as pretty inspirational for some ransomware developers, who have created the Fs0ci3ty Ransomware, based on the show.
Fs0ci3ty operates like any other ransomware piece: it infects your PC, encrypts everything you have on it, and then demands a ransom sum. The ransomware locks all of your files – pictures, videos, documents, etc. They become inaccessible to you unless you have paid the ransom amount and have obtained the decryptor. If your files are very important to you, paying up may not seem that bad, but it is. How are you sure that when you pay the crooks will give you the decryption tool? You can`t be, you have no guarantee. All you know, you may end up double-crossed, with no files and no money. Being a player in this kind of game does nothing good for you. You are only sponsoring the crooks` business and your files would still be gone.
The Fs0ci3ty Ransomware utilizes the AES-256 encryption algorithm in the locking process. Also, it appends a different extension at the end of each locked file. For instance, a file named “christmas.png” before being encrypted, after that it will be named “christmas.png.realfs0ciety@sigaint.org.fs0ciety”. Once your data has been locked you can`t do anything to regain control over it. You can try to move it, rename it, but it won`t help. The only way is to use the decryption key, which you have to pay for. Fs0ci3ty`s ransom note includes all the information you need to purchase the key. It comes both in a TXT and an HTML version. Both files have the same information.
The crooks want 1.5 Bitcoins from the victims for the decryptor. What is even worse is the timeframe. If you have not paid within 24 hours the ransom sum increases with 1 Bitcoin, which is about $600 and it is not a small sum at all. Either way, you shouldn’t pay no matter what the demanded sum is. By paying, you give the attackers access to your personal and financial data, which is more than dangerous and the risk I definitely not worth it.
Now, “How did/can you get infected?” The Fs0ci3ty Ransomware can`t get on your PC without your permission, meaning that if you are infected you must have given it at some point. Threats like this are tricking in you in every way you can think of to get you to allow them access. They rely on the fact that you, without paying attention, will give them your permission. That is their tactic. Because if you spot them before entering, you can easily shut them down and that’s a risk the crooks can`t take. For this purpose, they use fake updates, freeware, and compromised links. They hide behind them and you are not even realizing when of why you have given them your approval.
Don’t forget the spam emails and attachments. They are on the list as well, delivering the Fs0ci3ty Ransomware. The malevolent attachment poses as a system driver update-related doc file, which when opened show just meaningless text. In order to read it, you are required to enable MS Word macros which actually triggers the encryption process. The list of deceptive ways ransomware pieces use is very long so it is up to you to stay cautious and protect yourself by putting your safety first.
Below are the instructions you need to clean your PC from the Fs0ci3ty Ransomware. And don`t forget that a good antimalware program will help you better protect yourself in the future.
Fs0ci3ty Ransomware Removal
Method 1: Restore your encrypted files using ShadowExplorer
Usually, Fs0ci3ty Ransomware deletes all shadow copies, stored in your computer. Luckily, the ransomware is not always able to delete the shadow copies. So your first try should be restoring the original files from shadow copies.
- Download ShadowExplorer from this link: http://www.shadowexplorer.com/downloads.html.
- Install ShadowExplorer
- Open ShadowExplorer and select C: drive on the left panel
- Choose at least a month ago date from the date field
- Navigate to the folder with encrypted files
- Right-click on the encrypted file
- Select “Export” and choose a destination for the original file
Method 2: Restore your encrypted files by using System Restore
- Go to Start –> All programs –> Accessories –> System tools –> System restore
- Click “Next“
- Choose a restore point, at least a month ago
- Click “Next“
- Choose Disk C: (should be selected by default)
- Click “Next“. Wait for a few minutes and the restore should be done.
Method 3: Restore your files using File Recovery Software
If none of the above method works, you should try to recover encrypted files by using File Recovery Software. Since Fs0ci3ty Ransomware first makes a copy of the original file, then encrypts it and deletes the original one, you can successfully restore the original, using a File Recovery Software. Here are a few free File Recovery Software programs:
