FOOP ransomware infects computers to encrypt files on themVirus’ operandi explainedRansomware SummaryThe ransom demand stated in _readme.txt fileSTOP/DJVU variants’ distribution relies on illegal downloadsSteps to Remove FOOP Ransomware Virus
Virus’ operandi explained
FOOP ransomware is the 213th version of DJVU ransomware. The virus also uses online and offline encryption methods to lock victim’s files. Once the victim downloads and executes the malicious payload-carrying file, it immediately starts disabling security software related services, some Windows programs, and deletes Volume Shadow Copies. Next, the virus attempts to connect to the Command&Control server to obtain online encryption key for the victim. If the virus manages to do so and uses the online encryption on the personal files, the only way to restore them is to use a previously created data backup. However, in some cases the virus fails to connect to its C&C server. In such case, it uses an offline encryption key which is the same for all victims affected by the offline attack. In such case, the encryption and decryption key pair is the same for victims of such attack. Once one of them pays the ransom and shares the obtained keys with security researchers, the STOP decryptor gets updated. So to answer your question – at the moment, there is no known ways to decrypt .foop file type data. Please check for updates in this guide about STOP/DJVU decryption. If your files were corrupted by this virus, please remove FOOP ransomware as soon as you can. Having it on your system poses a threat to your security and leaves the system vulnerable to further attacks.
Ransomware Summary
The ransom demand stated in _readme.txt file
FOOP ransomware drops _readme.txt notes in folders containing personal data, such as Desktop, My Documents, Downloads, and other folders created or managed by the user. The note suggests that the victim shouldn’t worry as files can be recovered – however, one needs to pay a ransom in Bitcoin to access the decryption tool and key. According to the note, the victim can test the decryptor. To do so, one needs to send one encrypted and small file that doesn’t contain valuable data to criminals via helpdatarestore@firemail.cc, helpmanager@mail.ch, including victim’s Personal ID. The attackers promise to send back the decrypted file and instructions how to pay the ransom. The criminals will need to provide crypto-wallet address and further details for you. It goes without saying that paying the ransom isn’t a good idea. First of all, you might not recover your files even after paying. Next, supporting cyber criminals by following their demands is never a suggestion from cyber security experts.
STOP/DJVU variants’ distribution relies on illegal downloads
FOOP file virus, just like LOKD, REZM, OPQZ or NPPP variants are known to attack computer users in disguise. They often travel in a form of a software crack, key generation or another illegal tool. If you are willing to try to install licensed software versions for free, please remember that it is illegal. Moreover, it is highly dangerous – you can lose years of work or memories in seconds. Therefore, we recommend staying away from suspicious games, photo/video editing or other software cracks and opt to pay for legitimate and real licenses instead. What is more, we advise being careful while browsing the web and avoiding suspicious email attachments. Finally, create a data backup regularly. This will ensure that you’ll have fresh copies of data on hand anytime. Do not forget to store data backup drive somewhere away from the computer – do not keep the device plugged in.
Steps to Remove FOOP Ransomware Virus
If you want to keep your computer safe, remove FOOP ransomware virus without any hesitations now. You will need to prepare your PC for the elimination procedure attentively. Please follow the steps given below to boot your PC in Safe Mode. Then carry out the next steps to complete the deletion of the virus. FOOP ransomware removal should be done using a trustworthy antivirus or anti-malware software. Make sure you read our reviews on them. Once the deletion is complete, do not forget to change passwords for all websites and accounts saved in your web browsers as soon as possible. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.
Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove the virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, see a video tutorial on how to do it: Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users Now, you can search for and remove FOOP Ransomware files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable malware removal program. In addition, we suggest trying a combination of INTEGO Antivirus (removes malware and protects your PC in real-time) and RESTORO (repairs virus damage to Windows OS files).
Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future. Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
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