Delete Fhkf ransomware

Fhkf ransomware is yet another Djvu/STOP ransomware variant that takes files hostage by encrypting them. The cybergang operating this malware family release new versions of their ransomware on a regular basis, with Fhkf ransomware being one of the more recent ones. Ransomware is a very dangerous malware infection because users often permanently lose their files. Files encrypted with Fhkf ransomware are only decryptable with a special decryptor. Unfortunately, the only people who have it are the cybercriminals operating this ransomware. They will try to sell you the decryptor for $980 but paying the ransom comes with its own risks.

 

 

Fhkf ransomware is more or less identical to Nqhd, Dehd, Vgkf, Sbpg, and hundreds more since they’re from the same Djvu/STOP malware family. The ransomware will target all of your personal files, including your photos, images, documents, videos, etc. All of the files will have the .fhkf extension added to them. For example, image.jpg would become image.jpg.fhkf. You will not be able to open any of the files with this extension unless you first use a decryptor on them. However, as we said above, the only people who have the decryptor are the cybercriminals who are operating this ransomware. And they will not just give it to you for free.

While it’s encrypting your files, it will display a fake Windows update window to distract victims from what’s happening. As soon as it’s done, it will drop the _readme.txt ransom note. The note is pretty generic but it does explain how you can get the decryptor. Unfortunately, that involves paying the ransom. According to the note, the regular price is $980 but supposedly, those who make contact within the first 72 hours will receive a 50% discount. Whether that is actually true or not is questionable but paying the ransom, in general, is not recommended. Keep in mind that you are dealing with cybercriminals, and there is nothing to guarantee that you will be sent the decryptor. There’s nothing stopping the cybercriminals from just taking the money. It has happened to many users in the past.

After you remove Fhkf ransomware using anti-malware software, you can connect to your backup if you have it. We should caution you that using anti-malware software is necessary when it comes to ransomware. It’s a complex infection, and trying to get rid of it manually could cause additional damage. Furthermore, if you do not completely delete Fhkf ransomware from your computer and connect to your backup, your backed-up files could become encrypted as well.

If you don’t have a backup, you should back up encrypted files and wait for a free decryptor. There currently is no free decryptor available but it may be released in the future. You can find a free Djvu/STOP decryptor developed by Emsisoft but it will not work on ransomware that uses online keys to encrypt files. That, unfortunately, includes Fhkf ransomware. When ransomware uses online keys, it means that each victim has a unique key. Unless those keys are released by the cybercriminals operating the ransomware, developing a working decryptor is difficult.

Common ransomware distribution methods

Malicious threats, including ransomware, are typically distributed via emails, torrents, advertisements, etc. Users who have bad browsing habits are more likely to infect their computers with something. So one of the best malware prevention methods for regular users is developing better browsing habits. That includes not opening random email attachments, clicking on ads when browsing high-risk websites, pirating using torrents, etc.

Most often, users infect their computers with ransomware by opening malicious spam, or malspam in short, attachments. For malicious actors, it’s a rather low-effort method, and it’s surprisingly effective. Cybercriminals purchase thousands of email addresses from hacker forums and proceed to send them generic emails with malicious attachments. Because the emails target random users and not anyone specific, it’s usually easy to recognize malspam. While the emails are usually made to look like they’re sent from companies whose services users use, they’re full of grammar/spelling mistakes. Overly obvious mistakes are usually a clear sign that an email is malicious. These emails also address users with generic terms, such as “User”, “Customer”, “Member”, etc. When a company whose services users actually use sends them an email, users will always be addressed by name because it would look unprofessional otherwise. But since malicious actors do not know their victims’ names, they use generic terms. But some malspam may be more sophisticated so we always recommend scanning all unsolicited email attachments with anti-virus software or VirusTotal.

Users who pirate content via torrents are at an increased risk of picking up malicious infections. Torrent sites are often poorly managed, and that allows malicious actors to upload malicious content disguised as a torrent for movies, TV series, video games, software, etc. It’s particularly common to find malware in torrents for something that’s popular. For example, when a new Marvel movie comes out, torrents for it usually contain malware.

Fhkf ransomware removal

We don’t suggest trying to remove Fhkf ransomware manually because you could end up doing more damage by mistake. These kinds of infections are also difficult to get rid of manually. If you try, you may not completely remove it, which could allow it to recover. And if you connect to your backup while the ransomware is still present, the backed-up files would become encrypted as well. Use anti-malware software to delete Fhkf ransomware, and the program should take care of everything. Once the ransomware is fully gone, you can begin recovering files.

If you don’t have copies of files in a backup, your file recovery options are quite limited. Unfortunately, a free decryptor may be your only option. But there currently is no available free Fhkf ransomware decryptor. It may be difficult to develop one but it’s not impossible. So we recommend backing up your encrypted files and waiting for a free decryptor. Be careful when looking for decryptors because there are many fake ones. If you cannot find an Fhkf ransomware decryptor on a site like NoMoreRansom, it’s unlikely that you will find it on some questionable forum.