Fdcv ransomware removal

Fdcv ransomware is one of the more recent Djvu/STOP ransomware versions. This ransomware will target personal files and encrypt them, essentially taking them hostage. Encrypting files and extorting money from victims is the main purpose of all ransomware. Most Djvu/STOP versions are identical to one another but they can be differentiated by the extensions they add to encrypted files. This one adds .fdcv to encrypted files. Once the files have been encrypted, you may not be able to recover them unless you have a backup of the encrypted files. Continue reading to find out more about this ransomware and what possible file recovery options there are.

 

 

Ransomware versions from the Djvu/STOP ransomware family are mostly identical to one another, though they add different extensions to encrypted files. Fdcv ransomware is known as such because it adds .fdcv to files it encrypts. This ransomware targets photos, videos, images, software, and many other types of personal files. An encrypted image.jpg file would become image.jpg.fdcv. Files with that extension will not be openable unless they are first decrypted. But to decrypt the files, a special decryptor is necessary. The only decryptor is in the possession of the cybercriminals operating this ransomware. And considering that they make money by extorting victims, they will not just give it to you for free. Instead, they will try to get you to pay for it.

The ransomware will drop a _readme.txt ransom note once it’s done encrypting your files. The note explains how one can get the decryptor. Unfortunately, it involves paying $980. The note does mention a 50% discount for users who make contact within the first 72 hours but whether it would actually be applied is debatable. Giving in to the cybercriminals’ demands and paying the ransom, in general, is not recommended. There are no guarantees that you would actually get the decryptor even if you paid. These are cyber criminals you are dealing with, and there are no guarantees they will keep their end of the deal since there’s nothing obligating them to do so. In fact, many users in the past did not receive their decryptors, despite paying the ransom. Furthermore, your money would go towards future criminal activities.

If you have a backup, you can connect to it as soon as you delete Fdcv ransomware from your computer. We strongly recommend using anti-malware software to remove Fdcv ransomware from your computer because otherwise, you could end up causing additional damage to your computer.

File recovery is not guaranteed if you do not have a backup. Your only option is to wait for a free Fdcv ransomware decryptor to become available. It’s not currently available and developing one will be difficult because this ransomware uses online keys to encrypt files. This means that the keys are unique to each user. Unless those keys are released by the cybercriminals themselves or by law enforcement, a free Fdcv ransomware decryptor is not very likely. There is a free Djvu/STOP ransomware decryptor by Emsisoft but it will only work on Djvu versions that use offline keys to encrypt files and only if Emsisoft has the key. While a free Fdcv ransomware decryptor is not available at the moment, it may be released in the future. Therefore, back up your encrypted files and occasionally check sites like NoMoreRansom for a free decryptor.

Ransomware distribution methods

When ransomware targets individual users, it’s usually distributed via email attachments, torrents, ads on questionable websites, etc. This is why users who have bad online habits are much more likely to infect their computers with malicious threats. If you want to avoid malware, take the time to develop better browsing habits, as well as become familiar with malware distribution methods.

If you use torrents, you are likely already aware of the fact that ransomware is often found in various torrents. Torrent sites are often poorly regulated which allows malicious actors to upload torrents with malicious content in them. When users download those torrents, they end up infecting their computers with malicious software. It’s particularly common to find malware in torrents for popular movies, TV series, video games, and software. Users are strongly encouraged to not use torrents to pirate copyrighted content, or to pirate in general, because not only is it stealing, but it’s also dangerous for the computer/data.

Users whose email addresses have been leaked are likely to receive emails that contain malicious attachments. Malicious actors usually buy leaked email addresses from various hacker forums. When those attachments are opened, malware downloads onto the computer. In many cases, malicious emails are quite obvious. Malicious senders usually claim to be from legitimate companies whose services users use. They pressure users to open the attachments by claiming the files are important documents/receipts that need to be reviewed. But the emails are often full of grammar/spelling mistakes, which signal that the email may be malicious. Grammar/spelling mistakes look unprofessional in legitimate emails so you will rarely see them, or at least they won’t be as obvious. But malicious emails are often full of them. Malicious senders also address users using generic words like User, Member, Customer, etc., when a legitimate sender would have used your name. It’s also worth mentioning that some malicious spam is more sophisticated. It’s recommended to scan all unsolicited email attachments with anti-malware software or VirusTotal before opening them.

Fdcv ransomware removal

Considering that ransomware is a very complex malware infection, we don’t recommend you try to remove Fdcv ransomware manually. Unless you know exactly what you’re doing, you could accidentally cause damage to your computer. Furthermore, if you miss some ransomware components, the ransomware may be able to recover. If you were in the middle of recovering your files from a backup when the ransomware recovered, your backed-up files would become encrypted as well. If that were to happen, your files would be lost permanently. Use reliable anti-malware software to delete Fdcv ransomware from your computer. Once the ransomware has been fully removed, you can safely connect to your backup to start recovering files.