Fopa – Ransomware
Fopa is a destructive software functioning as typical ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the popular virus researcher, first found this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Fopa was developed for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Logically, as soon as the file encryption is effectively achieved, the users are unable to get access to them. Fopa virus adds its own “.fopa” to all the encrypted files. For example, the file “price_list.xls”, when modified by Fopa, will be titled as “price_list.xls.fopa”. When the encryption is achieved, Fopa puts its own special text document (_readme.txt) into all the folders that store the encrypted files.
The alert specified by text file asking for the random os extremely comparable to the alerts provided by other ransomware threats belonging to the DJVU family. The warning basically indicates that the data has been encrypted and the only option to get access to it is to use a special standalone key. Regretfully, this declaration is definitely real.
The technique to encrypt the files utilized by Fopa is not entirely researched. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that each computer owner might be issued a special decryption key, which is absolutely unique. It is exceptionally difficult to recuperate the data without the proper type in location.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from _readme.txt message:
One more peculiarity of the Fopa ransomware is that the users are unable to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on an unique server under the total control by the criminals who have introduced the Fopa virus into the web. In order to acquire the key and restore the crucial data, the users are told to get in touch with the frauds by means of e-mail or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the quantity of $980.
The message likewise states that individuals must get in touch with the Fopa authors within 72 hours upon the minute of the information encryption. The alert shows that by doing so the people will get a 50% discount rate, for that reason, the ransom amount falls to $490.
Fopa modified your information, however, it might not be the only risk on your computer. Plus, the ransomware might be concealed deep in the system. To detect and erase the hazard entirely, we advise you to describe the assistance of GridinSoft Anti-Malware tool.
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No matter what the quantity of the ransom is, we highly advise that you do not pay the ransom. There is no warranty that these online criminals will keep their guarantees, so they may not care at all what the victims feel about the file encryption, even when the quantity of the ransom is received into their accounts. Thus, paying ransom typically does not lead to an effective healing. So, the users may just lose their money for nothing.
Likewise, we prompt you not to get in touch with the scams as they advise. Do not transfer money into their wallets. There are no applications that could crack the Fopa virus or bring back the information for free. Therefore, the only right decision is to bring back the data from possible backups (if readily available).
Virus Summary
| Name | Fopa Ransomware |
| File Extension | fopa |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Family | DJVU |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files. |
| Symptoms | File encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES-256 algorithm (CFB mode) encryption algorithm. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special .fopa extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Lokas, Besub, Nusar |
| Fopa Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
| Fopa Decryption Tool | Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor |
Do not forget that the Internet is now full of infections comparable to the Fopa ransomware. For example, this particular hazard is essentially identical to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These harmful utilities have been established in order to encrypt the essential information and reveal the need for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the identical algorithm to create the specific key for successful data decryption.
Unless the Fopa ransomware is still under the development procedure or has got some hidden bugs, it is not possible to bring back the information manually. Thus, the only working service to avoid the loss of your essential data is to frequently maintain current backups of all your vital documents.
Another crucial piece of recommendations is to save the backups on special storage not connected to your primary device. For instance, you might store it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external disk drive, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your routine drive is extremely dangerous, since the backup might likewise be encrypted by the Fopa .
Leakages for the Fopa ransomware attack.
Fopa uses numerous paths to infiltrate the vulnerable computer systems. It is not certain what particular method was utilized in your case, however, the invasion might happen by means of the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, generally free software;
- spam e-mails from the unidentified senders;
- websites supplying complimentary hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent downloads.
There are times when the Fopa ransomware might disguise itself as some genuine application, for example, through the deceptive signals demanding setup of some software application upgrade. This is the most typical trick used by the frauds to inject the Fopa virus files into the system. This way users partly participate in its setup, without plainly understanding the danger.
Furthermore, the scams might send out unsolicited spam e-mail with challenging signals motivating individuals to open dubious attachments or click some download links, for example, those motivating the people to open certain images, text files, tax documents and other info.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking the malicious links might essentially harm the system. Fake Acrobat Reader update alerts may result in the Fopa ransomware infiltration. Likewise, downloading the broken software application may in addition consist of the ransomware installer. The last however not the least, setup of Fopa may occur through some Trojan horses that might be installed stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct permission and even permission.
Preventing the Fopa virus injection.
Naturally, there is no outright warranty that your computer system will be always devoid of any malware attacks, however, we want to share some beneficial pointers with you to make it safer. Make certain to pay very attention while browsing the web and particularly while downloading cost-free programs. Do not open any dubious email attachments, specifically if the sender is not understood to you.
Do not forget that certain freeware installer might likewise include some other additional apps in the bundle. These additional applications may be really destructive. It is of utmost significance to keep your anti-virus software and your operating system in basic to be constantly correctly updated.
It is quite rational that downloading cracked programs is illegal, nevertheless, furthermore, such unauthorized apps usage might also bring serious damage to your computer. For this reason, do not download any broken programs. Plus, the fact that your current anti-virus did not protect the system from the Fopa ransomware is an excellent factor for you to reassess your choices and switch to another program that can render the protecting functions on a much better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Fopa text file:
ATTENTION! Don't worry, you can return all your files! All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key. The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you. This software will decrypt all your encrypted files. What guarantees you have? You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free. But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information. You can get and look video overview decrypt tool: https://we.tl/t-2P5WrE5b9f Price of private key and decrypt software is $980. Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490. Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment. Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours. To get this software you need write on our e-mail: restorealldata@firemail.cc Reserve e-mail address to contact us: gorentos@bitmessage.ch Our Telegram account: @datarestore
Screenshot of files with “.fopa” extension added by the virus:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Fopa ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:
2. Double-click on the setup file.
When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.
An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.
4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
5. Click on “Clean Now”.
When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.
Use Emsisoft Decryptor for restore fopa files
You can download Emsisoft Decryptor by clicking the button below:
- Run the decryptor as an administrator. The license terms will show up, which you have to agree to by clicking the “Yes” button.
- Once the license terms are accepted, the primary decryptor user interface opens.
- By default, the decryptor will pre-populate the locations to decrypt with the currently connected drives and network drives. Additional locations can be added using the Add” button.
- Decryptors typically offer various options depending on the particular malware family. The available options are located in the Options tab and can be enabled or disabled there. You can find a detailed list of the available Options below.
- After you have added all the locations you want to decrypt to the list, click the “Decrypt” button to start the decryption process. The screen will switch to a status view, informing you about the current process and decryption status of your files
- The decryptor will inform you once the decryption process is finished. If you require the report for your personal records, you can save it by clicking the “Save log” button. You can also copy it straight to your clipboard to paste it into emails or forum posts if you are asked to.
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