Remove F1 Virus (.f1 Files Ransomware) – NEFILIM Ransomware

F1 Virus Ransomware

The F1 stands for a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the NEFILIM ransomware family. F1 was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. F1 adds the “.f1” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by F1, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.f1“. As quickly as the encryption is completed, F1 places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by F1 text file asking for the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives belonging to the NEFILIM type. It literally points out that the info is encrypted and that the only way to bring back it is to use a a special decryption key. Sadly, this is absolutely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism used by F1 is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is absolutely certain that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is completely unique. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.

Another trick of F1 is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is kept on a particular server run by the frauds connected with F1 ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people have to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, regardless of the requested amount, people must keep away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to totally ignore what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom generally does not give any positive outcome and people simply lose their money for absolutely nothing.

We strongly advise that you do not contact these crooks and definitely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack F1 ransomware and to recover the data data free of charge. Therefore, the just best decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name	F1 Ransomware
File Extension	.f1
Type	Ransomware
Family	NEFILIM
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 and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special f1 extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool	GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Keep in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to F1 ransomware. Harmful programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt crucial data and to set forth the demand prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to generate the special decryption key for files decryption.

Hence, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is just not feasible. The only method to prevent the loss of your essential data is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they should be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the USB Flash Drive or external disk drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you store your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted together with other files, so it’s certainly not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

There are numerous methods used by online frauds to distribute F1 ransomware. Although it is uncertain how exactly F1 injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

• integration with third-party software application, especially freeware;
• spam e-mails from unknown senders;
• websites rendering free hosting services;
• pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Typically F1 virus may exist as some genuine software, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to carry out some important software updates. This is the common trick used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing F1 infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

Furthermore, the criminals might describe different e-mail spam techniques to inject malicious codes into systems. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some photos, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may badly damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade informs may result in F1 virus injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise include harmful codes resulting in F1 secret installation. Lastly, injection of F1 may take place by methods of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and install harmful utilities without the user’s approval.

Is there any way to prevent the injection of F1 ransomware?

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of suggestions we wish to show with you. First off, be really cautious when you surf the web and particularly while downloading free programs. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Keep in mind that some freeware installers may include other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be malicious. Ensure that your current anti-virus and your entire operating system is always appropriately updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may lead to vital damage to be made for your PC. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also strongly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and potentially switch to another security solution that can render much better services of protecting your Windows.

Below please find the quotation from the F1 text file:

Two things have happened to your company.
======================================
Gigabytes of archived files that we deemed valuable or sensitive were downloaded from your network to a secure location.
When you contact us we will tell you how much data was downloaded and can provide extensive proof of the data extraction.
You can analyze the type of the data we download on our websites.
If you do not contact us we will start leaking the data periodically in parts.
======================================
We have also encrypted files on your computers with military grade algorithms.
If you don\'t have extensive backups the only way to retrieve your data is with our software.
Restoration of your data with our software requires a private key which only we possess.
======================================
To confirm that our decryption software works send 2 encrypted files from random computers to us via email.
You will receive further instructions after you send us the test files.
We will make sure you retrieve your data swiftly and securely and your data that we downloaded will be securely deleted when our demands are met.
If we do not come to an agreement your data will be leaked on this website.

TOR link: hxxp://aadt3ubydzifdyjbsprf3flwxw5t6bwhwjjdol73glinzrdnnnh5jbad.onion/pay?victim=NYQsxHxizZJooaWw

Screenshot of files with “.f1” extension added by the ransomware:

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove F1 ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

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.