Remove FileFixer@ProtonMail.com Virus (.LOCKED Files Ransomware) – HiddenTear Ransomware

FileFixer@ProtonMail.com – Ransomware

The FileFixer@ProtonMail.com mean a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the HiddenTear ransomware family. FileFixer@ProtonMail.com was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. As soon as the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. FileFixer@ProtonMail.com adds the “.LOCKED” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by FileFixer@ProtonMail.com, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.LOCKED“. As soon as the encryption is completed, FileFixer@ProtonMail.com places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by FileFixer@ProtonMail.com text file requesting the ransom is absolutely the like the statements given by other ransomware representatives belonging to the HiddenTear clan. It literally discusses that the info is encrypted which the only way to restore it is to use a a special decryption key. Regretfully, this is absolutely true. The type of cryptography mechanism used by FileFixer@ProtonMail.com is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is definitely specific that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely unique. It is impossible to bring back the files without the key available.

Another trick of FileFixer@ProtonMail.com is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is stored on a specific server run by the frauds related to FileFixer@ProtonMail.com ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people have to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, irrespective of the asked for amount, people should keep away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to completely ignore what their victims feel about the issue, 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 recommend 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 FileFixer@ProtonMail.com ransomware and to recover the data data free of charge. Hence, the only best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name	FileFixer@ProtonMail.com Ransomware
File Extension	.LOCKED
Type	Ransomware
Family	HiddenTear
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 LOCKED extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar Infections	Encl, Gula, Rekensom
Removal Tool	GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Keep in mind that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to FileFixer@ProtonMail.com ransomware. It is similar Encl and many other ransomware-type threats. Harmful programs of such kind are normally elaborated to encrypt important data and to state 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 data decryption.

Therefore, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is simply not feasible. The only way to prevent the loss of your crucial data is to frequently create backups of your important information.

Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they must be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the USB Flash Drive or external hard 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 absolutely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are several methods used by online scams to distribute FileFixer@ProtonMail.com ransomware. Despite the fact that it is uncertain how exactly FileFixer@ProtonMail.com injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

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

Frequently FileFixer@ProtonMail.com virus may be presented as some legitimate software application, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to execute some essential software application updates. This is the typical technique used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing FileFixer@ProtonMail.com infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals may describe numerous e-mail spam techniques to inject harmful codes into PC. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some receipts, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may significantly harm the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade alerts may result in FileFixer@ProtonMail.com ransom injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may also consist of harmful codes causing FileFixer@ProtonMail.com secret installation. Finally, injection of FileFixer@ProtonMail.com may take place by means of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and set up destructive tools without the user’s approval.

Is there any method to avoid the injection of FileFixer@ProtonMail.com ransomware?

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we wish to show with you. To start with, be extremely mindful when you surf the web and especially while downloading free programs. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Remember that some freeware installers may contain other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be malicious. Make certain that your current antivirus and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Naturally, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may lead to necessary damage to be produced your PC. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise highly advised to reconsider your existing security software and potentially change to another security solution that can render better services of defending your system.

Below please find the quotation from the FileFixer@ProtonMail.com text file:

This computer has been hacked
Your personal files have been ecrypted. Send me PayPal money : 

FileFixer@ProtonMail.com

After that, you\'ll be able to see your beloved files again after messaged my Discord.
From : The one you scammed! :\')

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

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove FileFixer@ProtonMail.com 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.