FREEZING – Ransomware
The FREEZING stands for a ransomware-type infection. FREEZING was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. As soon as the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. FREEZING adds the “.freezing” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by FREEZING, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.freezing” during encryption and “myphoto.jpg.FreezedByWizard” when done. As quickly as the encryption is finished, FREEZING places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.The message given by FREEZING text file asking for the ransom is absolutely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives. It actually mentions that the information is encrypted and that the only way to bring back it is to use a a special decryption key. Regretfully, this is definitely true. The type of cryptography mechanism used by FREEZING is still not properly examined. Still, it is absolutely specific that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely unique. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.
Another trick of FREEZING is that the victims cannot gain access to the key. The key is saved on a specific server run by the frauds associated with FREEZING ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people have to pay the ransom.
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Nonetheless, irrespective of the asked for amount, people should stay away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to entirely disregard what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom normally does not give any positive outcome and people just lose their money for nothing.
We highly encourage that you do not contact these crooks and certainly do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack FREEZING ransomware and to recover the information data free of charge. Hence, the just best decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.
Virus Summary
| Name | FREEZING Ransomware |
| File Extension | .freezing, .FreezedByWizard |
| Type | Ransomware |
| 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 freezing extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
Bear in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to FREEZING ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are usually elaborated to encrypt crucial data and to set forth the demand before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to create the unique 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 simply not feasible. The only method to avoid the loss of your important data is to regularly create backups of your important information.
Remember that even if you create such backups, they need to be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the Memory Stick or external hard disk 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 computer?
There are numerous methods used by online frauds to distribute FREEZING virus. Despite the fact that it is uncertain how exactly FREEZING injects your PC, 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;
- sites rendering free hosting services;
- pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.
Often FREEZING ransomware may be presented as some legitimate software, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to carry out some essential software application updates. This is the common technique used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing FREEZING infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.
Furthermore, the criminals might refer to different e-mail spam techniques to inject destructive codes into systems. So, they may refer to 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 system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade alerts may result in FREEZING virus injection. When it comes to the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may also consist of destructive codes causing FREEZING secret installation. Lastly, injection of FREEZING may occur by methods of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and set up malicious utilities without the user’s approval.
Is there any way to avoid the injection of FREEZING ransomware?
Although there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we want to share with with you. First off, be really careful when you browse the web and especially while downloading free apps. 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 contain other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be harmful. Ensure that your current antivirus software and your entire operating system is always appropriately updated.
Obviously, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may lead to essential damage to be made for your system. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and possibly switch to another security solution that can render better services of defending your PC.
Below please find the quotation from the FREEZING note named .FreezedByMagic.README.txt:
Do not panic!
All your files, documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted and have the extension: {Extension}
The only method of recovering files is to purchase an unique private key.
Only we can give you this key and only we can recover your files.
Contact us by e-mail in 7 days <{Email}> or your key will be deleted permanently.
God bless you!
Screenshot of files with “.freezing” extension added by the ransomware:
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove FREEZING 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.
