How to remove Fofd Ransomware and decrypt .fofd files

What is Fofd Ransomware

Fofd Ransomware (version of STOP Ransomware or DjVu Ransomware) is a high-risk widespread encryption virus, that first appeared near 5 year ago. It experienced several visual and technical changes throughout the time. In this tutorial, we will analyze recent versions of this dangerous malware. In the very end of April 2023, STOP Ransomware started to add following extensions to encrypted files: .fofd. It is because of that, it got the name “Fofd Ransomware” although it is just one of the varieties of STOP crypto-virus. The virus also modifies “hosts” file to block Windows updates, antivirus programs, and sites related to security news or offering security solutions. The process of infection also looks like installing Windows updates, malware shows the fake window, that imitates the update process. A new subtype of STOP Ransomware uses same e-mail addresses, as few previous generations: support@freshmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc. Fofd Ransomware creates _readme.txt ransom note file. Here is how it looks like:

The decryption of files encrypted by Fofd Ransomware now costs $980 (or $490, as a “discount” offered if the ransom is paid within 72 hours). Hackers supposedly send decryptors, that will return data to the initial state. However, according to our experience, malefactors don’t keep promises, and often don’t send the decoder. We recommend you remove the active infection of Fofd Ransomware, with help of a special removal utility, and then use the decryption tools available. STOP Djvu Decryptor is able to decrypt .fofd files for free automatically. You can also try manual instructions in this article to attempt restoring files. Usage of file-recovery software can also help users recover some copies of files, that were removed earlier. Read the article below to remove Fofd Ransomware and decrypt .fofd files in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.

How Fofd Ransomware infected your computer

Fofd Ransomware, like other variants of STOP/Djvu Ransomware, typically spreads through various methods, such as email spam campaigns, malicious software downloads, and software cracks. Some of the most common ways that Fofd Ransomware infects computers include:

• Email Spam: Hackers may use email spam campaigns to distribute Fofd Ransomware. They send emails with infected attachments or links to malicious websites.
• Software Downloads: Fofd Ransomware may also be bundled with software downloads from untrusted sources. Hackers often disguise malware as legitimate software to trick users into installing it.
• Software Cracks: Another way that Fofd Ransomware can infect computers is through software cracks. Hackers may offer software cracks for popular programs and embed Fofd Ransomware in them.

Once Fofd Ransomware infects a computer, it encrypts the user’s files and demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. It is essential to keep your computer’s software up to date, use antivirus software, and be cautious when downloading files or clicking on links to avoid Fofd Ransomware infections.

1. Download Fofd Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .fofd files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. Restore media files with Media Repair
7. How to protect from threats like Fofd Ransomware

Virus modifies “hosts” file to block Windows updates, downloading antivirus programs, and visiting sites related to security news or offering security solutions. Fofd Ransomware comes along with AZORult trojan, which was initially created to steal logins and passwords. The process of infection also looks like installing Windows updates, the malware shows a fake window, that mimics the update process.

It uses rdpclip.exe to replace a legal Windows file and to launch an attack on a computer network. After encrypting the files, the encrypter is deleted using the delself.bat command file. Fofd Ransomware virus is propagated via spam attack with malicious e-mail attachments and using manual PC hacking. Can be distributed by hacking through an unprotected RDP configuration, fraudulent downloads, exploits, web injections, fake updates, repackaged, and infected installers. The virus assigns a certain ID to the victims, which is used to name those files and supposedly to send a decryption key. Great tools to protect against Fofd Ransomware are: Emsisoft Anti-Malware and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

How to remove Fofd Ransomware manually

It is not recommended to remove Fofd Ransomware manually, for safer solution use Removal Tools instead.

Fofd Ransomware files:

_readme.txt
rdpclip.exe
delself.bat
{randomname}.exe

Fofd Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .fofd files

Use automated decryptors

Download STOP Djvu Decryptor from EmsiSoft (.fofd variations)

IMPORTANT: Read this detailed guide on using STOP Djvu Decryptor to avoid file corruption and time wasting.

STOP Djvu Decryptor is able to decrypt .fofd files, encrypted by Fofd Ransomware. This tool was developed by EmsiSoft. It works in automatic mode, but in most cases works only for files encrypted with offline keys. Download it here:

Download STOP Djvu Decryptor

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .fofd files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analysis of files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with Fofd Ransomware and removed it from your computer, you can try decrypting your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .fofd files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there is no items in the list choose alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the DropBox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

Use Media Repair to decrypt media files encrypted with .fofd

1. Download Media Repair tool.
2. Right-click on the downloaded archive, and select Extract to Media_Repair\.
3. Then double-click on the extracted .exe file to launch the utility.
4. At first, you have to choose which file type you want to decrypt. You can do it from the drop-down menu in the utility.
5. Next, browser the folder with encrypted or reference files. Choose any of them and click on the Test icon located in the top right corner.
6. Media Repair will display a pop-up message with information on whether it can repair the selected file or not.
7. After checking if it is possible or not, select your reference file and click on the icon right under the Test button we used in step #5.
8. If the file pair is properly matched, you can move on and hit the Play button to start repairing. You can also stop the process anytime by clicking on the Stop button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like Fofd Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Fofd Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

Download iDrive

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro