How to remove Forgive Ransomware and decrypt .forgive files

What is Forgive Ransomware

Forgive Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files on an infected system, effectively rendering them inaccessible until a ransom is paid. Once executed, it targets a variety of file types and appends the .forgive extension to each, making it easily identifiable while also disturbing the user’s file structure by altering filenames such as picture.jpg to picture.jpg.forgive. Using advanced encryption algorithms, the ransomware ensures that the files cannot be opened or used without the decryption key that only the attackers possess. An important component of this ransomware is its ransom note, which it leaves in the form of a pop-up window titled ransom_note.txt. This note appears on the user’s desktop, demanding a payment of $500 in Ethereum to a specified wallet address with the promise of providing a decryption key in return. Typically, paying the ransom does not guarantee recovery of the files, as victims often find that cybercriminals do not send the necessary decryption keys even after payment.

Currently, there are no known decryption tools available for Forgive Ransomware, making it a particularly malicious threat. Decrypting files with a .forgive extension without the attackers’ key is practically impossible due to the highly secure encryption method utilized by the malware. Victims are strongly advised not to comply with ransom demands, as doing so not only supports illegal activities but also offers no guarantee of data retrieval. Alternative solutions such as data recovery from backups or professional data recovery services are recommended if available. To mitigate future risks, implementing robust cybersecurity measures, regularly updating antivirus software, and maintaining backups in secure, separate locations are crucial steps. In summary, proactive prevention and informed response strategies are key in handling the threats posed by sophisticated ransomware like Forgive.

How Forgive Ransomware infects computers

Forgive Ransomware infiltrates computers primarily through phishing and social engineering tactics, leveraging the unwitting actions of users. This malicious software often masquerades as or is bundled with legitimate-looking files, such as executables, documents, or archives, which are distributed via spam emails, malicious links, or compromised websites. Users are often tricked into downloading and opening these files, inadvertently activating the ransomware. Additionally, Forgive Ransomware can spread through untrustworthy download sources, peer-to-peer sharing networks, and fake software update prompts. Once executed, the ransomware encrypts the victim’s files, appending the “.forgive” extension, and demands a cryptocurrency ransom for decryption. To mitigate the risk of infection, it is crucial for users to exercise caution when handling unsolicited communications and to utilize reliable security software to detect and block potential threats.

1. Download Forgive Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .forgive 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. How to protect from threats like Forgive Ransomware

Forgive Ransomware files:


ransom_note.txt
{randomname}.exe


Forgive Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .forgive files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .forgive files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

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 .forgive files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing 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 Forgive Ransomware and removed from your computer, you can try to decrypt 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 .forgive files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the 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 a 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 are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a 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 an 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.

How to protect computer from viruses, like Forgive 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. Forgive 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.

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