How To Remove .fff Virus Infections From Your Computer (Removal Guide)

The .fff virus also known as the SoFucked ransomware is a dangerous threat that can be easily removed by following our complete restore instructions.

Manual Removal Guide
Recover .fff Virus Files
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How Does .fff Virus Infiltrate the System?

At the moment .fff is being distributed around the world. One of the primary methods is the use of spam email messages. The criminals use template messages to deliver the .fff virus payload to the intended targets. Depending on the current attack the criminal operators may opt to use different strategies. The payloads can be linked in the body contents of the messages. Otherwise they can be distributed as file attachments as well. In certain situations a combined approach can be used in the attempt of increasing the infection ratio.

Other forms of payload carriers include infected documens. They are crafted to include scripts that are launched when the targets allow the built-in scripts (macros) to execute. When the files are opened a prompt notification is opened up. Examples include rich text documents, spreadsheets or databases.

Another option is the use of browser hijackers, they represent malicious browser plugins or toolbars that are made for the most popular web applications. The list includes Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera, Safari, Internet Explorer and Google Chrome. They aim to redirect the victims to a hacker-controlled site or deliver the .fff virus during the infection phase.

The hacker-operated sites usually contain infected software installers or browser hijackers that all contain the code that leads to a succesful .fff virus infection. Beware of many ad redirects and P2P networks like BitTorrent as they are also potential sources of .fff virus files.

Infection Flow of .fff Virus

Computer security experts identified a dangerous new threat to users worldwide called the SoFucked ransomware, alternatively known as the .fff virus. At the moment there is no information about the identity of the hacker or criminal collective behind the malware, however we presume that they are experienced programmers as the collected samples do not showcase any code taken from the famous malware families. This means that it is likely that the .fff virus is originally made from its operators.

Upon infection the virus starts to immediately follow a sequence of predefined actions. They may diffferent depending on the attack wave and the intended targets. Malicious consequnces can include any of the following:

• Settings Modifications ‒ As a result of a succesful infiltration the .fff virus may be able to misconfigure certain services of the Microsoft Windows operating system. This can cause performance issues or malfunction of some functions.
• Information Harvesting ‒ The .fff virus can be used to extracts sensitive information from the compromised machines. This may include private data such as passwords, images, videos, documents and etc.
• Surveillance ‒ Further updates to the code can include a Trojan module that has the ability to spy on the users.

As soon as all all preliminary actions are executed the ransomware engine is started. It starts to encrypt user files based on a predefined file list. It can be customized by the hackers to affect the most common file types. In the most popular case this includes all documents, music, images, videos, configuration files, databases and etc.

When the process is complete all affected data is renamed using the .fff extension. The victims will see that the files are not accessible. A ransomware note is created in a READTHISHIT.txt file which reads the following message:

ok, your files are gone, sort of. they are all encrypted,
you cannot fix them, av companies won’t help you. if you really
want to get them back you need to pay for them.
email me: [email protected]

As usual the computer criminals do not give out a specific sum but rather negotiate it with the victims depending on the quality and quantity of the affected files.

Follow our in-depth removal guide to remove the threat and protect yourself from future attacks as well.

Remove .fff Virus and Restore Data

WARNING! Manual removal of .fff Virus requires being familiar with system files and registries. Removing important data accidentally can lead to permanent system damage. If you don’t feel comfortable with manual instructions, download a powerful anti-malware tool that will scan your system for malware and clean it safely for you.

 
SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter

.fff – Manual Removal Steps

Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network

This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently. The steps bellow are applicable to all Windows versions.

1. Hit the WIN Key + R

2. A Run window will appear. In it, write msconfig and then press Enter

3. A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named Boot

4. Mark Safe Boot option and then go to Network under it to tick it too

5. Apply -> OK

Show Hidden Files

Some ransomware threats are designed to hide their malicious files in the Windows so all files stored on the system should be visible.

1. Open My Computer/This PC

2. Windows 7

– Click on Organize button
– Select Folder and search options
– Select the View tab
– Go under Hidden files and folders and mark Show hidden files and folders option

3. Windows 8/ 10

– Open View tab
– Mark Hidden items option

4. Click Apply and then OK button

Enter Windows Task Manager and Stop Malicious Processes

1. Hit the following key combination: CTRL+SHIFT+ESC

2. Get over to Processes

3. When you find suspicious process right click on it and select Open File Location

4. Go back to Task Manager and end the malicious process. Right click on it again and choose End Process

5. Next, you should go folder where the malicious file is located and delete it

Repair Windows Registry

1. Again type simultaneously the WIN Key + R key combination

2. In the box, write regedit and hit Enter

3. Type the CTRL+ F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable

4. In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys

Click for more information about Windows Registry and further repair help

Recover .fff Virus Files

WARNING! All files and objects associated with .fff Virus should be removed from the infected PC before any data recovery attempts. Otherwise the virus may encrypt restored files. Furthermore, a backup of all encrypted files stored on external media is highly recommendable.

SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter

1. Use present backups

2. Use professional data recovery software

Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery – a specialist tool that can restore partitions, data, documents, photos, and 300 more file types lost during various types of incidents and corruption.

3. Using System Restore Point

– Hit WIN Key
– Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps

4. Restore your personal files using File History

– Hit WIN Key
– Type restore your files in the search box
– Select Restore your files with File History
– Choose a folder or type the name of the file in the search bar
– Hit the “Restore” button

Preventive Security Measures