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In 2012 we discovered ransomware that was imitating the FBI in hopes to extort currency from unsuspecting victims. We coined the term FBI due to our findings and were the first and only website to publish information about this computer virus. Now a days, a lot has evolved with ransomware in the United States. Some ransomware will still pretend to be the FBI but the that threat of the FBI is becoming more obsolete as people are no longer tricked into believing it.

The FBI virus is still around but a lot has changed. Ransomware has moved away from only restricting access to a victim’s computer to encrypting, deleting, or storing files in a password locked archive. This allows the malware authors to hold files on the computer for ransom instead of the entire machine by promising victims a way to decrypt, decode, or recover encrypted, password-locked, or deleted files.

The term FBI virus can be used to describe many variants of ransomware that uses a FBI logo or claims to be the FBI. The FBI virus is essentially a computer virus (ransomware) that locks access to a computer system, displays a message that claims to be from the FBI stating that the computer was involved in prohibited activities, and demands a payment in order to unlock the computer and avoid penalties or jail-time from the FBI. The FBI virus can also refer to ransomware that encrypts files on a computer, changes the filenames, adds a new file extension, and ultimately holds the files ransom for a hefty fee.

If your computer has been locked or encrypted by an a source that claims to be the FBI then you are infected with the FBI virus. However, do not be alarmed because the FBI did not actually lock your computer or corrupt the files on your computer. You are not in trouble with the FBI if this happens to you. This is a computer virus that is in no way, shape, or form associated with the FBI or any legitimate government agency.

If your computer is infected with the FBI virus it may become locked and a full-screen window may appear that claims to contain a message from the FBI. The fake FBI message usually claims that the computer was used illegally and in order to avoid jail-time or other consequences the computer owner must pay a fine via Greendot MoneyPak cards, UKash Vouchers, REloadit, Ultimate Gaming Cards, Bitcoins, PayPal, or other online payment or credit sources.

It is not recommended to pay ransomware authors to decrypt your files. This will only support their activities. Instead you can use programs like Shadow Explorer or Recuva to try and restore corrupted files if you were not able to decrypt your files for free.

Aliases: FBI virus, FBI ransomware, FBI MoneyPak virus

FBI Virus Removal Guide

1. Download and Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software to detect and remove malicious files from your computer.

2. Open Malwarebytes and click the Scan Now button – or go to the Scan tab and click the Start Scan button.

3. Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete click the Remove Selected button.

4. To finish the Malwarebytes scan and remove detected threats click the Finish button and restart your computer if promoted to do so.

5. Download and Install HitmanPro by Surfright to perform a second-opinion scan.

6. Open HitmanPro and click Next to start scanning your computer. *If you are using the free version you may chose to create a copy or perform a one-time scan.

7. Once the HitmanPro scan is complete click the Next button.

8. To activate the free version of HitmanPro: enter your email address twice and click the Activate button.

9. Click the Reboot button.

10. Download and Install CCleaner by Piriform to cleanup junk files, repair your registry, and manage settings that may have been changed.

11. Open CCleaner and go to the main Cleaner screen. Click the Analyze button. When the process is complete, click the Run Cleaner button on the bottom right of the program interface.

12. Go to Tools > Startup and search for suspicious entries in each tab starting from Windows all the way to Content Menu. If you find anything suspicious click it and click the Delete button to remove it.

13. Go to the Registry window and click the Scan for Issues button. When the scan is complete click the Fix selected issues… button and click Fix All Selected Issues.

Troubleshooting

This troubleshooting guide to remove FBI ransomware contains different options to remove this infection.

Manual FBI virus removal

1. Open Windows Start Menu, type %appdata% into the search field, and press Enter.



2. Go to: Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup



3. Remove ctfmon (ctfmon.lnk if in dos). This is what’s calling the virus on start up. This is not ctfmon.exe.

4. Open Windows Start Menu, type %userprofile% into the search field, and press enter.



5. Go to: Appdata\Local\Temp

6. Remove rool0_pk.exe,[random].mof , and V.class

The virus files may have names other than “rool0_pk.exe” but file names should appear similar with the same style of markup. There may also be 2 files, 1 being a .mof file. Removing the .exe file will fix FBI Moneypak. The class file uses a java vulnerability to install the virus and removal of V.class is done for safe measure.

FBI Moneypak Files:

The files listed below are a collection of what causes FBI Moneypak to function. To ensure FBI Moneypak is completely removed via manually, delete all given files if located. Keep in mind, [random] can be any sequence of numbers or letters and some files may not be found in your infection.

%Program Files%\FBI Moneypak Virus %Appdata%\skype.dat %Appdata%\skype.ini %AppData%\Protector-[rnd].exe %AppData%\Inspector-[rnd].exe %AppData%\vsdsrv32.exe %AppData%\result.db %AppData%\jork_0_typ_col.exe %appdata%\[random].exe %Windows%\system32\[random].exe %Documents and Settings%\[UserName]\Application Data\[random].exe %Documents and Settings%\[UserName]\Desktop\[random].lnk %Documents and Settings%\All Users\Application Data\FBI Moneypak Virus %CommonStartMenu%\Programs\FBI Moneypak Virus.lnk %Temp%\0_0u_l.exe %Temp%\[RANDOM].exe %StartupFolder%\wpbt0.dll %StartupFolder%\ctfmon.lnk %StartupFolder%\ch810.exe %UserProfile%\Desktop\FBI Moneypak Virus.lnk WARNING.txt V.class cconf.txt.enc tpl_0_c.exe irb700.exe dtresfflsceez.exe tpl_0_c.exe ch810.exe 0_0u_l.exe [random].exe

End ROGUE_NAME Processes:

Access Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Alt+Delete) and kill the rogue FBI Moneypak process. Please note the infection will have a random name for the process [random] which may contain a sequence of numbers and letters (ie: USYHEY347H372.exe).

[random].exe

Remove Registry Values:

To access Window’s Registry Editor type regedit into the Windows Start Menu text field and press Enter.



HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\[random].exe HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\FBI Moneypak Virus HKEY_CURRENT_USER \Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System ‘DisableRegistryTools’ = 0 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system ‘EnableLUA’ = 0 HKEY_CURRENT_USER \Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings ‘WarnOnHTTPSToHTTPRedirect’ = 0 HKEY_CURRENT_USER \Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System ‘DisableRegedit’= 0 HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\FBI Moneypak Virus HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run ‘Inspector’ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\FBI Moneypak Virus HKEY_CURRENT_USER \Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System ‘DisableTaskMgr’ = 0 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\protector.exe HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\Inspector %AppData%\Protector-[rnd].exe HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\WarnOnHTTPSToHTTPRedirect 0 HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Settings\ID 4 HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Settings\UID [rnd] HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Settings

et [date of installation] HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system\ConsentPromptBehaviorAdmin 0 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system\ConsentPromptBehaviorUser 0 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system\EnableLUA 0 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\AAWTray.exe HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\AAWTray.exe\Debugger svchost.exe HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\AVCare.exe HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\AVCare.exe\Debugger svchost.exe HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\AVENGINE.EXE HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\AVENGINE.EXE\Debugger svchost.exe HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System “DisableRegistryTools” = 0 HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System “DisableTaskMgr” = 0 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system “ConsentPromptBehaviorAdmin” = 0 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system “ConsentPromptBehaviorUser” = 0 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system “EnableLUA” = 0

System Restore – Recovery

Below we detail 3 different instructions to restore or recover a common Window’s computer.

Windows Start Menu Rstrui.exe Restore

Access Windows Start menu Type rstrui.exe into the search field and press Enter Follow instructions in Window’s Restore Wizard

Access Windows Start menu and click All Programs. Click and open Accessories, click System Tools, and then click System Restore.‌ If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. Follow the simple instructions to Restore your computer to a date and time before infection.

Safe Mode With Command Prompt Restore

If you can not access Window’s desktop, this is the suggested step. If it is difficult to start windows in safe mode; if Windows’s brings up a black screen, with “safe mode” in the four corners – Move your cursor to the lower left corner, where the Search box is usually visible in Windows Start Menu and it will come up, including the “Run” box.

1. Restart/reboot your computer system. Unplug if necessary.

2. Enter your computer in “safe mode with command prompt”. To properly enter safe mode, repeatedly press F8 upon the opening of the boot menu.

3. Once the Command Prompt appears you only have few seconds to type “explorer” and hit Enter. If you fail to do so within 2-3 seconds, the FBI MoneyPak ransomware virus will not allow you to type anymore.

4. Once Windows Explorer shows up browse to:

Win XP: C:\windows\system32\restore\rstrui.exe and press Enter

and press Enter Win Vista/Seven: C:\windows\system32\rstrui.exe and press Enter



5. Follow all steps to restore or recover your computer system to an earlier time and date (restore point), before infection.



Safe Mode with Networking

For users needing access to the Internet or the network they’re connected to. This mode is helpful for when you need to be in Safe Mode to troubleshoot but also need access to the Internet for updates, drivers, removal software, or other files to help troubleshoot your issue.

This mode will also bypass any issues where Antivirus or Anti Malare applications have been affected/malfunctioning because of the FBI Moneypak infection’s progression.

The plan with this option is to enter your computer in “safe mode with network” and install anti-malware software. Proceed to scan, and remove malicious files.

1. Reboot your computer in “Safe Mode with Networking”. As the computer is booting (when it reaches the manufacture’s logo) tap and hold the “F8 key” continuously to reach the correct menu. On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use your keyboard to navigate to “Safe Mode with Networking” and press Enter. Shown below.

Make sure to log into an account with administrator rights.

The screen may appear black with the words “safe mode” in all four corners. Click your mouse where windows start menu is to bring up necessary browsing.



2. There are a few different things you can do…

Pull-up the Start menu, enter All Programs and access the StartUp folder.

enter and access the folder. Remove “ctfmon” link (or similar).

This seems to be an easy step in removing the FBI virus for many users. If you are interested in learning about ctfmon.exe please click here.

Now, move on to the next steps (which is not a necessity if you removed the file above but provides separate options for troubleshooting).

3. If you still can’t access the Internet after restarting in safe mode, try resetting your Internet Explorer proxy settings. These 2 separate options and following steps will reset the proxy settings in the Windows‌ registry so that you can access the Internet again.

How To Reset Internet Explorer Proxy Settings

Option 1

In Windows 7 click the Start button. In the search box type run and in the list of results click Run.

In Windows Vista click the Start button and then click Run.

In Windows XP click Start and then click Run.

Copy and paste or type the following text in the Open box in the Run dialog box and click OK:

reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings" /v ProxyEnable /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

In Windows 7 click the Start button. In the search box type run and in the list of results click Run.

In Windows Vista click the Start button and then click Run.

In Windows XP click Start and then click Run.

Copy and paste or type the following text in the Open box in the Run dialog box and click OK:

reg delete "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings" /v ProxyServer /f

Restart Internet Explorer and then follow the steps listed previously to run the scanner

Option 2

Launch Internet Explorer. In Internet Explorer go to: Tools->Internet Options->Connections tab.

Click Lan Settings button and uncheck the checkbox labeled Use a proxy server for your LAN. Click OK.

4. It is now recommended to download Malwarebytes (free or paid version) and run a full system scan to remove FBI Moneypak malware from your computer if you do not have this application on your system.

Flash Drive

Turn off your computer system and Unplug your internet connection Turn the machine back on (In some cases the virus can only open if your machine is plugged into the internet) On another (clean) computer, download Malwarebytes or your preferred removal program and load the Mbam-Setup.exe (or similar) file onto the flash drive Remove the flash drive from the clean computer and insert it into the affected machine, proceed to install Malwarebytes (etc) using the setup file located on the flash drive. Run a full system scan, Malwarebytes will find and eradicate malicious files Restart your machine

Optical CD-R

Place a blank CD-R into your CDROM drive Download and place Microsoft Defender or your prefered removal program onto the blank CD-R Restart your computer and boot from CD

“You may need an old school keyboard (not the USB, but the PC connector type) since the virus delays the USB startup. The Defender will clean your PC in totality. This virus is somehow complex, but is no match for Windows Defender. After the scan is complete, run again a full scan without a restart.”

Slave Hard Disk Drive

If you are having complications with Anti-Malware software a suggestion would be to slave your HDD, then proceed to scan. You will need a second operating computer and tools to remove your hard drive. *Please note this may be difficult for some users and there are other options to scan your hard drive during complications. This is a common practice for local computer technicians.

Remove the Hard Disk Drive from your computer. On the circuit board side of your HDD set the drive to “slave”. Connect the slave drive to an unaffected computer. Scan the slave drive, and proceed to remove any malware on the drive. Make sure to scan each user account. Reconnect the HDD to your original computer.

How to stay protected against future infections

The key to staying protected against future infections is to follow common online guidelines and take advantage of reputable Antivirus and Anti-Malware security software with real-time protection.

Real-time security software

Security software like Malwarebytes and Norton Security have real-time features that can block malicious files before they spread across your computer. These programs bundled together can establish a wall between your computer and cyber criminals.



Common Online Guidelines

Backup your computer and personal files to an external drive or online backup service

Create a restore point on your computer in case you need to restore your computer to a date before infection

Avoid downloading and installing apps, browser extensions, and programs you are not familiar with

Avoid downloading and installing apps, browser extensions, and programs from websites you are not familiar with – some websites use their own download manager to bundle additional programs with the initial download

If you plan to download and install freeware, open source software, or shareware make sure to be alert when you install the object and read all the instructions presented by the download manager

Avoid torrents and P2P clients

Do not open email messages from senders you do not know

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