Remove FDCZ Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .fdcz FILES)
FDCZ is a ransomware-type virus targeting your files
Contents
FDCZ ransomware is recognized as the 290th STOP/DJVU computer virus strain version. Once executed, this malicious program scans all folders and encrypts target files with complex algorithm, marks them with .fdcz extensions and drops _readme.txt notes in every folder. To illustrate, file called 1.jpg before the cyberattack becomes 1.jpg.fdcz after encryption and becomes impossible to open. The ransom notes instruct to contact the virus’ developers via helpteam@mail.ch or helpmanager@airmail.cc, send one file for test decryption and introduce decryption software prices. According to the note, the ransom is lower ($490) if the victim starts communication with the criminals within 3 days. The price bounces to $980 in Bitcoin if the victim fails to do so.
The ransom note (_readme.txt) suggests that all victim’s pictures, databases, documents and other important files were encrypted with extremely strong algorithm. According to the note, the only method of recovering FDCZ ransomware encrypted files is paying the specified ransom. The criminals suggest buying file decryption software as soon as possible (the note explains that victims who write within first 72 hours since the infection timestamp get 50% discount, resulting in $490 price rate). The criminals want to receive the ransom in Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency since this helps to keep them anonymous.
To encourage the victim to trust the criminals and pay the ransom sooner, the criminals introduce the decryption tool test procedure. They ask sending one small encrypted file to them and promise to respond with a decrypted file version. However, you might want to think twice before paying the ransom. Cybersecurity experts advise against ransom payments and introduce multiple reasons not to do so:
- The decryption tool might be faulty and fail to work due to alterations on yours or cybercriminals’ end.
- The criminals might try to extort you more after receiving the initial ransom.
- Paying the ransom means supporting cyber crime industry and helping the attackers thrive. The ransomware operators earn millions in ransoms every year.
- STOP/DJVU variants are known to drop AZORULT malware on the system, which can collect private information or account login credentials, resulting in large financial losses.
Beware of information-stealing Trojan installation
Although FDCZ ransomware is dangerous itself, it can drop more malware on the system. One of such malicious programs it tends to execute on the target system is AZORULT, an infamous information stealer with a wide range of functionalities used for criminal activities.
The said ransomware-dropped Trojan can grab information like browsing history, Skype chat logs, browser-saved passwords, Steam and Telegram login details and other sensitive details and transfer them to cybercriminals’ Command&Control server (C2). On top of that, the said malware can execute a list of commands remotely.
Access to such information can be used in a variety of ways that depend on the attacker’s creativity. One might start sending phishing emails, extort you or log into your accounts or simply sell collected information on dark web forums. For this reason, we recommend you to cleanse your computer as soon as possible. Remove FDCZ ransomware virus along the described Trojan and start repairing damage to your PC and privacy. You can use any security software of your choice, but for virus damage repair we strongly recommend downloading RESTORO.
Scan your system for FREE to detect security, hardware and stability issues. You can use the scan results and try to remove threats manually, or you can choose to get the full version of software to fix detected issues and repair virus damage to Windows OS system files automatically. Includes Avira spyware/malware detection & removal engine.
Threat Summary
| Name | FDCZ Ransomware Virus |
| Type | Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus |
| Family | STOP/DJVU |
| Previous versions | |
| Version | 290th |
| Extension | .fdcz |
| Damage | The ransomware scans all system folders for a list of target format files and encrypts them with RSA. The virus deletes Volume Shadow Copies to prevent victim from restoring files for free. Then, a list of restricted domains are added to the Windows HOSTS file. Some variants install information stealer or another malware on the system. |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom demand | $490-$980 in Bitcoin |
| Distribution | The payload typically spreads via illegal torrent downloads. The infection starts after executing a fake software crack, keygen or KMSPico file. |
| Detection names | Trojan:Win32/Glupteba (Microsoft), Trojan.MalPack.GS (Malwarebytes), Trojan.GenericKD.36632355 (BitDefender) HEUR:Exploit.Win32.Shellcode.gen (Kaspersky), Trojan.Crypt (A)(Emsisoft), see all detection name variations on VirusTotal |
| Removal | Use anti-malware software of your choice to remove the malware. Then we recommend downloading RESTORO to repair virus damage on Windows OS files. |
Ransomware distribution in simple words
FDCZ ransomware distribution is based on illegal downloads mainly. The same technique has been observed for previous STOP/DJVU versions, including YTBN, EKVF and others. The operators behind it inject malicious scripts into fake software cracks, keygens or tools like KMSPico. The infection procedure begins with user downloading such files via torrent clients and attempting to open them. The script then connects to external domain and downloads the ransomware to the computer, plus executes it. The victim might not notice anything suspicious rather than a fake Windows update screen executed by the ransomware (winupdate.exe process).
Cybersecurity experts from our team believe that ransomware operators choose this distribution method because it has a very high success rate. Many computer users are trying to save money and bypass software license price, therefore they search for cracked software versions online. These can be downloaded in a form of torrent file. Unfortunately, these downloads are simply a well-known source of various silent PC infections. They can infect not only with ransomware, but with various cryptocurrency miners, Trojans, spyware and other unwanted software. The worst part is that such computer users often tend to ignore security software warnings, deeming them as false alarms. For this reason, we encourage you to support legal software developers and download original programs from developer-confirmed and official sources only.
Other popular ransomware distribution methods are deceptive online ads and malicious email spam. Speaking of first, the attackers create fake advertisements for popular software updates. Unfortunately, these installers are customized to install additional programs as well and might infect your PC with highly dangerous viruses silently. When it comes to malicious email spam, the crooks try to compose emails that would convince the potential target click the provided link or download the attached file. The attachments might arrive in a variety of formats, since malicious scripts can be injected in a variety of file formats nowadays.
The message body typically urges the victim to view the attachment and respond as soon as possible. Malicious emails typically suggest viewing attached invoice or document that provides information about missed or pending payment or some parcel that you’ve ordered. It is essentially important to open emails only from known senders and lookout for suspicion-raising details such as grammar mistakes in the message or off-looking company logos. Beware that the attackers might also spoof the email address to make it look like legitimate one.
Remove FDCZ ransomware virus safely and decrypt/repair your files
We recommend you to take actions to remove FDCZ ransomware virus from your computer as soon as possible. The guide provided below explains how to eliminate ransomware from your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Do not forget to scan with RESTORO afterward to repair virus damage caused for Windows OS files.
After completing FDCZ virus removal, you should report Internet crime incident to respective authority in your country. You can find references for some countries below. Additionally, we recommend inspecting whether Azorult was installed and in case it was, changing your passwords immediately.
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Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system:
STEP 1. REMOVE AUTOMATICALLY WITH ROBUST ANTIVIRUS
STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER
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FDCZ ransomware virus Removal Guidelines
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Step 1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove FDCZ ransomware virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube.
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
- First of all, turn off your PC. Then press the Power button to start it again and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. This launches the Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Use arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate down to Safe Mode with Networking option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users
- Open Windows Start menu, then press down the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then select Restart option.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Networking. In this case, it is the F5 key.
Step 2. Remove files associated with the virus
Now, you can search for and remove FDCZ ransomware virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus, which also includes data recovery software. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.
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Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically.
Step 1. Boot Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
- Shut down your PC. Start it again by pressing the Power button and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. You will see Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Using arrow keys on the keyboard, navigate down to Safe Mode with Command Prompt option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users
- Launch Windows Start menu, then click the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then choose Restart option with the mouse cursor.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Command Prompt. In this case, press F6 key.
Step 2. Start System Restore process
- Wait until system loads and command prompt shows up.
- Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter. Or you can just type %systemroot%system32restorerstrui.exe in command prompt and hit Enter.
- This launches System Restore window. Click Next and then choose a System Restore point created in the past. Choose one that was created before ransomware infection.
- Click Yes to begin the system restoration process.
After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won't be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.
Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
System Mechanic Ultimate Defense
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Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.
Decrypt FDCZ files
Fix and open large FDCZ files easily:
It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.
- Create a copy of encrypted file to a separate folder using Copy > Paste commands.
- Now, right-click the created copy and choose Rename. Select the FDCZ extension and delete it. Press Enter to save changes.
- In the prompt asking whether you want to make the changes as file might become unusable, click OK.
- Try opening the file.
STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide
STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. FDCZ ransomware virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like VTYM, KQGS, XCBG, BPQD, EYRV, UIGD, VLFF (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie.
Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible.
In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt FDCZ files, follow the given tutorial.
- Download the decryption tool from Emsisoft.
- Click the little arrow next to your download and choose Show in Folder.
- Now, right-click the file and choose Run as Administrator. If asked, enter administrator's password.
- In UAC window, click Yes.
- Click Yes to agree to software terms in both windows.
- The tool will automatically include C:// disk as a location to decrypt. The file recovery tool will prepopulate the locations to scan, including connected data storage drives or network drives. Click Add folder if you wish to add additional locations.
In Options tab, you can choose to keep encrypted file copies. We recommend leaving this option selected, especially if you do not know if the decryption tool will work. - Click Decrypt to start restoring FDCZ files. You will see the progress in the Results tab. Here, you can see messages from the tool, such as whether the decryption procedure is successful, or you need to wait for an update.
You might also be informed that online key was used to encrypt your files. In such case, the decryption tool won't work for you, and the only way to recover your files is to use a data backup.
Meanings of decryptor's messages
The FDCZ decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages:
Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID]
This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor's database.
No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible
This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible.
Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]
This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.
If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn't available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your FDCZ extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.
Report Internet crime to legal departments
Victims of FDCZ ransomware virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:
- In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.
- In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.
- In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.
- In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.
- In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.
- In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.
- In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
- In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
- In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.
If you can't find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up "[your country name] report cyber crime". This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities.
Another recommendation is to contact your country's or region’s federal police or communications authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can only open FDCZ files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.
To figure out whether you were affected by offline encryption, please go to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt and see if the string inside of it ends in t1. You can also try using Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/DJVU.
Please follow the guidances provided by the official FDCZ decryption tools and believe what they say. If they say it is impossible to decrypt, it really is so. There is no magic tool or human capable of decrypting your files hiding somewhere. Encryption is a technique created to be nearly impossible to decrypt without a special private key (held by the criminals).
We advise scanning with anti-virus, anti-malware, malware removal tools or software like RESTORO to eliminate virus damage on the system. If you do not trust using a single tool, try running one after another. However, we do not recommend keeping several security programs on a computer at once as they can interfere with each other's work.
Beware of fake FDCZ decryption tools circulating around the web. Cyber criminals are uploading them to various shady websites, also might be promoting them via suspicious Youtube videos. These programs can infect your computer even more heavily (Trojans, miners, etc.). We suggest being extremely cautious around the web. If there will be an official STOP/DJVU decryption tool available, it will be widely discussed in public media.
Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.
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