Geek's Advice

FLYU ransomware is threatening your computer’s security

FLYU ransomware is a malicious program that originates from DHARMA virus family and aims to encrypt your files using high-grade cryptography algorithms. This type of malware has been in operation since 2016 and developers continue to release new variants of it. Basically, this harmful software intrudes into your system and then executes a code that leaves your files completely inaccessible. The cybercriminals demand a ransom in order to regain access to your files. The algorithm also changes file names by adding a victim’s ID, hacker’s email, and .flyu extension. To illustrate, a file 1.jpeg might look like 1.jpeg.id-144314.[yourfiles1@tutanota.com].flyu. A ransom note called FILES ENCRYPTED.txt appears in every affected folder, and virus launches info.hta screen containing a message from the criminals. As mentioned before, this ransomware can do extensive damage to your privacy, so we feel the need to deliver a guide on how to deal with this kind of problem.

The message in ransom note: pay up or lose your files

The message delivered in FILES ENCRYPTED.txt and info.hta files is quite straightforward – either you pay the price to the hackers, or you say ‘goodbye’ to your personal files, like MS Office documents, pictures, or videos. The user is urged to test the decryption by sending one inaccessible file and receiving it back undamaged.

No matter what, we do not recommend you to make any contact with the developers of FLYU ransomware for a plain and simple reason – cybercriminals are not reliable. There is simply no guarantee that even after making the payment you will be granted the decryption key – if those people will see an opportunity to exploit you even more – they will definitely do it.

Your files have been encrypted using RSA-AES cryptography

To better understand the encryption process itself, we have to quickly explain how it works. The RSA cryptography was created in the 1980s as a British intelligence project. This system was used to safely transmit information between two peers without anyone else having the capabilities to understand the messages’ contents. Every encryption creates a unique decoding key and that is the only way to have access to an affected file. As time went by, this technology was discovered by cybercriminals and implemented into ransomware social-engineering schemes like FLYU virus. 

Unfortunately, there is little you can do to decrypt the data since RSA cipher is a military-grade algorithm. Trying to revert changes made to your files is basically impossible since it would take a ridiculously high amount of time and resources. Although what you can do is completely remove FLYU ransomware and all of its contents from your system and then recover files from a back-up. At this moment it is important to realize that you have to remove the malware first since it might corrupt your other data as well.

However, there is a theoretical possibility to revert the changes that were made to your data. Sometimes hackers leave flaws inside their code that could be exploited in your favor. Hypothetically it is also possible to obtain your decryption key immediately after the cipher carries out its course of action by accessing your computer’s RAM. However, that is not likely to happen.

Distribution methods used to transmit ransomware

It is often said that you need to be attentive and careful when surfing the internet – and we can agree with this. This especially counts when talking about illegal software downloads since it is one of the most used pathways for hackers to get through your system’s security barriers. Using sites like zMule, Kadaza, Thepiratebay, etc. might leave you exposed to cyberattacks. So next time before downloading a crack, keygen, software activation tool or some other ripped data think twice – potential costs far outweigh the benefits.

Another way used by hackers is spam email campaigns (malspam). This is a simple social-engineering scheme that seems to be as old as the internet itself. However, it is still used by hackers and generates high system-penetration rates. Keep in mind, that sending emails costs basically nothing, so even if 1 in 100000 people pay ransom it is still profit made. To explain the method shortly, a large number of deceitful emails are sent to random internet users. These emails contain a malicious link or a file – if you interact with it (press it or download it) you trigger a cyberattack against you, for example, you might be targeted by FLYU ransomware.

You should take some preventive actions in order to avoid these kinds of situations. Firstly, do not download from unverified, unofficial websites. Secondly, do not press on random ads and pop-ups while surfing the internet. Third, do not open any suspicious emails or links inside them. And most importantly – create back-ups regularly. This will ensure that you always have a second copy of your valuable files.

Remove FLYU ransomware now

As mentioned previously, the most rational and logical way to deal with situations like this is to remove FLYU ransomware from your system completely and as fast as possible. The more time viruses spend inside your system, the more damage they might do.

Some viruses are even capable of chain infections – downloading additional malicious programs. Having this in mind, we recommend you use RESTORO – this virus damage repair software will ensure a safe and simple malware remains’ removal process as well as tools needed to restore your PC’s health status after the removal. To remove FLYU ransomware, follow these steps:

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

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

REMOVE & PROTECT WITH INTEGO

Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7.. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs.

Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer.

Read full review here.

STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER

DOWNLOAD RESTORO

RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically.

RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them.

Read full review here.

GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more.

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

If you're looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek's Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

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.

Norbert Webb

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.