How to remove FastWind ransomware and recover encrypted files

Easy guide to delete FastWind ransomware

FastWind ransomware is a cryptovirus that makes non-system files on the compromised host machine unusable. The locked files will receive .FastWind extension. Once this is done, the malware can require money for alleged unlocking of these files. The targeted files are usually images, audios, documents, and presentations and etc that users do not want to lose.

Once successfully encrypting the files, the ransomware drops ransomware.txt file that informs about the files encryption and notes about the steps that the users have to follow the next. It states the users have the only option to pay to the crooks and purchase the decryption tool from them. However, these people are untrustworthy and so the victims should not pay the money.

More about FastWind ransomware

FastWind ransomware is the virus that spreads the infection quickly using payload dropper or other virus that triggers malicious scripts for the malware on the targeted device. Thus, the users can’t notice the infiltration until they see the symptoms and the ransom demanding note with the instruction on the payment. It says, contact to the crooks behind it via [email protected] email address, if you want to recover the files. It further states, the files recovery require unique decryption key/code that only the crooks can provide to you.

Prior to the payment, the crooks are ready to provide free decryption service – the users can send 1 or 2 encrypted files as a test the capability of the decryption tool. The message concludes with a warning to the users that if they try to rename the filenames, use third party tools and/or restart the device, they may lose their files for permanently. The ransom note presents the following text:

Your personal ID

English ☣Your files are encrypted!☣

——————————————————————————–

⬇ To decrypt, follow the instructions below.⬇

To recover data you need decrypt tool.

To get the decrypt tool you should:

Send 1 crypted test image or text file or document to [email protected]

Or alternate mail [email protected]

In the letter include your personal ID (look at the beginning of this document). Send me this ID in your first email to me.

We will give you free test for decrypt few files (NOT VALUE) and assign the price for decryption all files.

After we send you instruction how to pay for decrypt tool and after payment you will receive a decrypt tool and instructions how to use it We can decrypt few files in quality the evidence that we have the decoder.

——————————————————————————–

MOST IMPORTANT!!!

Do not contact other services that promise to decrypt your files, this is fraud on their part! They will buy a decoder from us, and you will pay more for his services. No one, except [email protected]([email protected]), will decrypt your files.

——————————————————————————–

Only [email protected]([email protected]) can decrypt your files

Do not trust anyone besides [email protected]([email protected])

Antivirus programs can delete this document and you can not contact us later.

Attempts to self-decrypting files will result in the loss of your data

Decoders other users are not compatible with your data, because each user’s unique encryption key

The provided ID number is used for the possible decryption that the crooks promise for the victim. In the case with ransomware infection, you have to perform two functions – eliminate the threat and recover the files, both of which are different but should be followed one after other. You should directly jump to the files recovery process as then the malware will interrupt during the process.

To remove FastWind ransomware, you need to use a reputable antivirus tool that can help you to detect, find and delete infections without any other software needed. However, your files will not be recovered this way. For the recovery of the files encrypted by FastWind ransomware, you should data backups on external platforms or devices. This is the safest way to get the files back.

However, if you have no backups, you should check once whether Volume Shadow Copies are available are not. This option of data recovery is automate back option created by OS for short time during the running process. In some cases, the ransomware infection does not affect this backup option during the attack and the files encryption process. Last option for the data recovery is to use data recovery tools. At present, the official decryptor for FastWind ransomware has not released. Meanwhile, you can use the said methods and hope that these will work in your case.

Ransomware are distributed using spam email campaign

Most often, ransomware threats are spread via multiple methods:

• Spam emails,
• Trojans,
• Corrupted apps and browser extensions
• Exploit kits

FastWind ransomware could infiltrate in after opening a spam email attachment. Thus, you have to be vigilant and avoid opening any received email whose sender’s address seems suspicious/ unknown.

The malicious executable might also be spread via fake software updates. Such content might be available in shady file sharing sites, torrent or pop-up on online ads. Therefore, you should use only reliable sources for any downloads and updates. Finally, you should have the installed apps and OS up-to-date. Malware might take the advantage of flaws or bugs created due to outdated software and get into the system.

Threat Summary

Name: FastWind ransomware

Threat Type: Ransomware

Extension use: .FastWind

Ransom demanding note: ransomware.txt

Cyber criminals’ contact: [email protected] and [email protected]

Symptoms: Cannot open the files stored on the device, previous functional files now have a different extension. A ransom demand message is displayed on the desktop. Cyber criminals demand payment of a ransom to for unlocking the files

Additional information: This malware is designed to show a fake Windows Update Window and modify the Windows hosts file in order to prevent users from accessing security websites online

Distribution methods: Infected email attachments (macros), torrent websites, malicious ads, unofficial activation and updating tools

Damage: All files are encrypted and cannot be opened without paying a ransom. Additional password stealing Trojan or other malware infections can be installed together with a ransomware infection

Malware removal: Use some reputable antivirus tool or follow manual malware removal guide provided below the post to remove FastWind ransomware from the device

Files recovery: Existing backup is the safe and secure option to get the files back in the original accessible condition. Other data recovery options include Volume Shadow Copy or data recovery tools -check the data removal section below the post for the step by step guide for performing them

Remove FastWind ransomware

Manual malware removal guide is provided below in step by step manner. Follow it so that you will not find any trouble during removal process. You can use some reputable antivirus tool to automatically remove FastWind ransomware from the system.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove FastWind ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete FastWind ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove FastWind ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

For Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Boot the PC in “Safe Mode”. Click on “Start” option and continuously press on F8 during the start process until the “Windows Advanced Option” menu appears on the screen. Choose “Safe Mode with Networking” from the list.

Now, a windows homescreen appears on the desktop and work-station is now working on “Safe mode with networking”.

For Windows 8 Users: Go to the “Start Screen”. In the search results select settings, type “Advanced”. In the “General PC Settings” option, choose “Advanced startup” option. Again, click on the “Restart Now” option. The work-station boots to “Advanced Startup Option Menu”. Press on “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options” button.  In the “Advanced Option Screen”, press on “Startup Settings”. Again, click on “Restart” button. The work-station will now restart in to the “Startup Setting” screen. Next is to press F5 to boot in Safe Mode in Networking.

For Windows 10 Users: Press on Windows logo and on the “Power” icon. In the newly opened menu, choose “Restart” while continuously holding “Shift” button on the keyboard. In the new open “Choose an option” window, click on “Troubleshoot” and then on the “Advanced Options”. Select “Startup Settings” and press on “Restart”. In the next window, click on “F5” button on the key-board.

Step 2: Delete FastWind ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with FastWind ransomware. Open the browser and download a legitimate anti-malware tool. Do a full System scanning. Remove all the malicious detected entries.

In case if you cannot start the PC in “Safe Mode with Networking”, Try using “System Restore”

• During the “Startup”, continuously press on F8 key until the “Advanced Option” menu appears. From the list, choose “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and then press “Enter”

• In the new opened command prompt, enter “cd restore” and then press “Enter”.

• Type: rstrui.exe and Press “ENTER”

• Click “Next” on the new windows

• Choose any of the “Restore Points” and click on “Next”. (This step will restore the work-station to its earlier time and date prior to FastWind ransomware infiltration in the PC.

• In the newly opened windows, press on “Yes”.

Once your PC gets restored to its previous date and time, download the recommended anti-malware tool and perform a deep scanning in order to remove FastWind ransomware files if they left in the work-station.

In order to restore the each (separate) file by this ransomware, use “Windows Previous Version” feature. This method is effective when “System Restore Function” is enabled in the work-station.

Important Note: Some variants of FastWind ransomware delete the “Shadow Volume Copies” as well hence this feature may not work all the time and is applicable for selective computers only.

How to Restore Individual Encrypted File:

In order to restore a single file, right click on it and go to “Properties”. Select “Previous Version” tab. Select a “Restore Point” and click on “Restore” option.

In order to access the files encrypted by FastWind ransomware, you can also try using “Shadow Explorer”. In order to get more information on this application, press here.

Important: Data Encryption Ransomware are highly dangerous and it is always better that you take precautions to avoid its attack on your work-station. It is advised to use a powerful anti-malware tool in order to get protection in real-time. With this help of “SpyHunter”, “group policy objects” are implanted in the registries in order to block harmful infections like FastWind ransomware.

Also, In Windows 10, you get a very unique feature called “Fall Creators Update” that offer “Controlled Folder Access” feature in order to block any kind of encryption to the files. With the help of this feature, any files stored in the locations such as “Documents”, “Pictures”, “Music”, “Videos”, “Favorites” and “Desktop” folders are safe by default.

It is very important that you install this “Windows 10 Fall Creators Update” in your PC to protect your important files and data from ransomware encryption. The more information on how to get this update and add an additional protection form rnasomware attack has been discussed here.

How to Recover the Files Encrypted by FastWind ransomware?

Till now, you would have understood that what had happed to your personal files that got encrypted and how you can remove the scripts and payloads associated with FastWind ransomware in order to protect your personal files that has not been damaged or encrypted until now. In order to retrieve the locked files, the depth information related to “System Restore” and “Shadow Volume Copies” has already been discussed earlier. However, in case if you are still unable to access the encrypted files then you can try using a data recovery tool.

Use of Data Recovery Tool

This step is for all those victims who have already tries all the above mentioned process but didn’t find any solution. Also it is important that you are able to access the PC and can install any software. The data recovery tool works on the basis of System scanning and recovery algorithm. It searches the System partitions in order to locate the original files which were deleted, corrupted or damaged by the malware. Remember that you must not re-install the Windows OS otherwise the “previous” copies will get deleted permanently. You have to clean the work-station at first and remove FastWind ransomware infection. Leave the locked files as it is and follow the steps mentioned below.

Step1: Download the software in the work-station by clicking on the “Download” button below.

Step2: Execute the installer by clicking on downloaded files.

Step3: A license agreement page appears on the screen. Click on “Accept” to agree with its terms and use. Follow the on-screen instruction as mentioned and click on “Finish” button.

Step4: Once the installation gets completed, the program gets executed automatically. In the newly opened interface, select the file types that you want to recover and click on “Next”.

Step5: You can select the “Drives” on which you want the software to run and execute the recovery process. Next is to click on the “Scan” button.

Step6: Based on drive you select for scanning, the restore process begins. The whole process may take time depending on the volume of the selected drive and number of files. Once the process gets completed, a data explorer appears on the screen with preview of that data that is to be recovered. Select the files that you want to restore.

Step7. Next is to locate the location where you want to saver the recovered files.