Do you know what FORMA Ransomware is?
FORMA Ransomware is an old computer infection that targets computer users in Poland. We can tell that from the ransom note that is displayed entirely in the Polish language. However, it doesn’t mean that FORMA Ransomware couldn’t reach YOU as well. What’s more, there could be versions of this infection out there, attacking innocent users around the globe, so it is always necessary to educate yourself about all sorts of malware infections so that you could be ready for them.
To remove FORMA Ransomware, please scroll down to the bottom of this description. Also, if you have any further questions, please feel free to drop us a comment.
It is often hard to pinpoint the exact distribution point for such ransomware infections. We can only assume that FORMA Ransomware spreads via spam email attachments. Users are tricked into opening these dangerous files thinking they are important documents. In fact, these files often look like legitimate MS Word or Adobe PDF files, and so users do not think much before opening them. However, if the sender of these files is unfamiliar, and you do not know why you received that mail in the first, you clearly need to delete it, no questions asked.
Sometimes FORMA Ransomware and other ransomware infections target business entities, too. So if you work at a company and you have to deal with a great flow of emails every single day, it might be harder to differentiate between regular and malicious mails. Not to mention that if you have to open various reports daily, you might not even think twice before clicking some attachment. However, to protect your system and your company, you should seriously consider scanning the received files with a security tool. Or if you do not know the sender, simply delete the files altogether.
FORMA Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
Now, if FORMA Ransomware manages to enter your system, it launches the file encryption immediately. Needless to say, the infection uses a unique encryption key that makes it impossible for anyone else to unlock the affected files unless they have the decryption key. Once the encryption is complete, all the affected files will also get the “.locked” extension added to their names. Of course, you will also notice that that something happened to your files because the file icon will change, too. From what we know, FORMA Ransomware affects all picture and document format files, so it is very likely that most of your personal data will end up getting locked.
The best way to mitigate a ransomware infection is to regularly back up your files on an external hard drive or a cloud drive. Perhaps you have heard about it many times before, but it is really the most efficient way to protect your files. What’s more, operating systems offer users to back their files up on cloud services automatically these days because they know how dangerous a ransomware infection could be. So we truly hope that you have at least the most important files saved someplace else.
As for FORMA Ransomware, this program displays a ransom note in Polish. The ransom note says that you have 48 hours to transfer the ransom fee. This program also says that you have to send these criminals an email, so find out more about the file recovery options. However, you should never contact these cybercriminals. First, there is no guarantee that they would issue the decryption tool anyway. And second, if they get a hold of your email address, they might use it for other spam attacks in the future, and you will find yourself in a vicious circle of malware infections.
It might be a little bit complicated to remove FORMA Ransomware because this infection has quite a few files out there. However, you can follow the instructions below to terminate it. If you do not want to delete this program manually, you can invest in a legitimate antispyware tool that will help you deal with this intruder automatically.
Also, you have to find out more about ransomware distribution methods to avoid such infections in the future. If you need to protect a business entity from ransomware, be sure to educate your employees about the potential threats associated with phishing emails.
How to Remove FORMA Ransomware
- Press Win+R and type %TEMP%. Click OK.
- Remove these files from the directory:
invisible.vbs
FORMA.exe
AdobeAcrobatReader.exe
admin.exe
1.bat
2.bat
3.bat
4.bat - Use Win+R to access the following directories and remove the syswin32.lnk file from them (depending on your operating system):
%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Startup
%USERPROFILE%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup - Run a full system scan with the SpyHunter free scanner.
In non-techie terms:
FORMA Ransomware is an annoying regional infection that can encrypt personal files. This program wants users to pay a lot of money for the file recovery. However, you should never spend your money on ransomware. Look for ways to remove FORMA Ransomware from your system right now, and then address a professional who will help you get your files back. Do not feel discouraged if, in the worst-case scenario, you have to start building your data library anew.