Do you know what Zero-Fucks Ransomware is?
Zero-Fucks Ransomware is a threat that appends the .zerofucks extension to victims’ files. The malicious application does so after enciphering each targeted file with a robust encryption algorithm. As a result, affected files should become unreadable, which means they cannot be opened anymore. According to our cybersecurity specialists, the malware should encipher data that is considered to be personal, such as photos or text documents. In exchange for its decryption, the hackers behind this malicious application ask for a ransom. If you want to know more about this threat, including why we do not think it would be a good idea to put up with any demands, we invite you to read the rest of this article. If you decide that the best you can do is to eliminate Zero-Fucks Ransomware, we can offer our removal guide available at the end of this page.
Users may not realize Zero-Fucks Ransomware got in until they notice the .zerofucks extension on their data or the malware’s ransom note. Like most of such threats, the malicious application ought to work silently in the background during the encryption process. However, once it is done with it, the threat should show a warning window containing a ransom note. It ought to say: “All your files are locked!” and show a picture of a red lock. In the middle of the window, victims are supposed to see Zero-Fucks Ransomware’s main message. At first, it tells what happened to files that now have double extension, e.g., text.doc.zerofucks. Then, it is supposed to explain that a victim has to pay to get access to decryption means. As for the second paragraph of the ransom note it explains conditions by which victims have to abide if they want to get their data back.
Zero-Fucks Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
To be more precise, the ransom note claims the price is $400 if a user pays it in 48 hours. If a victim does not, the price becomes $800 and if it is not paid in another 24 hours, the ransom gets doubled again. Obviously, these conditions are meant to scare victims into paying the ransom as fast as possible. Nonetheless, we do not recommend rushing into it. In fact, we advise against it if you do not want to risk being tricked. Since you have to pay first and the promised decryption means are supposed to be provided afterward, there are no guarantees you will get them. If you do not want to pay $400 when there are no reassurances you will get what you pay for, we advise not to put up with the hacker’s demands and erase Zero-Fucks Ransomware.
Our cybersecurity specialists think it would be best to restart computers infected with this threat in Safe Mode with Networking first because the malware is capable of blocking executable files. After restarting your computer you would have two options. The first one is to complete the steps listed in our removal guide available below to delete Zero-Fucks Ransomware manually. The second option is to download a reputable antimalware tool and use it to erase the threat. If you have any further questions, you can post them in the comments section below.
Erase Zero-Fucks Ransomware
- Restart the computer in Safe Mode with Networking.
- Press Windows Key+E.
- Navigate to these paths:
%USERPROFILE%\Desktop
%USERPROFILE%\Downloads
%TEMP% - Find the malware’s launcher (suspicious recently downloaded file), right-click it and select Delete.
- Close File Explorer.
- Empty Recycle Bin.
In non-techie terms:
Zero-Fucks Ransomware is one of those malicious applications that can ruin your files by encrypting them. As you see, it is impossible to restore them without particular decryption means like unique decryption keys and, unfortunately, if they exist they are available only to the malware’s creators. The threat’s note claims victims will get access to them after they pay ransom but there are no reassurances it will happen. Therefore, paying the ransom might end up hazardously. Naturally, if you do not want to risk ending up losing your money in addition to your personal files, we advise not to put up with the hacker’s demands. Provided you decide to do so, you could erase Zero-Fucks Ransomware with the removal guide available above or with a chosen antimalware tool. Do not forget that once the system is malware-free once again, it ought to be safe to create new files, replace encrypted files with backup data, etc.