Zero-Fucks Ransomware

Zero-Fucks Ransomware locks private files and shows a note threatening to double the price for getting files unlocked if a victim does not pay within 48 hours. The starting price is 400 US dollars that according to the malware’s developers, should be paid in Bitcoins. Also, the ransom note claims that victims will receive decryption means as soon as hackers get their money. As you probably understand, in reality, there are no guarantees they will hold on to this promise. Meaning, if you pay a ransom, there is a chance you could get scammed. If you do not like the idea this could happen, we advise not to put up with any demands. Instead, you could erase Zero-Fucks Ransomware and replace encrypted files with backup copies, provided you have a backup of your data. To learn how to remove the malware manually, you should check the instructions located below. As for more information on the threat, we encourage you to read our full article.

One of the things you should know about a malicious application like Zero-Fucks Ransomware is where does it come from. Our researchers believe the malware could be spread through malicious email attachments and software installers. Therefore, users who want to protect their computers from such threats should be a bit more cautious with email attachments and installers downloaded from the Internet. Instead of just opening an email attachment right after receiving one, you should fist inspect the email it came with. See if it comes from a familiar source. If it comes from a business or some organization, check if the sender’s email address is not forged. Also, we recommend reading messages that come with attachments as malicious emails often try to scare users into launching attached files or contain grammar mistakes. To be one hundred percent sure a file you are about to open is safe, we recommend scanning it with a reliable antimalware tool too. In case you missed anything, it would alert you about potentially harmful content.

Zero-Fucks Ransomware does not create any malicious executable or other types of files. Meaning, it might start locking user’s files as soon as it is launched. During this process, the malicious application encrypts various documents, pictures, videos, and other files alike. Encrypted files cannot be opened, but you do not have to try to open a file to understand it is encrypted, as the threat marks it with a specific extension called .zerofucks, for example, autumnleaves.jpg.zerofucks. The next malware’s step is displaying a ransom note that should appear on a pop-up window. Zero-Fucks Ransomware’s note ought to claim that all files were encrypted and that the user can only decrypt them with specific decryption tools. Plus, there is a time limit in which a user can purchase them. As we said earlier, the price gets doubled after 48 hours. It gets doubled once again after additional 24 hours and after 96 hours after getting infected, hackers threaten to destroy locked data. No doubt, it does not matter if you do not want to pay a ransom and have no tools to decrypt your files. However, truth to be told, it is possible the note might only mention data destruction to scare users.

The reason we would not recommend paying to Zero-Fucks Ransomware’s developers is that there are no guarantees they will decrypt locked data. If you do not want to risk losing 400 US dollars in vain, you could ignore the ransom note and restore data from backup, for example, copies on cloud storage or removable media devices, if you have it. Of course, first, we advise removing Zero-Fucks Ransomware. Since its pop-up window might block screen and our researchers report the malware could block .exe files from running, it might be necessary to restart an infected device in Safe Mode. Next, you could either follow the instructions located below that explain how to delete this threat manually, or install a reliable antimalware tool that could eliminate it for you.

Restart your system in Safe Mode with Networking

Windows 8/Windows 10

1. Tap Win+I for Windows 8 or open the Start menu for Windows 10.
2. Click the Power button.
3. Press and hold the Shift key and click Restart.
4. Choose Troubleshoot and pick Advanced Options.
5. Select Startup Settings and click Restart.
6. Press the F5 key and restart the PC.

Windows XP/Windows Vista/Windows 7

1. Go to Start, pick Shutdown options and click Restart.
2. Press and hold the F8 key when the computer starts restarting.
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from Advanced Boot Options window.
4. Click Enter and log on to the computer.

Erase Zero-Fucks Ransomware

1. Press Win+E.
2. Check these directories:
   %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
   %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
   %TEMP%
3. Search for the malware’s installer; it could be any recently downloaded or received file.
4. Right-click the threat’s launcher and press Delete.
5. Exit File Explorer.
6. Empty Recycle Bin.
7. Restart the computer.