How to remove Farao Ransomware and decrypt encrypted files

What is Farao Ransomware

Farao Ransomware has emerged as a significant threat in the cybersecurity landscape. This malicious software is designed to encrypt files on the victim’s computer, rendering them inaccessible, and then demands a ransom for the decryption key. Understanding its operation, impact, and the steps for mitigation is crucial for individuals and organizations alike. Farao Ransomware encrypts files on the affected system, appending a unique extension consisting of four random characters to the original filenames. For example, a file named 1.png would be renamed to 1.png.qigb, indicating it has been encrypted. This pattern of renaming makes it easy to identify which files have been compromised. Upon completing the encryption process, Farao Ransomware generates a ransom note titled LEIA-ME.txt on the victim’s device. The note, primarily in Portuguese, informs victims that their files have been encrypted and demands a ransom of 250 Brazilian reals (approximately USD 50), payable in Bitcoin, within 48 hours. Failure to comply with the demands threatens the permanent loss of the encrypted data.

The research does not mention the availability of specific decryption tools for Farao Ransomware. Generally, decrypting files without the attackers’ involvement is highly improbable. Paying the ransom is discouraged as it does not guarantee the recovery of encrypted files, and it may encourage further criminal activities. The recommended approach for recovering affected files is to restore them from backups, if available. To prevent Farao Ransomware infections, it is advised to keep software updated, use reputable anti-malware software, exercise caution with email attachments and links, enable firewall protection, practice safe browsing habits, and regularly backup important data. If a system is infected, removing the ransomware from the operating system is crucial to prevent further encryptions. However, removal does not decrypt already affected files. The primary solution for recovery is to restore files from backups stored in multiple locations, such as unplugged storage devices or remote servers.

How Farao Ransomware infects computers

The specific methods through which Farao Ransomware infects computers are not detailed in the provided source. However, ransomware typically spreads through phishing emails containing malicious attachments, compromised websites, and exploiting vulnerabilities in software. Once executed on a system, it begins the encryption process.

1. Download Farao Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for encrypted files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like Farao Ransomware

Farao Ransomware files:


LEIA-ME.txt
{randomname}.exe


Farao Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore encrypted files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt encrypted files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of encrypted files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with Farao Ransomware and removed from your computer you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore encrypted files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like Farao Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Farao Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro