How to remove FARGO Ransomware and decrypt .FARGO files

What is FARGO Ransomware

FARGO is a typical file-encryptor that restricts access to data and keeps it locked until the ransom is paid. It was also determined to be a new variant of the TargetCompany family. During encryption, the virus highlights affected files by adding a new .FARGO extension. For instance, a file originally titled 1.pdf will change to 1.pdf and reset its icon to blank. After getting successfully done with file encryption, the ransomware creates a text file called FILE RECOVERY.txt that features decryption instructions.

Cybercriminals say that the only path towards recovering data is to buy a special decryption tool. For this, victims are instructed to contact extortionists via their email address (mallox@stealthypost.net). It is also stated victims should include their personally-generated ID in the message. To demonstrate that their decryption software actually works, threat actors offer free decryption of some nonvaluable files. After sending these files, extortionists promise to assign the price for decryption and give payment instructions. Unfortunately, we have to let you know that manual decryption without the help of ransomware developers is almost impossible. It may be doable if a virus that encrypted your data had serious flaws or vulnerabilities, which rarely happens. Paying the ransom is also not recommended as there are evident cases when cybercriminals fool their victims and do not send any decryption tools, even after receiving the money. For now, the only best-known method to return the blocked data is via backup copies, if such are available for use. You can otherwise give a try to third-party decryption and recovery tools presented in our article below, however, we cannot promise their efficiency with FARGO Ransomware specifically. Before you try any recovery methods, delete the virus from your system using our instructions. This is important to prevent malicious activity and other risks of further ransomware operations.

How FARGO Ransomware infected your computer

A wide range of infections (including ransomware) is often distributed through phishing-type channels. Any virus like ransomware may be disguised as some legitimate-looking file (e.g., Word, Excel, PDF, EXE, JavaScript, RAR, ZIP, etc.) in e-mail spam letters. Letters containing such files tend to present falsified information explaining the “importance” of opening such files (or links). This is usually done under the names of popular companies, such as DHL, FedEx, DPD, Banks, Governmental authorities, and so forth. Doing so allows cybercriminals to make users believe such messages are true in what they eventually claim. Unfortunately, following requests of such spam messages will most likely lead to malware getting installed on your system. This is why it is important to avoid e-mail letters of such and double-check information if it coincides that you were already a customer of some company before. It is also worth noting here that various infections may target users via fake software installers or updates, malicious cracking tools, system vulnerabilities, backdoors, keyloggers, and other types of suspicious channels as well. To be more protected against these threats in the future, we recommend you read our guide below to learn more practical tips on this topic.

1. Download FARGO Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .FARGO 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 FARGO Ransomware

FARGO Ransomware files:


FILE RECOVERY.txt
{randomname}.exe


FARGO Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .FARGO files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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

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 .FARGO 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 FARGO 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 .FARGO 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.

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 is no items in the list choose 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 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 FARGO Ransomware , in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Dashboard

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Alert

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Blocked

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.

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. FARGO 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.