How to remove FindNoteFile Ransomware and decrypt .findnotefile, .findthenotefile and .reddot files

What is FindNoteFile Ransomware

FindNoteFile is the name of a ransomware infection that started its hunt for business users in June 2021. Just like other malware of this type, developers use AES+RSA algorithms to encrypt victims’ data. FindNoteFile has been found distributed in 3 different versions. The only big difference between them is the name of the extension assigned to files after encryption (.findnotefile, .findthenotefile, or .reddot). For example, a file initially called 1.pdf will change its appearance to 1.pdf.findnotefile, 1.pdf.findthenotefile, or 1.pdf.reddot depending on which version attacked your system. Then, as soon as encryption is over, the virus creates a text note called HOW_TO_RECOVER_MY_FILES.txt, which contains ransom instructions. The text written inside is full of mistakes, however, it is still easy to understand what cybercriminals want from their victims.

At first, they are saying that all databases have been downloaded and now stored on external servers. Unless you pay for the recovery of data within 12 days, swindlers will publish all the private data on data leak markets. In order to return the blocked data, victims have to contact cybercriminals via 2 e-mail addresses (both emiliantor@mailfence.com and emilianazizi@tutanota.com). The e-mail names and note content may also vary depending on which version hijacked the data, but in the end, all of them contain almost identical information. Developers behind FindNoteFile Ransomware also offer to test file decryption for free. This has been a popular trick used by many ransomware developers to elevate the trust of infected users. Unfortunately, even though they are indeed proving their capability of decrypting the locked data, thousands of cases prove that there is a risk of getting fooled after all. Some users simply do not receive any decryption tools even after paying the ransom. This is why it almost a roulette whilst having to deal with ransomware developers. At this point, there is alas no way to decrypt your files for free unless you have a backup copy of data. If so, then you are lucky enough to return the files after deleting the virus. Unfortunately, when it comes to business owners, it may be more damaging to have your private data published rather than being unable to restore it. In this case, paying the ransom looks to be the only way out of getting publicly exposed. Whatever the case, it is highly important to get rid of the ransomware from your computer. Note that FindNoteFile Ransowmare also installs additional software like TightVNC, which helps cybercriminals manage your system remotely. Thus, it is vital to run thorough removal to leave no feasible traces of ransomware on your system and network. In order to do it, follow the article below.

How FindNoteFile Ransomware infected your computer

Traditionally, ransomware-type infections are often distributed via unprotected RDP configuration, e-mail spam messages containing malicious attachments, untrustworthy downloads, botnets, exploits, malicious ads, fake software updates, repacked, and infected installers. RDP is a Remote Desktop feature allowing users to manage their PC remotely from smartphones or any other PC. Sometimes the connection details may leak to the hands of cybercriminals and let them take over the control instead. Therefore, they will be able to transfer any malicious file they want to cause the necessary changes. This is why it is important to not share your data with others unless you are sure about trusting them. Another significant distribution channel abused by swindlers is known as spam. Normally, they send a number of similar messages disguised as legitimate companies. The message may be sent from an e-mail address similar to a world-famous and legal company. In fact, when being attentive enough, users can spot the difference and see that it is actually fake. Note that cybercriminals usually attach MS Office documents, PDFs, executables, JavaScript files, or links that are reconfigured to spread malware of various types. Thus, it is extremely important to avoid clicking or interacting with such content received for no reason. Sometimes you will see messages claiming your package sent by the delivery service whilst you have not ordered anything recently. This automatically means that there are fraudulent figures standing behind the message that trick users into installing a virus. Therefore, the only best panacea against all threats is being careful whilst using the web. Of course, when you are working with a big scale of data and branches, there is always a higher chance of getting infected. This is why it is important to use good anti-malware software to combat such threats, if necessary. Below, you will find more information about it.

1. Download FindNoteFile Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .findnotefile, .findthenotefile or .reddot 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 FindNoteFile Ransomware

FindNoteFile Ransomware files:


HOW_TO_RECOVER_MY_FILES.txt
share.exe
mx2cfehm.dll
{randomfilename}.exe


FindNoteFile Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .findnotefile, .findthenotefile or .reddot files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .findnotefile, .findthenotefile or .reddot 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 .findnotefile, .findthenotefile or .reddot files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing of 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 FindNoteFile 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 .findnotefile, .findthenotefile or .reddot 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 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 FindNoteFile 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 storages, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storages can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. FindNoteFile 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