How to remove Frea Ransomware and decrypt .frea files

What is Frea Ransomware

Ransomware remains a formidable threat in the cyber landscape, with Frea Ransomware being a recent example that has caught the attention of cybersecurity experts. This article provides an in-depth look at Frea ransomware, exploring its infection tactics, the changes it makes to files, the encryption methods it employs, the ransom note it leaves behind, the availability of decryption tools, and potential decryption methods for affected files. Upon infection, Frea ransomware begins encrypting files across the system. It targets a variety of file types, potentially including documents, images, and databases. After encrypting these files, Frea appends a .frea extension to the filenames, signaling that they have been compromised. For example, a file originally named 1.jpg would be renamed to 1.jpg.frea after encryption. Frea ransomware creates a ransom note named oku.txt that is left on the user’s desktop or in folders containing encrypted files. This note contains instructions from the attackers, typically demanding a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key necessary to unlock the files. In addition to encrypting files and dropping a ransom note, Frea also changes the desktop wallpaper, which is a common tactic used by ransomware to alert the victim to the infection and reinforce the urgency of the ransom demand.

As of the information available, there is no mention of specific decryption tools for Frea ransomware. The development of such tools often depends on the ability of cybersecurity researchers to find vulnerabilities within the ransomware’s encryption algorithm. Victims are generally discouraged from paying the ransom, as this does not guarantee the return of the encrypted data and further incentivizes cybercriminals. Without a dedicated decryption tool, victims of Frea ransomware have limited options. The recommended steps are:

Isolate the Infected Device: To prevent the spread of the ransomware, disconnect the affected device from any networks.
Identify the Ransomware: Use online resources to confirm that the infection is indeed due to Frea ransomware.
Seek Decryption Tools: Regularly check trusted cybersecurity sources for any updates on decryption tools for Frea ransomware.
Restore from Backups: If backups are available, they can be used to restore encrypted files after ensuring the ransomware has been fully removed from the system.
Use file-recovery software: This is not decryption, but file-recovery tools can restore some data, for example, copies of encrypted documents deleted prior to infection.

Frea Ransomware (wallpaper)

Frea Ransomware (ransom note)

How Frea Ransomware infects computers

Frea Ransomware typically infiltrates systems through common vectors such as phishing emails, malicious attachments, or by exploiting vulnerabilities in software. Once inside the system, it proceeds to carry out its malicious activities without the user’s consent.

1. Download Frea Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .frea 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 Frea Ransomware

Frea Ransomware files:


info.hta
{randomname}.exe


Frea Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .frea files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .frea 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 .frea 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 Frea 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 .frea files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the 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 a 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 a 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 Frea 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. Frea 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.