Popcorn Time ransomware: .filock files decryption and removal

Learn a way to get around the harsh cryptographic impact of the Popcorn Time ransomware, which introduces a cynical marketing model never seen before.

Security experts have gotten accustomed to handling ransom Trojans that lock victims’ data and impose a decryption deal involving a payment. The new perpetrating program dubbed the Popcorn Time ransomware has become a game changer. The novelty it has brought about is that infected users are suggested to literally become ransomware distributors. With this nasty sample on board, people are confronted with a tough choice. Their plan A is to restore the scrambled personal data by means of submitting the ransom of 1 Bitcoin. The plan B is to get the private decryption key free of charge through passing the malady over to 2 other people. The latter workflow presupposes the following: every plagued user gets their unique referral link, which they are supposed to send to someone else. If the evil tactic succeeds and a couple more users get hit via this link, the original target will purportedly get their files back for free.

When the Popcorn Time ransomware is executed on a Windows computer, the first thing it does is it checks for the presence of the same offending code. If the verdict is positive, the attack will discontinue, otherwise it begins scanning data repositories for types of files matching its own “to be encrypted” whitelist. Be advised data stored on the local drive, removable drives and network shares is at risk. As opposed to this, when the infection was first discovered it would only encode entries in a couple of paths, including the desktop, My Documents, My Music and My Pictures. Interestingly, the subsequent data encryption routine is masked by an installation screen that displays a setup progress and generally looks true-to-life.

The ransomware leverages the AES-256 cipher to render files inaccessible. Having completed the cryptographic part of its job, it appends the .filock string to every skewed object. To instruct the victim on how to sort things out, the Popcorn Time infection leaves ransom notes named restore_your_files.html and restore_your_files.txt. These ‘help’ files read, “Warning Message!! We are sorry to say that your computer and your files have been encrypted, but wait, don’t worry. There is a way that you can restore your computer and all of your files.” There is also an indicator of the amount of time remaining till the AES key is supposedly erased from the criminals’ server. Other details, including the personal unique ID and a Bitcoin address, should be used for completing the ransom transaction.

Again, Popcorn Time malware victims get a free alternative, which is to contaminate 2 more people. However, that’s cold comfort for anyone infected, to put it mildly. The recommendations below pose a much more judicious approach of dealing with this particular ransomware attack.

Popcorn Time ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like Popcorn Time, one of the best shortcuts in terms of removal is to use Combo Cleaner, a lightweight and incredibly effective application with PC security and optimization features under the hood. It detects and thoroughly deletes threats while giving you insights into the overall health of your computer.

This program’s protection power spans modules that forestall all known types of malware, including ransomware and browser hijackers, and take your online security to the next level by blocking phishing sites and other suspicious web pages. Follow these simple steps to eliminate the infection for good:

1. Download Combo Cleaner installer.

Download Popcorn Time remover

^{Combo Cleaner scans your PC with no strings attached, but you’ll have to buy its fully functional version to remove the threats it detects. The disk optimization tools that find large files and duplicates are free to use.}

2. Open the CCSetup.exe file to get started. Several subsequent screens will allow you to make initial customizations so that the program works exactly as you need from the get-go.

3. The installation will be followed by an update of malware signatures. Once this process is through, click the Start Scan button in the left-hand sidebar.

4. Combo Cleaner will then check system locations that are most often polluted by Windows malware. The first scan can take a while to finish.

5. Combo Cleaner will display a system tray notification as soon as the scan is over. Click the Resolve found threats button to view the results.

6. The scan summary shows the names and types of the detected threats as well as their statuses and locations. Click the Remove all threats button and follow further on-screen prompts to get rid of these items.

Data recovery toolkit to the rescue

Some strains of ransomware are known to delete the original files after the encryption routine has been completed. As hostile as this activity appears, it can play into your hands. There are applications designed to revive the information that was obliterated because of malfunctioning hardware or due to accidental removal. The tool called Stellar Data Recovery features this type of a capability and therefore it can be applied in ransom attack scenarios to at least get the most important files back. So use the app to get an idea of what data can be restored and let it do the recovery job. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

2. Open the application, select the types of recoverable files to look for, and click Next.

3. Choose the areas you want the tool to recover from and click the Scan button.

4. Having scanned the specified locations, the program will display a notification about the total amount of recoverable data. Close the dialog and click the Recover button. This will hopefully help you get some of your valuable files back.

Popcorn Time ransomware manual removal and file recovery

Some ransomware strains terminate themselves after completing the encryption job on a computer, but some don’t. Furthermore, the Popcorn Time virus may prevent victims from using popular antimalware tools in order to stay on board for as long as possible. Under the circumstances, it may be necessary to utilize the Safe Mode with Networking or System Restore functionality.

Be advised that even after the ransomware is removed, files will still be encrypted and inaccessible. The malicious code cleanup part, however, is important because it keeps a relapse of the infection from occurring further on and eliminates all opportunistic malware.

Ways of non-ransom recovery of .filock files

Cracking the crypto used by this ransom Trojan is more of a science fiction thing rather than an attainable prospect for the masses. This is why the troubleshooting in predicaments of this sort is a matter of two approaches: one is to pay the ransom, which isn’t an option for many victims; and the other is to apply instruments that take advantage of the ransomware’s possible weaknesses. If the latter is your pick, the advice below is a must-try.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid Popcorn Time ransomware and other file-encrypting infections in the future, follow several simple recommendations:

These techniques are certainly not a cure-all, but they will add an extra layer of ransomware protection to your security setup.

Revise your security status

Post-factum assessment of the accuracy component in malware removal scenarios is a great habit that prevents the comeback of harmful code or replication of its unattended fractions. Make sure you are good to go by running an additional safety checkup. Another benefit of using the antimalware tool is that it will keep ransomware threats from intruding on your computer further on.

Download Popcorn Time removal tool