File Spider ransomware removal: decrypt .spider virus files

As a new blackmail virus called File Spider is wreaking havoc mostly in Europe, this guide will come in handy for victims in terms of decrypting .spider files.

Ransomware developers appear to be switching to the animal world for naming their despicable products. The File Spider virus is one of these zoo-borne culprits. Given the trend, it might seem at first sight that extortionists are running out of ideas. However, the perpetrating program in question fully lives up to its name. It stings painfully as it denies accessibility of one’s valuable data and demands money for recovery. When a file gets encrypted, it additionally gets the .spider extension appended to it. Meanwhile, filenames remain unaltered. So a sample item named Meadow.jpg will transform into Meadow.jpg.spider. The intrusive program also drops a rescue note into folders with hostage data. It’s named HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.html.

The offending code also issues a command so that a GUI automatically opens up after the crypto part of its mission is completed. The interface is titled “File Spider [ file-spider@protonmail.ch ]”. By default, it displays a warning message in English that says, “Your PC has been infected with File Spider virus”. The Translate button in the upper part of the console allows the victim to select Croatian language as an alternative. There are more options to choose, including Visit Website, ID Code, Decrypter, and Help. By the way, to the cybercriminals’ credit, the user pane is professionally tailored. It’s too bad their talent is heading in the wrong direction.

To start the decryption process imposed by the villains, an infected user is supposed to visit a specific page (.onion domain) via Tor browser. Then, it’s mandatory to log in using the PC ID Code assigned to the victim and enter a Captcha. The code can be copied from the above-mentioned ID Code section of the interface. Next, when on the Spider Decrypter page, the user is instructed to submit 0.00725 BTC (worth $120 at the time of this writing) to the attackers’ Bitcoin wallet address. The payment needs to be made within a specified timeframe, namely four days, otherwise the private decryption key will be allegedly deleted.

All in all, the File Spider ransomware is a serious infection made by tech-savvy cybercrooks. It is making the rounds via targeted attacks involving Microsoft Word macros. The malspam emails are well written and evoke trust, so the adversary is also good at social engineering. When hit by this nasty virus, the first thing on the to-do list is to get rid of it. Next up on the agenda is to try and restore files with the .spider extension affixed to them. This is an extremely tough challenge and there is no guarantee that anything helps. Likewise, no one can guarantee a positive upshot after the ransom is sent out. So make your pick wisely and consider following the steps below to bid farewell to this disgusting digital arthropod.

File Spider ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like File Spider, 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 File Spider 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.

File Spider 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 File Spider 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 .spider 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 File Spider 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 File Spider removal tool