How to unlock the screen locked by FBI screenlocker?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
FBI screenlocker removal guide
What is FBI screenlocker?
As its name suggests, screen locker ransomware is a type of malware that prevents its victims from accessing the operating system by locking the screen and demands a payment. This particular screen locker displays a full screen message stating that a computer has been locked by the FBI because it was used for illegal activities/purposes. It was discovered by MalwareHunterTeam.
FBI screen locker displays a ransom note stating that a computer has been locked because it was used to send spam messages related to terrorism, fascist propaganda, download child pornography and sell drugs, and can be unlocked by paying a "fine" of $150 in Bitcoins to the provided BTC wallet. After a payment users supposed to write an email to fbilock@protonmail.com and then wait for a key that will unlock the screen. Users who have their computers infected with this FBI screen locker can unlock screen with this key: W269N-WFGWX-YVC9B-4J6C9-T83GX. It is worthwhile to mention that it may be necessary to restart a computer for that key to work.
| Name | FBI malware |
| Threat Type | Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files locker |
| Ransom Demanding Message | Locked screen |
| Ransom Amount | $150 in Bitcoins |
| BTC Wallet Address | 12t9YDPgwueZ9NyMgw519p7AA8isjr6SMw |
| Cyber Criminal Contact | fbilock@protonmail.com |
| Unlock Key | W269N-WFGWX-YVC9B-4J6C9-T83GX |
| Detection Names | Alibaba (Trojan:MSIL/LockScreen.574a1783), BitDefender (Trojan.GenericKD.35842219), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of MSIL/LockScreen.AIQ), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan.MSIL.Agent.gen), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Ymacco.AA6F), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | Can't open files stored on your computer, previously functional files now have a different extension, for example my.docx.locked. A ransom demanding message is displayed on your desktop. Cyber criminals are asking to pay a ransom (usually in bitcoins) to unlock your files. |
| Additional Information | It may need to restart a computer in order for the provided key to work |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments (macros), torrent websites, malicious ads. |
| Damage | All files are encrypted and cannot be opened without paying a ransom. Additional password stealing trojans and malware infections can be installed together with a ransomware infection. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Malwarebytes. |
More examples of screen lockers are XinFrams, BlackKnight2020 and SSHBOT. As a rule, malware of this type lock the screen and displays a ransom note with instructions on how to contact its developers, pay a ransom and/or some other information. Most of the times screen lockers do not encrypt user's files - they are classified as non-encrypting malware. Although, some of them do encrypt files (and lock the screen).
How did ransomware install on my computer?
Most victims infect computers via malspam, untrustworthy file, software download channels, Trojans, unofficial software activation ('cracking') or updating tools. Malspam emails contain some malicious attachment or link, and usually disguised as official, important. The main purpose of such emails is to trick recipients into downloading and opening some malicious PDF, Microsoft Office document, executable file like .exe, JavaScript file or archive file like ZIP, RAR that is designed to install malware. Unofficial websites, third party downloaders, Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., torrent clients, eMule), free file hosting pages, freeware download websites are examples of download sources that can be used to distribute malware via malicious files. Usually it is done by disguising those files are regular, legitimate.
Trojans are malicious programs that can be used to proliferate malware by designing them to cause chain infections. Once certain Trojans are installed on computers, they infect those computers with some other malware (e.g., ransomware). Unofficial software activation ('cracking') tools tend to be designed to install malware too. Mostly because there are popular amongst users who are not willing to pay for activation of licensed software and seek to activate it with unofficial tools. Fake software updating tools infect systems by installing malware instead of updating some installed software or by exploiting bugs, flaws of some outdated software that is installed on user's computer.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Files, programs should be download from official sites and via direct links. Tools, sources like unofficial pages, P2P networks, third party downloaders (and installers), should not be used. Website links and attachments in irrelevant emails that are sent from unknown, suspicious addresses should not be opened as well. Emails of this kind tend to be used to trick recipients into downloading (and opening) malicious files. Any installed software has to be activated (and/or updated) with tools or implemented functions that are provided by its official developers. Third party, unofficial tools can and often do install malware, also, it is not legal to activate licensed software (including operating systems) with unofficial tools. A computer should be scanned for threats regularly, it is advisable to use a reputable (and up-to-date) antivirus or anti-spyware software for that and keep it up to date. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Malwarebytes for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Ransom note text:
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATIONYOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN LOCKED
After scanning your files ind ip address, we detected the following violations:
1.Sending spam messages containing terrorist motives
2.Propagation of fascism
3.Downloading child pornography
4.Selling drugsYou will have pay a fine of $150 in BitCoin in return for unlocking the computer
Send $150 to this bitcoin address: 12t9YDPgwueZ9NyMgw519p7AA8isjr6SMw
Once you have paid, email us at fbilock@protonmail.com and give us your ID.
We will give you unlock key to unlock your computer.Your ID: -
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Malwarebytes is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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Quick menu:
- What is FBI screenlocker?
- STEP 1. FBI screenlocker removal using safe mode with networking.
- STEP 2. FBI screenlocker removal using System Restore.
FBI screenlocker virus removal:
Step 1
Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer starting process press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 8 users: Go to the Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click on Advanced Startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window select Advanced Startup. Click on the "Restart now" button. Your computer will now restart into "Advanced Startup options menu". Click on the "Troubleshoot" button, then click on "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen click on "Startup settings". Click on the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press "5" to boot in Safe Mode with Networking Prompt.
Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 10 users: Click the Windows logo and select the Power icon. In the opened menu click "Restart" while holding "Shift" button on your keyboard. In the "choose an option" window click on the "Troubleshoot", next select "Advanced options". In the advanced options menu select "Startup Settings" and click on the "Restart" button. In the following window you should click the "F5" button on your keyboard. This will restart your operating system in safe mode with networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Step 2
Log in to the account infected with the "XinFrams" virus. Start your Internet browser and download a legitimate anti-spyware program. Update the anti-spyware software and start a full system scan. Remove all entries detected.
If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking, try performing a System Restore.
Video showing how to remove viruses using "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" and "System Restore":
1. During your computer starting process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears, and then select Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list and press ENTER.
2. When Command Prompt Mode loads, enter the following line: cd restore and press ENTER.
3. Next, type this line: rstrui.exe and press ENTER.
4. In the opened window, click "Next".
5. Select one of the available Restore Points and click "Next" (this will restore your computer system to an earlier time and date, prior to the "XinFrams" virus infiltrating your PC).
6. In the opened window, click "Yes".
7. After restoring your computer to a previous date, download and scan your PC with recommended malware removal software to eliminate any remnants of the "XinFrams" virus.
If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking (or with Command Prompt), boot your computer using a rescue disk. Some viruses disable Safe Mode making it's removal complicated. For this step, you require access to another computer. After removing "XinFrams" virus from your PC, restart your computer and scan it with legitimate anti-spyware software to remove any possible remnants of this security infection.
Other tools known to remove this scam:
Outstanding!
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