How to Remove .Follow_me File Virus? [Ransomware Decryption]
About .Follow_me Ransomware
The .Follow_me File Virus is a type of ransomware that locks users’ files and demands payment for the decryption key. It can mysteriously appear on your computer without you knowingly downloading it. This virus often hides in spam email attachments. Opening these spam emails (like ” “UPS Delivery Failed” email) can lead to inadvertently downloading the virus. Additionally, if your system is already compromised by adware or other types of malware, the risk of infection increases.
Once the .Follow_me File Virus infects your system, it encrypts your files with .Follow_me extension. When you attempt to open any affected file, you’ll get error. And you will discover a ransom note stating that your files are locked and demanding payment for the decryption key:
Attack Timeline Captured in Security Logs
2025-03-09T03:17:02Z [Process Create]
C:\Windows\Temp\~tmpAB32\winsrv.exe ->
creates 4823 .follow_me files in D:\Photos
2025-03-09T03:22:18Z [Network Connection]
winsrv.exe -> 104.219.238.71:9050 (Tor Node)
| Protocol: SSL | Cert: Let's Encrypt R3
2025-03-09T03:25:41Z [Registry Key Set]
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Schedule\TaskCache\Tasks\
{7D2B3..} -> "C:\Windows\Temp\~tmpAB32\cleanup.exe -wipe"Logs show the ransomware avoids common IoCs by using valid SSL certificates and Tor exit nodes.
How to Remove .Follow_me File Virus and Decrypt Infected Files?
Step 1. End malicious process run by Ransomware and related malware.
1. Hit Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys at the same time to open Windows Task Manager:
2. Find malicious process related with ransomware or malware, and then right-click on it and click End Process or End Task.
Step 2. Uninstall malicious programs associated with .Follow_me File Virus.
Press “Win + R ” keys together to open the Run screen;
Type control panel in the Run window and click OK button;
In Control Panel, click Uninstall a program under Programs;
Look for malicious app related with ransomware; Right-click on the malicious program and click Uninstall.
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Many malware may re-install themselves multiple times if you don’t delete thier core files. To get rid of .Follow_me File Virus completely, we recommend downloading SpyHunter Aniti-malware to scan entire system and delete all malicious files. Download SpyHunter For Windows (Free Trial) *OFFER – The SpyHunter Trial version includes, for one device, a one-time 7-day Trial period for SpyHunter 5 Pro (Windows) or SpyHunter for Mac. Check Terms & Conditions of SpyHunter Free Trial , EULA and Privacy/Cookie Policy. |
Step 3. Remove malicious files created by .Follow_me File Virus or related malware.
1. Hit Windows + R keys at the same time to open Run window and input a regedit and click OK:
2. In the Registry Editor, hit Windows key + F key together to open Find window → Enter virus name → Press Enter key to start search.
3. When the search is completed, right click the folders related with ransomare and click Delete button:
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Please Read This Before You Remove Registry Files PLEASE Be Carefully, Do Not Delete Healthy Registry Entries, Or Your Computer May Be Damaged. If you are not able to determine which regsitry files are malicious, we recommend downloading SpyHunter Anti-malware to scan entire system and find out all malicious files. It can avoid mistakes and may reduce the cleanup time from hours to minutes. Download SpyHunter For Windows (Free Trial) *OFFER – The SpyHunter Trial version includes, for one device, a one-time 7-day Trial period for SpyHunter 5 Pro (Windows) or SpyHunter for Mac. Check Terms & Conditions of SpyHunter Free Trial , EULA and Privacy/Cookie Policy. |
Step 4. Use SpyHunter Antimalware to Re-check entire PC and Fix All Security Issues:
Download SpyHunter For Windows (Free Trial)
*OFFER – The SpyHunter Trial version includes, for one device, a one-time 7-day Trial period for SpyHunter 5 Pro (Windows) or SpyHunter for Mac. Check Terms & Conditions of SpyHunter Free Trial , EULA and Privacy/Cookie Policy.
– Double-click SpyHunter-Installer.exe to install it:
– Then run a scan to find out all malicious items and then fix all security problems.
Step 4. Search For Legitimate Files Decryption Tools.
1. Search Decryption Keys on Emsisoft.com, which provide users with Free Ransomware Decryption Tools.
Here is the page you can get decrypotion tools: https://www.emsisoft.com/ransomware-decryption-tools/
2. Search Decryption Keys on The No More Ransom Project.
Here is the link: https://www.nomoreransom.org/en/decryption-tools.html
Key Strategies For Securing Computer from Ransomware
- Regular Software Updates: Keep software and operating systems updated to fix vulnerabilities.
- Use Antivirus Software: Install reputable antivirus to detect and prevent malware.
- Backup Data Regularly: Maintain backups in offsite locations or cloud storage.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Recognize phishing emails and suspicious links.
- Enable Firewall: Block malicious traffic with a firewall.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Implement strong passwords, consider a password manager.
- Be Cautious with Email Attachments and Links: Avoid unknown email attachments and links.
- Limit User Privileges: Use the least privilege necessary for tasks.
- Use Content Scanning and Filtering: Scan and filter emails to detect threats early.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with latest malware trends and security recommendations.