{
	"id": "85fb9aea-ec17-4568-a664-23a0d8d8eee9",
	"created_at": "2026-04-06T00:15:52.316693Z",
	"updated_at": "2026-04-10T03:20:17.134929Z",
	"deleted_at": null,
	"sha1_hash": "2ab4899b839c810cbb0a91bcdbe372c08359e589",
	"title": "FORCE Ransomware",
	"llm_title": "",
	"authors": "",
	"file_creation_date": "0001-01-01T00:00:00Z",
	"file_modification_date": "0001-01-01T00:00:00Z",
	"file_size": 4688752,
	"plain_text": "FORCE Ransomware\r\nBy Tomas Meskauskas\r\nPublished: 2024-04-09 · Archived: 2026-04-05 20:10:16 UTC\r\nWhat kind of malware is FORCE?\r\nOur researchers discovered the FORCE ransomware-type program during a routine review of new submissions to\r\nVirusTotal. It is part of the Phobos ransomware family.\r\nOn our test system, FORCE encrypted files and demanded payment for the decryption. The filenames of locked\r\nfiles were appended with a unique ID assigned to the victim, the cyber criminals' email address, and a \".FORCE\"\r\nextension. For example, a file named \"1.jpg\" appeared as \"1.jpg.id[9ECFA84E-3545].\r\n[data199@mailum.com].FORCE\".\r\nAfter the encryption process was completed, identical ransom notes were created – a pop-up (\"info.hta\") and a\r\ntext file (\"info.txt\"). These messages were dropped onto the desktop and into all encrypted directories.\r\nScreenshot of files encrypted by FORCE ransomware:\r\nRansom note overview\r\nFORCE's ransom notes state that the victim's files were encrypted and vulnerable data was stolen. Decryption will\r\nrequire paying a ransom in Bitcoin cryptocurrency. If the victim does not meet these demands – the exfiltrated\r\ninformation will be sold. Prior to paying, the victim can test decryption for free (within certain limitations).\r\nhttps://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nPage 1 of 31\n\nThese messages warn against modifying the compromised files or using third-party recovery tools, as that may\r\nrender the data undecryptable. Additionally, the victim is alerted that seeking aid from third-parties will increase\r\ntheir financial loss.\r\nFORCE ransomware overview\r\nThis malicious program belongs to the Phobos ransomware family. Malware from this group does not render\r\ninfected machines inoperable since they do not encrypt critical system files. These programs lock both local and\r\nnetwork-shared files. They also end processes associated with open files (e.g., database programs, text file readers,\r\netc.), thus ensuring no encryption exemptions due to files being considered \"in use\".\r\nPhobos programs follow an exclusion list that includes popular ransomware so as to avoid double encryption (i.e.,\r\nfiles locked by listed software remain unaffected). One recovery option is eliminated by Phobos deleting the\r\nVolume Shadow Copies.\r\nThis malware ensures persistence by copying itself to the %LOCALAPPDATA% path and registering with\r\nspecific Run keys, as well as automatically starting upon each system reboot. The victim's geolocation data might\r\ndetermine whether this ransomware goes through with an attack. To elaborate, devices located in economically\r\nweak regions or ones in geopolitically-aligned countries could be excluded.\r\nBased on our considerable experience researching ransomware infections, we can conclude that decryption is\r\nusually impossible without the cyber criminals' interference.\r\nFurthermore, despite meeting the ransom demands – victims often do not receive the promised decryption\r\nkeys/software. Therefore, we strongly advise against it since data recovery is not guaranteed, and paying also\r\nsupports this illegal activity.\r\nWhile removing ransomware from the operating system will prevent it from encrypting more data – removal will\r\nnot restore already compromised files. The only solution is to recover them from a backup (if one is available).\r\nThe general advice for ensuring data safety is to keep backups in multiple different locations, such as remote\r\nservers, unplugged storage devices, and others.\r\nRansomware examples\r\nWe have analyzed thousands of ransomware-type programs; Vook, Looy, Nacugunder, Kool, and Payuransom are\r\nmerely some examples. While the mode of operation for this malware is practically identical, there are two\r\nsignificant differences. Ransomware can use different cryptographic algorithms (symmetric or asymmetric) to\r\nencrypt data.\r\nRansoms can also vary drastically. The sums can range from three to eight digits in USD, depending on the\r\nintended victims – home users vs. companies, organizations, institutions, or other large entities. Cyber criminals\r\noften demand that the ransoms be paid using difficult-to-trace methods (primarily cryptocurrencies), as that\r\ndecreases the chances of prosecution and victims retrieving their funds.\r\nHow did ransomware infect my computer?\r\nhttps://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nPage 2 of 31\n\nPrograms from the Phobos family typically infiltrate systems via vulnerable RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol)\r\nservices. These infections commonly involve brute-force and dictionary attacks. It is noteworthy that systems with\r\npoor credential management are susceptible to these attacks. Phobos programs can also disable firewalls.\r\nHowever, FORCE could infiltrate devices using other techniques, and the same is true of the methods used to\r\ndistribute this software.\r\nGenerally, cyber criminals use phishing and social engineering tactics to proliferate malware. Malicious software\r\nis usually disguised as or bundled with ordinary programs/media. These files can be archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.),\r\nexecutables (.exe, .run, etc.), documents (Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, PDF, etc.), JavaScript, and so\r\nforth.\r\nThe most widely utilized distribution techniques include: malicious attachments/links in spam (e.g., emails,\r\nPMs/DMs, social media/ forum posts, etc.), online scams, drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, malvertising,\r\ndubious download channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.),\r\nillegal software activation (\"cracking\") tools, and fake updates.\r\nWhat is more, some malicious programs can self-proliferate via local networks and removable storage devices\r\n(e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).\r\nThreat Summary:\r\nName FORCE virus\r\nThreat Type Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files locker\r\nEncrypted\r\nFiles\r\nExtension\r\n.FORCE (files are also appended with a unique ID and the cyber criminals' email)\r\nRansom\r\nDemanding\r\nMessage\r\ninfo.hta, info.txt\r\nFree\r\nDecryptor\r\nAvailable?\r\nNo\r\nCyber\r\nCriminal\r\nContact\r\nTox chat, data199@mailum.com\r\nDetection\r\nNames\r\nAvast (Win32:Phobos-D [Ransom]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.Ransom.PHU), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Filecoder.Phobos.C), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Phobos.vho), Microsoft (Ransom:Win32/Phobos.PM), Full List Of\r\nDetections (VirusTotal)\r\nhttps://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nPage 3 of 31\n\nSymptoms\r\nCannot open files stored on your computer, previously functional files now have a\r\ndifferent extension (for example, my.docx.locked). A ransom demand message is\r\ndisplayed on your desktop. Cyber criminals demand payment of a ransom (usually in\r\nbitcoins) to unlock your files.\r\nDistribution\r\nmethods\r\nInfected email attachments (macros), torrent websites, malicious ads.\r\nDamage\r\nAll files are encrypted and cannot be opened without paying a ransom. Additional\r\npassword-stealing trojans and malware infections can be installed together with a\r\nransomware infection.\r\nMalware\r\nRemoval\r\n(Windows)\r\nTo eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus\r\nsoftware. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.\r\n Download Combo Cleaner\r\nTo use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days\r\nfree trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company\r\nof PCRisk.com.\r\nHow to protect yourself from ransomware infections?\r\nWe highly recommend being careful while browsing, as fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears\r\nlegitimate and harmless. Caution must be extended to incoming emails and other messages. Attachments or links\r\npresent in suspicious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be virulent.\r\nFurthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. Another recommendation is to\r\nactivate and update software using genuine functions/tools, as those obtained from third-parties can contain\r\nmalware.\r\nWe strongly advise having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept updated. Security programs must be used to\r\nrun regular system scans and to remove detected threats/issues. If your computer is already infected with FORCE,\r\nwe recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this\r\nransomware.\r\nScreenshot of FORCE ransomware's pop-up window (\"info.hta\"):\r\nhttps://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nPage 4 of 31\n\nScreenshot of FORCE's text file (\"info.txt\"):\r\nhttps://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nPage 5 of 31\n\nText presented in the pop-up and text file:\r\nYour files are encrypted.\r\nYour data has been compromised, important data has been stolen for the next sale in case of non-payment. But you have the opportunity to return everything.\r\nWrite to e-mail: data199@mailum.com\r\nWrite this ID in the title of your message -\r\nOr write us to the TOX messenger:\r\nF9B62A229F748C0211804208C4229133B1D395CC746C3ACBF80255D2E4484F03306DA0FE3ACB\r\nYou can download TOX messenger here hxxps://tox.chat/\r\nPayment for decryption is accepted only in Bitcoin. After payment, I will provide you with the key and\r\ncomplete decryption instructions.\r\nFree decryption as guarantee\r\nDecryption guarantee: you can send to me any 2 files with SIMPLE extensions(jpg,txt,doc, not\r\ndatabases!) and low sizes(max 1 mb), i will decrypt them and send back to you. This is my guarantee.\r\nI don't want to deceive you, I want to earn money. You pay me and continue your work. My honest\r\nname is more important than a one-time deception.\r\nhttps://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nPage 6 of 31\n\nHow to obtain Bitcoins\r\nContact me and I will give you instructions on how to purchase bitcoins.\r\nAttention!\r\nDo not rename encrypted files.\r\nDo not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.\r\nDecryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to\r\nour) or you can become a victim of a scam.\r\nThe intermediary can also convince you that they can restore your data themselves without contacting\r\nus, this is not true, any recovery takes place only with my key.\r\nVideo showing how to remove FORCE ransomware using Combo Cleaner:\r\nEtt fel inträffade.\r\nDet går inte att köra JavaScript.\r\nFORCE ransomware removal:\r\nInstant automatic malware removal:\r\nManual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo\r\nCleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it\r\nby clicking the button below:\r\n DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner\r\nBy downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use\r\nfull-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo\r\nCleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.\r\nVideo suggesting what steps should be taken in case of a ransomware infection:\r\nhttps://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nPage 7 of 31\n\nEtt fel inträffade.\r\nDet går inte att köra JavaScript.\r\nQuick menu:\r\nWhat is FORCE virus?\r\nSTEP 1. Reporting ransomware to authorities.\r\nSTEP 2. Isolating the infected device.\r\nSTEP 3. Identifying the ransomware infection.\r\nSTEP 4. Searching for ransomware decryption tools.\r\nSTEP 5. Restoring files with data recovery tools.\r\nSTEP 6. Creating data backups.\r\nReporting ransomware to authorities:\r\nIf you are a victim of a ransomware attack we recommend reporting this incident to authorities. By providing\r\ninformation to law enforcement agencies you will help track cybercrime and potentially assist in the prosecution\r\nof the attackers. Here's a list of authorities where you should report a ransomware attack. For the complete list of\r\nlocal cybersecurity centers and information on why you should report ransomware attacks, read this article.\r\nList of local authorities where ransomware attacks should be reported (choose one depending on your residence\r\naddress):\r\nIsolating the infected device:\r\nSome ransomware-type infections are designed to encrypt files within external storage devices, infect them, and\r\neven spread throughout the entire local network. For this reason, it is very important to isolate the infected device\r\n(computer) as soon as possible.\r\nStep 1: Disconnect from the internet.\r\nThe easiest way to disconnect a computer from the internet is to unplug the Ethernet cable from the motherboard,\r\nhowever, some devices are connected via a wireless network and for some users (especially those who are not\r\nparticularly tech-savvy), disconnecting cables may seem troublesome. Therefore, you can also disconnect the\r\nsystem manually via Control Panel:\r\nNavigate to the \"Control Panel\", click the search bar in the upper-right corner of the screen, enter \"Network and\r\nSharing Center\" and select search result:\r\nhttps://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nPage 8 of 31\n\nClick the \"Change adapter settings\" option in the upper-left corner of the window:\r\nRight-click on each connection point and select \"Disable\". Once disabled, the system will no longer be connected\r\nto the internet. To re-enable the connection points, simply right-click again and select \"Enable\".\r\nhttps://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nPage 9 of 31\n\nStep 2: Unplug all storage devices.\r\nAs mentioned above, ransomware might encrypt data and infiltrate all storage devices that are connected to the\r\ncomputer. For this reason, all external storage devices (flash drives, portable hard drives, etc.) should be\r\ndisconnected immediately, however, we strongly advise you to eject each device before disconnecting to prevent\r\ndata corruption:\r\nhttps://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nPage 10 of 31\n\nNavigate to \"My Computer\", right-click on each connected device, and select \"Eject\":\r\nStep 3: Log-out of cloud storage accounts.\r\nSome ransomware-type might be able to hijack software that handles data stored within \"the Cloud\". Therefore,\r\nthe data could be corrupted/encrypted. For this reason, you should log-out of all cloud storage accounts within\r\nbrowsers and other related software. You should also consider temporarily uninstalling the cloud-management\r\nsoftware until the infection is completely removed.\r\nIdentify the ransomware infection:\r\nTo properly handle an infection, one must first identify it. Some ransomware infections use ransom-demand\r\nmessages as an introduction (see the WALDO ransomware text file below).\r\nhttps://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nPage 11 of 31\n\nThis, however, is rare. In most cases, ransomware infections deliver more direct messages simply stating that data\r\nis encrypted and that victims must pay some sort of ransom. Note that ransomware-type infections typically\r\ngenerate messages with different file names (for example, \"_readme.txt\", \"READ-ME.txt\",\r\n\"DECRYPTION_INSTRUCTIONS.txt\", \"DECRYPT_FILES.html\", etc.). Therefore, using the name of a\r\nransom message may seem like a good way to identify the infection. The problem is that most of these names are\r\ngeneric and some infections use the same names, even though the delivered messages are different and the\r\ninfections themselves are unrelated. Therefore, using the message filename alone can be ineffective and even lead\r\nto permanent data loss (for example, by attempting to decrypt data using tools designed for different ransomware\r\ninfections, users are likely to end up permanently damaging files and decryption will no longer be possible even\r\nwith the correct tool).\r\nAnother way to identify a ransomware infection is to check the file extension, which is appended to each\r\nencrypted file. Ransomware infections are often named by the extensions they append (see files encrypted by\r\nQewe ransomware below).\r\nhttps://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nPage 12 of 31\n\nThis method is only effective, however, when the appended extension is unique - many ransomware infections\r\nappend a generic extension (for example, \".encrypted\", \".enc\", \".crypted\", \".locked\", etc.). In these cases,\r\nidentifying ransomware by its appended extension becomes impossible.\r\nOne of the easiest and quickest ways to identify a ransomware infection is to use the ID Ransomware website.\r\nThis service supports most existing ransomware infections. Victims simply upload a ransom message and/or one\r\nencrypted file (we advise you to upload both if possible).\r\nhttps://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nPage 13 of 31\n\nThe ransomware will be identified within seconds and you will be provided with various details, such as the name\r\nof the malware family to which the infection belongs, whether it is decryptable, and so on.\r\nExample 1 (Qewe [Stop/Djvu] ransomware):\r\nhttps://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nPage 14 of 31\n\nExample 2 (.iso [Phobos] ransomware):\r\nhttps://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nPage 15 of 31\n\nIf your data happens to be encrypted by ransomware that is not supported by ID Ransomware, you can always try\r\nsearching the internet by using certain keywords (for example, a ransom message title, file extension, provided\r\ncontact emails, crypto wallet addresses, etc.).\r\nSearch for ransomware decryption tools:\r\nEncryption algorithms used by most ransomware-type infections are extremely sophisticated and, if the encryption\r\nis performed properly, only the developer is capable of restoring data. This is because decryption requires a\r\nspecific key, which is generated during the encryption. Restoring data without the key is impossible. In most\r\ncases, cybercriminals store keys on a remote server, rather than using the infected machine as a host. Dharma\r\n(CrySis), Phobos, and other families of high-end ransomware infections are virtually flawless, and thus restoring\r\ndata encrypted without the developers' involvement is simply impossible. Despite this, there are dozens of\r\nransomware-type infections that are poorly developed and contain a number of flaws (for example, the use of\r\nidentical encryption/decryption keys for each victim, keys stored locally, etc.). Therefore, always check for\r\navailable decryption tools for any ransomware that infiltrates your computer.\r\nFinding the correct decryption tool on the internet can be very frustrating. For this reason, we recommend that you\r\nuse the No More Ransom Project and this is where identifying the ransomware infection is useful. The No More\r\nRansom Project website contains a \"Decryption Tools\" section with a search bar. Enter the name of the identified\r\nransomware, and all available decryptors (if there are any) will be listed.\r\nhttps://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nPage 16 of 31\n\nRestore files with data recovery tools:\r\nDepending on the situation (quality of ransomware infection, type of encryption algorithm used, etc.), restoring\r\ndata with certain third-party tools might be possible. Therefore, we advise you to use the Recuva tool developed\r\nby CCleaner. This tool supports over a thousand data types (graphics, video, audio, documents, etc.) and it is very\r\nintuitive (little knowledge is necessary to recover data). In addition, the recovery feature is completely free.\r\nStep 1: Perform a scan.\r\nRun the Recuva application and follow the wizard. You will be prompted with several windows allowing you to\r\nchoose what file types to look for, which locations should be scanned, etc. All you need to do is select the options\r\nyou're looking for and start the scan. We advise you to enable the \"Deep Scan\" before starting, otherwise, the\r\napplication's scanning capabilities will be restricted.\r\nhttps://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nPage 17 of 31\n\nWait for Recuva to complete the scan. The scanning duration depends on the volume of files (both in quantity and\r\nsize) that you are scanning (for example, several hundred gigabytes could take over an hour to scan). Therefore,\r\nbe patient during the scanning process. We also advise against modifying or deleting existing files, since this\r\nmight interfere with the scan. If you add additional data (for example, downloading files/content) while scanning,\r\nthis will prolong the process:\r\nhttps://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nPage 18 of 31\n\nStep 2: Recover data.\r\nOnce the process is complete, select the folders/files you wish to restore and simply click \"Recover\". Note that\r\nsome free space on your storage drive is necessary to restore data:\r\nhttps://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nPage 19 of 31\n\nCreate data backups:\r\nProper file management and creating backups is essential for data security. Therefore, always be very careful and\r\nthink ahead.\r\nPartition management: We recommend that you store your data in multiple partitions and avoid storing\r\nimportant files within the partition that contains the entire operating system. If you fall into a situation whereby\r\nyou cannot boot the system and are forced to format the disk on which the operating system is installed (in most\r\ncases, this is where malware infections hide), you will lose all data stored within that drive. This is the advantage\r\nof having multiple partitions: if you have the entire storage device assigned to a single partition, you will be\r\nforced to delete everything, however, creating multiple partitions and allocating the data properly allows you to\r\nprevent such problems. You can easily format a single partition without affecting the others - therefore, one will be\r\ncleaned and the others will remain untouched, and your data will be saved. Managing partitions is quite simple\r\nand you can find all the necessary information on Microsoft's documentation web page.\r\nData backups: One of the most reliable backup methods is to use an external storage device and keep it\r\nunplugged. Copy your data to an external hard drive, flash (thumb) drive, SSD, HDD, or any other storage device,\r\nunplug it and store it in a dry place away from the sun and extreme temperatures. This method is, however, quite\r\ninefficient, since data backups and updates need to be made regularly. You can also use a cloud service or remote\r\nserver. Here, an internet connection is required and there is always the chance of a security breach, although it's a\r\nreally rare occasion.\r\nWe recommend using Microsoft OneDrive for backing up your files. OneDrive lets you store your personal files\r\nand data in the cloud, sync files across computers and mobile devices, allowing you to access and edit your files\r\nfrom all of your Windows devices. OneDrive lets you save, share and preview files, access download history,\r\nmove, delete, and rename files, as well as create new folders, and much more.\r\nYou can back up your most important folders and files on your PC (your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures\r\nfolders). Some of OneDrive’s more notable features include file versioning, which keeps older versions of files for\r\nup to 30 days. OneDrive features a recycling bin in which all of your deleted files are stored for a limited time.\r\nDeleted files are not counted as part of the user’s allocation.\r\nThe service is built using HTML5 technologies and allows you to upload files up to 300 MB via drag and drop\r\ninto the web browser or up to 10 GB via the OneDrive desktop application. With OneDrive, you can download\r\nentire folders as a single ZIP file with up to 10,000 files, although it can’t exceed 15 GB per single download.\r\nOneDrive comes with 5 GB of free storage out of the box, with an additional 100 GB, 1 TB, and 6 TB storage\r\noptions available for a subscription-based fee. You can get one of these storage plans by either purchasing\r\nadditional storage separately or with Office 365 subscription.\r\nCreating a data backup:\r\nThe backup process is the same for all file types and folders. Here’s how you can back up your files using\r\nMicrosoft OneDrive\r\nStep 1: Choose the files/folders you want to backup.\r\nhttps://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nPage 20 of 31\n\nClick the OneDrive cloud icon to open the OneDrive menu. While in this menu, you can customize your file\r\nbackup settings.\r\nhttps://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nPage 21 of 31\n\nhttps://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nPage 22 of 31\n\nClick Help \u0026 Settings and then select Settings from the drop-down menu.\r\nhttps://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nPage 23 of 31\n\nGo to the Backup tab and click Manage backup.\r\nhttps://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nPage 24 of 31\n\nIn this menu, you can choose to backup the Desktop and all of the files on it, and Documents and Pictures\r\nfolders, again, with all of the files in them. Click Start backup.\r\nNow, when you add a file or folder in the Desktop and Documents and Pictures folders, they will be automatically\r\nbacked up on OneDrive.\r\nTo add folders and files, not in the locations shown above, you have to add them manually.\r\nhttps://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nPage 25 of 31\n\nOpen File Explorer and navigate to the location of the folder/file you want to backup. Select the item, right-click it, and click Copy.\r\nThen, navigate to OneDrive, right-click anywhere in the window and click Paste. Alternatively, you can just\r\ndrag and drop a file into OneDrive. OneDrive will automatically create a backup of the folder/file.\r\nhttps://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nPage 26 of 31\n\nAll of the files added to the OneDrive folder are backed up in the cloud automatically. The green circle with the\r\ncheckmark in it indicates that the file is available both locally and on OneDrive and that the file version is the\r\nsame on both. The blue cloud icon indicates that the file has not been synced and is available only on OneDrive.\r\nThe sync icon indicates that the file is currently syncing.\r\nhttps://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nPage 27 of 31\n\nhttps://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nPage 28 of 31\n\nTo access files only located on OneDrive online, go to the Help \u0026 Settings drop-down menu and select View\r\nonline.\r\nStep 2: Restore corrupted files.\r\nOneDrive makes sure that the files stay in sync, so the version of the file on the computer is the same version on\r\nthe cloud. However, if ransomware has encrypted your files, you can take advantage of OneDrive’s Version\r\nhistory feature that will allow you to restore the file versions prior to encryption.\r\nhttps://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nPage 29 of 31\n\nMicrosoft 365 has a ransomware detection feature that notifies you when your OneDrive files have been attacked\r\nand guide you through the process of restoring your files. It must be noted, however, that if you don’t have a paid\r\nMicrosoft 365 subscription, you only get one detection and file recovery for free.\r\nIf your OneDrive files get deleted, corrupted, or infected by malware, you can restore your entire OneDrive to a\r\nprevious state. Here’s how you can restore your entire OneDrive:\r\n1. If you're signed in with a personal account, click the Settings cog at the top of the page. Then, click Options\r\nand select Restore your OneDrive.\r\nIf you're signed in with a work or school account,  click the Settings cog at the top of the page. Then, click\r\nRestore your OneDrive.\r\n2. On the Restore your OneDrive page, select a date from the drop-down list. Note that if you're restoring your\r\nfiles after automatic ransomware detection, a restore date will be selected for you.\r\n3. After configuring all of the file restoration options, click Restore to undo all the activities you selected.\r\nThe best way to avoid damage from ransomware infections is to maintain regular up-to-date backups.\r\nFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)\r\nHow was my computer hacked and how did hackers encrypt my files?\r\nFORCE is part of the Phobos ransomware family. These programs often infiltrate systems via vulnerable RDP\r\nservices and rely on brute-force and dictionary attacks. Other infiltration/proliferation techniques are possible.\r\nhttps://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nPage 30 of 31\n\nMalware is most commonly spread via drive-by downloads, untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and\r\nthird-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), illegal program activation tools (\"cracks\"), fake updaters,\r\nspam mail, online scams, and malvertising.\r\nHow to open \".FORCE\" files?\r\nEncrypted files cannot be opened/used unless they are decrypted.\r\nWhere should I look for free decryption tools for FORCE ransomware?\r\nIf you have experienced a ransomware infection, we recommend checking out the No More Ransom project\r\nwebsite (more information above).\r\nI can pay you a lot of money, can you decrypt files for me?\r\nWe do not provide decryption services. In fact, aside from cases involving deeply flawed ransomware, decryption\r\nis usually impossible without the attackers' interference. Hence, third-parties offering paid decryption are often\r\nscams or aim to act as middlemen between victims and criminals.\r\nWill Combo Cleaner help me remove FORCE ransomware?\r\nYes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate active ransomware infections. It must be mentioned that\r\nwhile using an anti-virus program is the first step in ransomware recovery – security software is incapable of\r\ndecrypting files.\r\nSource: https://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nhttps://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware\r\nPage 31 of 31",
	"extraction_quality": 1,
	"language": "EN",
	"sources": [
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	"references": [
		"https://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/29391-force-ransomware"
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	"report_names": [
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