Faust Ransomware: Complete Guide 

Faust ransomware, a variant of the Phobos ransomware family, was discovered by Secneurx analysts. It encrypts all non-system files located on a PC or network using a military-grade cryptographic algorithm. The encrypted files are appended with a unique ID, the cybercriminals’ email address, and a “.faust” extension.

Faust ransomware is a file-encrypting ransomware infection that seeks to lock the victims’ files.

SalvageData experts recommend proactive data security measures, such as regular backups, strong cybersecurity practices, and keeping software up to date, to protect against ransomware attacks. And, in case of a ransomware attack, contact our ransomware recovery experts immediately.

Everything we know about Faust Ransomware

Confirmed Name

• Faust virus

Threat Type

• Ransomware
• Crypto Virus
• Files locker
• Double extortion

Detection Names

• Avast Win32:Phobos-D [Ransom]
• Kaspersky HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Generic
• Microsoft Ransom:Win32/Phobos.PM
• Emsisoft Trojan.Ransom.PHU (B)
• McAfee Ransom-Phobos!E79A0FF95197

Encrypted Files Extension

• .faust

Ransom Demanding Message

• info.hta (pop-up)
• info.txt

Is There a Free Decryptor Available?

No, there’s no public decryptor for Faust ransomware.

Distribution methods

• Compromised or vulnerable RDP connections
• Social engineering
• Malicious hyperlinks
• Vulnerabilities in the operating system and installed programs

Consequences

• Files are encrypted and locked until the ransom payment
• Data leak
• Double extortion

What is in the Faust ransom note

The ransom note for the Faust ransomware is created and displayed in a pop-up window (“info.hta”) and text file (“info.txt”) after the ransomware encrypts all non-system files located on a PC or network. It informs victims that their files have been encrypted and instructs them to send an email to the cybercriminals within 24 hours. The ransom note also warns victims not to attempt to decrypt the files themselves or use third-party software, as it may cause permanent data loss.

If you realize you’re a ransomware victim, contacting SalvageData ransomware removal experts provides you with a secure data recovery service and ransomware removal after an attack.

What are Faust ransomware IOCs

Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) are digital clues that cybersecurity professionals use to identify system compromises and malicious activities within a network or IT environment. When an IOC is detected, security teams evaluate possible threats or validate its authenticity. IOCs also provide evidence of what an attacker had access to if they did infiltrate the network.

They are essentially digital versions of evidence left at a crime scene, and potential IOCs include unusual network traffic, privileged user logins from foreign countries, strange DNS requests, system file changes, and more. The Faust ransomware has some particular IOCs that include:

• File Detection: Ransomware/Win.Phobos.R363595 (2023.08.24.00)
• Behavior Detection: Ransom/MDP.Decoy.M1171; Ransom/MDP.Command.M2255
• Known ransom note file names: info.hta; info.txt
• Known encrypted file extensions: .faust

How does Faust ransomware infect a machine or network?

Faust ransomware spreads using phishing and social engineering tactics, where malicious programs are presented as or bundled with ordinary executables. Once the virulent file is executed, the infection process is initiated, and the ransomware encrypts all data located on the system or network.

Compromised or vulnerable RDP connections

Faust ransomware is known to exploit Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) vulnerabilities to launch ransomware attacks. This is a common practice among cybercriminals, they can infiltrate the connection between the machines and inject the malware or ransomware into the remote system.

Social engineering

The Faust ransomware uses social engineering tactics, such as phishing, to spread and infect systems. Social engineering in the context of ransomware refers to the manipulation techniques that cybercriminals use to exploit human error and deceive individuals or organizations into taking actions that compromise their security.

Malicious hyperlinks

Faust ransomware can be spread through malicious hyperlinks that lead to infected websites or downloads.

Vulnerabilities in the operating system and installed programs

Faust ransomware can exploit vulnerabilities in the operating system and programs to gain access to the system or network. It is essential to keep the operating system and apps up to date, as updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

How to handle a Faust ransomware attack

The first step to recovering from a Faust attack is to isolate the infected computer by disconnecting it from the internet and removing any connected device. Then, you must contact local authorities. In the case of US residents and businesses, it is the FBI and the Internet Crime Complaint Centre (IC3).

To report a ransomware attack you must gather every information you can about it, including:

• Screenshots of the ransom note
• Communications with threat actors (if you have them)
• A sample of an encrypted file

However, if you prefer to contact professionals, then do nothing. Leave every infected machine the way it is and ask for an emergency ransomware removal service. Restarting or shutting down the system may compromise the recovery service. Capturing the RAM of a live system may help get the encryption key, and catching a dropper file, i.e. file executing the malicious payload (a software code or programs that execute unauthorized actions on a target system), might be reverse-engineered and lead to decryption of the data or understanding how it operates.

You must not delete the ransomware, and keep every evidence of the attack. That’s important for digital forensics so experts can trace back to the hacker group and identify them. It is by using the data on your infected system that authorities can investigate the attack and find the responsible. A cyber attack investigation is not different from any other criminal investigation: it needs evidence to find the attackers.

1. Contact your Incident Response provider

A Cyber Incident Response is the process of responding to and managing a cybersecurity incident. An Incident Response Retainer is a service agreement with a cybersecurity provider that allows organizations to get external help with cybersecurity incidents. It provides organizations with a structured form of expertise and support through a security partner, enabling them to respond quickly and effectively during a cyber incident.

An incident response retainer offers peace of mind to organizations, offering expert support before and in the aftermath of a cybersecurity incident. An incident response retainer’s specific nature and structure will vary according to the provider and the organization’s requirements. A good incident response retainer should be robust but flexible, providing proven services to enhance an organization’s long-term security posture.

If you contact your IR service provider, they can take over immediately and guide you through every step in the ransomware recovery. However, if you decide to remove the ransomware yourself and recover the files with your IT team, then you can follow the next steps.

2. Identify the ransomware infection

Identifying which ransomware infected your machine can be done by checking the file extension (some ransomware uses the file extension as their name), using a ransomware ID tool, or it will be on the ransom note. With this information, you can look for a public decryption key. You can also check the ransomware type by its IOCs. 

3. Remove the ransomware and eliminate exploit kits

Before recovering your data, you must guarantee that your device is ransomware-free and that the attackers can’t make a new attack through exploit kits or other vulnerabilities. A ransomware removal service can delete the ransomware, create a forensics document for investigation, eliminate vulnerabilities, and recover your data.

4. Use a backup to restore the data

The importance of backup for data recovery cannot be overstated, especially in the context of various potential risks and threats to data integrity.

Backups are a critical component of a comprehensive data protection strategy. They provide a means to recover from a variety of threats, ensuring the continuity of operations and preserving valuable information. In the face of ransomware attacks, where malicious software encrypts your data and demands payment for its release, having a backup allows you to restore your information without succumbing to the attacker’s demands.

Make sure to regularly test and update your backup procedures to enhance their effectiveness in safeguarding against potential data loss scenarios. There are several ways to make a backup, so you must choose the right backup medium and have at least one copy of your data stored offsite and offline.

5. Contact a ransomware recovery service

If you don’t have a backup or need help removing the ransomware and eliminating vulnerabilities, contact a data recovery service. Paying the ransom does not guarantee your data will be returned to you. The only guaranteed way you can restore every file is if you have a backup. If you don’t, ransomware data recovery services can help you decrypt and recover the files.

SalvageData experts can safely restore your files and prevent Faust ransomware from attacking your network again, contact our recovery experts 24/7.

Prevent the Faust ransomware attack

Preventing ransomware is the best solution for data security. is easier and cheaper than recovering from them. Faust ransomware can cost your business’s future and even close its doors.

These are a few tips to ensure you can avoid ransomware attacks:

• Keep software up to date to prevent vulnerabilities that can be exploited by the ransomware.
• Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access to systems.
• Regularly back up important files and store them in a secure location.
• Be cautious when opening email attachments or clicking on links from unknown sources.
• Use reputable antivirus software and keep it up to date.