Remove FileCoder: In-Depth Guide for Mac Ransomware Protection

FileCoder, also known as Ransomware.MacOS.FileCoder.A or OSX/Filecoder.E, is a dangerous ransomware threat that specifically targets macOS systems. It encrypts user files—documents, images, and videos—and demands a ransom payment (approximately 0.25 BTC) in exchange for the decryption key. The ransomware typically masquerades as a cracked version of legitimate software, making it particularly effective at luring users seeking pirated applications.

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Threat Overview

Attribute	Details
Threat type	Ransomware
Encrypted file extension	Original extensions retained, but files become inaccessible
Ransom note file name(s)	Text file or desktop wallpaper demanding 0.25 BTC
Detection names	Ransomware.MacOS.FileCoder.A, Ransom:MacOS/Filecoder
Symptoms of infection	Inaccessible documents, appearance of ransom note, degraded system performance, changed desktop settings
Damage & distribution	Encrypts important files including cloud and external drives; distributed via cracked apps, malicious attachments, or links
Danger level	High
Removal tool	SpyHunter – download SpyHunter for Mac here

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Threat Analysis & Details

How I Got Infected

FileCoder typically infects macOS devices through cracked or pirated versions of software. Users unknowingly install the ransomware by executing these fake patches or installers. In other cases, it may be delivered via malicious email attachments or deceptive online downloads posing as legitimate software.

What It Does

Once FileCoder is executed, it begins encrypting files stored in user-accessible directories. Although it does not change the file extensions, it renders files inaccessible. It may also change the desktop wallpaper and drop a ransom note instructing users to pay a specific amount of Bitcoin to a wallet address. Some variants of FileCoder act like trojans, installing additional malicious components or attempting to harvest user credentials.

Should You Be Worried?

Yes. FileCoder poses a severe risk to personal and professional data. Even if users choose to pay the ransom, there is no guarantee that the attackers will provide a working decryption key. In some cases, attackers have either disappeared after payment or sent corrupt tools that do not restore the encrypted data. This makes it critical to avoid infection in the first place and to take swift action upon detection.

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Ransom Note (Example)

A typical FileCoder ransom note reads as follows:

“Your files have been encrypted. To decrypt your files, send 0.25 BTC to [Bitcoin address]. Once payment is confirmed, you will receive decryption instructions.”

The actual content may vary slightly depending on the version of the ransomware, but the key demands are consistent across known variants.

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Decryption & Recovery

Currently, there is no public decryption tool that can fully restore files encrypted by FileCoder without paying the ransom. In limited cases, researchers have had some success using plaintext attacks and specialized recovery tools, but these methods require technical expertise and are not guaranteed to work for every victim.

The best course of action is to immediately remove the ransomware using a reliable tool such as SpyHunter and attempt to restore files from a clean backup. Victims should never trust attackers to deliver on their promises, as many have been left without access to their data even after making payments.

Manual Ransomware Removal Guide

Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users:

1. For Windows 10, 11:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
   • Go to the Boot tab.
   • Check Safe boot and select Network.
   • Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.
2. For Windows 7, 8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
2. Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
3. Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes

For Windows Users:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
3. Right-click on the process and select End Task.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unusual processes.
3. Select the process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Malicious Files

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Windows\System32
4. Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and delete suspicious folders.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/LaunchAgents and remove unknown .plist files.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings

For Windows Users:

Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
4. Right-click and select Delete.

For Mac Users:

1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/Preferences and remove malicious .plist files.

Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
2. Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
3. Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.

Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)

• Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.

Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup

• If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.

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Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter

If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter

Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe).
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
3. Once installed, launch SpyHunter.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click on Start Scan Now.
2. SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.

Step 4: Remove Detected Threats

1. After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.

Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)

If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.

Step 6: Restore Your Files

If your files are encrypted:

• Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
• Restore from cloud storage or external backups.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
• Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
• Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
• Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
• Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.

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Conclusion

FileCoder is a serious ransomware threat targeting macOS users, especially those attempting to install pirated software. It encrypts vital files and demands a Bitcoin ransom, often without delivering the promised decryption key. Immediate removal using tools like SpyHunter is crucial to prevent further damage. Users should rely on clean backups and adopt proactive cybersecurity measures to avoid similar threats in the future.