Forgive Ransomware

What is Forgive Ransomware?

Forgive is a dangerous ransomware variant that encrypts personal files and demands a $500 ransom in Ethereum for their decryption. First spotted on the VirusTotal database, Forgive ransomware is a file-locking malware threat that appends the .forgive extension to all encrypted files. For instance, a file originally named photo.jpg would appear as photo.jpg.forgive after infection. Upon encryption, the ransomware displays a pop-up window demanding the ransom and threatening victims not to uninstall the decryption application or remove the malware using antivirus software.

Forgive ransomware’s ransom note indicates that the malware is spread via a malicious executable called forgiveme.exeand relies on a companion decryption tool named F0rgive.D3crypt0r.exe. Victims are instructed to pay $500 in Ethereum to a specified wallet address to receive the decryption code, although there is no guarantee that the criminals will honor their end of the bargain.

Unfortunately, like most ransomware, Forgive does not have a publicly available decryptor, and paying the ransom may only result in financial loss. The only reliable method of recovering affected files is via backup—assuming a backup exists and was not also encrypted.

---

Forgive Ransomware Summary

Threat Detail	Information
Threat Name	Forgive Ransomware
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, File Locker
Encrypted File Extension	.forgive
Ransom Note Format	Pop-up Window
Ransom Amount	$500 in Ethereum
Cryptowallet Address	0x3f4231a5d007884734329f9e67463765beea0405
Associated Files	forgiveme.exe, F0rgive.D3crypt0r.exe
Associated Emails	Not provided
Detection Names	Avast (Win32:MalwareX-gen [Misc]), Combo Cleaner (Generic.Ransom.Hiddentear), ESET-NOD32 (MSIL/Filecoder.AK), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Generic), Microsoft (Ransom:MSIL/Ryzerlo.A)
Symptoms of Infection	Inaccessible files, altered extensions, ransom note popup, $500 ransom demand
Distribution Methods	Phishing emails, torrent sites, cracked software, malicious attachments
Damage	Permanent file encryption, potential password theft, system vulnerability
Danger Level	Critical
Recommended Removal Tool	SpyHunter

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

Conclusion

Forgive ransomware is yet another addition to the growing list of crypto-extortion threats targeting both individuals and businesses. It employs strong encryption to lock data and pressures victims into paying $500 in Ethereum, offering no guarantees of file recovery. The malicious app’s reliance on social engineering tactics and distribution through infected downloads makes it a severe threat. For victims, removing Forgive ransomware using a professional anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the first step toward securing your system. Data recovery should only be attempted using secure, pre-existing backups.