Forma (.locked) ransomware virus - removal and decryption options
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Forma?
Discovered by GrujaRS, Forma is a high-risk computer infection that is classified as ransomware. Forma's developers use it to affect computers by encrypting data, thus making files unusable. Files are encrypted using SHA-2 (SHA-256) cryptography and victims cannot use their files unless a ransom is paid.
Every encrypted file is renamed by addition of the ".locked" extension. For example, "1.jpg" is renamed to "1.jpg.locked". This ransomware also opens a full-screen pop-up window, changes the desktop wallpaper, and generates a text file (containing a ransom message).
Screenshot of files encrypted by Forma (".locked" extension):
Ransom note overview
Research shows that, although the entire ransom-demand message (wallpaper message, text within the .txt file, and pop-up window) is in Polish, it contains many grammatical errors. This indicates that cyber criminals are not native Polish speakers and have used a type of automatic translator. It is also safe to assume that Forma's developers target users who live in Poland.
The ransom message essentially states that Forma has encrypted all files and only the developers can provide victims with a decryption key. They state that the deadline is 48 hours and if they are not contacted via the provided email address (deszyfrujacy@yandex.com) within this period, decryption keys are automatically deleted.
Furthermore, they urge victims not to turn off the computer or use third party decryption tools, since this might cause permanent data loss. They also promise to provide victims with a decryption key as soon as their demands are met. Note that ransomware developers often use cryptographies that generate unique keys.
They store the keys on remote servers accessible only by them. Even if they make assurances to deliver decryption tools or keys, these people cannot be trusted. Most cyber criminals ignore victims even if all demands are met and ransoms are paid. Unfortunately, there are no tools currently capable of free decryption.
The best way to retrieve files free of charge is to use an existing data backup and restore the locked files from there.
Ransomware in general
Ransomware-type viruses often have similar functionality: they encrypt stored data and display ransom demand messages (within text files, wallpapers, pop-up windows, etc.). The most common variables are cryptography algorithm used to encrypt data and cost of decryption key or tool/ransom size.
Typically, it is impossible to decrypt data without the involvement of ransomware developers, unless the virus is not fully developed or contains bugs/flaws.
To avoid data loss caused by ransomware-type infections, maintain regular backups and store them on unplugged storage devices or remote server (otherwise backups might be encrypted together with other data stored on the computer). Some examples of other similar ransomware-type programs are Doubleoffset, Gerber, and Outsider.
How did ransomware infect my computer?
The method by which cyber criminals proliferate Forma is unknown, however, they often use spam email campaigns, trojans, unsafe software download sources, and unofficial (fake) software updaters.
Spam campaigns are used to proliferate these infections by sending many emails that contain malicious attachments (usually Microsoft Office documents, archive files, executable files, PDF documents, and so on). The main goal is to trick recipients into downloading and opening the attachment and installing malicious software.
Trojans are malicious programs that, once installed, download/install other programs of this type. In this way, they cause chain infections. Unsafe/untrustworthy software download sources such as freeware download/file hosting websites, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, unofficial websites, and other channels are used to proliferate viruses.
In these cases, people download malicious executables (presented as legitimate files) and install malware. Unofficial/fake software updaters are used to download and install computer infections rather than the expected updates. These tools are often capable of exploiting outdated software (and any flaws).
| Name | Forma virus |
| Threat Type | Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files locker |
| Symptoms | Can't open files stored on your computer, previously functional files now have a different extension, for example my.docx.locked. A ransom demanding message is displayed on your desktop. Cyber criminals are asking to pay a ransom (usually in bitcoins) to unlock your files. |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments (macros), torrent websites, malicious ads. |
| Damage | All files are encrypted and cannot be opened without paying a ransom. Additional password stealing trojans and malware infections can be installed together with a ransomware infection. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
How to protect yourself from ransomware infections?
Do not open email attachments (or web links) that are presented in email messages received from suspicious, unknown addresses. If the attachment or link is irrelevant, ignore it and delete the email. Download software using official, trustworthy websites or other sources and direct links.
Do not use third party downloaders such as torrents, eMule, and dubious (unofficial) websites. Use implemented functions or tools provided by official software developers to update software or the operating system. Have reputable anti-spyware or anti-virus software installed and enabled at all times.
These tools can detect and remove computer infections before they can proliferate and do any damage. If your computer is already infected with Forma, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this ransomware.
Screenshot of Forma text file ("ODSZYFRFUJ_PLIKI_TERAZ.txt"):
Text presented in Forma text file:
In Polish (original):
UWAGA !!! WSZYSTKIE TWOJE PLIKI ZOSTALY ZAKODOWANE KLUCZEM SZYFRUJACYM! ODZYSKANIE PLIKOW JEST MOZLIWE TYLKO ZA POMOCA KLUCZA DESZYFRUJACEGO. NIC STRACONEGO, PRZEZ NASTĘPNE 48h POSIADAMY TWÓJ KLUCZ DESZYFRUJĄCY NA NASZYM SERWERZE! SKONTAKTUJ SIE POD ADRES EMAIL : deszyfrujacy@yandex.com ABY ODZYSKAC DOSTEP DO PLIKOW - UWAGA! PO 48h OD ZASZYFROWANIA PLIKÓW TWÓJ KLUCZ DESZYFRUJĄCY ZOSTAJE AUTOMATYCZNIE USUNIĘTY Z NASZEGO SERWERA A ODZYSKANIE PLIKÓW STANIE SIĘ NIE MOŻLIWE. W ŻADNYM WYPADKU NIE ZAMYKAJ KOMPUTERA ANI PROGRAMU DESZYFRUJĄCEGO - MOŻE TO SPOWODOWAĆ UTRUDNIENIE W PRZYWRÓCENIU PLIKÓW. GWARANTUJEMY ODZYSKANIE WSZYSTKICH PLIKOW!
In English (translated using Google Translate):
ATTENTION !!! ALL YOUR FILES WERE CALLED WITH A CHARACTER KEY! RECOVERY OF FILES IS POSSIBLE ONLY WITH THE AID OF A DESZYRUIZING KEY. NOTHING LOST, BY THE NEXT 48h, WE HAVE YOUR KEY THAT IS TRANSFERS ON OUR SERVER! CONTACT EMAIL ADDRESS: deszyfrujacy@yandex.com TO RECOVER ACCESS TO FILES - ATTENTION! AFTER 48 HOURS FROM FILE ERADING, YOUR SATISFACTION KEY IS AUTOMATICALLY DELETED FROM OUR SERVER AND THE RECOVERY OF FILES IS NOT POSSIBLE. IN NO EVENT, DO NOT CLOSE A COMPUTER OR A DESIRACKING PROGRAM - IT MAY CAUSE THE IMPROVEMENT IN THE RETRIEVATION OF FILES. WE GUARANTEE THE RECOVERY OF ALL FILES!
Screenshot of Forma desktop wallpaper:
Text presented in Forma desktop wallpaper and pop-up window:
In Polish (original):
UWAGA !!! WSZYSTKIE TWOJE PLIKI ZOSTALY ZASZYFROWANE i4 WOJSKOWĄ METODĄ SŁUŻB SPECJALNYCH SHA-256!
ODZYSKANIE PLIKOW JEST MOZLIWE TYLKO ZA POMOCA KLUCZA DESZYFRUJACEGO. 8
NIC STRACONEGO, PRZEZ NASTĘPNE 48h POSIADAMY TWÓJ KLUCZ : DESZYFRUJĄCY NA NASZYM SERWERZE!
SKONTAKTUJ SIE POD ADRES EMAIL deszyfrujacy@yandex.comŁATWO I SZYBKO ODZYSKAC DOSTEP DO PLIKOW.
UWAGA! PO 48h OD ZASZYFROWANIA PLIKÓW TWÓJ KLUCZ DESZYFRUJĄCY ZOSTAJE AUTOMATYCZNIE USUNIĘTY Z NASZEGO SERWERA A ODZYSKANIE PLIKÓW STANIE SIĘ NIE MOŻLIWE! W ŻADNYM WYPADKU NIE ZAMYKAJ KOMPUTERA ANI PROGRAMU DESZYFRUJĄCEGO - MOŻE TO SPOWODOWAĆ UTRUDNIENIE W " PRZYWRÓCENIU PLIKÓW.
[ZMINIMALIZUJ ABY WYSŁAĆ WIADOMOŚĆ EMAIL] [JAK ODSZYFROWAĆ MOJE PLIKI?]
In English (translated using Google Translate):
ATTENTION !!! ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENROLLED AND 4 A MILITARY METHOD OF SPECIAL SHA-256 SERVICES!
RECOVERY OF FILES IS POSSIBLE ONLY WITH THE AID OF A DESZYRUIZING KEY. 8
NOTHING LOST, BY THE NEXT 48h, WE HAVE YOUR KEY: DESERVATING ON OUR SERVER!
CONTACT EMAIL ADDRESS deszyfrujacy@yandex.comEASILY AND FAST RECOVERING ACCESS TO FILES.
ATTENTION! AFTER 48 HOURS FROM FILE ERADING, YOUR SATISIBLE KEY IS AUTOMATICALLY REMOVED FROM OUR SERVER AND THE RECOVERY OF FILES IS NOT POSSIBLE! IN NO EVENT, DO NOT CLOSE A COMPUTER OR A DESIRACKING PROGRAM - THIS MAY CAUSE OBTAINMENT IN THE RESTORATION OF FILES.
[MINIMIZE TO SEND A EMAIL MESSAGE] [HOW TO MAKE MY FILES EARLY?]
Screenshot of a pop-up encouraging users to pay a ransom to decrypt their compromised data:
Screenshot of a pop-up displayed after clicking "ZMINIMALIZUJ ABY WYSŁAĆ WIADOMOŚĆ EMAIL" button in the full-screen window (the same button also closes the entire window):
Screenshot of a pop-up displayed after clicking the "JAK ODSZYFROWAĆ MOJE PLIKI?" button in the full-screen window:
Forma ransomware removal:
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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Video suggesting what steps should be taken in case of a ransomware infection:
Quick menu:
- What is Forma virus?
- STEP 1. Reporting ransomware to authorities.
- STEP 2. Isolating the infected device.
- STEP 3. Identifying the ransomware infection.
- STEP 4. Searching for ransomware decryption tools.
- STEP 5. Restoring files with data recovery tools.
- STEP 6. Creating data backups.
If you are a victim of a ransomware attack we recommend reporting this incident to authorities. By providing information to law enforcement agencies you will help track cybercrime and potentially assist in the prosecution of the attackers. Here's a list of authorities where you should report a ransomware attack. For the complete list of local cybersecurity centers and information on why you should report ransomware attacks, read this article.
List of local authorities where ransomware attacks should be reported (choose one depending on your residence address):
USA - Internet Crime Complaint Centre IC3
United Kingdom - Action Fraud
Spain - Policía Nacional
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Germany - Polizei
Italy - Polizia di Stato
The Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Isolating the infected device:
Some ransomware-type infections are designed to encrypt files within external storage devices, infect them, and even spread throughout the entire local network. For this reason, it is very important to isolate the infected device (computer) as soon as possible.
Step 1: Disconnect from the internet.
The easiest way to disconnect a computer from the internet is to unplug the Ethernet cable from the motherboard, however, some devices are connected via a wireless network and for some users (especially those who are not particularly tech-savvy), disconnecting cables may seem troublesome. Therefore, you can also disconnect the system manually via Control Panel:
Navigate to the "Control Panel", click the search bar in the upper-right corner of the screen, enter "Network and Sharing Center" and select search result: 
Click the "Change adapter settings" option in the upper-left corner of the window: 
Right-click on each connection point and select "Disable". Once disabled, the system will no longer be connected to the internet. To re-enable the connection points, simply right-click again and select "Enable". 
Step 2: Unplug all storage devices.
As mentioned above, ransomware might encrypt data and infiltrate all storage devices that are connected to the computer. For this reason, all external storage devices (flash drives, portable hard drives, etc.) should be disconnected immediately, however, we strongly advise you to eject each device before disconnecting to prevent data corruption:
Navigate to "My Computer", right-click on each connected device, and select "Eject": 
Step 3: Log-out of cloud storage accounts.
Some ransomware-type might be able to hijack software that handles data stored within "the Cloud". Therefore, the data could be corrupted/encrypted. For this reason, you should log-out of all cloud storage accounts within browsers and other related software. You should also consider temporarily uninstalling the cloud-management software until the infection is completely removed.
Identify the ransomware infection:
To properly handle an infection, one must first identify it. Some ransomware infections use ransom-demand messages as an introduction (see the WALDO ransomware text file below).
This, however, is rare. In most cases, ransomware infections deliver more direct messages simply stating that data is encrypted and that victims must pay some sort of ransom. Note that ransomware-type infections typically generate messages with different file names (for example, "_readme.txt", "READ-ME.txt", "DECRYPTION_INSTRUCTIONS.txt", "DECRYPT_FILES.html", etc.). Therefore, using the name of a ransom message may seem like a good way to identify the infection. The problem is that most of these names are generic and some infections use the same names, even though the delivered messages are different and the infections themselves are unrelated. Therefore, using the message filename alone can be ineffective and even lead to permanent data loss (for example, by attempting to decrypt data using tools designed for different ransomware infections, users are likely to end up permanently damaging files and decryption will no longer be possible even with the correct tool).
Another way to identify a ransomware infection is to check the file extension, which is appended to each encrypted file. Ransomware infections are often named by the extensions they append (see files encrypted by Qewe ransomware below).
This method is only effective, however, when the appended extension is unique - many ransomware infections append a generic extension (for example, ".encrypted", ".enc", ".crypted", ".locked", etc.). In these cases, identifying ransomware by its appended extension becomes impossible.
One of the easiest and quickest ways to identify a ransomware infection is to use the ID Ransomware website. This service supports most existing ransomware infections. Victims simply upload a ransom message and/or one encrypted file (we advise you to upload both if possible).
The ransomware will be identified within seconds and you will be provided with various details, such as the name of the malware family to which the infection belongs, whether it is decryptable, and so on.
Example 1 (Qewe [Stop/Djvu] ransomware):
Example 2 (.iso [Phobos] ransomware):
If your data happens to be encrypted by ransomware that is not supported by ID Ransomware, you can always try searching the internet by using certain keywords (for example, a ransom message title, file extension, provided contact emails, crypto wallet addresses, etc.).
Search for ransomware decryption tools:
Encryption algorithms used by most ransomware-type infections are extremely sophisticated and, if the encryption is performed properly, only the developer is capable of restoring data. This is because decryption requires a specific key, which is generated during the encryption. Restoring data without the key is impossible. In most cases, cybercriminals store keys on a remote server, rather than using the infected machine as a host. Dharma (CrySis), Phobos, and other families of high-end ransomware infections are virtually flawless, and thus restoring data encrypted without the developers' involvement is simply impossible. Despite this, there are dozens of ransomware-type infections that are poorly developed and contain a number of flaws (for example, the use of identical encryption/decryption keys for each victim, keys stored locally, etc.). Therefore, always check for available decryption tools for any ransomware that infiltrates your computer.
Finding the correct decryption tool on the internet can be very frustrating. For this reason, we recommend that you use the No More Ransom Project and this is where identifying the ransomware infection is useful. The No More Ransom Project website contains a "Decryption Tools" section with a search bar. Enter the name of the identified ransomware, and all available decryptors (if there are any) will be listed.
Restore files with data recovery tools:
Depending on the situation (quality of ransomware infection, type of encryption algorithm used, etc.), restoring data with certain third-party tools might be possible. Therefore, we advise you to use the Recuva tool developed by CCleaner. This tool supports over a thousand data types (graphics, video, audio, documents, etc.) and it is very intuitive (little knowledge is necessary to recover data). In addition, the recovery feature is completely free.
Step 1: Perform a scan.
Run the Recuva application and follow the wizard. You will be prompted with several windows allowing you to choose what file types to look for, which locations should be scanned, etc. All you need to do is select the options you're looking for and start the scan. We advise you to enable the "Deep Scan" before starting, otherwise, the application's scanning capabilities will be restricted.
Wait for Recuva to complete the scan. The scanning duration depends on the volume of files (both in quantity and size) that you are scanning (for example, several hundred gigabytes could take over an hour to scan). Therefore, be patient during the scanning process. We also advise against modifying or deleting existing files, since this might interfere with the scan. If you add additional data (for example, downloading files/content) while scanning, this will prolong the process:
Step 2: Recover data.
Once the process is complete, select the folders/files you wish to restore and simply click "Recover". Note that some free space on your storage drive is necessary to restore data:
Create data backups:
Proper file management and creating backups is essential for data security. Therefore, always be very careful and think ahead.
Partition management: We recommend that you store your data in multiple partitions and avoid storing important files within the partition that contains the entire operating system. If you fall into a situation whereby you cannot boot the system and are forced to format the disk on which the operating system is installed (in most cases, this is where malware infections hide), you will lose all data stored within that drive. This is the advantage of having multiple partitions: if you have the entire storage device assigned to a single partition, you will be forced to delete everything, however, creating multiple partitions and allocating the data properly allows you to prevent such problems. You can easily format a single partition without affecting the others - therefore, one will be cleaned and the others will remain untouched, and your data will be saved. Managing partitions is quite simple and you can find all the necessary information on Microsoft's documentation web page.
Data backups: One of the most reliable backup methods is to use an external storage device and keep it unplugged. Copy your data to an external hard drive, flash (thumb) drive, SSD, HDD, or any other storage device, unplug it and store it in a dry place away from the sun and extreme temperatures. This method is, however, quite inefficient, since data backups and updates need to be made regularly. You can also use a cloud service or remote server. Here, an internet connection is required and there is always the chance of a security breach, although it's a really rare occasion.
We recommend using Microsoft OneDrive for backing up your files. OneDrive lets you store your personal files and data in the cloud, sync files across computers and mobile devices, allowing you to access and edit your files from all of your Windows devices. OneDrive lets you save, share and preview files, access download history, move, delete, and rename files, as well as create new folders, and much more.
You can back up your most important folders and files on your PC (your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders). Some of OneDrive’s more notable features include file versioning, which keeps older versions of files for up to 30 days. OneDrive features a recycling bin in which all of your deleted files are stored for a limited time. Deleted files are not counted as part of the user’s allocation.
The service is built using HTML5 technologies and allows you to upload files up to 300 MB via drag and drop into the web browser or up to 10 GB via the OneDrive desktop application. With OneDrive, you can download entire folders as a single ZIP file with up to 10,000 files, although it can’t exceed 15 GB per single download.
OneDrive comes with 5 GB of free storage out of the box, with an additional 100 GB, 1 TB, and 6 TB storage options available for a subscription-based fee. You can get one of these storage plans by either purchasing additional storage separately or with Office 365 subscription.
Creating a data backup:
The backup process is the same for all file types and folders. Here’s how you can back up your files using Microsoft OneDrive
Step 1: Choose the files/folders you want to backup.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon to open the OneDrive menu. While in this menu, you can customize your file backup settings.
Click Help & Settings and then select Settings from the drop-down menu.
Go to the Backup tab and click Manage backup.
In this menu, you can choose to backup the Desktop and all of the files on it, and Documents and Pictures folders, again, with all of the files in them. Click Start backup.
Now, when you add a file or folder in the Desktop and Documents and Pictures folders, they will be automatically backed up on OneDrive.
To add folders and files, not in the locations shown above, you have to add them manually.
Open File Explorer and navigate to the location of the folder/file you want to backup. Select the item, right-click it, and click Copy.
Then, navigate to OneDrive, right-click anywhere in the window and click Paste. Alternatively, you can just drag and drop a file into OneDrive. OneDrive will automatically create a backup of the folder/file.
All of the files added to the OneDrive folder are backed up in the cloud automatically. The green circle with the checkmark in it indicates that the file is available both locally and on OneDrive and that the file version is the same on both. The blue cloud icon indicates that the file has not been synced and is available only on OneDrive. The sync icon indicates that the file is currently syncing.
To access files only located on OneDrive online, go to the Help & Settings drop-down menu and select View online.
Step 2: Restore corrupted files.
OneDrive makes sure that the files stay in sync, so the version of the file on the computer is the same version on the cloud. However, if ransomware has encrypted your files, you can take advantage of OneDrive’s Version history feature that will allow you to restore the file versions prior to encryption.
Microsoft 365 has a ransomware detection feature that notifies you when your OneDrive files have been attacked and guide you through the process of restoring your files. It must be noted, however, that if you don’t have a paid Microsoft 365 subscription, you only get one detection and file recovery for free.
If your OneDrive files get deleted, corrupted, or infected by malware, you can restore your entire OneDrive to a previous state. Here’s how you can restore your entire OneDrive:
1. If you're signed in with a personal account, click the Settings cog at the top of the page. Then, click Options and select Restore your OneDrive.
If you're signed in with a work or school account, click the Settings cog at the top of the page. Then, click Restore your OneDrive.
2. On the Restore your OneDrive page, select a date from the drop-down list. Note that if you're restoring your files after automatic ransomware detection, a restore date will be selected for you.
3. After configuring all of the file restoration options, click Restore to undo all the activities you selected.
The best way to avoid damage from ransomware infections is to maintain regular up-to-date backups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How was my computer hacked and how did hackers encrypt my files?
Ransomware is distributed in a variety of ways (malspam, drive-by downloads, etc.). Cyber criminals often hide their ransomware executables in various cracked software distribution websites, thereby tricking users into downloading and executing malware by themselves.
How to open ".locked" files?
A ransomware infection has encrypted your files. A decryption is required for file usage.
Where should I look for free decryption tools for Forma ransomware?
In case of a ransomware attack you should check the No More Ransom project website (more information above).
I can pay you a lot of money, can you decrypt files for me?
We do not provide this service. Usually, victims cannot decrypt files encrypted by ransomware wothout the developers' or distributors' interference, unless the ransomware has flaws. Hence, a third party offering paid decryption act sas a man-in-the-middle or is a scammer.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Forma ransomware?
Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate active ransomware infections. It is important to note that although employing an antivirus program is a fundamental step in the recovery process, security software lacks the capability to decrypt files.
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