FadeSEC Ransomware Virus: How to Remove It and Recover Encrypted .fadeSEC Files

FadeSEC is Windows ransomware that encrypts files, appends .fadeSEC and displays a terminal-style full-screen demand. The screen asks for exactly $150 in Bitcoin and claims a decryption key will arrive after payment confirmation.

The payment check may remain stuck indefinitely, leaving victims with no verified recovery path even if they follow the instructions. Disconnect the device and preserve the encrypted files instead of sending money into an unproven system.

FadeSEC Ransomware Overview

FadeSEC is a file-encrypting threat that targets documents, photos, databases and other valuable data. It modifies the contents and adds .fadeSEC to each affected filename. A file such as budget.xlsx becomes budget.xlsx.fadeSEC and can no longer be opened normally.

After encryption, FadeSEC launches a full-screen interface styled like a terminal. The note claims the files were protected with AES-256-GCM and RSA-2048, demands $150 in Bitcoin and gives a 72-hour deadline. The victim is told to enter the sending wallet address so the program can check the payment and deliver a unique decryption key within 24 hours.

The payment workflow is a major warning sign. The analyzed interface can remain on WAITING FOR CONFIRMATION without completing the check. A victim could send cryptocurrency and still receive no key, no contact method and no way to prove that the transaction was recognized. The low ransom amount does not make the offer safer; it may simply encourage fast payment before a victim seeks help.

FadeSEC’s interface tries to resemble a self-service checkout, but it provides none of the safeguards of a real transaction. Bitcoin transfers cannot be reversed, the criminals do not identify themselves through a verifiable support channel and the screen cannot guarantee that a key exists for the affected system. The apparent automation is part of the pressure tactic.

What FadeSEC changes

• Encrypts accessible files and adds .fadeSEC.
• Displays an interactive full-screen ransom interface.
• Demands exactly $150 in Bitcoin.
• Asks for the victim’s sending wallet address.
• Claims payment confirmation will produce a key within 24 hours.
• Uses a 72-hour deadline to increase pressure.
• May leave the payment check waiting indefinitely.

Restarting or signing out can dismiss the full-screen window, but it does not decrypt the files. The visual lock and the file encryption are separate. No public decryptor was identified for the analyzed variant, so removal should be followed by recovery from clean backups, unaffected copies or cloud version history.

How the FadeSEC Ransomware Attack Works

Step 1: A disguised payload is opened

The infection can begin with a phishing attachment, compressed archive, fake update, cracked application, malicious download or another trojan. The visible file may look like an invoice, installer or ordinary business document.

Step 2: FadeSEC searches for valuable files

The ransomware scans local storage and any connected locations available to the current account. External drives and writable network shares may also be encrypted if they remain connected.

Step 3: Files are encrypted and renamed

FadeSEC changes file contents and adds .fadeSEC. Removing the suffix does not recover the original data because the encryption is inside the file, not in its name.

Step 4: A full-screen terminal message appears

The interface covers the desktop, shows the $150 demand and claims strong encryption. Restarting may remove the visible screen lock, but every encrypted file remains unreadable.

Step 5: The victim is told to send Bitcoin

The program displays a wallet address and asks for the address used to send payment. This creates the appearance of an automated purchase process rather than a criminal demand.

Step 6: The verification screen stalls

The interface can remain waiting for confirmation without producing a key. With no reliable contact channel, payment can become a one-way transfer that does nothing to restore the files.

Warning Signs of a FadeSEC Infection

• Files suddenly end in .fadeSEC and no longer open.
• A terminal-style screen displays FadeSEC or FadeSEC v.3.
• The message demands $150 in Bitcoin.
• A field asks for the sender’s Bitcoin wallet address.
• The screen remains on WAITING FOR CONFIRMATION.
• A 72-hour deadline or 24-hour key promise is shown.
• Many files are modified within a short period.
• Connected storage begins receiving .fadeSEC files.
• Security software reports ransomware or suspicious mass encryption.

Do not confuse removal of the full-screen window with removal of the malware. Confirm that the malicious process and its persistence are gone before opening more files or reconnecting storage.

What to Do If FadeSEC Encrypted Your Files

Disconnect the infected computer

Disable Wi-Fi, unplug Ethernet and disconnect shared storage. If file activity is still occurring, isolate the device immediately so FadeSEC cannot reach more data. In a business environment, check other machines for the same indicators.

Do not send the $150 payment

The payment checker may never complete, and the interface provides no dependable way to obtain support or prove ownership of a transaction. Sending Bitcoin can leave the victim with both lost money and encrypted files.

Preserve the evidence

Keep the ransomware executable if it can be safely collected, a screenshot of the demand and several small .fadeSEC files. Record the Bitcoin address, key ID and first observed time. Work with copies, not the only encrypted originals.

Secure accounts from a clean device

Change email, remote-access, cloud, financial and administrator passwords. Revoke active sessions and rotate API tokens or recovery codes. Ransomware may be delivered alongside a stealer or after attackers obtain valid credentials.

Remove the infection and rebuild if needed

Run a full scan with reputable security software. If the machine held sensitive data or administrative access, wipe and reinstall Windows from trusted media after evidence is preserved. Reinstall applications only from official sources.

Protect backups until the system is clean

Do not reconnect external backups or enable synchronization immediately. Verify that the ransomware and its entry point are gone, then restore in an isolated environment from a backup that predates the earliest malicious activity.

Check connected and synchronized locations

Review shared drives, removable storage and cloud folders for .fadeSEC files. Pause affected sync clients before healthy versions are replaced. If several computers have access to the same folders, scan every device and reset the credentials used to reach those locations.

Document and report the incident

Record the Bitcoin address, transaction request, affected filenames and security alerts. Businesses should involve their incident-response, legal and privacy teams when regulated or client data was accessible. Reporting the attack to the appropriate cybercrime authority can also help connect the wallet and malware sample to other cases.

If you suspect your computer is infected with malware — slow performance, pop-ups, redirects, or programs you don’t recognize — follow the free step-by-step removal guide below to find and remove it.

Remove Malware from Windows [Step-by-Step Guide]

• STEP 1: Uninstall malicious programs from Windows
• STEP 2: Reset browsers back to default settings
• STEP 3: Use Rkill to terminate suspicious programs
• STEP 4: Use Malwarebytes to remove Trojans and unwanted programs
• STEP 5: Use HitmanPro to remove rootkits and other malware
• STEP 6: Use AdwCleaner to remove malicious browser policies and adware
• STEP 7: Perform a final check with ESET Online Scanner

STEP 1: Uninstall malicious programs from Windows

First, we’ll manually check your computer for unknown or malicious programs. Adware and browser hijackers often have a working uninstall entry — removing them this way takes care of the easy part before we run the scanners.

With the malicious programs removed, you’re ready for the next step in this guide.

STEP 2: Reset browsers back to default settings

In this step, we will remove spam notifications,  malicious extensions, and change to default any settings that might have been changed by malware.
Please note that a Chrome or Edge reset turns off all your extensions, and a Firefox refresh removes them. Your bookmarks and favorites stay intact. For each browser that you have installed on your computer, please click on the browsers tab below and follow the displayed steps to reset that browser.

STEP 3: Use Rkill to terminate suspicious programs

Next, we’ll download and run Rkill to stop any suspicious processes running in the background. This prevents the malware from interfering with the removal tools in the following steps.

RKill is a program that was developed at BleepingComputer.com that attempts to terminate known malware processes so that your normal security software can then run and clean your computer of infections. When RKill runs it will kill malware processes and then removes incorrect executable associations and fixes policies that stop us from using certain tools.

1. Download Rkill.

   You can download RKill to your computer from the below link. When at the download page, click on the Download Now button labeled iExplore.exe. We are downloading a renamed version of Rkill (iExplore.exe) because some malware will not allow processes to run unless they have a certain filename.

   

   RKillStops malware processes so other tools can run

   Download RKillOpens the BleepingComputer download page in a new tab.

2. Run RKill.

   After downloading, double-click the iExplore.exe icon to kill malicious processes. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
   The program may take some time to search for and end various malware programs.

   

   When it is finished, the black window will close automatically and a log file will open. Do not restart your computer. Proceed to the next step in this guide.

STEP 4: Use Malwarebytes to remove Trojans and unwanted programs

Now we’ll install Malwarebytes and run a full scan to detect and remove infections, adware, and potentially unwanted programs from your computer.

Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows — and it’s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan your PC and remove what Malwarebytes finds.

1. Download Malwarebytes

   Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows from the official source. The free version is all you need — it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.

   

   Malwarebytes Free for WindowsScans and removes malware at no cost

   Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for Windows 11 and 10. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium

2. Install Malwarebytes

   When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the MBSetup file. If Windows shows a User Account Control pop-up, click “Yes” to allow the installation.

   

3. Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes

   The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:

   • Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.

     

   • Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.

     

   • When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.

     

   • On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.

     

4. Optional: Check for rootkits with a Custom Scan

   You don’t need to change any settings for a normal scan. The standard Threat Scan in the next step is enough for most problems, so you can go straight to it.

   If you also want to check for rootkits, use a Custom Scan. In current versions of Malwarebytes, rootkit scanning is only available there:

   1. On the Scanner tile, click the three-dot menu and select Advanced Scan.
   2. Choose Custom Scan. In its options, check Scan for rootkits.
   3. Select your system drive (usually C:\) as the location to scan, then start the scan. It takes longer than a Threat Scan.
   4. When it finishes, review and quarantine the results as described in the steps below.

   Rootkit scanning isn’t available on Windows devices with ARM processors.

5. Start the Scan

   Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.

   

6. Wait for the Scan to Finish

   The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take 5 to 20 minutes depending on your computer. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.

   

7. Quarantine the Detected Threats

   When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found — malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all of them at once.

   

   Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.

   

8. Restart Your Computer

   Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click Yes. Once you’re logged back in, Malwarebytes has finished removing the threats it found.

   

STEP 5: Use HitmanPro to remove rootkits and other malware

Next, we’ll run a second-opinion scan with HitmanPro to catch Trojans, rootkits, and other malicious programs that may have survived the previous step.

HitmanPro is a second-opinion scanner — it’s designed to catch what your main antivirus might have missed. Instead of relying on a single detection engine, it checks the behavior of files in the locations where malware usually hides. Anything suspicious is checked online, where it’s analyzed by several antivirus engines in HitmanPro’s Scan Cloud.

Good news: scanning is completely free, with no limits. You only need a license when it’s time to remove what was found — and even then, you can activate a free one-time 30-day trial to remove what it finds at no cost. The trial works once per computer. After that, removal needs a paid license, and the purchase screen shows the current price.

1. Download HitmanPro

   Click the button below to download HitmanPro. Remember — the scan is free, so you have nothing to lose by checking your PC.

   

   HitmanProSecond-opinion malware scanner from Sophos

   Download HitmanProFree scan. Removing threats needs the free 30-day trial. Opens the official HitmanPro page in a new tab.

2. Install HitmanPro

   When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the file “hitmanpro_x64.exe”. (On 32-bit Windows 10, the file is named “hitmanpro.exe”.)

   

   If a User Account Control pop-up asks whether HitmanPro can make changes to your device, click “Yes” to continue.

   

3. Follow the On-Screen Prompts

   On the HitmanPro start screen, click “Next” to begin the system scan. No lengthy setup required — it goes straight to work.

   

   

4. Wait for the Scan to Finish

   HitmanPro will now check your computer for malicious programs. This usually takes just a few minutes thanks to its cloud-based scanning.
   

5. Review the Results and Click “Next”

   When the scan is done, HitmanPro will show you everything it found. Click “Next” to remove the detected threats.

   

6. Click “Activate Free License”

   To remove the malicious files, click the “Activate free license” button. This starts your free 30-day trial — no payment details needed — and unlocks the full cleanup.
   

   When the removal is complete, HitmanPro will show a summary of everything it cleaned. Click Next, then click Reboot if prompted. If there’s no reboot prompt, click Close. Then check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they come back, save the HitmanPro log and ask for help in our forum.

STEP 6: Use AdwCleaner to remove malicious browser policies and adware

We’ll now use AdwCleaner to remove malicious browser policies and unwanted browser extensions — the leftovers that keep hijacking your browser settings even after the malware itself is gone.

AdwCleaner is a free on-demand scanner that specializes in adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted toolbars — the exact threats that mainstream antivirus programs often miss. It also includes tools that repair the damage malware leaves behind, like hijacked browser settings and malicious policies. It’s a quick scan that’s well worth running.

1. Download AdwCleaner

   Click the button below to download AdwCleaner — it’s free, portable, and requires no installation.

   

   Malwarebytes AdwCleanerRemoves adware and unwanted programs at no cost

   Download AdwCleanerOpens the official download page in a new tab.

2. Run AdwCleaner

   Open your Downloads folder and double-click the file named “adwcleaner.exe“. There’s no installation — the program starts right away.
   

   If Windows asks whether you want to allow AdwCleaner to run, click “Yes“. When the license agreement appears, click I agree to continue.

   

3. Leave “Reset Chrome policies” off unless you need it

   AdwCleaner can reset Chrome policies, the settings that malware sometimes uses to lock your browser so you can’t change it back. This option removes every Chrome policy, including legitimate ones set by an employer, a school, or parental-control software, so leave it off for a normal scan.

   AdwCleaner applies this option only if you run Basic Repair at the end of the cleanup. Malwarebytes advises running Basic Repair only when a support agent asks you to, and it also runs every other repair action that is turned on in the same list. If this is your own personal PC and chrome://policy in Chrome lists policies you didn’t set, ask for help in our forum instead. On a work or school computer, ask the IT administrator.

4. Start the Scan

   Click “Dashboard” on the left side of the window, then click the “Scan Now” button.

   

5. Wait for the Scan to Finish

   AdwCleaner will now check your computer for adware and other malware. This usually takes only a few minutes — it’s one of the fastest scanners around.

   

6. Quarantine the Detected Threats

   When the scan finishes, AdwCleaner lists everything it found. Review the list and uncheck any program you installed on purpose and want to keep, then click Next. If AdwCleaner also found preinstalled software, it shows that list next. Review it the same way, then click “Quarantine“. Older versions show the Quarantine button on the first list, as in the image below.

   

7. Click “Continue” to Finish the Cleanup

   Save any open work first — AdwCleaner needs to close your open programs before it can clean. When you’re ready, click the “Continue” button.
   

   AdwCleaner will now move the selected items to quarantine. If it asks you to restart your PC, allow it. When you’re back in Windows, AdwCleaner may offer a Basic Repair. Click Skip Basic Repair. Malwarebytes recommends running Basic Repair only when a support agent asks you to. Then check whether the problems you noticed have stopped.

STEP 7: Perform a final check with ESET Online Scanner

Finally, we’ll run ESET Online Scanner as a last check for anything the earlier scans missed. A clean result is a good sign, but no scanner can guarantee that a computer is malware-free.

ESET Online Scanner is a free second-opinion scanner that performs a deep, full-system check for viruses, trojans, rootkits, and other malware. We use it as the final step because it’s thorough and can catch threats the earlier scans missed. A clean result is a good sign, but no scanner can guarantee that a computer is malware-free.

1. Download ESET Online Scanner

   Click the button below to download ESET Online Scanner.

   

   ESET Online ScannerFree one-time malware scan from ESET

   Download ESET Online ScannerOpens the official download page in a new tab.

2. Run the Installer

   When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click “esetonlinescanner.exe“.
   

3. Install ESET Online Scanner

   On the start screen, select your language from the drop-down menu and click Get started.

   

   On the Terms of use screen, click Accept.
   

   Choose your preferences for the Customer Experience Improvement Program and the Detection feedback system (either choice is fine), then click Continue.
   

4. Start a Full Scan

   Click Full Scan — this checks your entire computer, not just the common hiding spots.

   

   Select Enable for Detection of Potentially Unwanted Applications — this lets ESET catch adware and bundled junk programs, not just viruses. Then click Start scan.

   

5. Wait for the Scan to Finish

   ESET will now check every file on your computer. Because it’s a full scan, this can take a while — often an hour or more, depending on how much data you have. Leave it running in the background and check on it from time to time.

   

6. Review the Results

   When the scan completes, the Found and resolved detections screen appears. Detected threats are usually cleaned and quarantined automatically. Click View detailed results to see exactly what was removed, and ask for help in our forum if any item could not be cleaned.
   

   If ESET found nothing, restart your computer and check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they continue, ask for help in our forum.

When you’ve finished these steps, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they continue, see the options below.

If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:

• Run a computer scan with ESET Online Scanner
• Ask for help in our Windows Malware Removal Help & Support forum.

Can .fadeSEC Files Be Recovered?

Use offline or immutable backups

A verified pre-infection backup is the safest recovery path. Scan the restored system and files before reconnecting to the normal network. Do not restore suspicious installers, scripts or startup items.

Check cloud version history

Cloud storage may retain earlier versions of synchronized files. Pause syncing from the infected device, sign in from a clean system and export healthy versions before normal synchronization resumes.

Search for unaffected copies

Email attachments, colleague devices, archival services, exported reports and disconnected media can contain originals. Gather these copies into a clean recovery location and scan them before use.

Keep encrypted files for future analysis

Keys may later be recovered or a weakness may be discovered. Save representative .fadeSEC files, the ransom-screen details and the malware sample offline. Do not repeatedly alter the originals with unknown recovery tools.

Verify decryptors before using them

Match any tool by exact extension, ransom behavior and sample identifiers. A page that merely includes the word FadeSEC may be a fake recovery service or another malware delivery attempt. Test only on duplicate non-sensitive files.

How to Prevent FadeSEC and Other Ransomware

• Maintain tested offline or immutable backups.
• Do not open unexpected executables, archives or macro-enabled documents.
• Avoid cracks, pirated programs and unofficial software portals.
• Install Windows and application updates from official channels.
• Require multi-factor authentication for email, VPN and remote-access accounts.
• Remove local administrator rights from routine user accounts.
• Limit write access to network shares and backup repositories.
• Monitor rapid file changes and the creation of .fadeSEC files.
• Keep reputable security software enabled and up to date.

The Bottom Line

FadeSEC ransomware encrypts files with the .fadeSEC extension and uses a polished $150 Bitcoin payment screen to make recovery look automatic. Its confirmation process may never finish, leaving payment with no proven benefit.

Disconnect the computer, preserve the encrypted files, remove the malware and restore only from verified clean copies. A dismissed full-screen window does not mean the data is decrypted or the system is safe.