Remove FBI CyberCrime Division virus (ICSPA Scam)

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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If your computer is locked, and you are seeing a “ATTENTION! Your computer has been locked and all data is encrypted!” notification from FBI CyberCrime Division (ICSPA) , then your computer is infected with a piece of malware known as Trojan Reveton.
[Image: FBI CyberCrime Division ICSPA virus]
The FBI CyberCrime Division trojan is distributed through several means. Malicious websites, or legitimate websites that have been compromised, may drop this trojan onto a compromised computer. This drive-by-download often happens surreptitiously. Another method used to propagate this type of malware is spam email containing infected attachments or links to malicious websites. The threat may also be downloaded manually by tricking the user into thinking they are installing a useful piece of software.
The FBI CyberCrime Division (ICSPA) virus is also prevalent on peer-to-peer file sharing websites and is often packaged with pirated or illegally acquired software.

Once installed on your computer, the FBI CyberCrime Division virus will display a bogus notification that pretends to be from the International Cyber Security Protection Alliance, and states that your computer has been blocked due to it being involved with the distribution of pornographic material, SPAM and copyrighted content.
The FBI CyberCrime Division (ICSPA) virus will lock you out of your computer and applications, so whenever you’ll try to log on into your Windows operating system or Safe Mode with Networking, it will display instead a lock screen asking you to pay a non-existing fine in the form of a Ukash, MoneyPak or Paysafecard.
Furthermore, to make this alert seem more authentic, this virus also has the ability to access your installed webcam, so that the bogus FBI CyberCrime Division (ICSPA) notification shows what is happening in the room.

The FBI CyberCrime Division (ICSPA) virus locks the computer and, depending on the user’s current location, displays a localized webpage that covers the entire desktop of the infected computer and demands payment for the supposed possession of illicit material.

Cyber criminals often updated the design of this lock screen, however you should always keep in mind that the Federal Bureau of Investigation will never lock down your computer or monitor your online activities.
The message displayed by the threat can be localized depending on the user’s location, with text written in the appropriate language.

The FBI CyberCrime Division (ICSPA) lock screen is a scam, and you should ignore any alerts that this malicious software might generate.
Under no circumstance should you send any  Ukash or MoneyPak code to these cyber criminals, and if you have, you can  should request a refund, stating that you are the victim of a computer virus and scam.

FBI CyberCrime Division (ICSPA) lock screen – Virus Removal Guide

STEP 1: Remove FBI CyberCrime Division (ICSPA) lock screen from your computer

FBI CyberCrime Division (ICSPA) virus has modified your Windows registry and added its malicious files to run at start-up, so whenever you’re trying to boot your computer it will launch instead its bogus notification.To remove these malicious changes, we can use any of the below methods :

Method 1: Start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking and scan for malware

Some variants of FBI CyberCrime Division (ICSPA) virus will allow the users to start the infected computer in Safe Mode with Networking without displaying the bogus lock screen. In this first method, we will try to start the computer in Safe Mode with Networking and then scan for malware to remove the malicious files.

  1. Remove all floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs from your computer, and then restart your computer.
  2. Press and hold the F8 key as your computer restarts.Please keep in mind that you need to press the F8 key before the Windows start-up logo appears.
    Note: With some computers, if you press and hold a key as the computer is booting you will get a stuck key message. If this occurs, instead of pressing and holding the “F8 key”, tap the “F8 key” continuously until you get the Advanced Boot Options screen.
  3. On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode with Networking , and then press ENTER.
    [Image: Safe Mode with Networking]
  4. If your computer has started in Safe Mode with Networking, you’ll need to perform a system scan (as seen on STEP 2) with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and HitmanPro to remove the malicious files from your machine.

IF the FBI CyberCrime Division (ICSPA) virus didn’t allow you to start the computer in Safe Mode with Networking,you’ll need to follow Method 2 to get rid of its lock screen.

Method 2: Restore Windows to a previous state using System Restore

System Restore can return your computer system files and programs to a time when everything was working fine, so we will try to use this Windows feature to get rid of FBI CyberCrime Division (ICSPA)  lock screen.

  1. Restart your computer, and then press and hold F8 during the initial startup to start your computer in safe mode with a Command prompt.
    Note: With some computers, if you press and hold a key as the computer is booting you will get a stuck key message. If this occurs, instead of pressing and holding the “F8 key”, tap the “F8 key” continuously until you get the Advanced Boot Options screen.
  2. Use the arrow keys to select the Safe mode with a Command prompt option.
    Enter Safe Mode with Command Prompt
  3. At the command prompt, type cd restore, and then press ENTER.
    Next,we will type rstrui.exe , and then press ENTER.Alternatively, if you are using Windows Vista, 7 and 8, you can just type : C:\windows\system32\rstrui.exe , and press ENTER.
    If you are using Windows XP, you will need to type C:\windows\system32\restore\rstrui.exe, and then press ENTER.
    System Restore commands
  4. The System Restore utility will start, and you’ll need to select a restore point previous to this infection.
    Restore points in Windows 7
  5. After System Restore has completed its task, you should be able to boot in Windows normal mode, and perform a system scan (as seen on STEP 2) with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and HitmanPro to remove the malicious files from your machine.

IF the FBI CyberCrime Division (ICSPA)  virus didn’t allow you to restore your computer to a previous point, you’ll need to follow Method 3 to get rid of its screen lock.

Method 3: Remove FBI CyberCrime Division (ICSPA)  lock screen with msconfig utility

When your computer was infected with the FBI CyberCrime Division (ICSPA) virus, this trojan has set a its malicious files to start whenever your computer is booting. IF you didn’t have a restore point, we can use msconfig to remove it’s malicious start-up entry.

  1. While your computer is in Safe Mode with Command Prompt, type msconfig to start the Windows System Configuration utility.
    [Image: Type msconfig in the Command prompt]
  2. Click on the Startup tab, then search for any suspicious or unknonw entries (random numbers or letters, ctfmon.exe, and other suspicious or unknown entries), and unckech them from startup, then click on OK.
    This will stop the FBI CyberCrime Division (ICSPA) virus from starting with Windows, however it won’t remove the malicious files from your computer.
    [Image: Uncheck any suspicious entries from start-up]
  3. Type shutdown /r in the command prompt to restart your computer, then  perform a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and HitmanPro as seen on STEP 2.

IF the FBI CyberCrime Division (ICSPA) virus didn’t allow you to start the computer in Safe Mode with Command Prompt you’ll need to follow Method 4 to get rid of its screen lock.

Method 4: Remove FBI CyberCrime Division (ICSPA) virus with HitmanPro Kickstart

IF you couldn’t boot into Safe Mode with Command Prompt or didn’t have a System Restore point on your machine, we can use HitmanPro Kickstart to bypass this infection, and access your computer to scan it for malware.

  1. We will need to create a HitmanPro Kickstart USB flash drive,so while you are using a “clean” (non-infected) computer, download HitmanPro from the below link.
    HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a download page in a new window from where you can download HitmanPro)
  2. Insert your USB flash drive into your computer and follow the instructions from the below video:
  3. After you have create the HitmanPro Kickstart USB flash drive, you can insert this USB drive into the infected machine and start your computer.
  4. Once the computer starts, repeatedly tap the F11 key (on some machines its F10 or F2),which should bring up the Boot Menu, from there you can select to boot from your USB.
    Next,you’ll need to perform a system scan with HitmanPro as see in the below video:
  5. After HitmanPro Kickstart has completed its task,you should be able to boot in Windows normal mode,from there you’ll need to perform a system scan (as seen on STEP 2) with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and HitmanPro to remove the malicious files from your machine.

STEP 2: Remove FBI CyberCrime Division (ICSPA) malicious files from your computer

Run a computer scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free

  1. You can download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free from the below link,then double click on it to install this program.
    MALWAREBYTES ANTI-MALWARE DOWNLOAD LINK(This link will open a download page in a new window from where you can download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free)
  2. When the installation begins, keep following the prompts in order to continue with the setup process.
    DO NOT make any changes to default settings and when the program has finished installing, make sure you leave both the Update Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware and Launch Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware checked,then click on the Finish button.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware final installation screen]
  3. On the Scanner tab,select Perform quick scan and then click on the Scan button to start scanning your computer.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Quick Scan]
  4. Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware will now start scanning your computer for FBI CyberCrime Division (ICSPA) virus as shown below.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware scanning for
  5. When the Malwarebytes scan will be completed,click on Show Result.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware scan results]
  6. You will now be presented with a screen showing you the malware infections that Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware has detected.Please note that the infections found may be different than what is shown in the image.Make sure that everything is Checked (ticked) and click on the Remove Selected button.
    [Image:Malwarebytes removing virus]
  7. After your computer will restart in Normal mode, open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and perform a Full System scan to verify that there are no remaining threats

Run a computer scan with HitmanPro

  1. Download HitmanPro from the below link,then double click on it to start this program.
    HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a new web page from where you can download HitmanPro)
    IF you are experiencing problems while trying to start HitmanPro, you can use the Force Breach mode.To start HitmanPro in Force Breach mode, hold down the left CTRL-key when you start HitmanPro and all non-essential processes are terminated, including the malware process. (How to start HitmanPro in Force Breach mode – Video)
  2. HitmanPro will start and you’ll need to follow the prompts (by clicking on the Next button) to start a system scan with this program.
    HitmanPro scanner
    HitmanPro installation
  3. HitmanPro will start scanning your computer for FBI CyberCrime Division (ICSPA)  malicious files as seen in the image below.
    HitmanPro scans after
  4. Once the scan is complete,you’ll see a screen which will display all the infected files that this utility has detected, and you’ll need to click on Next to remove these malicious files.
    HitmanPro scan results
  5. Click Activate free license to start the free 30 days trial and remove all the malicious files from your computer.
    HitmanPro 30 days activation button

If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove FBI CyberCrime Division (ICSPA)  virus from your machine, please start a new thread in our Malware Removal Assistance forum.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

37 thoughts on “Remove FBI CyberCrime Division virus (ICSPA Scam)”

  2. Hi my husband was scammed i tried to use the safe mode but not coming through he has an htc smartphone.please i need help thanks

  5. How can you remove it from a cell phone? My son has a samsung galaxy III and now has this thing stick on his phone, any help removing this would be greatly appreciated. My son is I’m years thinking he is in trouble for looking up baby porn lol. Thanks

  8. My wife has got this virus on her PC laptop and our other computer is a MAC. I have tried to start in safe mode with command prompt with no luck and I cannot run the hitman exe file from my mac to create a bootable USB . Can you offer me a solution?

  10. My Pastor just called in a freak out mode, All i could do was laugh!
    After he calmed down I told him it was a virus of some kind,
    I think your info will be very helpful…

  15. Nothing is working for me… I keep pressing the f8 key when I try to restart and it just makes this loud noise and takes me right back to the locked page… what do I do??? Someone please help

  16. Hello,
    If you have the Kaspersky Rescue Disk use the WinUnlocker command to disinfect your registry.
    If you booted Kaspersky Rescue Disk in the graphic mode, click the button К ; in the bottom right corner of the screen and in the menu select Terminal.

    In the command prompt enter the command: windowsunlocker and press Enter on the keyboard.

    Alternatively, you could browse to the infected file, and just delete it from your machine, if you know what you are doing then this is the most fastest way to solve this issue.

    Here are the usual locations for this type of infections. Depending on what operating system are you using, browse to the following paths and search for any randomly named file (eg: daxssda.exe, 1232.exe or skype.dat)

    For Windows XP:

    C:Documents and Settings(Current User random-file.exe
    C:Documents and SettingsAll UsersApplication Datarandom-file.exe
    C:Documents and Settings(Current User)Application Datarandom-file.exe

    For Windows Vista, 7 and 8:

    C:Users(Current User)random-file.exe
    C:ProgramDatarandom-file.exe
    C:Users(Current User)AppDataRoamingrandom-file.exe
    C:Users(Current User)AppDataLocalrandom-file.exe
    C:Documents and Settings(Current User)Local SettingsApplication Datarandom-file.exe

    If you will still have issues, then you will have to create a thread in our Malware Removal Assistance forum: http://malwaretips.com/Forum-Malware-Removal-Assistance
    Stay safe!

  17. Thank You! My wife called me in a panic when this locked up her computer. I immediately realized it was a virus and googled it. This was awesome and easy to do.

  18. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! My kid’s laptop got infected with this virus today and with your help (method 2) I had it up and running in about 10 minutes. I have added this your website to my favorites. You are extremely knowledgeable in your field. Again, thanks.

  19. THANK YOU!!! Method 2 worked for me, the virus was still getting through method 1. I really appreciate you posting up all this info! =]

  20. Thank you so much! I had problems getting my Vaio (Sony) to boot in safe mode with F8, but finally got to it by doing F5 first. Good job on the instructions.

  21. Hello John,

    Lets try to see if we can boot from with HitmanPro Kickstart. Try the following:

    1. Make sure that in your BIOS the boot order is configured so that the HDD has priority over the USB flash drive.

    2. During power-up of your computer tap F12/F11/F8/ESC (or another key, depending on your BIOS) to get into the boot-override menu.

    Note that this boot-override menu is NOT the same menu as the boot-configuration menu in your BIOS.

    See also the three screenshots below for examples of how to get into the boot-override menu.

    3. In the boot-override menu, select the USB flash drive to boot from.

    Note: Make sure that the HitmanPro.Kickstart boot loader shows version 1.1 or higher as seen below.

    ——————————

    If you are still experiencing problems, you will need to create a Kaspersky Rescue Disk as see here: http://malwaretips.com/blogs/remove-police-trojan/#kaspersky

    Good luck!

  22. thank you so much.. it took almost 4 hours to run everything but the instructions where so clear and easy to follow! i cant thank you enough!

  24. 3.At the command prompt, type cd restore, and then press ENTER. I don’t get the command prompt…it just runs loading windows files…then please wait and goes to my login in screen.

  26. My friend got this Malware last night. Asking for $450. ALL MODES OF SAFE=START have been defeated by the trojan. None of the safe start methods worked. DIdn’t have a boot disk nor did a Windows 7 software disk come with the laptop so no way to start it from Boot disk. She is now at Best Buy having the computer guys looking at it. What is really scary, there was a pic of her on the scam page that the malware took with her webcam. As far as we know, the malware could have taken videos of her and she never noticed that her cam light was on or recording. THIS is really scary. Every thing we attempted was defeated by this version of the trojan. I am curious, isn’t this ‘crime’ fall under a more serious category of crime than just ‘scam’? I mean, it took unlawful pics of her which for all we know were transmitted to some distant server or computer. Doesn’t this fall under invasion of privacy and or extortion? At any rate it will cost about $100 or more to have the techs fix it. That is major for her since she is disabled and on SSI (fixed income)

  27. Thank You SO much, Stelian !!!
    I successfully removed that fbi cybercrime virus thanks to your easy to follow instructions!!! I had to use method #2. My husband was certain we’d need to bring our laptop to a repair shop to remove the virus and God only knows what that would have cost. Thank you so much for saving us money!

  28. Hello Mike,
    Can you please run a scan with the following tools:
    STEP 1: Run a scan with RogueKiller

    1. Please download the latest official version of RogueKiller.
      RogueKiller Download Link (This link will automatically download RogueKiller on your computer)
    2. Double click on RogueKiller.exe to start this utility and then wait for the Prescan to complete.This should take only a few seconds and then you can click the Scan button to perform a system scan.
    3. After the scan has completed, press the Delete button to remove any malicious registry keys.
    4. Next we will need to restore your shortcuts, so click on the ShortcutsFix button and allow the program to run.

    STEP 2: Please perform a scan with HitmanPro as seen on the guide.
    If you are having problems starting this program please use the ForceBreach mode as described in the guide.

    STEP 3: Run a scan with ESET Online Scanner:

    1. Download ESET Online Scanner utility.
      ESET Online Scanner Download Link (This link will automatically download ESET Online Scanner on your computer.)
    2. Double click on the Eset installer program (esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe).
    3. Check Yes, I accept the Terms of Use
    4. Click the Start button.
    5. Check Scan archives
    6. Push the Start button.
    7. ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin scanning your computer. Please be patient as this can take some time.
    8. When the scan completes, push Finish

    Waiting for your reply to tell me how everything is running!
    Good luck…

  29. Hi Stelian, infected with AFP icspa. Scanned with mwam but detected NO inflected file!!! Laptop still locked out of normal mode. Pls help!

  30. Incredibly thorough and easy to understand instructions. Thank you. I’ve passed this on to my friends on Facebook and others.

  31. I am so grateful for your website and help.i was scred for a little while.will pass this on.thanks so much.

  32. Very good and concise write up! It’s a link I keep handy so I can forward to others who have gotten bitten.

  33. Hello Amy,
    Norton 360 has a good antivirus engine, however if it did not manage to protect your computer from being infected, it might mean that it does not have signatures for this particular infection.
    Yes, you can can run a scan with Norton 360, however I do recommend that you also run a scan with Malwarebytes and HitmanPro. Both products are free, and it might result in additional malware being detected.

  36. Method 2: Restore Windows to a previous state using System Restore is that I used and I still had all my files and the virus (FBI Cyber Crime) was GONE………THANKS SO MUCH

  37. I am by no means computer savvy & I was able to easily follow the directions to successfully remove the dreaded FBI virus. I can’t even imagine how much it would have cost for me to have “a geek” do it, let alone not have my computer for a few days to say the least.

    Thank you for the free downloads and the very easy instructions for us non-techi’s.

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