What Is Iisa Virus?
The name Iisa virus belongs to a data locker ransomware that infects Windows systems. The threat is created to encrypt personal files, add the .iisa file extension to their original names and leave them inaccessible. When the _readme.txt ransom note appears on the infected system, it means that the corruption of sensitive data is done. The end goal of this cryptovirus is to force victims to pay a hefty ransom fee in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Litecoin. Such action is strongly inadvisable.
In this article, you will find more about how the Iisa virus works, how to remove its malicious strains, and how you can possibly get your files to work again.
Iisa Virus Virus Summary
Name | Iisa virus, also known as UDS:Trojan.Win32.Chapak.gen, Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.KM!MTB, Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], A Variant Of Win32/GenKryptik.FHJB |
File Extension | .iisa |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files stored on your computer system drives and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
Symptoms | The Iisa ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .iisa extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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Iisa Virus – Infection in Detail
Iisa virus is an infection based on the code of one of the most popular ransomware families called STOP/Djvu. Why is it important? Because all available free file decryptors use the name of the main ransomware as a way victims can recognize the tools.
This ransomware has many many versions. Recently seen are .utjg, .futm and .rivd. They share lots of similarities with the latest Iisa virus.
To infect your machine, the virus may use the following approaches:
- Various kinds of spam email messages.
- Malicious executable files uploaded on suspicious third-party websites.
- Misleading pop-ups that prompt the installation of mandatory software updates.
Beware especially if you notice email messages that feature work-related documents, purchase receipts, invoices, promotion codes, or discount links. The virus may be hiding its malicious payload in all those elements.
When the Iisa virus infection begins, the ransomware initiates a series of malicious modifications and operations that disrupt your computer security and leave it extremely vulnerable to future malware infections.
The virus may alter the following Windows registries to ensure that its files will remain active for longer on the infected system:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
This infection has a very complex code which may also enable it to connect to a remote server and download additional virus files on the machine. Such files might be placed in the following Windows directories:
- %AppData%
- %LocalLow%
- %SystemDrive%
- %Temp%
- %Local%
There is one file associated with the Iisa virus which you cannot miss and it is the ransom note _readme.txt. It appears as follows:
Even though hackers try to convince you to follow their guidance, we advise against it. You never know if they won’t trick you once again. In some cases, ransomware programs have bugs in their code which prevent the right generation of an efficient decryption key.
.iisa Files
The essence of this nasty computer infection is data encryption. To perform the data encryption process, the Iisa scans for certain file formats that are stored in predefined directories. The virus excludes system folders from the scan to prevent full system collapse. The main targeted files are the following:
- Archive file types (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Images (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Documents (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Music and Audio files (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Video objects (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Others.
Encrypted files are left changed and renamed with the following file extension:
Picture.jpg.iisa
Modifying this extension may not solve the problem. Instead, such an action may make files decryption harder.
Remove Iisa Virus and Try to Restore Files
The removal process of Iisa may take some time if you lack experience in removing malware. This is why we have created the removal guide below and we suggest that you follow it. For the best possible removal, it is strongly recommended that you download and scan your computer using a professional anti-malware tool. Such a software has been designed to scan your machine and get rid of any malicious files from it safely.
If you want to recover files encrypted by the Iisa virus, we would strongly suggest that you make sure to check out the alternative file recovery tips below. They are not as good as decryption software, but they may help you recover at least some of your files.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Iisa Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Iisa Virus and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Iisa Virus on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Iisa Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Iisa Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Iisa Virus.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and Iisa Virus aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Iisa Virus-FAQ
What is Iisa Virus Ransomware?
Iisa Virus is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does Iisa Virus Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does Iisa Virus Infect?
Via several ways.Iisa Virus Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of Iisa Virus is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .Iisa Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Iisa Virus files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Iisa Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Iisa Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Iisa Virus files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of Iisa Virus Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate Iisa Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Iisa Virus files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can Iisa Virus Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the Iisa Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Iisa Virus how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Iisa Virus ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.