What Is Iiof Virus?
IIOF virus is the name of an infection, that is from the ransomware kind. This particular thread is part of a large scale operation, also known as STOP/DJVU. The main objective of these viruses is to enter your computer system and encrypt its files denying you access to them and adding the .iiof extension as a marker. The virus want you to be an enormous amount of money in the form of BitCoin so that the crooks can decrypt your files, according to the instructions, that this malware leaves in the _readme.txt ransom note it sets behind.
Read this article if you want to understand more information about how this virus works and how it can remove it from your computer system effectively and try to get your files to work.
Iiof Virus Summary
Name | IIOF 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 – more detections of this virus on VirusTotal |
File Extension | .iiof |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
Symptoms | The IIOF Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .iiof extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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Iiof Virus – How Did I Get Infected?
The Iiof virus very likely shares the same code with some other threats from the same family, such as the recently detected .jjtt, .sdjm and .bbbr and .avyu ones.
Two main methods exist via which these threats may ultimately end up on your machine without you realising it:
- By being downloaded from a shady site.
- If it is sent to you as an e-mail attachment or a URL.
Iiof virus may appear like a legitimate kind of document in case it gets sent to you via e-mail. The main problem with this is the malware may be masked as a “must open” kind of file that seems very important, for example:
- Invoices.
- Work-related files.
- Receipts.
- E-Tickets for events or flights.
When the victim downloads and runs the files, then malicious macros may be triggered, activating the following infection process:
Another method of infection includes the virus patiently waiting to be downloaded on some type of a crack or cheat website for software or games. If so, when the victim downloads and runs this executable, their computer gets infected. The most often imitated files include:
- Fake installation files.
- Software patches.
- Self extracting archives or regular archives.
- Cracked portable versions of apps.
- Software or game cracks.
- Key generator (or Keygen).
Iiof Virus – What Does It Do?
Iiof virus is the kind of malware that is designed to stealthily connect to a remote host (IP), from where it downloads the malicious files of this ransomware via an unsecured port. These files may exist in the following Windows directories:
- %Windows%
- %SystemDrive%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %System%
- %system32%
Iiof virus may also leave behind its _readme.txt note, that contains the ransom instructions, set by the crooks:
Among the activities of this threat is to also modify multiple kinds of Windows Registry sub-keys by adding entries in them. Some of the most targeted of those could be the following:
- 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
What Are .iiof Files
If you see the .iiof files, that means that virus has already encrypted them, changing their core structure, using the AES encryption algorithm. The outcome of this is the following kinds of files may be attacked:
- Audio (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Picture file kinds (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Videos (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Archive file formats (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Documents of different types (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Others.
After this virus encrypts your files, it makes them appear like the following example shows:
Picture.jpg.iiof
How to Remove IIOF Virus?
IIOF virus can be removed effectively from your computer system if you follow the steps in the removal guide that has been posted underneath this article. It has been made to contain all of the information that is necessary to help you detect and remove this malware and all of its files automatically or manually. If you don’t have the experience to do so manually, we strongly suggest that you do the removal process automatically using an advanced anti-malware software which will scan your computer thoroughly and get rid of any malicious software.
How to Decrypt .iiof Files?
If you want to decrypt .iiof files, then we would strongly advise that you follow the STOP Ransomware Decryption Steps or watch the decryption guide video beneath. These both guides have been created to contain all of the steps to use the official decryption software for versions of this virus that use the off-line decryption key. In case your decryption key is online, then you can try to follow the file recovery methods underneath this article. They may not come with 100% guarantee to recover all your files, but they may help restore at least some online encrypted data.
Video guide for using the STOP Ransomware Decryptor:
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Iiof with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Iiof 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 Iiof 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 Iiof 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 Iiof
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Iiof.
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 Iiof 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.
Iiof-FAQ
What is Iiof Ransomware?
Iiof 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 Iiof 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 Iiof Infect?
Via several ways.Iiof 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 Iiof 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 .Iiof files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Iiof 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 .Iiof files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Iiof" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Iiof 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 Iiof 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 Iiof ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Iiof 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 Iiof 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 Iiof Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Iiof 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 Iiof 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.
Help .iiof file extension virus decrypt please?