The malicious file extension .INCANTO is associated with a new data locker ransomware of undetermined family. Ransomware is a type of malware that penetrates the PC to take control over the system and corrupt valuable data stored on it. Then it drops a file named !!!GetBackData!!!.txt which holds the ransom note. The message blackmails victims to pay a ransom in Bitcoins for .INCANTO files recovery.
This article has the goal to provide support for the .INCANTO file virus removal process and reveal more information about its adverse impact on the infected computer.
Threat Summary
| Name | .INCANTO file virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Encrypts the files on the infected computer. Demands ransom payoff in BitCoin. The ransom varies. |
| Symptoms | The files are encrypted with the .INCANTO file extension added to them. The virus drops a ransom note, named !!!GetBackData!!!.txt. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .INCANTO file virus. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
.INCANTO File Virus – Delivery
There are many attack vectors and different techniques used for ransomware delivery. Generally cyber criminals choose spam email messages that impersonate legitimate organizations and institutions. This technique is preferred as users are more prone to follow the instructions in the email and download the ransomware payload on their systems. The payload is usually hidden in an attachment – document with embedded malicious macros, archive file, JavaScript, PDF that may be named invoice, payment reference, report, etc. Once an infected file is opened on the PC the ransomware starts to infect the system. Another way of ransomware distribution that is used often is a web link that redirect to corrupted website that is set to download the payload automatically on the computer and triggers the attack. Except spam emails such links may be posted on social media networks or used for malvertising.
.INCANTO File Virus – Overview
This new ransomware is named after the specific file extension it uses for encrypted files – .INCANTO. The threat can be triggered by an executable file that controls all subsequent impacts. In order to fulfill the attack, .INCANTO crypto virus is considered to create or drop additional malicious files. They may be situated in some of the stated Windows folders below:
- %AppData%
- %Temp%
- %Roaming%
- %UserProfile%
Being a typical ransomware .INCANTO virus is believed to access Windows Registry targeting the Run and RunOnce keys. All it needs to do to ensure its stable presence on the computer is adding specific values in the mentioned registry keys. These keys enable the automatic execution of ransomware payload each time the Windows is started. They can be also used at the end of the attack when the ransom message should be noticed by the victim. The ransom note is a text file called !!!GetBackData!!! that reads the following:
All your important files were encrypted on this PC.
All files with .INCANTO extension are encrypted.
Encryption was produced using unique private key RSA-1024 generated for this computer.
To decrypt your files, you need to obtain private key + decrypt software.
The single copy of the private key, with will allow you to decrypt the files, is locate on a secret server on the internet.
To retrieve the private key, you need to contact us by email incantofiles@bitmessage.ch send us an email your !!!GetBackData!!!.txt file and wait for further instructions.
For you to be sure, that we can decrypt your files – you can send us a 1-2 not very big encrypted files and we will send you back it in a decrypted form free.
To send files you can use https://dropmefiles.com/
Your personal id:
[redacted]E-mail address to contact us:
incantofiles@bitmessage.ch
Reserve email address to contact us:
incantofiles@india.com
Contact, negotiations and payments should be restricted as security researchers are still investigating the ransomware samples. Hopefully, they will crack its code and release a freely available decryption tool.
Another damage caused by .INCANTO file virus is preventing one of the possible recovery options. This is possible once it accesses the Command Prompt and writes the command:
→ vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet
.INCANTO File Virus – Encryption
For the encryption .INCANTO crypto virus is believed to use the RSA cipher algorithm that transforms the original code of target files making them completely unworkable. It is likely to attempt to corrupt different frequently used files like: documents, archives, databases, backups, text files, configuration files, music, photos, videos and etc. All encrypted files receive the extension .INCANTO at the end of their names and remain unusable. They can be decrypted with the unique decryption key possessed by crooks. However, it is better to try all you can do by yourself to recover .INCANTO files. The good news is that there are alternative data recovery solutions that appear to be efficient in many similar cases. Check the step “Restore files encrypted by .INCANTO Ransomware” in the guide below.
Remove .INCANTO File Virus and Restore Data
To completely get rid of the .INCANTO file virus, carefully follow the step-by-step removal instructions provided below. After ransomware removal follows the data recovery step.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
About the .INCANTO file virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .INCANTO file 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 .INCANTO file 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.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
- Guide 1: How to Remove .INCANTO file virus from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of .INCANTO file virus from Mac OS X.
How to Remove .INCANTO file virus from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .INCANTO file virus
1. Hold Windows Key + R.
2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Uninstall .INCANTO file virus and related software 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:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .INCANTO file 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 .INCANTO file virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
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: Scan for .INCANTO file virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .INCANTO file virus.
Ransomware infections and .INCANTO file 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of .INCANTO file virus from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall .INCANTO file virus and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to .INCANTO file virus:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to .INCANTO file virus. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash
”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to .INCANTO file virus. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove .INCANTO file virus via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as .INCANTO file virus. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .INCANTO file virus.
Ransomware infections and .INCANTO file 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
.INCANTO file virus FAQ
What is .INCANTO file virus ransomware and how does it work?
.INCANTO file 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 algorithm how 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.
How does .INCANTO file virus ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways..INCANTO file virus Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of .INCANTO file 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 ..INCANTO file virus files?
You can't. At this point the ..INCANTO file virus files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your ..INCANTO file virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by .INCANTO file virus ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore "..INCANTO file virus" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..INCANTO file virus files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of .INCANTO file virus ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate .INCANTO file virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..INCANTO file virus files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like .INCANTO file virus ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.