A brand new virus has hit the web, naming itself iRansom and using a .locked file extension on files it encrypts. The virus demands victims to pay approximately 90$ (0.15 BTC) to gain back access to their files. As soon as it infects a computer, iRansom also displays a ransom note besides using encryption to lock all the files of users who have been affected by the malware. Anyone who has been infected by iRansom are advised not to pay any ransom to the cyber-criminals and instead read our article on the matter and remove it completely from your computer as well as attempt to restore the encrypted files.
Threat Summary
| Name |
iRansom |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The malware encrypts users files using a strong encryption algorithm, making direct decryption possible only via a unique decryption key available to the cyber-criminals. |
| Symptoms | The user may witness ransom notes and “instructions” linking to an e-mail address and Bitcoin wallet for payment. Changed file names and the file-extension .locked has been used. |
| Distribution Method | Via an Exploit kit, Dll file attack, malicious JavaScript or a drive-by download of the malware itself in an obfuscated manner. |
| Detection Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware. |
| 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. |
The iRansom Virus More Information
iRansom – Distribution and Infection
The iRansom malware is believed to be spread via two main methods – malicious web links and malicious files uploaded online.
The malicious URLs may spread iRansom virus via malicious browser redirects. Such redirections may be caused simply by having an adware PUP on your computer that may advertise suspicious third-party web links or directly cause redirects to them. Another mean of distributing such URLs is by heavily spamming them online on various websites.
When it comes to redistributing malicious files, the files may be disguised as fake setups of programs or fake game patches and key generators uploaded on torrent websites. The most common way of getting infected with ransomware, however still remains to be e-mail spam. There are many cases of spammed messages that have been reported to cause issues by having malicious attachments that pretend to be legitimate documents. Usually, most attachments are archived in order to prevent any detection.
Whatever the case may be, once the user is infected, the virus may be obfuscated so that it’s malicious activity does not raise suspicion by any real-time antivirus protection software. In the meantime, the malware injects code into the legitimate Windows process to gain administrative permissions and download the payload of the iRansom virus, which may be located in:
- %AppData%
- %Roaming%
- %Local%
- %User’s Profile%
- %Startup%
- %SystemDrive%
The malicious files may be executable as well as text files and image files, set in the %Startup% Windows folder to run every time Windows has started. As soon as this has been done the malware begins to encrypt data.
iRansom Virus – Post-Infection Activity
As soon as iRansom has been activated, the virus may immediately begin encrypting the files on the computer it has compromised. On it’s ransom note, the virus claims to use a strong encryption algorithm, but this may not be necessarily true and iRansom could easily be cracked in the near future.
The files the iRansom virus encodes are widely used types of files associated with documents, videos, audio, pictures, databases and others. The iRansom malware may also encrypt other types of files associated with often used programs such as Adobe Photosop, Steam and other file extensions, for example:
When the iRansom ransomware begins encrypting the files, it enciphers blocks of data on those files that allows it to render the files no longer openable. The .locked extension is appended to the encrypted files and they look like the following:
After this has been performed, iRansom displays it’s distinctive ransom note that has the following message to the ones who have become unsuspecting victims:
“Your files have been locked by iRansom!
**Shutting Down or Attempting to stop this, will render your files useless forever!**
{number} total files have been encrypted using the strongest encryption. And a unique key, generated for this computer.
The private key to unlock your files is stored on a hidden Internet database and nothing can decrypt your files until you pay and obtain the private key.
Your private key will be destroyed in: {deadline timer}
To unlock your precious files you must pay a 0.15 bitcoin fee (90%) to the address below!
Wallet ID:
Don’t know how to get bitcoin or set up a wallet?
Sent the Transaction? Email us with your BTC wallet ID: GALAXYHIREN@SIGAINT.ORG”
As visible by the ransom note, the virus threatens to render the files useless upon deletion which is a possible indicator that it may have a CBC-mode enabled to do exactly that, similar to other ransomware viruses.
IRansom Ransomware – Conclusion and Removal
As a bottom line, this may just be another low-quality standard ransomware that demands a payment in BitCoin. At this point it is up to malware researchcers to analyze the threat and crack it, developing a free decryptor for it.
In the meantime, we advise you to use the instructions below. They are carefully designed to assist you in the successful removal of iRansom from your computer and they will also help get rid of various virus-related objects, like registry entries and other malware and unwanted programs as well.
Since it requires experience to remove the files and other objects manually we recommend using an advanced anti-malware program that should make sure the removal of iRansom and other malware is full and future protection is automatically ensured.
We will keep updating this article on more about this threat if information on decryptor becomes available. In the meantime you are welcome to try the suggested alternative methods to restore your files below.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Step 1: Scan for iRansom with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall iRansom 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by iRansom 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 iRansom there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove iRansom
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by iRansom.
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 iRansom 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.
iRansom-FAQ
What is iRansom Ransomware?
iRansom 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 iRansom 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 iRansom Infect?
Via several ways.iRansom 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 iRansom 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 .iRansom files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .iRansom 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 .iRansom files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".iRansom" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .iRansom 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 iRansom 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 iRansom ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .iRansom 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 iRansom 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 iRansom Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this iRansom 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 iRansom 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.
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