Irfk Virus Files
Irfk virus is created to encrypt data and demand money as a ransom to be paid to hackers. To get .irfk files restored victims should obtain a decryption tool a discount for which is available during the first 72 hours after the infection. Sadly, encrypted files will remain inaccessible until their code is reverted back to its original state. After completing all initial infection stages, the Irfk virus will leave a ransom message (_readme.txt) to inform victims about its presence and impact. Keep on reading the article and see how you could remove the Irfk ransomware virus and try to potentially recover some of your locked files.
Irfk Summary
Name | Irfk also known as Win32:SpywareX-gen [Trj] (Avast), Gen:Variant.Fragtor.35416 (BitDefender), HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Scarsi.gen (Kaspersky) |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Malicious Extension | .irfk |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files by placing the .irfk before the affected files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files and leave a ransom note with payment instructions. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Corrupted Software Installers |
Detection Tool |
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Irfk Ransomware Virus – Detailed Overview
Irfk virus – a typical ransomware infection that harasses online users worldwide. It appears to be one more strain of the well-known STOP/Djvu ransomware. Launched in an initial attack campaign, the virus infects whole computer networks via techniques like:
- Phishing email campaigns. Those messages are typically set to impersonate legitimate services or companies trying to trick people into starting malicious code on their machines. Beware of links and attachments.
- Free software. Some of the installers of supposedly useful apps contain the activation code of malicious infections like the Irfk virus. The criminals can make use of application installers by taking the legitimate setup files from the vendor download sites and setting the virus install code in them.
- Fake sites, download portals, hoax search engines, and malicious adverts may be used by hackers as well.
The Irfk virus is a data locker ransomware that originates from the famous malware family STOP/Djvu. This means that similar to previous strains of the same threat – Palq virus, Cool virus, Rivd virus, Irfk will try to activate a whole set of modules that enable it to harvest data, corrupt essential system settings, and encode valuable personal files stored on the infected PC.
The attacks might start with a data harvesting process. Extracted data may reveal the identity of the victim by details like real name, address, phone number, and account credentials. The ransomware could also obtain information about the hard drive, the Windows Registry, and any third-party installed applications. Sadly, there is no guarantee that hackers will keep the data private. They may misuse it for financial abuses and identity theft crimes.
Another set of information may be used for the assignment of a unique machine ID. It usually stems from hardware components data, regional settings, and specific operating system variables. This data can serve as a security bypass too. Applications that can block or delete the virus such as anti-virus, virtual machine hosts, firewalls, or debug environments may be detected by the ransomware during the attack. If it cannot avoid detection, it might delete itself.
Then Windows Registry modifications may occur. By affecting registries, Irfk ransomware may prevent some apps from operating accurately while becoming able to run automatically every time you power on the system. This action is very likely to be followed by the execution of commands that eliminate possible data recovery options. Other changes that damage the system can additionally be implemented by the Irfk virus.
.irfk Files
The execution of the encryption engine will help Irfk ransomware to use a built-in list of target file types that will be transformed when detected. Commonly used file extensions may be set as targets. Hence, the following data may be corrupted via AES cipher algorithm:
- Archives.
- Images.
- Backups.
- Documents.
- Music.
- Videos.
All affected files will be renamed with the .irfk extension. Then the traditional ransomware note will be created. The criminals who stand behind those nasty ransomware attacks inform victims the following:
Following their rules does not guarantee the recovery of .irfk files. Your online security and privacy may be endangered again too.
Remove Irfk Virus and Try to Restore Data
If your computer system got infected with the Irfk ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Irfk with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Irfk 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 Irfk 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 Irfk 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 Irfk
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Irfk.
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 Irfk 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.
Irfk-FAQ
What is Irfk Ransomware?
Irfk 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 Irfk 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 Irfk Infect?
Via several ways.Irfk 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 Irfk 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 .Irfk files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Irfk 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 .Irfk files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Irfk" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Irfk 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 Irfk 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 Irfk ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Irfk 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 Irfk 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 Irfk Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Irfk 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 Irfk 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.
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