What Is Iwan Virus?
Iwan virus is the name of the malware that belongs to the “VoidCrypt Ransomware” family of viruses. Its main purpose is to get victims to pay a hefty ransom fee to the cyber-criminals who are behind this ransomware. This virus aims to leave the Read-this.txt and Decryption-Info.HTA ransom notes that contain instructions on how you can pay the ransom and negotiate the sum for your files. The ransom is to be paid in BitCoin and the criminals want you to pay it within a deadline, otherwise, they threaten to double the amount.
Read this article if you want to understand how you can remove the Iwan virus from your computer and try to get your files to work again.
Iwan virus Virus Summary
| Name | Iwan Virus, also known as Ransom:Win32/VoidCrypt.PAA!MTB (Microsoft), Ransom.Win32.VOIDCRYPT.SM (TrendMicro), HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Stosek.gen (Kaspersky) |
| File Extensions | E-mail address, ID number, .Iwan |
| 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 Iwan Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .[iwantfiles2016@gmail.com][MJ-RQ2396815074].Iwan extensions to them. |
| Ransom Demanding Notes | Read-this.txt and Decryption-Info.HTA |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
Iwan Virus – What We Know About It
Just like .lqqw, .hhqa and .muuq viruses, this ransomware may also infect your machine using the following two main ways:
- If it is sent as an e-mail attachment.
- If it is downloaded as a file from a third-party website.
In case you have downloaded this virus as a file of some sort that may have been uploaded on some shady software providing site, there is a chance this virus has been masked as programs, like:
- Cracks (activators).
- Patches.
- Hoax setups.
- Portable apps.
- Keygens (key generator activators).
Iwan virus may also get sent to you. via e-mail. The outcome of this is you could open some of the following documents the virus may pretend to be:
- E-receipts.
- Invoices.
- Work-related files.
- Tickets.
Once your computer has been infected by the Iwan virus, it may download all types of payload files that are often randomly named and located in the following directories:
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %Temp%
- %SystemDrive%
When this virus infects your computer, it will leave the two ransom notes named Read-this.txt and Decryption-Info.HTA to force victims to follow hackers’ instructions on a ransom payment process. These notes contain further instructions on how to contact the crooks for a decryption key that is generated upon files encryption.
.Iwan Files
The files, encoded by this version of VoidCrypt ransomware are enciphered through the AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and the RSA (Rivest–Shamir–Adleman) encryption algorithms. The ciphers’ main purpose is to get the files’ data changed and generate a unique decryption key that is either online or offline type. Decryption without the special key is almost impossible.
The files, encrypted by the Iwan virus are of the following kinds:
- Video files (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Document file types (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Image files (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Audio (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Archives (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Other.
Iwan virus ads its own file extensions after it encrypts the files:
Example: Picture.jpg.[iwantfiles2016@gmail.com][MJ-RQ2396815074].Iwan
Remove Iwan Virus and Try to Restore Files
To remove the Iwan virus from your computer, we would strongly advise that you read the removal guide underneath. It is created to help you delete this malware in an effective and safe manner. For the best results, be advised that security experts strongly recommend removing Iwan and viruses like it using anti-malware software. Scanning your computer using such a program will help effectively get rid of it from your device by detecting and removing its virus files automatically and protecting your PC in the future as well.
In case you want to try and restore your files, but there is no decryptor released for this version of STOP Ransomware, yet, you are welcome to try the alternative file recovery methods laid out below. They may be no guarantee to recover all your files, but they may at least help you restore some of them.
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.
Follow Me:
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.
How to Remove Iwan virus from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Iwan virus
Step 2: Uninstall Iwan 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Iwan 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 Iwan virus 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: Scan for Iwan virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Iwan virus.
Ransomware infections and Iwan 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of Iwan virus from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Iwan 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:
- 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 Iwan 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:
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 Iwan virus.
Ransomware infections and Iwan 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Iwan virus FAQ
What is Iwan virus ransomware and how does it work?
Iwan 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 Iwan virus ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Iwan 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 Iwan 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 .Iwan virus files?
You can't. At this point the .Iwan 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 .Iwan virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Iwan 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 ".Iwan 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 .Iwan 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 Iwan 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 Iwan virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Iwan virus files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Iwan 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.
