This article has been created in order to best explain what is the .icp file ransomware and how you can remove it from your computer plus how you can try to restore files, encrypted by it.
The .icp file ransomware is the type of virus which aims to encrypt the files on the computers it has already infected and then leave behind a ransom note file, in which it extorts the owner of the infected computer to pay ransom to get the files to be decrypted and work again. The ransomware goes through great extents to slither in Windows computers unnoticed and once there, it performs series of malicious activities, that ultimately end up with the victimised PC having it’s files encoded. If your computer has been recently infected by the .icp file ransomware, we would strongly recommend that you read this article thoroughly.
Threat Summary
Name | .icp Files Virus |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | Aims to encrypt the files on the computers infected by it and then may extort victims to pay ransom to get their files to work again. |
Symptoms | Files have the .icp file extension added to them. A ransom note, called “Restore_ICPICP_Files.txt” is also dropped, containing the virus’s extortionist message. |
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
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .icp Files 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. |
.icp Files Virus – Distribution
To infect computers, the .icp ransomware may target them via e-mail. The way this scheme works is that cyber-criminals may hack a website and take away all of the user e-mails that are registered. These e-mail addresses may be used as the targets for the attack and they may receive spam e-mail messages by the criminals who are behind the .icp file ransomware.
The e-mails may contain a convincing message that the victims must either click on a URL or open an e-mail attachment, the outcome of which could be an infection with the .icp virus. Such attachments may often pretend to be:
- Invoices.
- Receipts.
- Important documents from banks.
- Closed account reports.
- Revoked purchase.
- Revoked visa.
The main idea is to get users to download fake documents, which may infect users by simply being opened or by getting the user to open them and enable their content.
Another strategy used in the infection process of the .icp file ransowmare is to spread the virus by uploading it’s infection files on multiple different websites. There, the files may usually pretend to be what the user is looking for and since they are usually compromised or fake sites, they can turn out to appear as a search result in Google, that seems legitimate. The main file types that often end up to be ransomware are:
- Fake setups.
- Fake portable versions of programs.
- Key generators.
- Patches.
- License Activators.
In some cases, such sites may also cause automatic redirects that may infect victims via malicious JavaScript code execution.
.icp Ransomware – More Information
When the .icp file ransomware conducts an infection, the virus may drop its modules (virus files) on the affecte computer. There, they may reside, pretending to be completely legitimate type of files and they may even imitate programs, like Notepad, Photoshop, etc. The files may also have completely random file names, so that victims cannot be able to easily locate them. These files are usually uploaded in the following Windows directories:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
- %System Drive%
- %Windows%
Among the files dropped on victimised machines, the .icp virus also creates its ransom note file, called Restore_ICPICP_Files.txt. The note has the following extortionist message:
Attention!
Do not rename the ciphered files
Do not try to decrypt your data with the help of the third-party software, it can cause constant data loss.
If you, your programmers or your friends help you to decrypt your files – it can lead to data loss.
You do not joke with files.
My email decrypter02@cumallover.me,piterpen02@keemail.me
As soon as the ransom note is dropped on infected computers, the .icp virus may also engage in several other activities as well, such as:
- Create mutexes.Texttt
- Check if it’s running on a virtual drive or actual machine.
- Obtain your IP and Mac address.
- Check your system preferred language.
- Check your antivirus and firewall settings.
- Obtain administrator rights and Read & Write permissions.
As soon as this is done, the .icp virus may begin to create registy entries in the following Windows Registry Editor sub-keys:
→ 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
In addition to this, the .icp file ransomware may also begin to delete the backed up files and shadow copies on the victimized machines. To do this, the .icp ransomware may execute the following Windows Command Prompts as an administrator:
→ sc stop VVS
sc stop wscsvc
sc stop WinDefend
sc stop wuauserv
sc stop BITS
sc stop ERSvc
sc stop WerSvc
cmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No
cmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe” /C vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
.icp Ransomware – Encryption
To encrypt files on computers it has compromised, .icp ransomware may run a very cleverly designed code, that skips encoding files in the system directories of Windows and the Drivers directories that may damage your OS. The .icp ransomware may use a very advanced encryption, which usually takes decades to break, using a conventional computer, if you do not know the decryption key. The virus encrypts files by either creating copies and modifying them or directly changing bytes of data on the original files. The files that could be encrypted by .icp ransomware could end up to be the following:
- Documents.
- Videos.
- Images.
- Archives.
- Virtual drive files.
- Audio files.
After the encryption, the files have the .icp file extension and they no longer look the same:
Remove .icp Files Virus and Try Restoring Files
If you want to remove the .icp file ransomware, we would strongly recommend that you do a fresh backup of your files beforehand. This will help you minimise the risk of damaging your files during the removal.
To remove the .icp file ransowmare, we recommend that you follow the removal instructions underneath this article. They are divided in manual as well as automatic removal steps. If manual removal does not seem to be effective, then we strongly advise that you try scanning your computer with an advanced anti-malware software as this type of removal is automatic and highly effective, plus it will save you tons of time in having to manually look for the malicious files and deleting them.
If you want to try and restore files, encrypted by the .icp file ransomware, we would strongly recommend that you see the alternative methods for file recovery in the “Try to Restore” step below. They may come with no full guarantee to be able to get all your files to work, but with their aid, you could be able to recover at least some of your files.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for .icp Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .icp Files Virus 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 .icp Files 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 .icp Files Virus 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 .icp Files Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .icp Files Virus.
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 .icp Files 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 the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
.icp Files Virus-FAQ
What is .icp Files Virus Ransomware?
.icp Files 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 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 .icp Files Virus 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 .icp Files Virus Infect?
Via several ways..icp Files Virus 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 .icp Files 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 ..icp Files Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..icp Files Virus 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 ..icp Files Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..icp Files Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..icp Files Virus 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 .icp Files Virus 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 .icp Files Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..icp Files Virus 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 .icp Files Virus 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 .icp Files Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .icp Files 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 .icp Files 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.
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- Always check "About Us" web page.
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