Infa Ransomware
Infa is the name of a ransomware program that has been infecting computer systems to blackmail its victims. Security researchers confirm that it is a data locker ransomware that seeks for weaknesses in operating systems to corrupt their settings. Once it finds a way to infect the system, it scans the drives for personal files and encrypts them with a strong cipher. Then it leaves the ransom message readnow.txt to instruct victims on how to proceed with the recovery of their .infa files.
Even though hackers insist on paying them a hefty ransom fee, we advise you to avoid following their instructions and try to remove malicious files from the infected PC. You can use the help of the guide that follows.
Infa Ransomware Summary
| Name | Infa also known as Generic.Ransom.Small.DBE0A0A0 (BitDefender), Trojan.ClipBankerNET.7 (DrWeb), Ransom:MSIL/Filecoder.PK!MSR (Microsoft), Ransom_RAMSIL.SM (TrendMicro) |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Ransom Note | readnow.txt |
| Short Description | Malicous software designed to encrypt valualbe files stored on compromised computers and extort ransom fee from victims. |
| Symptoms | Files are encrypted and their names are renamed with the suffix .infa Ransom message extorts a payment for files recovery. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by Malware Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
Infa Virus – How Did I Get It and What Does It Do?
The activation of Infa ransomware on a computer system leads to vicious transformations of personal files. The ransomware is known to mark files it encrypts with the .infa virus extension.
The malicious file that triggers Infa infection may be installed with the help of shady methods of distribution. Ransomware Trojans are well known to be installed via two main methods which are:
- Phishing emails.
- Visits to websites that contain malicious scripts/programs.
The activation of the Infa virus enables it to plague various system settings. Lots of system components may be corrupted by the virus. The bad news is that all nasty changes will impact the overall system security for as long as they are running on the infected system.
Since Infa virus is developed to support hackers and their activities, it aims to lock valuable files, as well. Unfortunately, all types of files that are commonly used for the storage of important information will be encrypted by the virus. One or more cipher algorithms like AES and RSA may be utilized. Following encryption, corrupted may be all of the following files:
- Audio files;
- Video files;
- Document files;
- Image files;
- Backup files;
- Banking credentials, etc.
Changes will prevent you from opening .infa files. Their names will be altered. For expample, the file 18.jpg will be renamed to 18.jpg.infa.
Next the ransomware will generate its ransom note readnow.txt to extort a ransom payment for .infa files recovery. The ransom message states the following:
———————————— Infa Ransomware ——————————–
Im so sorry your files has been encrypted ( photo, videos, documents, etc. )To decrypt files you need the special key.
You can buy the special key with price 0.0022 BTC = $90If you can’t pay for 2 days, im so sorry your files will automatic deleted from your computer !!!!
Contact : stevegabriel2000@gmail.com to buy the special key !!!!!
———————————— Infa Ransomware ——————————–
No matter what hackers promise, they are cybercriminals who can continue misleading innocent people. We believe that there is no guarantee they will answer your emails after they receive the requested ransom.
For the sake of your security, you should better remove Infa ransomware from the infected PC right now and back up all .infa files to an external drive. Save copies of encoded files and wait for the release of a free decryption tool. Meanwhile, you may also want to try the help of alternative data recovery methods. You can find some of them in the removal guide below.
Remove Infa Ransomware and Attempt to Restore Data
The so-called Infa ransomware is a threat with highly complex code that damages both essential system settings and valuable data. So the only way to use your infected system securely again is to remove all malicious files and objects created by the ransomware. For this purpose, you could follow our step-by-step removal guide.
We remind you to back up all encrypted files to an external drive before you initiate a data recovery process.
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.
- Guide 1: How to Remove Infa Ransomware from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Infa Ransomware from Mac OS X.
How to Remove Infa Ransomware from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Infa Ransomware
Step 2: Uninstall Infa Ransomware 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 Infa Ransomware 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 Infa Ransomware 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 Infa Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Infa Ransomware.
Ransomware infections and Infa Ransomware 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 Infa Ransomware from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Infa Ransomware 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 Infa Ransomware 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 Infa Ransomware.
Ransomware infections and Infa Ransomware 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.
Infa Ransomware FAQ
What is Infa Ransomware ransomware and how does it work?
Infa Ransomware 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 Infa Ransomware ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Infa Ransomware 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 Infa Ransomware 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 .Infa Ransomware files?
You can't. At this point the .Infa Ransomware 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 .Infa Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Infa Ransomware 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 ".Infa Ransomware" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Infa Ransomware 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 Infa Ransomware 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 Infa Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Infa Ransomware files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Infa Ransomware 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.
