The Jigsaw ransomware is back again with a fresh variant. The theme of this variant is the Invisible Empire art exhibit made by Juha Arvid Helminen. The ransomware is called Invisible Empire and named after the exhibition. This crypto-virus encrypts files with more than 120 extensions as its past variants, adding a .payransom extension. To know how to restore your files and remove the ransomware, you should read the article in full.
Threat Summary
| Name | Invisible Empire |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files by adding a .payransom extension and asks a ransom for decryption. |
| Symptoms | Files with more than 120 different extensions are encrypted. A Invisible Empire themed lock screen with instructions for paying is displayed. Every hour files are erased if the ransom money is not paid. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Invisible Empire. |
| 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. |
Invisible Empire Ransomware – How Does It Spread?
Multiple ways exist that spread the Invisible Empire ransomware. You might get infected with it through spam e-mails containing an attachment with a malicious code inside. If such an attachment is opened, the malware could be injected inside your machine. The file probably has a name like firefox.exe or of something popular and useful so it can trick you.
Previous variants of the now called Invisible Empire ransomware were spread via social media networks and file-sharing systems as well. DropBox is still not an excluded way of distribution – it might be still in play. You should avoid all suspicious files, websites, and links as they could very well be just another method of infecting you with the malware.
Invisible Empire Ransomware – Technical Description
The Invisible Empire crypto-virus is also classified as ransomware. It will encrypt all your files, and they will become simply unusable. The virus demands BitCoins as payment for the ransom. If you do not meet the required criteria, your files will be deleted on an hourly basis. The ransomware is a clone of other ransomware. Its previous variants are the Jigsaw ransomware and CryptoHitman ransomware. Nor the Hitman character nor the ‘Saw’ puppet is used as a theme for the ransomware – this time, it is a popular art exhibit.
In the directories %AppData%\Systmd\, %LocalAppData%\Wrkms\ and %AppData%\System32Work, the files that will be created are:
- systmd.exe
- wrkms.exe
- Address.txt
- EncryptedFileList.txt
The Windows Registry is modified, too. This added registry value is:
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\wrkms.exe %UserProfile%\AppData\Roaming\Wrkms\wrkms.exe
The registry value, which is set makes the file wrkms.exe to automatically start. Every loading of the Windows Operating System will launch the file executing the Invisible Empire ransomware.
What follows is, that the ransomware will display a lock screen themed after an art exhibit of the same name done by Juha Arvid Helminen. The theme of the exhibition is to show how law enforcement officers can hide behind their uniforms and commit crimes. The ransomware bears the name of this exhibit and to be more precise – Invisible Empire.
The instructions for payment are slowly being written live on the lock screen as if somebody is typing them out at precisely that time:
You are demanded to pay 150 US dollars, in BitCoins, within the hour. If you do not comply, the ransomware claims that with each passing hour, encrypted files will get removed from your drives and eventually you will lose all of your files. The sum doubles if you don’t pay within 24 hours and triples if the payment is not complete in 48 hours.
The message that is being typed out at the lock screen is:
Your files have been encrypted.
You must pay $150 USD in Bitcoins to the address specified below.
Depending on the amount of files you have your Ransom can double to $300 USD after 24 hours
of non payment and triple to $450 USD after 48 hours of nonpayment.
Your payment amount will be shown below.
We will delete files every hour until you pay!
If you do not have Bitcoins visit www.localbitcoins.com to purchase them.
Your payment BTC Address is below. Files are decrypted instantly after payment.
Everytime you restart your computer it recrypts everything. It will take a while
for you to see the this screen again. Copy the BTC address and email it to yourself.
If you copy it on your computer the file will be crypted when you restart the computer.
Every time you restart the computer you run the risk of damaging the hard drive.
Files are decrypted instantly after payment is received.3 files will be deleted. 3 archivos seran borrados.
Send – Envie $150 worth of Bitcoins here – de Bitcoins aqui:
As a side note in the lock screen, the following text is written:
YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED
YOU MUST PAY TO GET THEM BACK
Visit www.LocalBitcoins.com
To purchase if you dont have any.
Send the coins to the address specified.
To pay the ransom of the Invisible Empire ransomware goes unadvised. You cannot have any guarantee from anybody that you will get your files back and if they will work. Spending money to support cyber criminals can only fuel them with inspiration and capital to commit more crimes or enhance the ransomware they have. Take note, that at the end of this article, some restoration methods are described, and you can also read about a decryptor.
The Invisible Empire ransomware searches to encrypt files on all types of storage devices – HDDs, SSDs, external or internal. This variant again will search for files with more than 120 extensions. The known list is this:
→ .3dm, .3g2, .3gp, .aaf, .accdb, .aep, .aepx, .aet, .ai, .aif, .as, .as3, .asf, .asp, .asx, .avi, .bmp, .c, .class, .cpp, .cs, .csv, .jpeg, .jpg, .js, .rtf, .sdf, .ses, .sldm, .sldx, .sql, .svg, .swf, .tif, .txt, .vcf, .vob, .wav, .wma, .wmv, .wpd, .wps, .xla, .xlam, .m3u, .m3u8, .m4u, .max, .mdb, .mid, .mov, .mp3, .mp4, .mpa, .mpeg, .mpg, .msg, .pdb, .pdf, .php, .plb, .pmd, .png, .pot, .potm, .potx, .ppam, .ppj, .pps, .ppsm, .ppsx, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .prel, .prproj, .ps, .psd, .py, .ra, .raw, .rb, .xll, .xlm, .xls, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xlt, .xltm, .xltx, .xlw, .xml, .xqx, .xqx, .dat, .db, .dbf, .doc, .docb, .docm, .docx, .dot, .dotm, .dotx, .dwg, .dxf, .efx, .eps, .fla, .flv, .gif, .h, .idml, .iff, .indb, .indd, .indl, .indt, .inx, .jar, .java
The AES algorithm is still used for the encryption process of this Jigsaw ransomware clone. This variant of the ransomware puts .payransom as the extension of the encrypted files. If you restart your machine, there is a possibility that nearly 1,000 out of all encrypted files might get wiped from your disc drives.
As the core of the ransomware hasn’t changed, there is still a solution to restore your files. In case you already restarted your computer after the encryption process was complete and lost some files – don’t worry. Data Recovery tools can help you recover part of the files.
Remove Invisible Empire Ransomware and Restore .payransom Encrypted Files
If Invisible Empire ransomware infected your computer, don’t you worry, because a solution for free decryption of the files exists. If you got infected by the ransomware, you should have at least a little experience in removing viruses. See the instructions written down below to see how to recover your files.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Invisible Empire with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Invisible Empire 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 Invisible Empire 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 Invisible Empire 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 Invisible Empire
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Invisible Empire.
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 Invisible Empire 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.
Invisible Empire-FAQ
What is Invisible Empire Ransomware?
Invisible Empire 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 Invisible Empire 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 Invisible Empire Infect?
Via several ways.Invisible Empire 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 Invisible Empire 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 .Invisible Empire files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Invisible Empire 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 .Invisible Empire files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Invisible Empire" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Invisible Empire 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 Invisible Empire 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 Invisible Empire ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Invisible Empire 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 Invisible Empire 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 Invisible Empire Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Invisible Empire 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 Invisible Empire 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.