This article explains what .ironhead files virus is and what issues occur in case of infection with this ransomware. In addition, in this article you will find a complete set of removal and data recovery steps.
The so-called .ironhead files virus is a nasty crypto infection that plagues computer systems in order to reach valuable files and encode them with the help of strong cipher algorithm. Following encryption, corrupted files appear with the extension .ironhead in their names. Your access to these files is restricted. This consequence is misused by hackers who demand a ransom payment for the decryption of your files.
Threat Summary
| Name | .ironhead Files Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Crypto virus |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware that encrypts valuable data and demands a ransom payment for decryption solution. |
| Symptoms | Important files are encoded and renamed with the extension .ironhead The access to the information they store is restricted. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .ironhead 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. |
.ironhead Files Virus – Distribution
In general, cyber criminals prefer to spread their malicious code via spam email messages. By choosing this method they hope to trick you easily into starting their ransomware on your device. For the purpose, their emails often pose as representatives of legitimate websites, services, and even governmental institutions.
As of the malicious code that triggers the infection process, it is often embedded in documents, images, and PDFs that could be also archived. All these commonly used types of files are then spread via massive email spam campaigns as file attachments. Currently, the campaigns may be targeting users worldwide. What happens once you download the email attachment and open it on your PC is the activation of the ransomware payload.
Another malicious element that may appear in emails part of ransomware spread campaigns is URL address being it in the form of an in-text link, button, coupon, banner, image or other clickable forms. The load of the page behind this URL address results in the unnoticed execution of ransomware payload.
.ironhead Files Virus – Infection Overview
Once the ransomware manages to run its malicious payload on the system, it becomes able to interfere with the settings of important system components. In order to complete all needed malicious activities .ironhead crypto virus could be either or both set to create additional malware files directly on the infected device or connect to a remote server and download them. Like most malware of this kind, .ironhead is likely to store associated files and objects in some of the following system folders:
- %Roaming%
- %Windows%
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %Temp%
By executing malicious files in a predefined order, .ironhead files virus passes through several infection stages. First, it seeks for a way to evade detection. Then it starts infecting various system parts among which is the Registry Editor. Manipulations of the functions of certain registry sub-keys such as Run and RunOnce enable the ransomware to auto-execute its infection files on each system start.
Another issue that occurs as a result of registry alterations is the display of a ransom note on the screen. This note aims to inform you about the presence of the nasty .ironhead threat and blackmail you into paying hackers a ransom fee. You could find the message in a file called How to restore encrypted files.txt. It is stored on your device.
Here is the whole message presented by this text file:
Your files are now encrypted!
Your personal identifier:
pAQAAAAAAAAu+hL4HZTJE0QkCARTAcYnzwT0wa3LKqOYCxbshFRfPZrfV1u7j=Ntzm17Iynmp70seImcM9jZ5IV3awd7kbqhZHid
[redacted] Wl1XHRlTnNPCo0YqQtsyByJdQEByC9DL+YbWOSP+jaLkrnaC710Y1X=k=yyEwyR9t1X7nilcQLTCsNxxsn0LZ7V88rsA6EZMNI5i
[redacted] 4bwc7Q0tNB3aLLv6dRt94+g81E9NtdiPwhqJ=24DDJRwf+eI9lOn=gSw9kB18C2ob2EcXnGuVyVLbRmDK3KBZhCyYC7swf8+oJQv
[redacted] KOjh2thCHBbOoFS0yXeQKvK0UE66llCK67CQPbz5IdTAnrzXbEoNskwFnqz6zwS4FeCEdYnKawQTlmkwI5BGQJ=2XYl9JH8nH98+
[redacted] w6SWLr7sflSiCtEHvcL4D4Ag6fAk8JptbtFYmDSOEI+r43YBAll your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC.
Now you should send us email with your personal identifier.
This email will be as confirmation you are ready to pay for decryption key.
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us.
After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.Contact us using this email address: fileisafe@tuta.io or fileisafe@protonmail.com
Free decryption as guarantee!
Before paying you can send us up to 3 files for free decryption.
The total size of files must be less than 5Mb (non archived), and files should not contain
valuable information (databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc.).How to obtain Bitcoins?
* The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click
‘Buy bitcoins’, and select the seller by payment method and price:
https://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
* Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
https://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoinsAttention!
* Do not rename encrypted files.
* Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
* Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price
(they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
Apparently, hackers demand an unspecified amount of money in exchange for their data decrypter. What gets clear at first glance is that they want the payment to be in Bitcoin. As of the amount, it could vary from 0.1 to 1.0 BTC. We recommend you to avoid contacting them and refrain from paying the ransom. Instead, you could attempt to restore .ironhead files with the help of alternative data recovery approaches. Since there is no evidence for hackers’ decrypter being an efficient one, these approaches could help you to prevent further abuses.
.ironhead Files Virus – Encryption Process
The main goal of this ransomware dubbed .ironhead files virus is definitely corruption of valuable data. In order to complete it, the ransomware is designed to activate an inbuilt encryption module soon after the occurrence of all initial system modifications.
Eventually, an infection with .ironhead files virus could lead to the encryption of almost all types of files that store important information. This may include all your:
- Audio files
- Video files
- Document files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials, etc
A sure sign of an encrypted file is the specific extension .ironhead that appears at the end of its original name. Apparently, the name of this devastating threat is a derivative of the extension it uses to mark corrupted files.
When the encryption process ends, your files remain inaccessible until you use an efficient tool that could revert back their original code. Happily, the decrypter possessed by hackers is just one approach for files recovery. There are alternative and cheaper variants that could be helpful for the recovery process. We have reviewed some of them in the guide below.
Remove .ironhead Files Virus and Restore Data
The so-called .ironhead files virus is a threat with highly complex code that plagues not only your files but your whole system. So infected system should be cleaned and secured properly before you could use it regularly again. Below you could find a step-by-step removal guide that may be helpful in attempting to remove .ironhead ransomware. Choose the manual removal approach if you have previous experience with malware files. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps select the automatic section from the guide. Steps there enable you to check the infected system for ransomware files and remove them with a few mouse clicks.
In order to keep your system safe from ransomware and other types of malware in future, you should install and maintain a reliable anti-malware program. Additional security layer that could prevent the occurrence of ransomware attacks is [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/the-most-popular-free-anti-ransomware-tools/”]anti-ransomware tool.
Make sure to read carefully all the details mentioned in the step “Restore files” if you want to understand how to potentially fix encrypted files without paying the ransom. Beware that before data recovery process you should back up all encrypted files to an external drive as this will prevent their irreversible loss.
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.
Follow Me:
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for .ironhead Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .ironhead 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .ironhead 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 .ironhead Files 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: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .ironhead Files Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .ironhead 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 .ironhead 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.
.ironhead Files Virus-FAQ
What is .ironhead Files Virus Ransomware?
.ironhead 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 .ironhead 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 .ironhead Files Virus Infect?
Via several ways..ironhead 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 .ironhead 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 ..ironhead Files Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..ironhead 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 ..ironhead Files Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..ironhead Files Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..ironhead 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 .ironhead 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 .ironhead Files Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..ironhead 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 .ironhead 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 .ironhead Files Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .ironhead 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 .ironhead 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.
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.