A ransomware cryptovirus called Ishtar is encrypting victims’ files over the past few days. The name is that of a Mesopotamian goddess of war and love, but the cybercriminals might have named their malware after the famous Israeli singer. Encrypted files will have the prefix “ISHTAR-“ appearing in the beginning of their names. The ransomware claims to use RSA-2048 and AES-256 for the encryption process. To see how to remove this cryptovirus and how you can try to restore your files, read the whole article.
Threat Summary
| Name | Ishtar Ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware will encrypt your files and then display a ransom note with payment instructions for decryption. |
| Symptoms | Your encrypted files will have the “ISHTAR-“ prefix attached to their filenames. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executables |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Ishtar Ransomware. |
| 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. |
Ishtar Ransomware – Spread
The Ishtar ransomware virus intrude into your computer system in various ways. One of the ways is via spam email campaigns, spreading the malicious payload file. Such a spam letter is designed to sound critical or hold some unexpected news. While you focus on the attached file, without checking if what you read is the truth or not, you might open it. If opened, the attached file executes the malicious payload, and that will, in turn, infect your computer machine. You can see an example of such a file on the VirusTotal site below:
Ishtar might infect your PC in more ways. The malware creators could spread their files with ease by using social networks and file-sharing platforms. The malicious script might be hosted on one of these services with the goal of infecting more users. When you want to open files from unverified sources, do a scan with a security tool, beforehand. Furthermore, check the signature and size of that file and see if there are any peculiarities. You should read the ransomware preventive tips from our forum thread.
Ishtar Ransomware – Analysis
This ransomware cryptovirus is named Ishtar. It might be named after the famous Israeli singer of the same name or the Mesopotamian goddess of war, power, sex, love and fertility. The ransomware will encrypt your files and then put the prefix ISHTAR- before the names of your locked files. Payment instructions with the demands are written in a text file after the encryption process is finished.
The Ishtar ransomware might create entries in the Windows Registry after its payload is executed, to be persistent. These registry entries are intended to launch the virus automatically with every boot of the Windows operating system. After that, your data becomes encrypted, and the ransom message appears on your desktop. That ransom note is placed inside a file called README-ISHTAR.txt.
You can preview the contents of that file in the picture below:
The ransom message reads the following:
# —————————————————————————————————————————-
# ДЛЯ РАСШИФРОВКИ ФАЙЛОВ ОБРАТИТЕСЬ НА ПОЧТУ youneedmail@protonmail.com
# ЛИБО НА
# BM-NBYR3ctSgr67iciT43rRNmHdHPAYBBK7 ИСПОЛЬЗУЯ BITMESSAGE DESKTOP ИЛИ https://bitmsg.me/
# —————————————————————————————————————————-
#
# БАЗОВЫЕ ТЕХНИЧЕСКИЕ ДЕТАЛИ:
# > Стандартный порядок шифрования: AES 256 + RSA 2048.
# > Для каждого файла создается уникальный AES ключ.
# > Расшифровка невозможна без файла ISHTAR.DATA (см. директорию %APPDATA%).
#
# —————————————————————————————————————————-# —————————————————————————————————————————-
# TO DECRYPT YOUR FILES PLEASE WRITE TO youneedmail@protonmail.com
# OR TO
# BM-NBYR3ctSgr67iciT43rRNmHdHPAYBBK7 USING BITMESSAGE DESKTOP OR https://bitmsg.me/
# —————————————————————————————————————————-
#
# BASIC TECHNICAL DETAILS:
# > Standart encryption routine: AES 256 + RSA 2048.
# > Every AES key is unique per file.
# > Decryption is impossible without ISHTAR.DATA file (see %APPDATA% path).
#
# —————————————————————————————————————————-
As you can see, the ransom message is written in the Russian and English languages. You should NOT, in whatever circumstances, contact the criminals or think about paying them. Nobody can guarantee you that by paying you will be able to recover your data. Also, the cybercriminals probably would use that money for the development of more ransomware viruses.
A list of the different extensions of file types which the Ishtar ransomware encrypts is still not known. The file types which it seeks to encrypt are certainly along the lines of documents, databases, photos and videos.
The ISHTAR- prefix will get attached to the encrypted files. The encryption algorithms which are used are RSA-2048 and AES with 256 bits. At least, that is what the ransomware claims in its ransom message.
The Ishtar ransomware is more than likely to delete the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system with the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
Read further to see what kind of ways you can try to restore some of your files.
Remove Ishtar Ransomware and Restore ISHTAR- Files
If your computer got infected with the Ishtar ransomware, you should have some experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as fast as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect more computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide given below. To see ways that you can try to recover your data, see the step titled 2. Restore files encrypted by Ishtar Ransomware.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Ishtar Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Ishtar Ransomware 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 Ishtar 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 Ishtar 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: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Ishtar Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Ishtar Ransomware.
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 Ishtar 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 the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Ishtar Ransomware-FAQ
What is Ishtar Ransomware Ransomware?
Ishtar 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 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 Ishtar Ransomware 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 Ishtar Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.Ishtar Ransomware 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 Ishtar 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 .Ishtar Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Ishtar Ransomware 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 .Ishtar Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Ishtar Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Ishtar Ransomware 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 Ishtar Ransomware 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 Ishtar Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Ishtar Ransomware 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 Ishtar Ransomware 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 Ishtar Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Ishtar Ransomware 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 Ishtar Ransomware 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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