Remove IFLA Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .ifla FILES)

remove IFLA ransomware virus and learn how to decrypt or repair files with .ifla extension (free guide)

IFLA ransomware is a virtual menace to files stored on your computer

Contents

IFLA ransomware is a virtual menace to files stored on your computer
How ransomware-type computer threats spread and how to avoid getting infected
Remove IFLA Ransomware Virus and Decrypt Your Files
Decrypt IFLA files
Frequently Asked Questions

IFLA is a computer virus that showcases ransomware characteristics. It is associated with one of the most prevalent ransomware families – STOP/DJVU. After being launched on the target system, it encrypts all files detected on it. During this procedure, the virus marks each of filenames with an additional .ifla extension. To illustrate, a file originally named 1.jpg becomes 1.jpg.ifla, 2.txt becomes 2.txt.ifla and so on. To provide the victim with instructions on how to recover lost files, the ransomware drops _readme.txt file in each folder. This file is often referred to as a “ransom note.”

Such type of a computer malware is specifically designed to steal victim’s capability of using personal files. Since many of us keep important information on our computer that includes files related to work, study or personal memories, loos of such can be devastating. Cybercriminals then offer a solution – IFLA file decryption tool and a key which cost money. This is nothing else than pure extortion of the computer user.

Contents of the _readme.txt note

The ransom note contains a brief message explaining what did the IFLA ransomware virus do for files stored on the computer system. Additionally, it clarifies that the computer user can still recover all of lost data, however, this costs money. In other words, cybercriminals who operate this ransomware seek to extort the computer user and suggest buying a special file decryption software along a decryption key. They leave two email addresses in the ransom note – namely, manager@time2mail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc so that the victim could write them. They also recommend attaching one sample of encrypted file to the email and promise to reply with a decrypted version of it. This way, they seek to give the victim some sort of “guarantees” that it is worth paying the full ransom.

Speaking of the ransom amount, the note suggests that the criminals may apply a 50% discount if the victim writes to the attackers within 72 hours starting from the infection timestamp. This would mean the decryption tools cost $490. Otherwise, the victim has to pay the full amount, which is $980. In both scenarios, the criminals will require the victim to visit online cryptocurrency exchange platforms and purchase Bitcoin worth the settled amount. Then, they will ask the victim to transfer the sum to their virtual wallet address, since such kind of transaction cannot be traced down.

Screenshot of the full _readme.txt note contents is provided below.

Even if paying the ransom seems like the most fitting action in this situation, we strongly advise you not to do it. The same recommendations are provided by FBI and cybersecurity experts worldwide. It doesn’t guarantee data recover and plus allows malicious operations to continue. Most importantly, the cybercriminals might try to target you again.

Additional damage to the computer system

During our analysis of STOP/DJVU variants, we have observed that it mostly travels alongside other dangerous malware. To be specific, it tends to spread along VIDAR or AZORULT Trojans, both used by cybercriminals to access compromised computers remotely and steal sensitive data from them. For instance, these threats have the functionality of allowing someone remotely view or delete files on your computer, download additional malware, extract browser-saved passwords, banking information, steal cryptocurrency wallets and more. Access to such data can allow the criminals to initiate more malevolent actions, for example, extort the computer user further.

Moreover, this virus attempts to modify Windows HOSTS file and upload a list of URLs to block on the compromised host. The way this works is that the virus maps these URLs to localhost IP, which causes DNS resolution error. As a consequence, the computer user may run into errors like DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN when trying to access particular web domains. On top of that, the ransomware deletes Volume Shadow Copies from the system to prevent easy data recovery for the user.

For those who have unfortunately fallen victim to a ransomware attack, we recommend eliminating all malware from the system as soon as possible. The best way to remove IFLA ransomware virus and related threats is to reboot the computer and start it in Safe Mode with Networking. Then you can run your chosen antivirus solution and not worry about malware trying to halt the antivirus’ processes. On top of that, you might want to download and try RESTORO which can repair virus damage on Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

Name	IFLA Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Encryption type	RSA 2048 + Salsa20
Previous versions	MINE, XCVF, SIJR, EGFG, BBNM, IFLA, KRUU (find full list here)
Version	478th
Extension	.ifla
Cybercriminal emails	manager@time2mail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc
Additional malware dropped	Azorult or Vidar Trojan
Damage	The ransomware uses encryption to maliciously modify all files on the PC and marks their original names with .ifla extension. Ransom notes called as _readme.txt will be dropped in every computer folder. This piece of malware usually drags VIDAR Stealer alongside it and also eliminates VSS from the system. On top of that, it tends to modify Windows HOSTS file to restrict computer user’s access to cybersecurity-related websites online.
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Ransom demand	$490-$980 in Bitcoin
Distribution	Victims often download this ransomware along illegal torrent downloads, cracked software, activators, key generators or tools like KMSPico.
Known software cracks to contain this malware	Corel Draw, Tenorshare 4ukey, Adobe Photoshop, Cubase, Adobe Illustrator, Internet Download Manager, Tally, League of Legends.
Detection names	Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.PAL!MTB (Microsoft), Trojan.Crypt (A) (Emsisoft), HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.gen (Kaspersky), Trojan.GenericKD.47850419 (BitDefender), Trojan.MalPack.GS (Malwarebytes), ML.Attribute.HighConfidence (Symantec) see all detection name variations on VirusTotal
Removal	Remove ransomware and related malware from your PC using trustworthy software. To repair virus damage on Windows OS files, consider scanning with RESTORO (secure download link).

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Below you can see an image of a data folder containing files that IFLA ransomware encrypted.

How ransomware-type computer threats spread and how to avoid getting infected

The majority of ransomware-type computer viruses are distributed via malicious email spam campaigns, while others rely on targeted attacks. When it comes to STOP/DJVU variants, our researchers have discovered that the operators of this ransomware strain tend to upload fake pirated software versions online in warez sites or torrent listings. These fake installers are used to launch the payload on target systems. In other words, computer users who are looking for cracked software versions online are at high risk of downloading a password-protected archive or a torrent that contains an executable which is basically the ransomware itself (in disguise).

For this reason, we strongly advise against such practices and recommend visiting official websites to download legitimate and secure copies of the software that interests you. After all, license keys cost less than hefty ransoms that cybercriminals demand, not to mention loss of privacy and sensitive data.

As mentioned previously, another very popular malware distribution technique relies on email spam. The attackers compose convincing messages, often even spoof the sender’s email address, and attach a file named as regular documents, for instance, an invoice, payment summary, order details, etc. This file usually contains a malicious script that downloads the malware from an external source and runs it on the system. We recommend computer users to practise caution at all times when checking the email and avoid interacting with emails sent by unknown senders or those that have no business with you.

On top of that, victims of STOP/DJVU and any other ransomware strain in general should be careful when searching for information about available decryption tools online. Nowadays, offering non-existing ransomware decryption tools is a common practice among scammers. Communication with them may end in one of the following scenarios: you may end up financially scammed, or you may be tricked into downloading a tool that contains more malware inside of it. If you’re looking for trustworthy tools, you should know that only DiskTuna and Emsisoft provide them at the moment. However, you should be aware of the fact that they can be useful in certain circumstances only as discussed in this guide.

Remove IFLA Ransomware Virus and Decrypt Your Files

If you’re ready to remove IFLA ransomware virus, please follow the instructions provided below and boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Then, choose a reliable antivirus solution and install it on your computer. If you already had an antivirus, we recommend that you refresh its virus database by installing the latest updates. Next, run a full system scan to identify and remove malware remains. Finally, consider downloading RESTORO to repair virus damage on Windows operating system files.

Now you’ve finished IFLA ransomware virus removal, please take a look at the following recommendations:

Let a relevant law enforcement agency nearest to you know about the cyberattack you’ve experienced.
Use data backups.
Study more about STOP/DJVU virus and how affected files could be repaired.
Change all passwords used or saved in the compromised computer.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

Our team recommends removing malware using a professional antivirus software and then using the following tool to repair virus damage to Windows system files:

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER

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RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them.

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IFLA Ransomware Virus Removal Guidelines

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Step 1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove IFLA Ransomware Virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube.

Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users

First of all, turn off your PC. Then press the Power button to start it again and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. This launches the Advanced Boot Options menu.
Use arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate down to Safe Mode with Networking option and press Enter.

Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users

Open Windows Start menu, then press down the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then select Restart option.
This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Networking. In this case, it is the F5 key.

Step 2. Remove files associated with the virus

Now, you can search for and remove IFLA Ransomware Virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus, which also includes data recovery software. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

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Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically.

Step 1. Boot Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users

Shut down your PC. Start it again by pressing the Power button and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. You will see Advanced Boot Options menu.
Using arrow keys on the keyboard, navigate down to Safe Mode with Command Prompt option and press Enter.

Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users

Launch Windows Start menu, then click the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then choose Restart option with the mouse cursor.
This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Command Prompt. In this case, press F6 key.

Step 2. Start System Restore process

Wait until system loads and command prompt shows up.
Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter. Or you can just type %systemroot%system32restorerstrui.exe in command prompt and hit Enter.
This launches System Restore window. Click Next and then choose a System Restore point created in the past. Choose one that was created before ransomware infection.
Click Yes to begin the system restoration process.

After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won't be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

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Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Decrypt IFLA files

Fix and open large IFLA files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

Create a copy of encrypted file to a separate folder using Copy > Paste commands.
Now, right-click the created copy and choose Rename. Select the IFLA extension and delete it. Press Enter to save changes.
In the prompt asking whether you want to make the changes as file might become unusable, click OK.
Try opening the file.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. IFLA Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like MINE, XCVF, SIJR, EGFG, BBNM, IFLA, KRUU (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie.

Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible.

In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt IFLA files, follow the given tutorial.

Download the decryption tool from Emsisoft.
Click the little arrow next to your download and choose Show in Folder.
Now, right-click the file and choose Run as Administrator. If asked, enter administrator's password.
In UAC window, click Yes.
Click Yes to agree to software terms in both windows.
The tool will automatically include C:// disk as a location to decrypt. The file recovery tool will prepopulate the locations to scan, including connected data storage drives or network drives. Click Add folder if you wish to add additional locations.
In Options tab, you can choose to keep encrypted file copies. We recommend leaving this option selected, especially if you do not know if the decryption tool will work.
Click Decrypt to start restoring IFLA files. You will see the progress in the Results tab. Here, you can see messages from the tool, such as whether the decryption procedure is successful, or you need to wait for an update.
You might also be informed that online key was used to encrypt your files. In such case, the decryption tool won't work for you, and the only way to recover your files is to use a data backup.

Meanings of decryptor's messages

The IFLA decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages:

Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID]

This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor's database.

No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible

This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible.

Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]
This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.

If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn't available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your IFLA extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Report Internet crime to legal departments

Victims of IFLA Ransomware Virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.
In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.
In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.
In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.
In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.
In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.
In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can't find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up "[your country name] report cyber crime". This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities.

Another recommendation is to contact your country's or region’s federal police or communications authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

✓ How can I open .IFLA files?

You can only open IFLA files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.

✓ How do I know if my files were encrypted with offline or online encryption?

To figure out whether you were affected by offline encryption, please go to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt and see if the string inside of it ends in t1. You can also try using Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/DJVU.

✓ My files contain very important information (family memories). Every tool I used says it is impossible to decrypt. What should I do?

Please follow the guidances provided by the official IFLA decryption tools and believe what they say. If they say it is impossible to decrypt, it really is so. There is no magic tool or human capable of decrypting your files hiding somewhere. Encryption is a technique created to be nearly impossible to decrypt without a special private key (held by the criminals).

✓ I am afraid virus is still in my computer system. What should I do?

We advise scanning with anti-virus, anti-malware, malware removal tools or software like RESTORO to eliminate virus damage on the system. If you do not trust using a single tool, try running one after another. However, we do not recommend keeping several security programs on a computer at once as they can interfere with each other's work.

✓ I saw several Youtube videos suggesting secret decryption tools. Can I trust them?

Beware of fake IFLA decryption tools circulating around the web. Cyber criminals are uploading them to various shady websites, also might be promoting them via suspicious Youtube videos. These programs can infect your computer even more heavily (Trojans, miners, etc.). We suggest being extremely cautious around the web. If there will be an official STOP/DJVU decryption tool available, it will be widely discussed in public media.

Norbert Webb

Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.