Remove IGDM Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .IGDM FILES)
IGDM ransomware encryption can be reversed with specific tools
Contents
IGDM ransomware is the 270th version of STOP/DJVU virus. This malicious software is designed to encrypt all files on Windows systems using RSA crypto-algorithm, mark them with .igdm extension and create _readme.txt ransom note in every PC directory. This note explains that the criminals behind this computer virus seek to extort the victim by offering .igdm decryption software and key for a specific sum of money. This amount is nothing else but a ransom demand that ranges from $490 to $980 in Bitcoin. To get further instructions regarding data recovery, the note suggests writing to helpmanager@mail.ch or restoremanager@airmail.cc.
IGDM virus has several extra functionalities made to prevent easy data recovery for the victim. First, it deletes Volume Shadow Copies, therefore blocking the way to restore file copies using System Restore Points. Next, it blocks certain websites via Windows HOSTS file by maliciously modifying it. Finally, this ransomware installs AZORULT password-stealing Trojan on the system.
After the initial execution, this ransomware connects to its Command&Control server to obtain an online encryption key, then uses it to encrypt all files on the target computer (videos, photos, documents, archives, spreadsheets and other formats). The cryptography algorithm used is known as RSA. In case the virus fails to establish the connection to its C&C server (for example, due to Internet connectivity problems), then it uses hardcoded offline encryption key instead. In order to recover files, the victim has to reverse this encryption using private decryption key held by the criminals. However, criminals know this “advantage” against the victim and try to extort him/her by asking for a hefty decryption key price.
Note. This virus has nothing in common with IGDM, Instagram Direct Messages on Desktop service.
Criminals leave explanation in the _readme.txt ransom note
Authors of IGDM ransomware virus seek to force the victim to pay the ransom by offering test decryption of one encrypted file. They suggest sending it to their provided emails alongside with personal ID included in the _readme.txt note. Additionally, they state that paying the specified sum is the shortest way to data recovery. According to them, there is no other way to restore encrypted files, and if the victim rushes to contact them via provided emails within 3 days, they will also apply a 50% discount on the initial ransom price, making it cost $490. Otherwise, the ransom price bounces back to $980 after 3 days from the infection timestamp.
Although it might seem tempting for some to pay half a thousand and receive all files back shortly, we, as cybersecurity experts, want to warn you that this might not be the best solution to the problem. It is not worth paying the ransom to Internet hackers because:
- The criminals might vanish after receiving the ransom, leaving you with data and financial loss at once.
- The attackers can provide partly functional tools that won’t restore all of your files. Computer viruses are prone to various mistakes.
- Paying the ransom means funding further Internet crimes. The more revenue the criminals generate, the more it attracts them to keep this “business” alive. It is never enough money for them, and they won’t stop no matter how much revenue they generate.
- If you decide to pay up, remember that they can identify you again since they installed password-stealing Trojan on your computer. This way, they will know that you are willing to pay up as commanded, and might try to target you again, for example, through deceptive email spam containing phishing links, or scare you with messages saying they know your password and recorded you on your PC camera.
Ransomware is extremely dangerous and popular virtual weapon used to extort computer users daily. We do not recommend paying the ransom to the criminals because it is simply not the answer to the problem. Besides, we all are trying to reduce our spending habits in these COVID-19 pandemic times. Instead of paying the ransom, we suggest investing that money into data backup solutions instead.
What is important to say is that victims of offline encryption can hope to restore their files for free in the future.
IGDM ransomware is an essentially similar virus to previous STOP/DJVU versions, such as NOBU, EPOR, SGLH and others. This malware family now has 270th variants, each essentially similar to the previous one. They are generally categorized into old (decryptable) and new (hard to decrypt) variants. The only thing that differs is file marker used to identify encrypted files, and sometimes the contact emails provided in the ransom notes.
If you have been affected by this virus, you should remove IGDM ransomware virus along with additional malware it installed. This must be done as soon as possible. First, we recommend you to read the removal guide provided below this article, and finish the system cleanse using robust anti-malware software. In addition, we suggest scanning with RESTORO software, which includes malware removal engine and virus damage repair functionalities.
Post-removal recommendations: change all of your passwords for accounts saved in Chrome, Firefox and other browsers. It is likely that they were grabbed and transmitted to the ransomware authors by the aforementioned password-stealer Trojan, namely AZORULT.
| ame | IGDM ransomware virus |
| Type | Ransomware; Crypto-virus; File locker |
| Encryption | RSA crypto-algorithm |
| Other versions | NOBU, EPOR, WEUI, LISP, SGLH |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Extension | .igdm file |
| Criminal contacts | helpmanager@mail.ch or restoremanager@airmail.cc |
| Ransom demand | $490-$980 |
| Decryption tools | Decrypt .igdm files using Emsisoft decryptor for STOP/DJVU, repair using Media_Repair or use data backups |
| Distribution | Infected illegal downloads (torrents), deceptive websites, email spam (malicious attachments and links) |
| Removal | Remove virus using anti-malware software suite. For virus damage repair, scan with RESTORO. |
Scan your system for FREE to detect security, hardware and stability issues. You can use the scan results and try to remove threats manually, or you can choose to get the full version of software to fix detected issues and repair virus damage to Windows OS system files automatically. Includes Avira spyware/malware detection & removal engine.
How to avoid getting infected with ransomware?
IGDM ransomware distribution is essentially similar to techniques used to spread other file-encrypting viruses, such as VYIA, QBAA, FOPA, VTYM, KQGS, XCBG, BPQD (find full list here). Most of the time, these malicious programs await in illegal downloads, such as software cracks and keygens. in some cases, victims reported founding them in KMSPico downloads. To summarize, it can be said that computer users should avoid copyright-infringing downloads promoted through various torrent-sharing platforms at all costs. These get-paid-software-licenses-for-free downloads are nothing else but a trap for unsuspecting victims. Such files are often identified as malicious by already installed antivirus programs, but computer users tend to ignore such warnings due to desire to activate specific software for free. Unfortunately, such behavior leads to even more financial damage.
Needless to say, in order to obtain legitimate and secure software licenses, you should head to their official developer’s website. Software development isn’t free, it takes time, knowledge and other resources, so we encourage you to support them. Besides, nowadays you can use various coupons and promotions to acquire software licenses at a lower cost.
Another popular way to infect computers with malware is malicious email spam. This technique is based on criminals’ attempts to impersonate representatives of well-known companies. For instance, the crooks might claim they’re working at DPD, DHL, UPS or another parcel delivery company and suggest opening a tracking link or invoice. Another example of deceptive message is suggestion to review missing or pending payment information in PDF, Excel or Word file. Opening such file will execute a script that downloads the payload from external source and executes ransomware on the computer.
Luckily, even regular computer users can prevent such infections quite easily. Avoid ransomware attacks in a few simple steps:
- Stay away from illegal downloads at all costs.
- Refrain yourself from opening emails you did not expect to receive. Do not let your curiosity trick you into opening malicious email attachments or phishing links. Remember that criminals often use link shortening services to disguise malicious domains.
- Create data backups on external data storage device regularly. This way, you will have a safe copy of your files in case your computer gets stolen, physically destroyed, or infected with file-encrypting malware.
- Install anti-virus with real-time protection and DO mind its prompts. Never open a file if it says it is malicious!
Easy way to remove Igdm ransomware virus
Igdm ransomware removal is a matter of utmost importance, therefore you should not delay it any longer. Ensure your computer’s security and personal information privacy by deleting it from your system as soon as possible. We have prepared professional removal instructions that you can use as a guidance. We also recommend using automatic malware removal software of your choice to detect malicious components rapidly.
Once you remove Igdm ransomware virus using instructions given below, you can start testing possible solutions to decrypt your files. There is a list of recommended tools and resources regarding data recovery down below. Finally, do not forget to report Internet crime to corresponding institution in your country, and change your passwords for accounts saved in Chrome, Firefox, Edge and other browser’s memory.
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Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system:
STEP 1. REMOVE AUTOMATICALLY WITH ROBUST ANTIVIRUS
STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER
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IGDM 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 IGDM 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 IGDM 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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RESTORO is a unique PC Repair Tool which comes with an in-built Avira scan engine to detect and remove spyware/malware threats and uses a patented technology to repair virus damage. The software can repair damaged, missing or malfunctioning Windows OS files, corrupted DLLs, and more. The free version offers a scan that detects issues. To fix them, license key for the full software version must be purchased.
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
Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
System Mechanic Ultimate Defense
If you're looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek's Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.
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 Igdm files
Fix and open large Igdm 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 Igdm 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. IGDM ransomware virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like VYIA, QBAA, FOPA, VTYM, KQGS, XCBG, BPQD (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 Igdm 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 Igdm 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 Igdm 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 Igdm 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 IGDM 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
You can only open Igdm files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.
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.
Please follow the guidances provided by the official Igdm 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).
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.
Beware of fake Igdm 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 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.
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