Remove IIOF Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .iiof FILES)

IIOF ransomware is a new variant of STOP/DJVU file-encrypting malware

IIOF ransomware is a malicious virus that functions by encrypting files found in any computer it infects. It is recognized as a member of the notorious and highly destructive STOP/DJVU ransomware family. It is known to encrypt every file it can locate in the compromised computer and would append each of them with .iiof extension. E.g., a file that was hitherto known as 1.jpg will be automatically renamed 1.jpg.iiof and the same modifications will be applied to all affected files. Simultaneously, it will equally drop certain ransom notifications called _readme.txt in all the folders. These notifications are basically information from the cybercriminals explaining what has happened and how/the need for the victim to get in touch with them in view of paying ransom to enable them to receive IIOF decryption tool.

In the ransom note, they will point out that IIOF ransomware virus has successfully encrypted every single file contained in the victim’s computer, including potentially vital documents, pictures, and every other data using a very complex key. As a result, they have no other choice than to pay the ransom fee being requested so they could forward a decryption key accordingly. Additionally, the message will contain two email addresses namely: support@sysmail.ch and helprestoremanager@airmail.cc which they hope the victim will use in responding to them.

They will also attach decryption service prices and the terms of payment associated with them. For instance, they will claim that responding ASAP to their demand would be beneficial. Such that, if the victim is able to respond in the next 72 hours/3 days, they would be able to leverage their 50% discount. Therefore, instead of paying a fee of $980, they would now pay $490. However, once the 3 days window closes, only the full amount would be acceptable.

If the victim decides to reach out to them, the cybercriminals will give further conditions by requesting that payment can only be made by purchasing cryptocurrency that is worth the ransom fee and transferring same to a wallet address that would be provided by them. The apparent reason why they use this medium of payment is to remain anonymous and evade possible arrests by law enforcement agencies. To raise the hopes of the victim and encourage them to pay without hesitation, they sometimes ask for excerpts of the encrypted files to be sent to them so they could decrypt it as proof of their expertise.

However, our cybersecurity experts advise that victims should follow the FBI’s directive in respect to ransom demand and the verdict is NO TO RANSOM PAYMENT. It should be noted that paying the ransom does not guarantee the victim will recover their encrypted data. On the contrary, you will end up encouraging cybercriminals to continue in their criminal activities since they would find it profitable.

Annually, these online rogues earn millions of dollars from victims whose files were encrypted and this is bad. In addition to that, the virus is also known for dropping Trojans that steal information such as AZORULT and VIDAR on the already compromised PC which they use in stealing confidential information like software account login details, cryptocurrency wallets, banking details, passwords etc. and such sensitive information in the wrong hands can result in further criminal activities like money pilfering or blackmail.

For those who unfortunately became victims of the described variant of STOP/DJVU virus, you’re advised to remove IIOF ransomware from your PC as quickly as possible. The recommended way to do it is to set up your PC in Safe Mode with Networking option while it is still booting before running any reliable antivirus software. If you’re not sure about which antivirus would be most suitable, then you should make use of INTEGO Antivirus. In addition to that, you can also download RESTORO to help in repairing possible virus damages on your Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE

Ransomware distribution techniques used by cybercriminals

Basically, the most common method used by cybercriminals in spreading different variants of STOP/DJVU ransomware, including IIOF virus, is through malicious online torrents whereby they would hibernate malware in certain types of pirated software contents such as the so-called “cracks” or fake key generators. When unsuspecting users try to make use of these illegal software contents they end up triggering malware attack on their computer. Such illegal software contents used as bait by cybercriminals are then uploaded to diverse online torrent libraries:

• Internet Download Manager;
• Corel Draw;
• Tenorshare 4ukey;
• AutoCad;
• Opera browser;
• Fifa 20;
• VMware Workstation;
• Cubase;
• Virtual DJ Pro;
• League of Legends;
• Adobe Photoshop;
• KMSPico (illegal Windows activation tool).

Based on the explanations so far, it has been shown that going to online torrents to download any type of software is a dangerous habit, and anyone involved in it should desist from doing so to avoid becoming a victim of a cyberattack. Furthermore, it is a copyright offence to do so and is punishable by law. A better alternative is to download such software needs through the right channels, thereby encouraging legitimate software developers. Although it may seem like the fees charged by software developers are high relative to online torrents platforms but when you consider the outrageous amount of money victims of ransomware are asked to pay, you will realize it’s not worth it. Also, using the right channels poses no risk to your sensitive personal data.

Another method used by cybercriminals in spreading malware is through malicious email attachments. In this case, they would create highly convincing messages while attaching certain types of documents crafted on PDF, DOCX or XLS among similar files. They use these particular files because they allow JavaScript and macro functions which can be used to transport and trigger payload in diverse random computers.

The most worrisome part of it is that trying to decipher if a particular email is coming from a genuine source or a malware carrying medium sent by cybercriminals has become increasingly difficult. The reason is because cybercriminals now pretend to be acquaintances or maybe any popular brand (the ones often used include Amazon, UPS, eBay, or DHL, among others. Also, they tend to give the accompanying attachments compelling names like Tracking Details, Invoice or Order Summary etc. Alternatively, cybercriminals make use of email spoofing techniques which they use in obfuscating the actual originating email address. In such circumstances, it is best to trust your intuition and avoid opening any email that appears odd.

Lastly, STOP/DJVU ransomware victims should avoid certain dubious websites that claim to offer miraculous decryption solutions because they’re actually scammers with ulterior motives. At the moment, only Emsisoft and DiskTuna have proven to offer decryption solutions that actually work. Here is a link to them. Nevertheless, you should be aware that cybercriminals equally distribute other versions of ransomware like ZORAB through certain types of fake STOP/DJVU decryptors. Any attempt to download such tools can automatically lead to double-file encryption.

More details concerning the infection

Those that may be wondering about the extent of damage that was done on their PC following XXXX ransomware attack should avail themselves of the information contained in this section. Firstly, what the malware does is to launch build.exe or build2.exe executables as well as winupdate.exe. Afterwards, it would make a connection with https[:]//api.2ip.ua/geo.json and afterwards, saves the result to geo.json file. The malware then commences with information gathering of all details concerning the computer and would store them in geolocation related database; this would include the computer’s geolocation information, zip code, time zone, latitude and longitude. Please check below for a derived example of geo.json file.

Another file would be created that would contain hardware details, software list, and active processes sent to information.txt.

Afterwards, the malware will profile the country code it earlier extracted and would compare it against their list of encryption exempted countries, namely; Russian Federation, Belarus, Syria, Armenia, Ukraine, Kazachstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. In a situation where the virus detects one of the listed countries, it would immediately cease any further attempt to encrypt data on the computer. However, if the computer’s location doesn’t fall into the whitelist, it will then extract online encryption key from the C&C server and would combine it with the victim’s ID before saving them in bowsakkdestx.txt file and also to PersonalID.txt file. Both files are portrayed in the image below.

However, if it fails to extract any online encryption key from the central server, it will settle for the use of a hardcoded offline key. The main difference between the two is that online key is unique for each victim, unlike offline key that is used for all victims of a particular ransomware variant. What shows that offline key was used is the availability of t1 characters appearing at the end of a personal ID, and the implication is that there is a high chance that such victim could decrypt .iiof files someday. More details about this are provided below the article.

At this juncture, the ransomware will commence full data encryption procedure by scanning every folder and encrypting them with Salsa20 before locking the key using RSA-2048. While the process is still going on, the virus will mark each file name with .iiof extension.

Here is a screenshot of the _readme.txt ransom note that is usually left in all the folders.

Ultimately, the virus will proceed to delete Volume Shadow Copies by making use of the command task as shown below:

^{vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet}

Thereafter, it would add certain domains to the Windows HOSTS file before mapping them to localhost IP, thereby effectively preempting any possible attempt by the victim to seek help from those blacklisted websites. Any attempt by the victim could bring up the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error message. The reason why they do this is to ensure that victims are totally helpless and confused on what to do.

Remove IIOF Ransomware Virus and Recover lost files

Victims whose files were encrypted by this malware variant should remove IIOF ransomware virus as quickly as possible and also endeavor to report to the appropriate government agency entrusted to handle such issues. However, the guide below shows how you can easily set up your PC in Safe Mode with Networking option (highly recommended) before running genuine antivirus software on it. For those that are not of which antivirus to use, consider using INTEGO Antivirus because it has been tested by our team and found to be very efficient.

Once IIOF ransomware virus removal is done, please take the following steps:

• Inform a relevant law enforcement agency near to you.
• Make use of any data backup device to restore lost files.
• Learn possible ways files affected by STOP/DJVU ransomware versions can be decrypted.
• Change all passwords that were used on the infected computer.
• Download RESTORO and run a system scan to identify and repair virus damage to Windows OS files.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

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

REMOVE & PROTECT WITH INTEGO

Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs.

Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer.

Read full review here.

STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER

DOWNLOAD RESTORO

RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically.

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

Read full review here.

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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.