How to delete Ifla ransomware

Ifla ransomware is a generic malware that encrypts files. It comes from the Djvu/STOP ransomware family and is essentially another version of it. The people operating this ransomware family release new versions on a regular basis, often every couple of days. There are currently hundreds of these ransomware versions available, and most of them are essentially identical. You can identify which one you are dealing with by the extension added to your encrypted files. If your computer is infected with Ifla ransomware, your files will have .ifla added to them. Unfortunately, unless you have a backup, you may not be able to fully recover the files. The cybercriminals will try to sell you their decryptor for $980 but paying is not recommended, mainly because it does not guarantee that a decryptor will be sent.

 

 

Ifla ransomware is the newest ransomware release by the cybercriminals operating Djvu/STOP malware family. As soon as this ransomware is initiated, it will start encrypting your files. It targets personal files, including photos, videos, images, documents, etc. You will know which files have been encrypted by the extension added to encrypted files. In this case, it adds .ifla. As an example, image.jpg would become image.jpg.ifla. Unfortunately, you will not be able to open any of these files, unless you first use a decryptor on them. The _readme.txt ransom note explains how you could acquire the decryptor.

You will find the _readme.txt ransom note in all folders that have encrypted files. According to the note, victims can purchase a decryptor for $980. There supposedly is a 50% discount for users who make contact with the cybercriminals within the first 72 hours but whether that is actually true is debatable. We generally don’t recommend buying a decryptor from cybercriminals, primarily because there are no guarantees that you’ll actually get it. Remember that you are dealing with cybercriminals, and there is nothing to stop them from simply taking your money and not sending anything in return. Countless users have not received their decryptors in the past, despite paying the ransom. Whether to pay or not is your decision but you should carefully consider the risks.

Recovering files will be a very complicated process for users who do not have a backup. Their only option is to wait for a free Ifla ransomware decryptor to become available. However, developing one for malware researchers will be difficult because this ransomware uses online keys to encrypt files. This means that the keys are unique to each victim. Unless those keys are released by the cybercriminals operating this ransomware, a free decryptor is not very likely. However, it’s not impossible that those keys will be released by the malware operators themselves, as has happened in the past with other ransomware strains. There is also a free Djvu/STOP decryptor developed by Emsisoft, and while it’s unlikely to work in your case, it’s still worth a try. You should also be careful when looking for free decryptors because there are many fake and even malicious ones.

If you have a backup, you can access it to start recovering files as soon as you remove Ifla ransomware from your computer. Make sure to use reliable anti-virus software. Do not attempt to do it manually because you could cause additional damage accidentally.

How to avoid a ransomware infection

Ransomware that primarily affects regular users can usually be encountered in torrents, malicious emails, high-risk websites, etc. If you have bad online habits, you have a higher chance of picking up a malware infection because you’re more likely to engage in risky behavior. Taking the time to develop better browsing habits and becoming familiar with malware distribution methods can greatly decrease your chances of picking up malware.

It’s not a secret that torrent sites are often very poorly regulated, which is why torrents are often full of malware. When unsuspecting users download a torrent with malware in it, they inadvertently infect their computers with it. Torrents for popular content are especially likely to have malware in them. Torrents for popular movies, TV series, video games, software, etc., usually have malware in them. So if you use torrents to pirate copyrighted content, it could be how you infected your computer with this ransomware.

You could have also infected your computer with ransomware by opening a malicious email attachment. Email attachments are a very common way users pick up ransomware. The emails carrying malware are not dangerous as long as the attachment is not opened. However, the moment the file is opened, the computer becomes infected. The emails are usually fairly easy to recognize. The biggest giveaway is grammar and spelling mistakes. When senders claim to be from legitimate companies but the emails are full of grammar/spelling mistakes, it’s quite obvious that something is not right. Always pay close attention to emails with attachments. You should also take note of how the sender addresses you. An email whose attachment you would need to open will address you by name. Since malicious actors often have no other information besides the email address, they address users with generic terms like User, Member, Customer, etc. Some malicious emails may be more sophisticated, which is why it’s a good idea to always scan email attachments with anti-virus software or VirusTotal before opening them.

Ifla ransomware removal

Do not try to remove Ifla ransomware manually because you could accidentally cause additional damage to your computer. Ransomware is a very complex infection and should be removed using professional means. If you try to do it manually, you might not fully remove it, which could allow the ransomware to recover later. If that were to happen while you were connected to your backup, your backed-up files would become encrypted. To avoid permanently losing access to your files, use anti-malware software to delete Ifla ransomware. Once the ransomware is fully gone from your computer, you can safely access your backup.

If you do not have copies of your files in a backup, your only option may be to wait for a free decryptor to be released. Back up your encrypted files and check NoMoreRansom for a free Ifla ransomware decryptor from time to time.