Iiof ransomware removal

Iiof ransomware is file-encrypting malware from the Djvu/STOP ransomware family. It’s yet another ransomware version to come from this malware family, one of the hundreds already released. Because this ransomware encrypts files, it’s considered to be a very dangerous infection. It targets personal files, encrypts them, and then demands that you pay to recover them. Unfortunately, once files are encrypted, the only way to decrypt them is to use a special decryptor. But acquiring it will be difficult because the only people who have it are the cybercriminals operating this ransomware. They will try to sell it to you for $980 but paying comes with its own risks as well. If you have copies of your files in a backup, you can start file recovery as soon as you remove Iiof ransomware from your computer.

 

 

Iiof ransomware is mostly identical to Fgnh, Ckae, Eucy, Qqqr, and many others. They all come from the same Djvu/STOP ransomware family. They only differ in the extensions they add to encrypted files, which is also how you can identify which ransomware you are dealing with. In this case, your encrypted files will have .iiof added to them. All your personal files will have this extension, including photos, videos, images, documents, etc. For example, image.jpg would become image.jpg.fgnh. You will not be able to open any of these files unless you first run them through a decryptor. Unfortunately, obtaining the decryptor will not be so easy because, at the moment, the only people who have it are the cybercriminals operating this ransomware. They will offer you the decryptor if you agree to pay the ransom. You will find more information in the ransom note that’s dropped when the ransomware finishes encrypting files.

To distract you from the fact that your files are being encrypted, the ransomware will display a fake Windows update window. Once file encryption is complete, the ransomware will drop a _readme.txt ransom note in folders that have encrypted files. The note is more or less the same as the ones dropped by other ransomware from this malware family. It explains how users can buy the decryptor. According to the note, the regular price for a decryptor is $980. However, those who make contact with cyber criminals within the first 72 hours will supposedly get a 50% discount. However, paying comes with many risks. Most importantly, it does not guarantee a decryptor because you are dealing with cybercriminals and there is nothing stopping them from simply taking your money without sending anything in return. This has happened to many users in the past and will happen many times in the future. Another thing we should mention is that the ransom payments go towards future criminal activities. And the reality is that as long as victims give in to the ransom requests, ransomware will continue to be an issue.

Before you proceed to start file recovery from a backup, you need to make sure to fully delete Iiof ransomware from the computer. We strongly suggest using anti-malware software because ransomware is a very complex infection and should be handled by a security program to ensure it’s fully gone. Once you’re sure the ransomware is no longer present, you can start recovering your files.

Your options are, unfortunately, very limited if you do not have a backup. The only thing you can do is back up the encrypted files and wait for a free decryptor to be released. There currently is a free Djvu/STOP decryptor by Emsisoft but it’s unlikely to work on Iiof ransomware. That’s primarily because Iiof ransomware and most new Djvu/STOP versions use online keys to encrypt files. That means the keys are unique to each user. And Emsisoft’s decryptor will only work for users whose keys the company has. Nonetheless, it’s worth a try. It is possible that a universal decryptor will be released in the future, so back up your encrypted files and occasionally check NoMoreRansom for a free decryptor.

How is ransomware distributed?

Cybercriminals use various methods to distribute malware. Generally, users who have bad browsing habits are much more likely to pick up malware infections because they open unsolicited email attachments, click on ads while on dangerous sites, download copyrighted content using torrents, etc. These are common methods used to distribute malware. If you take the time to develop better online habits, you should be able to avoid a lot of malware in the future.

Malspam, or malicious spam, is one of the most widely used methods of distributing malware. Cybercriminals purchase email addresses from hacker forums and use them to launch their malspam attacks. The emails contain a malicious attachment, which if opened, would initiate the malware. Fortunately for users, if generally quite easy to identify malicious spam. These emails are often poorly written and full of grammar/spelling mistakes. They are supposed to resemble official correspondence from legitimate companies but the grammar mistakes and overall presentation give it away almost instantly. You’re probably well aware but no official correspondence from a legitimate company will contain grammar/spelling mistakes. Another sign is the sender addressing you with generic terms like User, Member, Customer, etc. when they should know your name. Some malspam campaigns are more sophisticated, which is why it’s a good idea to always scan all unsolicited email attachments with anti-virus software or VirusTotal before opening them. This will allow you to avoid a lot of malware that may be hiding in emails.

Malicious actors also often use torrents to distribute malware. Torrent sites are often badly regulated, and this allows malicious actors to upload malware in torrents for movies, TV shows, video games, software, etc. If you use torrents to pirate, you’re not only stealing content but also endangering your computer/data.

Iiof ransomware removal

Ransomware is a very complex malware infection, and if you attempt to remove Iiof ransomware manually, you may end up causing additional damage. Unless you know exactly what to do to get rid of it manually, opt for an anti-malware program. The program will delete Iiof ransomware fully. You can then start file recovery if you have files in a backup.