Remove IEncrypt Ransomware (+File Recovery)

IEncrypt Ransomware Removal guide for windows

About IEncrypt

IEncrypt is a malicious program that has been recently spotted by security researches after many users have reported its malicious effects on their systems. Similar to .Grovat, .Grovas and [email protected], this computer threat is based on a very complex file-encrypting algorithm, which is used to secretly lock all the files found on the infected computer so that the hackers behind it can then ask the victims to pay a ransom for their decryption. If you are on this page because your images, videos, documents, audios and other personal data on your computer have been taken hostage by this particular threat, then you should know that you are dealing with a real Ransomware cryptovirus. The representatives of this category can be extremely difficult to detect and remove but what can be even more challenging is to recover the files that they have encrypted. IEncrypt typically adds a special extension to the files that it encodes in order to make them unrecognizable to any software and practically useless to the user.

Once the cryptovirus completes its file encryption process and locks all the files in the system, it creates a special ransom-demanding notification and places it on the desktop. This ransom notification explains what has happened to the victim’s files and asks them to pay a certain amount of money (usually requested in BitCoins) if they want to get the data back. The message also contains specific and strict instructions on how to carry out the payment in order to obtain a special decryption key that can return the encrypted files back to normal. 

The crooks who are in control of the infection may use different methods to scare the victims and convince them to pay faster. In some cases, they may offer to negotiate a price for the decryption key, while in others, they may allow the victims to get a file or two decrypted for free so that the users would then know that the decryption key actually works. Although the criminals may sound convincing, we advise you not to trust them and instead focus on removing IEncrypt. In the end, what happens with the decryption key and whether you would receive it or not is beyond your control – you may pay and still not get the said key which is something that happens rather often and it’s also the reason why we don’t think opting for this course of action is advisable.

Can I Remove IEncrypt Ransomware myself?

We advise you to remove IEncrypt by using trusted security software such as the professional removal tool on this page, as this will save you time and not only remove the malware but also help you keep your computer out of harm in the future. We also want to warn you that the malware may try to prevent you from downloading security software or running a full system scan successfully in an attempt to remain undetected. If you face such issues, you can counteract this by using the manual instructions in the removal guide we have on this page. Additionally, you should know that the manual removal IEncrypt is also possible but it may take some time and effort. Also, users who don’t have enough experience with threats like IEncrypt Ransomware may accidentally delete some important files or registry keys and this can cause many problems with the stability of your computer. Therefore, if you aren’t sure you can handle the manual removal process, we advise you to clean the system using a reliable removal tool that you trust and then give a try to the file-recovery suggestions included in the guide.

IEncrypt SUMMARY:

Name IEncrypt
Type Ransomware
Danger Level  High (IEncrypt Ransomware encrypts all types of files)
Symptoms IEncrypt Ransomware is hard to detect and aside from increased use of RAM and CPU, there would barely be any other visible red flags.
Distribution Method  Most of the time, Trojans get distributed through spam e-mails and social network messages, malicious ads, shady and pirated downloads, questionable torrents and other similar methods.

 

Remove IEncrypt Ransomware

1: Preparations

Note: Before you go any further, we advise you to bookmark this page or have it open on a separate device such as your smartphone or another PC. Some of the steps might require you to exit your browser on this PC.

2: Task Manager

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to enter the Task Manager. Go to the Tab labeled Processes (Details for Win 8/10). Carefully look through the list of processes that are currently active on you PC.

If any of them seems shady, consumes too much RAM/CPU or has some strange description or no description at all, right-click on it, select Open File Location and delete everything there.

Also, even if you do not delete the files, be sure to stop the process by right-clicking on it and selecting End Process.

3: IP related to IEncrypt

Go to c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts. Open the hosts file with notepad.

Find where it says Localhost and take a look below that. 

hosts_opt (1)

If you see any IP addresses there (below Localhost) send them to us here, in the comments since they might be coming from the IEncrypt.

[add_forth_banner]

4: Disable Startup programs

Re-open the Start Menu and type msconfig.

Click on the first search result. In the next window, go to the Startup tab. If you are on Win 10,  it will send you to the Startup part of the task manager instead, as in the picture:

If you see any sketchy/shady looking entries in the list with an unknown manufacturer or a manufacturer name that looks suspicious as there could be a link between them and IEncrypt , disable those programs and select OK.

5: Registry Editor

Press Windows key + R and in the resulting window type regedit.

Now, press Ctrl + F and type the name of the virus.

Delete everything that gets found. If you are not sure about whether to delete something, do not hesitate to ask us in the comments. Keep in mind that if you delete the wrong thing, you might cause all sorts of issues to your PC.

6: Deleting potentially malicious data – IEncrypt

Type each of the following locations in the Windows search box and hit enter to open the locations:

%AppData%

%LocalAppData%

%ProgramData%

%WinDir%

%Temp%

Delete everything you see in Temp linked to IEncrypt RansomwareAbout the other folders, sort their contents by date and delete only the most recent entries. As always, if you are not sure about something, write to us in the comment section.

7: IEncrypt Decryption

The previous steps were all aimed at removing the IEncrypt Ransomware from your PC. However, in order to regain access to your files, you will also need to decrypt them or restore them. For that, we have a separate article with detailed instructions on what you have to do in order to unlock your data. Here is a link to that guide.

Author:
Daniel Sadakov has a degree in Information Technology and specializes in web and mobile cyber security. He harbors a strong detestation for anything and everything malicious and has committed his resources and time to battling all manners of web and mobile threats. He has founded MobileSecurityZone.com, a website dedicated to covering the top tech stories and providing useful tips for the everyday user, in an effort to reach and help more people.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *