An infection with the dangerous .INFOWAIT ransomware virus leads to serious security issues. With our removal guide, victims can try to secure their computers and restore encrypted files.
Manual Removal Guide
Files Recovery Approaches
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Distribution of .INFOWAIT Ransomware Virus
.INFOWAIT crypto virus is a devastating data locker ransomware that has been recently released in attack campaigns against computer users worldwide. Threat actors could be utilizing widely used tactics of distribution to infect computer systems.
One of the methods that may be used by the malicious actors behind .INFOWAIT crypto virus include the coordination of SPAM email messages — they are used to spread the threat by sending out messages that pose as legitimate notifications sent by popular Internet portals or services that the targets may use. The virus files can be either directly attached or linked in the body. They can also be uploaded to fake download sites which are designed to appear like any of the popular Internet portals or vendor download sites. The malicious actors may use similar sounding domain names, certificates and hijacked design and contents to coerce the victims into thinking that they are accessing the legitimate address.
Another way that the threat may spread is through infected payloads — the use of various files that are infected with virus code. A popular example is the malicious document which can take any form: presentations, rich text files, spreadsheets and databases. Once they are opened by the victims a notification message will pop-up asking the target users to enable the built-in scripts. If this is done the virus infection will follow. The other popular technique is the inclusion of the code in application installers. They are malicious copies of legitimate setup files of popular end-user programs that have been modified with the .INFOWAIT ransomware code.
Ransomware files are also popularly spread by fake user profiles — they can post to community forums or social media accounts. The criminals can utilize both fake or stolen identities to increase the number of infected users.
In certain cases, the criminals may also be distributed via malicious browser plugins — additions to the most popular web browsers that are advertised as useful. The plugins are uploaded to the official repositories and often make use of fake or hijacked user reviews and developer credentials. Once they are installed by the users they will execute their built-in instructions that in many cases leads to the .INFOWAIT ransomware virus infection in the end.
Impact of .INFOWAIT Ransomware Virus
The ransomware virus dubbed .INFOWAIT has been identified as an iteration of the notorious STOP ransomware. Like its predecessors, among which is the recently found .puma virus, .INFOWAIT is designed to encrypt valuable files with a combination of two sophisticated cipher algorithms.
In order to reach data encryption stage, .INFOWAIT ransomware virus first interferes with basic system settings. The whole process is triggered by a payload file which could land on the device as a code embedded in a document, image, or other well-known file format or as a part of corrupted freeware installer. The other spread methods mentioned in the previous paragraph are also valid.
In the beginning of the attack, this iteration of STOP ransomware is likely to establish additional malware files and objects on the device. By doing this, it becomes able to continue with the successful contamination of various system settings and target data.
Changes implemented by the ransomware could affect some registry keys stored in the Registry Editor. Among the affected registry keys could be the Run and RunOnce. By adding its malicious values under these keys, .INFOWAIT becomes able to manipulate their functionalities. This, in turn, results in the automatic execution of its malicious files on each system start.
After all target system components are infected, .INFOWAIT crypto virus activates an inbuilt encryption module that is set to utilize a combination of two strong cipher algorithms AES and RSA. With the help of these ciphers, the ransomware implements significant changes to the code of target files and renders them inaccessible. Unfortunately, .INFOWAIT is a threat that could encrypt almost all types of files that are used for the storage of valuable data like:
- Archives
- Backups
- Databases
- Images
- Videos
- Music
Following encryption, all corrupted files could be recognized by the extension .INFOWAIT as it is appended to their original names. In order to extort a ransom payment from the ransomware drops a file named !readme.txt and displays it on the screen. Here is what its content states:
Your databases, files, photos, documents and other important files are encrypted and have the extension: .INFOWAIT
The only method of recovering files is to purchase an decrypt software and unique private key.
After purchase you will start decrypt software, enter your unique private key and it will decrypt all your data.
Only we can give you this key and only we can recover your files.
You need to contact us by e-mail BM-2chnzj9ovn5qu2MnNMK4j3quuXBKo4h©bitmessage.ch send us your personal ID and wait for further instructions.
For you to be sure, that we can decrypt your files – you can send us a 1-3 any not very big encrypted files and we will send you back it in a original form FREE.
Price for decryption $290 if you contact us first 72 hours.
E-mail address to contact us:
BM-2chnzj9ovn5qu2MerK4j3quuXBKo4h©bitmessage.ch
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
savefiles©india.com
Your personal id: {ID HERE}
Apparently, hackers attempt to trick you into paying them a ransom of $290 in Bitcoin within 72 hours. Beware that ransom payment does not guarantee the recovery of your .INFOWAIT files. So be advised to check the guide below for tested alternative data recovery approaches.
Remove .INFOWAIT Ransomware Virus and Restore PC
Please note that paying the requested ransom fee to cyber criminals does not really solve your problem with .INFOWAIT crypto virus. In fact, you only encourage hackers to continue spreading ransomware of this kind. Instead, you must remove the threat immediately, and only then look for optional ways to recover your data.
WARNING! Manual removal of .INFOWAIT ransomware virus ransomware virus requires being familiar with system files and registries. Removing important data accidentally can lead to permanent system damage. If you don’t feel comfortable with manual instructions, download a powerful anti-malware tool that will scan your system for malware and clean it safely for you.
DOWNLOAD SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool.INFOWAIT ransomware virus Ransomware Virus – Manual Removal Steps
Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network
This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently. The steps below are applicable to all Windows versions.
1. Hit the WIN Key + R
2. A Run window will appear. In it, write msconfig and then press Enter
3. A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named Boot
4. Mark Safe Boot option and then go to Network under it to tick it too
5. Apply -> OK
Show Hidden Files
Some ransomware threats are designed to hide their malicious files in the Windows so all files stored on the system should be visible.
1. Open My Computer/This PC
2. Windows 7
-
– Click on Organize button
– Select Folder and search options
– Select the View tab
– Go under Hidden files and folders and mark Show hidden files and folders option
3. Windows 8/ 10
-
– Open View tab
– Mark Hidden items option
4. Click Apply and then OK button
Enter Windows Task Manager and Stop Malicious Processes
1. Hit the following key combination: CTRL+SHIFT+ESC
2. Get over to Processes
3. When you find suspicious process right click on it and select Open File Location
4. Go back to Task Manager and end the malicious process. Right click on it again and choose End Process
5. Next, you should go folder where the malicious file is located and delete it
Repair Windows Registry
1. Again type simultaneously the WIN Key + R key combination
2. In the box, write regedit and hit Enter
3. Type the CTRL+ F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable
4. In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys
Click for more information about Windows Registry and further repair help
Recover Encrypted Files
WARNING! All files and objects associated with .INFOWAIT ransomware virus ransomware virus should be removed from the infected PC before any data recovery attempts. Otherwise the virus may encrypt restored files. Furthermore, a backup of all encrypted files stored on external media is highly recommendable.
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1. Use present backups
2. Use professional data recovery software
Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery – a specialist tool that can restore partitions, data, documents, photos, and 300 more file types lost during various types of incidents and corruption.
3. Using System Restore Point
-
– Hit WIN Key
– Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps
4. Restore your personal files using File History
-
– Hit WIN Key
– Type restore your files in the search box
– Select Restore your files with File History
– Choose a folder or type the name of the file in the search bar
– Hit the “Restore” button
