RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove iTunes Virus (.itunes Files Ransomware) – FlyStudio Ransomware

iTunes Virus – Details

The iTunes stands for a ransomware-type infection. The infection comes from the FlyStudio ransomware family. iTunes was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. iTunes adds the “.itunes” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, once encrypted by iTunes, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.itunes“. As soon as the encryption is completed, iTunes places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by iTunes text file requesting for the ransom is definitely the like the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives belonging to the FlyStudio type. It literally discusses that the information is encrypted which the only way to bring back it is to use a an unique decryption key. Regretfully, this is definitely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism used by iTunes is still not correctly examined. Still, it is absolutely certain that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is completely unique. It is difficult to bring back the files without the key available.

Another trick of iTunes is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is saved on a specific server run by the frauds associated with iTunes ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people have to pay the ransom.

However, irrespective of the asked for amount, people need to keep away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to entirely ignore what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom generally does not provide any positive result and people just waste their money for absolutely nothing.

We strongly advise that you do not contact these crooks and absolutely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack iTunes ransomware and to recover the data data free of charge. Thus, the only right decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameiTunes Ransomware
File Extension.itunes
TypeRansomware
FamilyFlyStudio
Short DescriptionThe ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files.
SymptomsFile encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special itunes extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Keep in mind that the world wide web is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to iTunes ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are normally elaborated to encrypt crucial data and to set forth the need prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to create the distinct decryption key for data decryption.

Thus, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is merely not feasible. The only way to avoid the loss of your essential data is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they should be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the USB Flash Drive or external disk drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you keep your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted in addition to other files, so it’s certainly not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are a number of methods used by online scams to distribute iTunes ransom virus. Even though it is uncertain how precisely iTunes injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

  • integration with third-party software, especially freeware;
  • spam e-mails from unknown senders;
  • websites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Frequently iTunes ransomware may be presented as some genuine software application, for example, in the pop-ups advising users to execute some essential software updates. This is the typical technique used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing iTunes infection manually, by ways of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals may refer to different email spam strategies to inject destructive codes into PC. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some video, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may severely harm the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update informs may result in iTunes ransom injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise contain malicious codes leading to iTunes secret installation. Finally, injection of iTunes may happen by means of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and set up malicious tools without the user’s approval.

Is there any way to avoid the injection of iTunes ransom virus?

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we wish to share with with you. Firstly, be really mindful when you browse the web and specifically while downloading complimentary programs. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Bear in mind that some freeware installers may contain other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be harmful. Make sure that your current anti-virus and your entire operating system is always appropriately updated.

Naturally, downloading pirated software is illegal and may result in essential damage to be made for your PC. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and possibly change to another security solution that can render much better services of defending your system.

Screenshot of files with “.itunes” extension added by the ransomware:
iTunes Ransomware - encrypt files with .itunes extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove iTunes ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

2. Double-click on the setup file.

When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware
An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Setup

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Install

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware  Start

4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan

5. Click on “Clean Now”.

When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan Result

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Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann has been writing on security and malware subjects for many years and has been working in the security industry for over 10 years. Daniel was educated at the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany and currently lives in New York.

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