Iowd – General Info
Iowd is a destructive software functioning as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the popular virus researcher, very first discovered this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Iowd was created for the sole purpose to encrypt all popular file types. Realistically, as quickly as the encryption is successfully accomplished, the users are unable to get access to them. Iowd ransomware adds its own “.iowd” to all the encrypted data. For instance, the file “price_list.xls”, as soon as crypted by Iowd, will be entitled as “price_list.xls.iowd”. Once the file encryption is accomplished, Iowd puts its own distinct text file (_readme.txt) into all the folders that keep the encrypted files.
The alert mentioned by document requesting the random os really comparable to the notices offered by other ransomware risks belonging to the DJVU family. The warning essentially indicates that the information has been encrypted and the only solution to get access to it is to use a distinct standalone key. Regretfully, this declaration is definitely real.
The method to secure the files used by Iowd is not totally researched. However, there is no doubt that each computer owner might be provided an unique decryption key, which is definitely special. It is extremely tough to recover the information without the appropriate type in location.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from _readme.txt message:
One more peculiarity of the Iowd ransomware is that the users are not able to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on an unique server under the total control by the scoundrels who have released the Iowd infection into the world wide web. In order to get the key and bring back the important data, the users are informed to contact the scams via email or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the quantity of $980.
The message also states that the people should call the Iowd authors within 72 hours upon the minute of the information encryption. The alert shows that by doing so individuals will get a 50% discount, therefore, the ransom amount drops down to $490.
Iowd modified your data, however, it may not be the only danger on your computer. Plus, the ransomware might be hidden deep in the system. To find and erase the threat completely, we suggest you to describe the help of GridinSoft Anti-Malware .
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No matter what the amount of the ransom is, we highly advise that you do not pay the ransom. There is no assurance that these online scoundrels will keep their promises, so they might not care at all what the victims feel about the encryption, even when the quantity of the ransom is received into their accounts. For this reason, paying ransom typically does not lead to a successful recovery. So, the users might simply lose their money for nothing.
Similarly, we prompt you not to call the scams as they instruct. Do not transfer money into their wallets. There are no applications that might crack the Iowd ransomware or bring back the data at no charge. For that reason, the only proper decision is to bring back the data from possible backups (if offered).
Virus Summary
| Name | Iowd Ransomware |
| File Extension | iowd |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Family | DJVU |
| Short Description | The 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. |
| Symptoms | File encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES-256 algorithm (CFB mode) encryption algorithm. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special .iowd extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Lokas, Besub, Nusar |
| Iowd Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
| Iowd Decryption Tool | Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor |
Do not forget that the Web is now loaded with infections similar to the Iowd ransomware. For example, this specific threat is essentially similar to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These damaging energies have actually been developed in order to secure the essential data and express the demand for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the identical algorithm to produce the specific key for successful information decryption.
Unless the Iowd ransomware is still under the development procedure or has actually got some concealed bugs, it is not possible to restore the information by hand. Hence, the only working option to avoid the loss of your crucial data is to routinely preserve updated backups of all your essential documents.
Another important piece of suggestions is to store the backups on special storage not connected to your primary device. For instance, you might store it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external hard disk, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your regular drive is really risky, considering that the backup might also be secured by the Iowd ransomware.
Leaks for the Iowd ransomware attack.
Iowd utilizes many courses to infiltrate the susceptible computer systems. It is not certain what particular approach was used in your case, nevertheless, the invasion might take place by means of the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, mainly free software;
- spam e-mails from the unidentified senders;
- websites offering free hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent downloads.
There are times when the Iowd ransomware may camouflage itself as some genuine application, for example, through the deceptive notifies demanding installation of some software application update. This is the most typical trick utilized by the frauds to inject the Iowd infection files into the system. In this manner users partially participate in its setup, without plainly understanding the danger.
Moreover, the frauds might send unsolicited spam e-mail with tricky notifies motivating individuals to open suspicious attachments or click some download links, for example, those encouraging individuals to open specific images, text files, tax files and other information.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking the destructive links may basically harm the system. Fake Acrobat Reader upgrade notifications may result in the Iowd ransomware seepage. Similarly, downloading the cracked software application may in addition consist of the ransomware installer. The last however not the least, setup of Iowd might take place through some Trojan horses that might be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct approval or even authorization.
Preventing the Iowd ransomware injection.
Obviously, there is no absolute warranty that your computer will be constantly devoid of any malware attacks, however, we wish to share some helpful tips with you to make it more secure. Make sure to pay really very close attention while searching the web and especially while downloading cost-free programs. Do not open any suspicious e-mail attachments, especially if the sender is not known to you.
Do not forget that certain freeware installer might also include some other additional apps in the bundle. These additional applications may be extremely harmful. It is of utmost importance to keep your anti-virus software application and your operating system in basic to be constantly properly upgraded.
It is quite logical that downloading pirated software is prohibited, however, additionally, such unauthorized software application usage might also bring serious damage to your PC. Hence, do not download any split programs. Plus, the truth that your existing anti-virus did not protect the system from the Iowd ransomware is an excellent factor for you to reconsider your choices and change to another program that can render the protecting functions on a much better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Iowd text file:
ATTENTION! Don't worry, you can return all your files! All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key. The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you. This software will decrypt all your encrypted files. What guarantees you have? You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free. But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information. You can get and look video overview decrypt tool: https://we.tl/t-2P5WrE5b9f Price of private key and decrypt software is $980. Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490. Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment. Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours. To get this software you need write on our e-mail: restorealldata@firemail.cc Reserve e-mail address to contact us: gorentos@bitmessage.ch Our Telegram account: @datarestore
Screenshot of files with “.iowd” extension added by the virus:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Iowd ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:
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.
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.
3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.
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.
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.
Use Emsisoft Decryptor for restore iowd files
You can get Emsisoft Decryptor by clicking the button below:
- Run the decryptor as an administrator. The license terms will show up, which you have to agree to by clicking the “Yes” button.
- Once the license terms are accepted, the primary decryptor user interface opens.
- By default, the decryptor will pre-populate the locations to decrypt with the currently connected drives and network drives. Additional locations can be added using the Add” button.
- Decryptors typically offer various options depending on the particular malware family. The available options are located in the Options tab and can be enabled or disabled there. You can find a detailed list of the available Options below.
- After you have added all the locations you want to decrypt to the list, click the “Decrypt” button to start the decryption process. The screen will switch to a status view, informing you about the current process and decryption status of your files
- The decryptor will inform you once the decryption process is finished. If you require the report for your personal records, you can save it by clicking the “Save log” button. You can also copy it straight to your clipboard to paste it into emails or forum posts if you are asked to.
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