RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove Imshifau Virus (.Imshifau Files Ransomware)

Imshifau Virus Ransomware

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

The message given by Imshifau text file requesting the ransom is absolutely the like the statements given by other ransomware representatives. It actually mentions that the information is encrypted and that the only way to bring back it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Sadly, this is definitely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism applied by Imshifau is still not properly examined. Still, it is definitely specific 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 Imshifau is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is saved on a specific server run by the frauds associated with Imshifau ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people need to pay the ransom.

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

We highly 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 Imshifau ransomware and to recover the information data free of charge. Therefore, the just right decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameImshifau Ransomware
File Extension.Imshifau
TypeRansomware
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 Imshifau extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to Imshifau ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are normally elaborated to encrypt essential information and to state the demand prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to generate the unique decryption key for files decryption.

Thus, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is just not feasible. The only way to avoid the loss of your crucial information is to frequently create backups of your important information.

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

How did ransomware infect my computer?

There are a number of ways used by online frauds to distribute Imshifau virus. Despite the fact that it doubts how exactly Imshifau injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

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

Typically Imshifau virus might be presented as some genuine software, for example, in the pop-ups advising users to carry out some essential software updates. This is the typical trick used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing Imshifau infection manually, by ways of their direct participation in the installation process.

Furthermore, the criminals might describe various email spam methods to inject destructive codes into Windows PC. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some photos, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may significantly damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade alerts may result in Imshifau virus injection. When it comes to the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may also consist of malicious codes causing Imshifau secret installation. Finally, injection of Imshifau may take place by means of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and install malicious utilities without the user’s permission.

Is there any way to avoid the injection of Imshifau ransomware?

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we wish to show with you. First of all, be really careful when you surf the web and particularly while downloading free programs. Keep away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Remember that some freeware installers may consist of other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be destructive. Ensure that your current antivirus software and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may result in vital damage to be produced your PC. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps switch to another security solution that can render better services of protecting your PC.

Below please find the quotation from the Imshifau text file:

Attention.
Vulnerabilities have been found on your system.
Your file system is damaged. All your files are encrypted, but they are completely intact.
All files are encrypted with a complex strong key AES 256, RSA and so on.
Don\'t use an antivirus. It can corrupt files and all cannot be recovered.
You have been assigned a unique identifier.
After infection, you have 76 hours to declare decryption. After the expiration of 76 hours, decryption cost will be automatically increased.
Do not use third-party file recovery or decryption software. They do not work. They mess up files.
Detailed information can be obtained by mail Imshifau@tutanota.com
To receive instructions on decryption, write to the mail Imshifau@tutanota.com
To get the decryption keys and the decryption program, write to the mail Imshifau@vegeta.cyou 

Your personal identifier: -

Now you should send us email with your personal identifier.
Contact us using this email address: Imshifau@tutanota.com

Free decryption as guarantee!
Before paying you can send us up to 3 files for free decryption.
The total size of files must be less than 5Mb (non archived), and files should not contain
valuable information (databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc.).

Attention!   
 * Do not rename encrypted files.
 * Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.  
 * Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price  
   (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.      
        
Second support: Imshifau@vegeta.cyou

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

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Imshifau 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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