IRS virus (Removal Guide) - updated Sep 2018

What is IRS virus?

IRS virus is a spam email campaign that may lead to identity theft

IRS virus is a scam created by cyber criminals with a purpose of getting money.

IRS virus is a cyber threat which is spread through trustworthy-looking emails presented as an official notice from the government. Looking like it is from the Internal Revenue Service, it tricks people into installing a Trojan horse^[1] which additionally infects the computer with further viruses. As a result, within 5-10 minutes, victims are completely disabled and can't do anything on their machine. IRS malware starts working immediately after the victim is tricked into downloading the malicious file attachment from the safe-looking email notice. An email looks legitimate as it is filled with different logos and other details. However, this threat can lock your computer and prevent you from using your files or programs. This screenlocker seeks to make its victims pay the predetermined ransom in exchange for recovering the connection to the device.

The infection is implemented thru this scenario: the victim receives an email from the Internal Revenue Service and finds an attachment. The message body typically looks convincing, so there is a high chance that people will click on the attachment to download it. However, when you download this attached file, the system starts acting differently. Your computer gets locked, and many programs cannot be launched. You can't even open various files on your device.

The reason why scammers have released this virus is the money. Keep in mind that IRS never contacts its taxpayers about their account over email, so if you receive such letter, you're looking at a scam that has to be ignored.

The main message looks trustworthy and legitimate because of the name of genuine service and the content. This phishing email contains this or similar message:

[BLOCKED] Complaint Case #383255724858. Warning: This message has had one or more attachments removed (Complaint_05292013.exe, Complaint_383255724858.zip). Please read the “ExchangeDefender-Attachment-Warning.txt” attachment(s) for more information.”

However, this is a phishing email campaign that is using social engineering^[2] to trick people into possibly purchasing software, programs or similar resources. This threat also can cause fake security alerts or other pop-up windows. Although, the main purpose of these emails, in most cases, is to spread malware further on the system of an infected computer. You should remove IRS virus as soon as possible to prevent serious consequences hailing from such virus ability.

If you keep this threat on your device for a more extended period, it may affect the performance or more significant parts of the device. IRS virus removal should be done using anti-malware tools like FortectIntego because the file attachment may contain more than this threat. You need to scan your system fully to find and eliminate all those programs.

IRS virus is a phishing email campaign that displays security alerts and suggests people check their tax reports.

Fraudulent emails spread various threats, so be careful with them

Spam emails with various questionable attachments can be used to spread all different types of malware. Trojans can be set to install ransomware or perform a malicious activity directly. Other malware can cause background processes or spread other programs further. These emails can be infected with direct virus payload. Unfortunately, these emails look safe and legitimate, in most cases.

The most significant feature of these emails can be grammar mistakes or typos, suspicious addresses. Often malicious actors use real services or even institution names on these emails. You should pay more attention while reading your emails and especially when opening attachments. You can scan the file before downloading. The best way is to delete emails form services you are not using, without opening.

Unlock computer after IRS virus attack

To remove IRS virus, you should use anti-malware tools like FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes. Security experts^[3] claim that the way how this software works is damaging: a user is left incapable to load his files or finds all its programs and icons hidden. You need to scan your device fully to get rid of all additional programs this malware installed during the main virus installation.

IRS virus removal is essential and should be done as soon as possible. This is a severe threat, so you may need to perform this removal a few times with an anti-malware of your choice. You can also look through our suggestions below if you find yourself blocked and disabled from using your computer as previously. Also, there are a few steps you can do if you want to eliminate this malware properly.