How to remove INFOWAIT ransomware

INFOWAIT ransomware is a data-locking virus that encrypts personal files and marks them using .INFOWAIT file extension

INFOWAIT ransomware is a cryptovirus that uses RSA-2048 encryption^[1] algorithm for the code changing process. However, this is not the process that the ransomware attack starts with. After the infiltration, this virus scans the system and tries to find personal details about the user stored on the device. This is a virus that belongs to DATASTOP ransomware family and almost identical to previous versions. When ransomware is done with additional system changes it encodes various files like documents or photos and even databases. Then ransomware marks already encrypted data and generates a ransom file named !readme.txt that contains ransom message and the demand of $290 of Bitcoin^[2] for locked files.

INFOWAIT ransomware virus starts with changing the parts of the system by corrupting files, adding new or altering Windows Registry keys. All these changes are made to make sure the virus is persistent and running on the system without any disturbance.

This cyber threat makes changes on the system immediately after infiltration. INFOWAIT ransomware adds files in the following directories:

• %AppData%
• %Local%
• %LocalLow%
• %Roaming%
• %Temp%

When INFOWAIT ransomware is done with its changes and data encryption process the ransom note is formed in a text file that informs the user about the initial changes and procedures. The message encourages people to contact cybercriminals, but we do not recommend doing so because it may lead to more severe damage to the device or even permanent data or money loss.

The ransom message formed by INFOWAIT ransomware contains a short message and contact email of hackers, ransom amount. The ransom note reads the following:

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} 

You need to remove INFOWAIT ransomware as any other cyber threat, and you should do so quickly after noticing any changes to the system or encrypted files. You can do so with tools like MalwarebytesMalwarebytes because these anti-malware programs can easily detect^[3] cyber threats and delete them from the device.

However, INFOWAIT ransomware is especially crucial if you want to recover files encrypted by this threat. Various experts^[4] encourage people employing automatic virus termination tools and then using data backups to restore files lost due to the malware infection. 

Avoid opening attachments from emails you were not expecting to get

The most common method of spreading malware of this type is spam email campaigns, during such emails can be sent to a large number of users all over the world and this way the malicious script is distributed. Spam emails contain file attachments that may look legitimate and safe because of the common document format.

However, most of MS Word or Excel files that come from these email campaigns contain malicious macros and can infect the device with ransomware directly or infiltrate ransomware spreading trojans and their malicious script on the system. The minute you download and open this document on the device, your PC gets infected.

Also, spam emails may contain PDF files with downloading links or the email itself has a short hyperlink to a suspicious website or initiates the direct download. You can check these links or file attachments online before clicking or downloading on the computer.

Also, avoid opening emails from questionable senders and remember that emails with subjects “financial information” and “order” or “receipt” from the service you don't use can be set to spread malware. 

Terminate INFOWAIT ransomware and make sure the system is clear from malware

To remove INFOWAIT ransomware and clean the system further, you need to employ professional anti-malware tools and scan the system thoroughly. FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner and MalwarebytesMalwarebytes can work for the process and clean the device while eliminating the virus damage. You can also use antivirus program of your choice but make sure to choose the reputable source.

Automatic INFOWAIT ransomware removal gives you an advantage because it cleans the system thoroughly and eliminates possible threats or virus damage. Keep these anti-malware tools on the system and up-to-date, so your device can be thoroughly cleaned more occasionally. 

INFOWAIT ransomware virus can be quite persistent and even disable some functions of your antivirus program. For this reason and additional changes on the system, you need to enter the Safe Mode with Networking before the full system scan. You can follow our guide below for this and also try data recovery methods listed there.