How to remove Info ransomware

Info ransomware is the threat that demands money from victims after locking their data

Info ransomware is the virus that triggers the encryption procedure on the machine to have a reason for the direct money demands. The threat is coming from the dangerous Dharma ransomware family that is still releasing new versions years since the start of the initial attacks. The threat can damage the data regardless of the payment transfer, so users are not recommended to pay these criminals.

The infection starts with the encryption^[1] and moves to the money demands once the Info ransomware virus marks locked files using the .info appendix. This file marker includes the contact email and the ID that is created for each victim. The full-on extension comes after the original name and file type extension of the damaged file. 

Cybercriminals behind the infection demand money via ransom notes that this .Info file virus places in folders with encoded files and on the desktop. The virus shows the program window and tries to scare people into paying the demands and contacting these people. This is not a solution, and you should ignore messages listed in FILE ENCRYPTED.txt and Info.hta.

Infection details

Info ransomware virus is the threat that tries to encourage people to contact attackers via the emails listed on the ransom notes. This is considered as dangerous as paying the ransom directly right away because the infection creators can ask for more money, and send you additional malware instead of providing the proper decryption tools.

Experts^[2] often note that these criminals are financially motivated and that those promises are false and just create urgency. Info ransomware virus provides the short message via ransom notes and warns that third-party software for the decryption shouldn't be used.

The message placed in the program window delivers a message that is not that unique. It is common for this family to show these pop-ups and messages with scary text and information that encourages people to follow the guide from criminals. The message in Info.hta reads:

YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED
Don't worry,you can return all your files!
If you want to restore them, follow this link:email infobase@onionmail.com YOUR ID –
If you have not been answered via the link within 12 hours, write to us by e-mail:infobase@msgsafe.io
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.

The decryption is too difficult, however, to have a random and successful decryption tool developed by a software creator. This virus family has many versions, but not the decryption tools that could help with affected files. Info file virus is not providing one for the victim, nevertheless. Do not fall for these claims.

Removal of the infection

Info ransomware virus should be removed as soon as these files get locked. Anti-malware tools can be capable of searching for the malicious or potentially dangerous data on the machine and programs that affect the system and security state of the device. Try to run SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes to locate any intruders and remove them.

The detection rate^[3] of the particular Info ransomware virus samples shows that the machine can be properly cleared from threats and these AV detection tools can find various intruders, malware, and files that are possibly damaging. This is the way to make the machine virus-free again.

However, this is not the same as decryption or the full file recovery, so you need to remove the virus before you do anything else on the machine or with the Info ransomware virus, or files affected by the threat. You need to terminate all infections before recovering any other files, so you can not damage the machine further or suffer data losses permanently due to the second round of encryption.

Restore issues caused by the data damage

Once a computer is infected with malware, its system is changed to operate differently. For example, an infection can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software is not capable of doing anything about it, leaving it just the way it is.

Therefore, we highly recommend using a one-of-a-kind, patented technology of FortectIntego repair. Not only can it fix virus damage after the infection, but it is also capable of removing malware that has already broken into the system thanks to several engines used by the program. Besides, the application is also capable of fixing various Windows-related issues that are not caused by malware infections, for example, Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc.

• Download the application by clicking on the link above
• Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
  
  
• If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
• Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
• The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
• Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
• You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
• If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.

Decryption method

Info ransomware viruses and other cryptoviruses are focusing on file encryption because these threats try to make money for the creator or hacker groups behind the infection. There are many things that come into play when this encryption process is employed.

Those files that get locked and marked with the long appendix are not permanently damaged, but the original code is altered significantly. If you cannot decrypt those programs, those recovery options are limited. It is possible to replace data with copies, but that is rarely possible. You might still try to use decryption tools available to you with the Info ransomware virus.

File encryption is a process that is similar to applying a password to a particular file or folder. However, from a technical point of view, encryption is fundamentally different due to its complexity. By using encryption, threat actors use a unique set of alphanumeric characters as a password that can not easily be deciphered if the process is performed correctly.

There are several algorithms that can be used to lock data (whether for good or bad reasons); for example, AES uses the symmetric method of encryption, meaning that the key used to lock and unlock files is the same. Unfortunately, it is only accessible to the attackers who hold it on a remote server – they ask for a payment in exchange for it. This simple principle is what allows ransomware authors to prosper in this illegal business.

While many high-profile ransomware strains such as Djvu or Dharma use immaculate encryption methods, there are plenty of failures that can be observed within the code of some novice malware developers. For example, the keys could be stored locally, which would allow users to regain access to their files without paying. In some cases, ransomware does not even encrypt files due to bugs, although victims might believe the opposite due to the ransom note that shows up right after the infection and data encryption is completed.

Therefore, regardless of which crypto-malware affects your files, you should try to find the relevant decryptor if such exists. Security researchers are in a constant battle against cybercriminals. In some cases, they manage to create a working decryption tool that would allow victims to recover files for free.

Once you have identified which ransomware you are affected by, you should check the following links for a decryptor:

• No More Ransom Project
• Free Ransomware Decryptors by Kaspersky
• Free Ransomware Decryption Tools from Emsisoft
• Avast decryptors

If you can't find a decryptor that works for you, you should try the alternative methods we list below. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that it sometimes takes years for a working decryption tool to be developed, so there are always hopes for the future. The best way to fight the Info file virus is to remove it with anti-malware tools like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes and PC repair applications, that recover the machine, like FortectIntego.