I-Worm.Heffer (Removal Guide) - Free Instructions
I-Worm.Heffer Removal Guide
What is I-Worm.Heffer?
Heffer – a computer worm that spreads automatically
Worm Heffer spreads on the Internet by e-mail messages with infected executable attachments, although users might also infect their PCs after inserting a removable drive containing the malicious payload. Once installed, the worm spreads all over the computer, infecting many core system and application files.
| Name | Worm Heffer |
| Type | Worm, malware |
| Function | Infects multiple Windows system and application files, terminates processes of some security programs |
| Dangers | Installation of other malicious programs, information leak, other computer infections |
| Elimination | Use anti-malware software (access Safe Mode if required) |
| System fix | FortectIntego can help you fix virus damage effectively |
Since removable drives are the main distribution vector of the worm, disabling the autorun function could stop the worm from accessing your computer. However, users never know if the drive is infected in the first place, allowing it spread freely. A robust anti-malware program can stop the malicious payload from being delivered to the computer. We strongly recommend using SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes for the Worm Heffer removal process.
On the infected computer, it modifies popular chat programs mIRC and KaZaA peer-to-peer application and spreads through them also. Once per month, it displays several message windows.
The worm can infect some text documents and terminate most processes of antivirus and security-related programs, which can make the elimination process rather difficult. This tactic is often used by malicious programs in order to increase threat persistence.
However, the most up-to-date security software should not be affected by this malware trait. If it is, simply reload your computer in Safe Mode. If you are not sure how to reach it, follow the instructions we provide below. Also, if you notice that your Windows is malfunctioning after you delete the worm, system files were likely compromised. To revert this damage, we strongly recommend using FortectIntego.
Delete the worm and stop the Autorun for better protection
Removable drives are rarely used for malware distribution nowadays, but that does not mean that it does not happen. In order to protect yourself from such an infection method, you should firstly install a powerful anti-malware software which likely to detect and stop the payload before it is executed.
Also, disabling the Autorun function can stop the parasite from spreading. Here's how:
- Right-click on Start and select Settings
- Go to Devices section
- Select AutoPlay on the left side
- Turn the switch to the left to turn the feature off.
Getting rid of I-Worm.Heffer. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from I-Worm.Heffer and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting worms
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important – recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
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