ICSPA virus: what it is and how to remove it
ICSPA virus - the threat based on extortion that falls into the category of ransomware because of that. This virus is almost identical to CashU or Ukash malware because it demands victims to pay the fine for false, illegal activities.
Facts checked October 7, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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ICSPA virus: summary
| Distribution | Throughout the years of existence, this virus was distributed with the help of trojans, other malware, malicious sites, hacked domains, and infected files attached to emails |
|---|---|
| Name | ICSPA virus |
| Type | Screen-locker, ransomware[1] |
| Symptoms | The screen gets locked and delivers a questionable notification from a law enforcement agency or other institution that claims that you have done something illegal. Therefore, you need to pay a particular fine. This message encourages people to pay using online payment platforms, or your device gets permanently blocked |
| Danger | The extortion-based threat asks for money transfers, so people can lose huge amounts of money if they decide to pay up. Machines can get the damaged during the time when the screen is fully locked by the processes happening in the background |
| Tactics | Scaring people into paying up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars with all the false claims of illegal actions |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 11 more facts
| Known since | 2014 or even earlier |
|---|---|
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Ransom note | A message left on the computer; the text is quoted in full below |
| Contact | Not recorded in our earlier report |
| Encrypted file extension | Not recorded in our earlier report |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026) |
| First seen | 3 February 2020 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
- Note file:
the ransom note
From our report of Feb 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on ICSPA virus
- ICSPA virus removal process should be quick and successful if you use proper anti-malware tools and terminate the malware automatically
- When the screen is locked by the virus other processes can be launched, including damaging activities, so get or a similar tool that should find and fix virus damage for you
How ICSPA virus behaves
From our report of Feb 2020 · not reviewed since
ICSPA virus is the threat that uses false law enforcement agency messages to scare people into paying the demanded amount
ICSPA virus - the threat based on extortion that falls into the category of ransomware because of that.
This virus is almost identical to CashU or Ukash malware because it demands victims to pay the fine for false, illegal activities. It can be spotted in many countries all over the world, so the particular institution that extorts money differs from version to version.
The main fact that the message asking you to pay fine via GreeDot, Moneypak, Ukash, or other platforms appears on the computer when the screen gets locked. Often this lock-screen malware is triggered by the trojan infection or another virus like Reveton. These facts make the threat even more dangerous and persistent since many activities are revolving on the trojan and its malicious behavior.
ICSPA ransomware virus also gets distributed via other methods like malicious websites or hacked domains, exploit kits, and malicious files that include the payload of this virus. Spam emails often are the ones that deliver infected files to victims and lead to infections like this.
Once such a script is installed on the system, the malware displays a bogus notification and states that the computer is blocked due to the content you visited or other illegal activities that you allegedly are guilty of.
The screen becomes locked, and it is not the easiest thing to exit the window and get back to a normal working machine, so you need to react as soon as possible and somehow terminate this program.
ICSPA virus will lock your screen and the computer itself, so it blocks any access to the operating system, applications, and features. You need to log in on the machine to do anything, so Safe Mode is the way to go. By rebooting the OS in Safe Mode, you ensure that the computer is not controlled by the malware.
However, it may not be possible and instead of normal Windows boot you receive the same lock screen with the following or a similar ICSPA virus ransom-demanding message:
The message can be written in an appropriate language and target victims in a specific area, so it seems more legitimate and scary. However, you are not charged for any of those claims like visiting pornographic content sites or downloading pirated software.
Any agencies like that cannot collect fines by invading your primate network. It may seem that ICSPA virus removal is not possible due to the screen-locking and all the payment demands, affected functions of the machine.
However, if you choose the right tools, you can terminate this ICSPA virus. It is a highly complicated process, so you should get advanced tools and prepare for serious malware removal. Tools like anti-malware software can get on the machine and find these traces of the malicious programs. Install the AV tool on an external drive and launch it on the infected PC.
Make sure to ignore the pop-up virus message and try to not click on anything, so you can at least avoid additional malware infiltration. ICSPA virus, also known as the International Cyber Security Protection Alliance virus, is a malicious infection that can easily get on your machine if it's poorly protected.
When inside and active, this ransomware blocks the entire system down and then displays its fake alert that reports about various crimes and law violations. Please, don't fall for this scam because governmental organizations don't use such primitive methods when trying to make users pay the fines for them.
It's clear that ICSPA ransomware virus is designed to steal the money from unaware PC users, and it must be removed from the system without any delay. Of course, it won't be as easy as you may expect because this ransomware blocks legitimate applications, including anti-virus and anti-spyware programs. However, keep on reading, and you'll see how you can overcome that.
Once it gets inside, this ransomware locks the desktop and disables the computer's functions without any permission asked. Even more, it replaces PC's screen with an alert that pretends to be from the International Cyber Security Protection Alliance and reports about various crimes, like the use of illegal software or distribution of malware.
Warning: Please, keep in mind that all this activity is a huge scam that seeks to rip you off, and you should never pay a fine using Ukash or Paysafecard prepayment systems.
Instead of that, you must remove ICSPA virus as soon as possible, and the best option would be to scan the machine using a professional anti-malware tool that is capable of detecting and deleting threats running in the background of the device. You cannot find the payload of such malware manually, so automatic software is helping you.
However, since ICSPA virus itself can affect important settings of the computer and install additional threats to do that, the already infected device can get more damaged. Besides terminating the ransomware, you should also go through those altered parts and repair virus damage. Rely on system software like that can find and repair such parts on your computer.
From our report of Feb 2020 · not reviewed since
Methods used to spread malware around
The particular screen lockers get distributed through the same methods as malware and spyware: threat can be downloaded together with fake updates, media codecs, non-registered software, spam, and through similar ways of distribution that involve files injected with malicious script.
Malicious files can be delivered via spam emails, other notifications sent via the internet to you. In most cases, criminals pose as companies, institutions, or services that people commonly use, so victims fall for the scam and open the email, download the attachment or visit the link added on the email itself.
Unfortunately, the attachment can come in the format of a document, executable, and other typical files that may not raise too many questions. Microsoft documents include macro viruses that trigger the direct drop of the virus script and lead to infection like this immediately.
Make sure to ignore any of the emails that you were not expecting to receive, so there is no opportunity for the malware to end up on the PC.
The ICSPA virus ransom note
ICSPA International Cyber Security Protection Alliance
U.S. Department of Justice - Office of Justice Programs
ATTENTION! YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN LOCKED BY ICSPA. All activities of this computer have been recorded. The recent actions performed on this computer have been recorded and analysed. Due to evidence of illegal activity found on this computer ("Downloading and distribution of illegal content - illegal Pornography"), this computer has been locked. Read the Important Information below.
The penalty set ("$400 - US dollars") must be paid within 48 hours of this notice. On expiration of the term, 48 hours that follow will be used for automatic collection of data on yourself and your misconduct, and criminal case will be opened against you.
You are accused of viewing/storage and/or dissemination of banned pornography (child pornography/zoophilia/rape etc.) You have violated World Declaration of non-proliferation of child pornography. You are accused of committing the crime envisaged by Article 161 of United States of America criminal law.
Article 161 of United States of America criminal law provides for the punishment of deprivation of liberty for terms from 5 to 11 years.
Also, your are suspected for violation of "Copyright and Related rights Law" (downloading of pirated music, video, warez) and of use and/or dissemination of copyrighted content. Thus, you are suspected of violation of Article 148 of United States of America criminal law.
Article 148 of United States of America criminal law provides for the punishment of deprivation of liberty for terms from 3 to 7 years or 150 to 550 basic amounts fine.
The illegal actions that have been recorded on this computer ("Downloading and distribution of illegal content - Illegal Pornography") could have been actioned by yourself purposely, or without your knowledge and consent, provided your computer could have been affected by malware. Consequently , you are suspected - until the investigation is held - of innocent infringement of Article 215 of United States of America criminal law ("Law on negligent and reckless disregard of computers and computer aids").
Please note, that personal identities of users who are suspected of committing the illegal actions on this computer have been identified and the evidential data has been recorded. The criminal case can be opened in course of 96 hours as of commission of crimes per above Articles. Criminal case can be submitted to court.
However, pursuant to Amendments to the United States of America criminal law dated January 14, 2015, and according to Declaration of Human Rights, you disregard of law may be interpreted as unintended (if you had no incidents before) and no arraignment will follow. However, it is a matter of whether you have paid the fine to the Treasury (to the effect of initiatives aimed at protection of cyberspace).
Current status: "Case can be classified as occasional/unmotivated, according to 17 (U.S Code) 512. Subject to a fine ($400 - US dollars)." - this case can be closed without prosecution. The computer will be unlocked automatically.
How to remove ICSPA virus
Tools you'll need
All of these are free except where noted. Download them on a clean device if the infected PC is offline.
- A USB stick: to keep the ransom note, two or three encrypted files and screenshots off the infected PC.
- Microsoft Defender Offline: built into Windows 11 and Windows 10; scans before Windows starts, so running malware cannot hide.
- Microsoft Safety Scanner: a second, portable scanner with current signatures; each download works for 10 days.
- ID Ransomware: identifies the family from the note and one encrypted file and says whether a decryptor exists.
- No More Ransom: the free decryptors from police and security companies; check it again every few months.
- Fortect (optional): scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. The free scan is in the box above.
How to remove ICSPA virus and get your files back
Work in this order.
Disconnecting comes first, removal comes before any restore, and nothing here asks you to contact the attackers.
Step 1: Disconnect the PC and unplug backup drives
Unplug the network cable or turn off Wi-Fi, and disconnect USB drives, external disks and network shares, so ICSPA virus cannot reach more files. Pause OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox sync, because synced folders upload the encrypted copies over the good ones.
Leave the PC on but offline while you read the next steps, since a restart can let the ransomware run again. This applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10 alike.
Windows 11: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 2: Save the ransom note and identify the family
The name of the family decides whether a free decryptor can help. Copy the ransom note and two small encrypted files to a USB stick, and check them on another device with ID Ransomware or Crypto Sheriff.
Note the extension added to the files, the contact address and the victim ID shown in the note. Keep the originals on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC untouched.
Windows 11: the ransom note and encrypted files to copy for identification. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 3: Check for a free decryptor
Our last check found that for ICSPA virus, no free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026). Look again yourself in the No More Ransom list and the free decryptor pages of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, which add new families every year.
A decryptor needs the ransomware gone first, or it encrypts the files again. Keep at least one copy of the encrypted files on an external drive, even if no tool works yet.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Removing ICSPA virus does not bring the files back, but it has to come first. Start with Defender's Full scan, then the offline scan from the same Scan options page, which checks the disk before Windows loads.
If the scan cannot start, use Safe Mode with Networking. Delete the ransom notes only after you have saved a copy, because removal tools sometimes leave them behind on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 5: Look for shadow copies of the files
Windows keeps shadow copies for restore points and backups, and some ransomware fails to delete them.
vssadmin list shadowsin an administrator Command Prompt tells you at once whether any exist.If they do, right-click the folder that held your files, open Properties > Previous Versions, select a version from before the attack, and click Open to check it before you Restore or copy the files out. Windows 11 and Windows 10 both have the tab.
Windows 11: vssadmin list shadows shows whether shadow copies exist. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 6: Restore the files from a backup or recover deleted originals
A backup made before the attack is the surest way back. Connect it only once the PC is clean, then restore from File History, Windows Backup, OneDrive's Restore your OneDrive or your own external copies.
Without a backup, try file recovery: the originals that ICSPA virus deleted may still be on the disk until something overwrites them. Install nothing new on the drive you want to recover from on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Full procedure with screenshots: Recover deleted files (Recycle Bin, backups, OneDrive) On uGetFix
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
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.
From our report of Feb 2020 · not reviewed since
Get rid of the ICSPA ransomware virus as soon as possible
When trying to remove ICSPA virus, you may find that your security features, anti-malware programs, and other system functions are blocked.
That's normal because threat changes various settings on the machine to affect the performance significantly. In order to overcome this situation, you should use one of the features that the Windows operating system has.
Before you proceed with the automatic ICSPA virus with an anti-malware tool, reboot the system in Safe Mode with Networking and then run the AV detection program. By doing it this way you can ensure that the virus is not affecting the process, and malware can get detected. We can rely on or for such a job.
ICSPA virus can be more persistent and affect other crucial parts of the system, so the victim can't access the needed tools and functions that help terminate the threat or recover the machine. We can recommend getting a PC repair or system optimizer software like since it can find and fix affected files, data in system folders that allow the locker running.
[GI=method-1]Get rid of ICSPA virus and make sure to clean the machine fully by rebooting the system in Safe Mode
[GI=method-2]Try System Restore that can help to disable the threat automatically
Report it and recover your files
Report it
Report the attack even if you do not expect the files back: insurers and banks ask for the report number, and police use the contacts in the note to link cases.
- United States
- FBI IC3 · FTC ReportFraud
- United Kingdom
- Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) · NCSC
- Australia
- ReportCyber (ASD)
- EU countries
- Europol: national reporting sites
Give the victim ID, the note and the date the files were encrypted. A business that holds personal data may also have to notify its data protection authority, in the EU within 72 hours.
Make the next attack harmless
ICSPA virus could only hurt the files that had no second copy, and the signs (ICSPA virus in the list of installed apps) showed exactly which ones those were.
The 3-2-1 rule fixes that:
- three copies
- two media
- one disconnected
A practical version for a home PC: OneDrive or another cloud backup with version history, plus an external disk that you plug in once a week for File History and then unplug. Test a restore now and then by opening a few files from the backup on another device.
Details, schedules and what not to back up are in our 3-2-1 backup guide for Windows.
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 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 can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
Questions about ICSPA virus
Is there a free ICSPA virus decryptor?
We last checked on 7 October 2026, and for ICSPA virus no free decryptor is known. We check No More Ransom, which collects free tools from police and security companies, and the decryptor pages of the major antivirus vendors. A working decryptor exists only when the encryption has a flaw or the keys were leaked or seized.
Ignore sites and videos that offer a "ICSPA virus decryptor" for download or for a fee: these are usually scams or malware. Real decryptors are free and come from known security companies or law enforcement. Keep the encrypted files in case a tool appears later.
Are ransomware recovery services legitimate?
Some are, but read the offer carefully. Genuine data-recovery firms recover deleted originals from disks or rebuild damaged files, and they say so. Others promise to "decrypt any ransomware" for a fixed price, which is impossible without the key; they quietly pay the attackers and keep a margin, sometimes without telling the victim.
Be especially careful with services that contact you after you post about the attack online. Ask for references, a written method and a no-result-no-fee clause, and check the free tools on No More Ransom first.
Should I pay the ransom?
We advise against it, and so do the FBI, Europol and national cyber agencies. Payment does not guarantee a working tool: some attackers never reply, some tools damage files, and some variants have no decryptor at all. Paying also funds further attacks and can make you a target again.
Before considering payment, try every recovery option in this guide and report the attack. Companies must involve their legal adviser and insurer, because payments to sanctioned groups can be illegal. If files are truly irreplaceable, store the encrypted copies and wait; decryptors sometimes appear later.
How did ICSPA virus get on my computer?
The way ICSPA virus spreads has not been documented yet, so look at your own recent activity. On home PCs, ransomware most often comes with cracked programs, game cheats, key generators and fake updates, or with an e-mail attachment that was opened. On business networks, attackers usually log in through Remote Desktop with a stolen or guessed password.
Think back to what was downloaded or installed in the days before ICSPA virus in the list of installed apps, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.
Did ICSPA virus steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by ICSPA virus, but the only confirmed sign is ICSPA virus in the list of installed apps, which says nothing about what happened before. Many current ransomware attacks copy files or run a password stealer first, so it is wise to act as if they did.
From a clean device, change the passwords that were saved in the browsers on this PC, starting with e-mail and banking, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification. Watch bank statements and account activity for the next few weeks.
Is ICSPA virus the same as other ransomware with a similar name?
Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.
Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.
What does the ransom note tell me about the ransomware?
Quite a lot. The file name the ransom note, the wording, the contact addresses and the format of the personal ID are typical for each family. Uploading the note together with one encrypted file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom's Crypto Sheriff usually names the family within seconds.
That name decides your options: some families have free decryptors, some can be partially recovered, and some cannot be decrypted at all. The note's claims about stolen data should be taken seriously but not at face value.
How do I open my .docx, .jpg and other files locked by ICSPA?
You cannot open locked files normally while they stay encrypted, and renaming them will not help. Our earlier report did not record the extension that ICSPA adds, so check one locked file name and the ransom note for it.
No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates. Do not rename the files, change the extension or edit them, because that can make recovery harder. Copy the locked files to an external drive before you clean the system, so a decryptor released later still has them.
Will Fortect remove ICSPA virus?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For ICSPA virus, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Ransomware (read October 7, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 7, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 7, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 7, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline (read October 7, 2026)