Igvm ransomware (Free Guide) - Recovery Instructions Included
Igvm virus Removal Guide
What is Igvm ransomware?
Igvm ransomware – a cryptovirus gunning for your data and money
Igvm ransomware is a computer virus that encrypts all non-system data on the infected computer as soon as it gains entry to it. During the encryption, it renames all files by appointing the .igvm extension to the original filenames. The contents of the files aren't changed, but they are inaccessible.
Like all ransomware from the Djvu family, this one doesn't lock the system files, but it modifies them to establish persistence and prolong its unwelcomed stay. Following successful encryption, a ransom note named _readme.txt is created and placed on the desktop so the victim would find it easily.
Within the said note, threat actors behind Igvm virus state their demands and instructions. The main one is to contact them via two provided emails (helpmanager@airmail.cc, helpteam@mail.ch) within 72 hours of the attack to receive a 50% discount for the ransom. That would lower the asking price from $980 to $490.
Although the ransom amount can seem reasonable, it would be best not to pay the criminals. There are free decryptors from Emsisoft that could help you get out of this predicament scotch-free. If they don't work, there might be other recovery solutions that we're going to tell you about in this article, along with the article's culprit summary and its removal options.
| name | Igvm ransomware |
|---|---|
| Type | Cryptovirus, file-locker |
| Family | Djvu/STOP |
| Appended file extension | All personal data is renamed by adding .igvm marker |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt can be found on the desktop and in folders with encrypted files |
| Ransom amount | Criminals are offering a 50% discount for victims that contact them within 72 hours, lowering the price from $980 to $490 |
| Distribution | Ransomware from this family is usually distributed through file-sharing platforms, especially torrent sites, but other spreading techniques are also possible |
| Criminal contact details | helpmanager@airmail.cc, helpteam@mail.ch |
| Elimination | To safely and completely remove any infection from your computer, use a trustworthy anti-malware tool |
| System health check | Since system files and settings get altered, you have to take care of them to avoid BSoDs[1] and other system failures. To automatically fix all system issues, scan your device with the FortectIntego system tune-up tool |
Ransomware is on the rise, and the Djvu file-locker family is one of the most pervasive ones in this dirty business. It's producing new variations of infection very frequently. New versions appear once or twice each week. Here are the latest ones, apart from .Igvm virus:
All latest variants from this lineage bear many similarities, but they have their differences too. A military-grade RSA 2048 coding algorithm is used to encrypt all personal files (pics, documents, archives, etc.), making it practically impossible to decode them without the right key.
Within the ransom note, Igvm ransomware developers state that the only way to regain access to the locked data is by purchasing a decryption tool from them. And they try to sell it very hard. To convince that such a tool exists, they include a link where it can see in action and offer free decryption of one file from the infected computer.
Moreover, to push their victims into making rash decisions, they offer a 50% discount for those who contact them within 72 hours of the cyberattack. The ransom note also includes a personal victim ID and two email addresses to reach out to the assailants. The whole note reads:
ATTENTION!
Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like pictures, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
hxxps://we.tl/t-9CYW99VhUR
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
helpteam@mail.chReserve e-mail address to contact us:
helpmanager@airmail.ccYour personal ID:
Our stance on paying the criminals hasn't changed for years. It would be best if you didn't do it as the money will only motivate the perpetrators to attack more innocent people and develop more advanced malware. You could try recovering your encrypted files with our suggestions at the bottom of the page.
If none of them work, copy all essential files from the infected PC to an external, offline storage device, like a USB drive or similar. Only then can you begin Igvm virus removal. The first thing you need to do is download a reliable security tool such as Malwarebytes or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner.
Then perform a full system scan. That should remove the infection with all its pieces. In some cases, cryptovirus can prevent you from launching anti-malware software. If that happens, use our free guides below to reboot your PC in Safe Mode with Networking and proceed with the removal then.
Although system files aren't encrypted, they're modified to establish persistence, e.g., the host file is modified and could prevent users from entering any security-related website, including 2-spyware.com. This and many other system irregularities can cause unpredictable device behavior, such as crashing, freezing, etc.
Therefore, after you remove Igvm ransomware from your device, you have to take care of the overall health of it. According to cybersecurity specialists at DieViren.de,[2] the best way to resolve any system damage is to run system diagnostics with the powerful FortectIntego PC repair tool.
Steer clear of file-sharing platforms to avoid any cyber infections
Ransomware, Trojans,[3] backdoors and other malware can be spread in a myriad of ways, from spam emails to Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) attacks. But Djvu/STOP family is spread almost exclusively through file-sharing platforms, in particular – torrent websites.
These sites usually offer various copyrighted content for free, such as movies, games, software, etc. Malware can be camouflaged as almost any file, but Djvu ransomware versions are usually hidden as game cracks, expensive unlocked applications, and similar pirated software.
As soon as you download and execute a file with a virus payload file, the encryption will start, and you'll be locked out of your data within a couple of minutes. Thus we advise staying away from such file-sharing platforms as you could get yourself and your device in a lot of trouble.
Thorough guidelines to remove Igvm virus from your infected computer
Having your device infected with any type of malware is a nightmare, but you have to stay calm and don't make any rash decisions. There might be other ways of recovering your encrypted files without the involvement of criminals. We've posted Igvm ransomware recovery options below.
Emsisoft or other companies could create a required decryption tool in the future, so if none of the methods work, copy encrypted files to offline storage and check back with us later as we strive to inform our readers about all new updates. Once the data is decrypted or copied, remove the infection by scanning your device with trustworthy anti-malware software like Malwarebytes or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner. Please remember to keep it updated at all times so that it could block all the latest malware.
If your computer exhibits strange behavior after the virus removal, that's because the infection has heavily damaged its system files and settings. Therefore, we highly recommend using the system diagnostics tool right after you remove Igvm ransomware to fix all system-related irregularities.
First steps when dealing with the cryptocurrency-extorting malware
Ransomware infection and data encryption are two independent processes. However, it is important to understand that malware performs various changes within a Windows operating system, fundamentally changing the way it works. It ensures that all needed malware processes can run.
IMPORTANT for those without backups! →
If you attempt to use security or recovery software immediately, you might permanently damage your files, and even a working decryptor then would not be able to save them.
Before you proceed with the removal instructions below, you should copy the encrypted files onto a separate medium, such as USB flash drive or SSD, and then disconnect them from your computer. Encrypted data does not hold any malicious code, so it is safe to transfer to other devices. In many cases, malware like this deletes itself after the encryption, so the virus is no longer active.
You might find the guide below overwhelming and complicated, but they are not difficult to understand as long as you follow each step in the appropriate order. These comprehensive instructions will help you to handle the malware removal and data recovery process correctly.
IMPORTANT! →
It is vital to eliminate malware infection from the computer fully before starting the data recovery process, otherwise, ransomware might re-encrypt retrieved files from backups repeatedly.
Getting rid of Igvm virus. Follow these steps
Isolate the infected computer
Some ransomware strains aim to infect not only one computer but hijack the entire network. As soon as one of the machines is infected, malware can spread via network and encrypt files everywhere else, including Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices. If your computer is connected to a network, it is important to isolate it to prevent re-infection after ransomware removal is complete.
The easiest way to disconnect a PC from everything is simply to plug out the ethernet cable. However, in the corporate environment, this might be extremely difficult to do (also would take a long time). The method below will disconnect from all the networks, including local and the internet, isolating each of the machines involved.
- Type in Control Panel in Windows search and press Enter
- Go to Network and Internet
- Click Network and Sharing Center
- On the left, pick Change adapter settings
- Right-click on your connection (for example, Ethernet), and select Disable
- Confirm with Yes.
If you are using some type of cloud storage you are connected to, you should disconnect from it immediately. It is also advisable to disconnect all the external devices, such as USB flash sticks, external HDDs, etc. Once the malware elimination process is finished, you can connect your computers to the network and internet, as explained above, but by pressing Enable instead.
Scan your system with anti-malware
If you are a victim of ransomware, you should employ anti-malware software for its removal. Some ransomware can self-destruct after the file encryption process is finished. Even in such cases, malware might leave various data-stealing modules or could operate in conjunction with other malicious programs on your device.
SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes can detect and eliminate all ransomware-related files, additional modules, along with other viruses that could be hiding on your system. The security software is really easy to use and does not require any prior IT knowledge to succeed in the malware removal process.
Repair damaged system components
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. Consequently, users might experience performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a full Windows reinstall is required.
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.
By employing FortectIntego, you would not have to worry about future computer issues, as most of them could be fixed quickly by performing a full system scan at any time. Most importantly, you could avoid the tedious process of Windows reinstallation in case things go very wrong due to one reason or another.
Restore Windows "hosts" file to its original state
Some ransomware might modify Windows hosts file in order to prevent users from accessing certain websites online. For example, Djvu ransomware variants add dozens of entries containing URLs of security-related websites, such as 2-spyware.com. Each of the entries means that users will not be able to access the listed web addresses and will receive an error instead.
Here's an example of “hosts” file entries that were injected by ransomware:
In order to restore your ability to access all websites without restrictions, you should either delete the file (Windows will automatically recreate it) or remove all the malware-created entries. If you have never touched the “hosts” file before, you should simply delete it by marking it and pressing Shift + Del on your keyboard. For that, navigate to the following location:
C:\\Windows\\System32\\drivers\\etc\\
Restore files using data recovery software
Since many users do not prepare proper data backups prior to being attacked by ransomware, they might often lose access to their files permanently. Paying criminals is also very risky, as they might not fulfill the promises and never send back the required decryption tool.
While this might sound terrible, not all is lost – data recovery software might be able to help you in some situations (it highly depends on the encryption algorithm used, whether ransomware managed to complete the programmed tasks, etc.). Since there are thousands of different ransomware strains, it is immediately impossible to tell whether third-party software will work for you.
Therefore, we suggest trying regardless of which ransomware attacked your computer. Before you begin, several pointers are important while dealing with this situation:
- Since the encrypted data on your computer might permanently be damaged by security or data recovery software, you should first make backups of it – use a USB flash drive or another storage.
- Only attempt to recover your files using this method after you perform a scan with anti-malware software.
Install data recovery software
- Download Data Recovery Pro.
- Double-click the installer to launch it.
- Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
- As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
- Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
- Press Next.
- At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
- Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
- You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
- Press Recover to retrieve your files.
Use Emsisoft decrytor for Djvu/STOP
If your computer got infected with one of the Djvu variants, you should try using Emsisoft decryptor for Djvu/STOP. It is important to mention that this tool will not work for everyone – it only works if data was locked with an offline ID due to malware failing to communicate with its remote servers.
Even if your case meets this condition, somebody from the victims has to pay criminals, retrieve an offline key, and then share it with security researchers at Emsisoft. As a result, you might not be able to restore the encrypted files immediately. Thus, if the decryptor says your data was locked with an offline ID but cannot be recovered currently, you should try later. You also need to upload a set of files – one encrypted and a healthy one to the company's servers before you proceed.
- Download the app from the official Emsisoft website.
- After pressing Download button, a small pop-up at the bottom, titled decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe should show up – click it.
- If User Account Control (UAC) message shows up, press Yes.
- Agree to License Terms by pressing Yes.
- After Disclaimer shows up, press OK.
- The tool should automatically populate the affected folders, although you can also do it by pressing Add folder at the bottom.
- Press Decrypt.
From here, there are three available outcomes:
- “Decrypted!” will be shown under files that were decrypted successfully – they are now usable again.
- “Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID:” means that the keys for this version of the virus have not yet been retrieved, so you should try later.
- “This ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible” – you are unable to decrypt files with this tool.
Create data backups to avoid file loss in the future
One of the many countermeasures for home users against ransomware is data backups. Even if your Windows get corrupted, you can reinstall everything from scratch and retrieve files from backups with minimal losses overall. Most importantly, you would not have to pay cybercriminals and risk your money as well.
Therefore, if you have already dealt with a ransomware attack, we strongly advise you to prepare backups for future use. There are two options available to you:
- Backup on a physical external drive, such as a USB flash drive or external HDD.
- Use cloud storage services.
The first method is not that convenient, however, as backups need to constantly be updated manually – although it is very reliable. Therefore, we highly advise choosing cloud storage instead – it is easy to set up and efficient to sustain. The problem with it is that storage space is limited unless you want to pay for the subscription.
Using Microsoft OneDrive
OneDrive is a built-in tool that comes with every modern Windows version. By default, you get 5 GB of storage that you can use for free. You can increase that storage space, but for a price. Here's how to setup backups for OneDrive:
- Click on the OneDrive icon within your system tray.
- Select Help & Settings > Settings.
- If you don't see your email under the Account tab, you should click Add an account and proceed with the on-screen instructions to set yourself up.
- Once done, move to the Backup tab and click Manage backup.
- Select Desktop, Documents, and Pictures, or a combination of whichever folders you want to backup.
- Press Start backup.
After this, all the files that are imported into the above-mentioned folders will be automatically backed for you. If you want to add other folders or files, you have to do that manually. For that, open File Explorer by pressing Win + E on your keyboard, and then click on the OneDrive icon. You should drag and drop folders you want to backup (or you can use Copy/Paste as well).
Using Google Drive
Google Drive is another great solution for free backups. The good news is that you get as much as 15GB for free by choosing this storage. There are also paid versions available, with significantly more storage to choose from.
You can access Google Drive via the web browser or use a desktop app you can download on the official website. If you want your files to be synced automatically, you will have to download the app, however.
- Download the Google Drive app installer and click on it.
- Wait a few seconds for it to be installed.
- Now click the arrow within your system tray – you should see Google Drive icon there, click it once.
- Click Get Started.
- Enter all the required information – your email/phone, and password.
- Now pick what you want to sync and backup. You can click on Choose Folder to add additional folders to the list.
- Once done, pick Next.
- Now you can select to sync items to be visible on your computer.
- Finally, press Start and wait till the sync is complete. Your files are now being backed up.
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 Igvm and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Protect your privacy – employ a VPN
There are several ways how to make your online time more private – you can access an incognito tab. However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of Private Internet Access VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise. Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and Private Internet Access VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals.
No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool
If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers – human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence. In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.
If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. Data Recovery Pro is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market – it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.
If this free guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be appreciated.
- ^ Chris Hoffman. Everything You Need To Know About the Blue Screen of Death. Howtogeek. Online technology magazine.
- ^ DieViren. Dieviren. Spyware news and security.
- ^ Trojan horse (computing). Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.