Insom ransomware (Removal Guide)

What is Insom ransomware?

Insom ransomware is a particular virus that demands money from people

Insom ransomware appends files after encryption.

Insom ransomware virus is malware that locks files and appends unique IDs to them to indicate that something has been done. The infection is programmed to display a random message after that, and the file that appears on the screen is named +README-WARNING+.txt.

The Insom malware is the latest addition to the Makop ransomware family. This malicious software encrypts files on a victim’s system using a powerful encryption algorithm and renames them by adding a long appendix with “.Insom” extension. The file name also includes a unique victim ID and the attackers' email address.

The malware also deletes volume shadow copies, making it harder for victims to recover their data. After encrypting the files, Insom ransomware virus leaves behind a ransom note instructing victims to contact the attackers via the provided email address.

The note is usually brief, warning that if the victim doesn't comply, their encrypted files may be leaked on a Tor network website controlled by the criminals. Infection craters rely on these tactics of scaring people into paying the demanded sum.

Insom ransomware was discovered during a routine investigation on VirusTotal by expeets. On infected systems, this ransomware encrypts files, appending each with a unique identifier, the attackers' email, and the “.insom” extension. For example, a file originally named “1.jpg” would become “1.jpg.[2AF20FA3].[insomrans@outlook.com].insom.”

Once this process is complete, Insom virus changes the desktop wallpaper. This note informs the victim and also threatens to publish the files unless the victim contacts the attackers. Unfortunately, decrypting these files without the attackers' help is typically impossible unless the ransomware has significant flaws.

However, paying the ransom does not guarantee you will recover your data. Often, the criminals do not provide the promised decryption tools even after receiving payment. Therefore, it is strongly advised not to comply with their demands, as paying only encourages their illegal activities.

Treating ransomware properly: AV tools and focus on the PC, not files

To prevent further damage, Insom ransomware must be removed from the system. Unfortunately, this will not restore already encrypted files. The only reliable way to recover your data is through a backup that was created before the infection and stored securely.

If you are a victim of ransomware, you should employ anti-malware software for Insom ransomware 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.

File encryption virus is demanding payments from vitims.

Is it possible to decrypt altered files?

You need to remove Insom ransomware as soon as possible despite the fact that your files might not get recovered. However, despite the biggest worry for you being your encrypted files, decryption is not an option. Cybercriminals rarely provide the needed tools, and contacting them via insomrans@outlook.com cannot lead to a better spot.

It’s important to keep backups in multiple, secure locations, such as remote servers or disconnected storage devices. Cybercriminals often spread ransomware through phishing, social engineering, and malicious downloads disguised as legitimate software or media. Infections can occur through various file types like ZIP archives, executable files, or even documents.

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

1. Download Data Recovery Pro.
2. Double-click the installer to launch it.
   
3. Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
4. As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
5. Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
6. Press Next.
7. At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
8. Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
9. You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
10. Press Recover to retrieve your files.

Taking these precautions can help protect your data and prevent ransomware attacks

Malware like Insom ransomware is distributed via trojans, drive-by downloads, suspicious download sites, spam emails, pirated software, and fake updates. Some malware can also spread through local networks and removable storage devices, like USB drives.

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:

1. Click on the OneDrive icon within your system tray.
2. Select Help & Settings > Settings.
   
   
3. 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.
   
4. Once done, move to the Backup tab and click Manage backup.
   
   
5. Select Desktop, Documents, and Pictures, or a combination of whichever folders you want to backup.
6. 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.

1. Download the Google Drive app installer and click on it.
   
2. Wait a few seconds for it to be installed.
3. Now click the arrow within your system tray – you should see Google Drive icon there, click it once.
   
4. Click Get Started.
5. Enter all the required information – your email/phone, and password.
6. Now pick what you want to sync and backup. You can click on Choose Folder to add additional folders to the list.
7. Once done, pick Next.
8. Now you can select to sync items to be visible on your computer.
9. Finally, press Start and wait till the sync is complete. Your files are now being backed up.