How to remove Iron ransomware

Iron ransomware is new version of Maktub targeting 374 file types

Iron ransomware is a crypto-ransomware virus^[1] that stems from Maktub Locker ransomware family, which has been actively circulating on the Internet since 2016. The new version has been detected spreading in the form of an ado64 file at the beginning of April 2018. It is capable of encrypting 374 file types using a mix of RSA and AES ciphers and appending a .encry file extension to each of them. Upon encryption, Iron ransomware drops a ransom note !HELP_YOUR_FILES.HTML, which demands the victim to contact virus developers via recoverfile@mail2tor.com or oldblackjack@outlook.com and purchase an IronUnlocker tool decrypt personal files.

Though much is already known about Iron ransomware virus, malware researchers keep analyzing it since it's not hundred percent clear whether it's a version of Maktub or utterly new ransomware whose developers were inspired by it.
Likewise Maktub, Iron virus does feature a graphically appealing lock screen featuring garish colors, skull logo, countdown clock, and well-timed information. Apart from the lock screen, it provides a professionally programmed payment portal and a website for IronUnlocker promotion. Here's a fraction of its ransom note:

Your documents, photos, database, and other essential files have been encrypted with the strongest encryption an unique key, generated for this computer. The private decryption key is stored on a secr4et Internet server, and nobody can decrypt your files until you pay and obtain the private key. The server will eliminate the key after a period specified in this window.

Furthermore, in the ransom note, extortionists provide four links to public gates, which redirect to the payment portal. Besides, the Iron ransomware lock screen provides a personal ID number and contact information (recoverfile@mail2tor.com).

As we have already pointed out the crypto-ransomware is capable of encrypted 374 file types, meaning that the smallest file on the Windows OS will get locked by adding the .encry suffix to each of them.Interestingly, this virus targets gamers as well since it locks Steam files (.vdf), World of Tanks replays (.wotreplay), and .DayZ (.DayZProfile).

Nevertheless, it does have an exclusion list as well. According to researchers, it bypasses core Windows folders, including Windows, Microsoft, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Internet Explorer, Temp, Local, LocalLow, $Recycle.bin, boot, i386, st_v2, Intel, recycles, 360rec, 360sec, 360sand, and msbuild. It means that system's crash is not a goal of ransomware.

It seeks to collect ransom from PC users for a file decryptor. Currently, it demands to pay 0.2 Bitcoin ransom during the first three days of encryption. Later on, the sum of redemption increases. The amount of payment does not exceed 1.7 BTC, which is equal to $10,200. The victims will have to pay the maximum if they do not pay it within 15 days. After that, personal files will be deleted permanently.

Nevertheless, we do not recommend establishing any contact with the crooks. Paying the ransom not only fail to guarantee decryption of files encrypted by Iron ransomware but pose a risk of downloading a rootkit, spyware^[2] or worm instead of a promised decryptor.

In case your files got locked by .encry file extension virus, download FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner] or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes and run a full system scan with it to remove Iron virus completely. Researchers claim that the virus doesn't remove Shadow Volume Copies and System Restore Points. Thus, upon Iron removal, you'll be able to recover your files, at least the biggest part of them, using third-party software or Previous Windows version feature.

Crypto-ransomware is mainly distributed via spam

Spam remains the primary strategy utilized by hackers to disseminate ransomware. To maximize the extent of its prevalence, crooks use spambots to spread malicious emails massively all over the world.

Researchers identified this ransomware as soon as they tested an ado64 and core.scr files. According to VirusTotal,^[3] this virus can be detected by 26 AV engines out of 66. Thus, there's a high risk to get infected.

To prevent this from happening, we recommend you to bypass emails from unknown, suspicious senders and report them as spam. In case you need to check each email, carefully look for grammar and typo mistakes, unusual symbols, and other signs.

Apart from spam, watch out for phishing websites to which you may be redirected after clicking on ads or links positioned on poor-reputation sites. Do not participate in online surveys, as well as don't fall for offers to download software updates for Java, Flash Player, web browser or other software. If you think that you need one, download it from a trusted source, such as an official website.

The step-by-step guide on how to remove Iron ransomware

Iron ransomware removal is a must since it's a severe cyber infection, virukset.fi^[4] experts claim. It initiates multiple system's changes, including boot order corruption, the creation of new Windows Registry entries, encryption of personal and non-personal files, etc.

You won't be able to restore the changes as long as the virus resides on the system. To remove Iron ransomware from the system, use a professional anti-virus program. In fact, there's no other way to get rid of ransomware except a scan with anti-malware. Even paying the ransom and running the Iron Decryptor will not make the virus self-destruct. It will reside on the system and may later serve as a backdoor or repeatedly lock the files.

In case you cannot get rid of Iron malware because it's helper objects do the trick and block antivirus, follow the step-by-step tutorial down below.