How to remove Ironhead ransomware

Ironhead ransomware is yet another Scarab variant that came out in December 2018

Ironhead ransomware is a cryptovirus that locks your data and marks encrypted files using .ironhead file extension. This is a version of well-known Scarab ransomware that has released a lot of different variants since the initial start of attacks in 2017. Another version that came out in December 2018 is online24files@airmail.cc ransomware. All recent versions in this notorious cryptovirus family use RSA-2048 encryption^[1] algorithm for the data encoding and then generates a random demanding note that gets placed on the desktop. How to restore encrypted files.txt contains a message with contact emails fileisafe@tuta.io and fileisafe@protonmail.com and suggests contacting Ironhead ransomware virus developers to get your files restored after the ransom payment.

The recent addition to Scarab family is called Ironhead ransomware because of the .ironhead file marker that is added after a successful data-encoding process. However, the ransomware attack starts with the additional system changes like altered Windows registry keys, deleted data, modified system files, disabled programs or functions.

Ironhead ransomware virus also installs various files or even programs on the targeted device to make the threat persistent or launch additional malicious processes. Associated files can be stored on system folders called:

• %Roaming%
• %Local%
• %Temp%
• %Windows%
• %AppData%

When these changes are made, and Ironhead ransomware is securely running on the system, the main process that employs army-grade encryption algorithm RSA starts. The primary goal of this ransomware is to corrupt valuable files and demand ransom for the recovery. 

Ironhead ransomware affects data in various formats from documents to photos and music files or even archives and videos. Virus developers can also access your credentials stored on the system and use those banking logins in later attacks. All encrypted data becomes useless and gets .ironhead file extension, so you can differentiate which files got affected.

Ironhead ransomware then displays a ransom message in the file How to restore encrypted files.txt that reads the following:

Your files are now encrypted!

Your personal identifier:
–

All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC.

Now you should send us email with your personal identifier.
This email will be as confirmation you are ready to pay for decryption key.
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us.
After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.

Contact us using this email address: fileisafe@tuta.io or fileisafe@protonmail.com

Free decryption as guarantee!
Before paying you can send us up to 3 files for free decryption.
The total size of files must be less than 5Mb (non archived), and files should not contain
valuable information (databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc.).

How to obtain Bitcoins? 
* The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click 
'Buy bitcoins', and select the seller by payment method and price: 
https://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins 
* Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here: 
http://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins 

Attention! 
* Do not rename encrypted files. 
* Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss. 
* Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price 
(they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

You should never trust malware developers, especially hackers who developed Scarab-Ironhead ransomware because these people only focus on money extortion. Paying the ransom cannot give you positive results, in most cases, it leads to permanent data or money loss.^[2]

You better remove Ironhead ransomware without considering to pay the demanded amount or contacting malware developers. There is no decryption tool that could help with your data recovery, so download and install anti-malware tool like FortectIntego. Then you can eliminate this malware while cleaning the system thoroughly.

A full system scan and Ironhead ransomware removal are especially important if you want to recover your files after that. You need to have a virus-free machine to recover data from an external backup device or using data recovery software. If you don't have backups on cloud services or external devices, you can employ special software that we suggest below.

Malicious ransomware code distributed via spam email messages

Browsing online can lead to various infections, but you can avoid cyber threats like PUPs or intrusive commercial content easily. However, malicious emails these days come straight to your email box, not the spam email section and malicious actors misuse well-known company or service names.

Unfortunately, people believe the legitimacy of these emails and open them as a safe notification. However, file attachments on these emails contain Microsoft Word or Excel documents with malicious macros^[3]. When you download and open the document on your device, the script is automatically launched on the computer. 

Reseasrchers^[4] note that when you click on the link displayed in the PDF, for example, or “Agree” button you trigger the malicious macro viruses that are launching the ransomware directly on your device or installs malware designed to distribute cryptovirus further.

Forget about Ironhead ransomware virus after the malware removal using professional tools

You need to remove Ironhead ransomware from the system with trustworthy anti-malware tools like FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. Choose reputable programs and get them from official providers so that you can get rid of all related programs and malware during a full system scan. Download the software and run it on the device. Then, you need to follow the recommended steps and delete the indicated threats.

The automatic Ironhead ransomware removal helps with the overall performance of your device because anti-malware tools indicate possible intruders and eliminate them. Remember that you need to clean the system completely before attempting any data recovery. You can use our program suggestions below if you have no backups on cloud services or external devices.