IEncrypt Ransomware

IEncrypt Ransomware enciphers files and marks them with .cmsnwned extension. It is doubtful regular users will come across it, as it looks like the threat is targeted at organizations only. To our knowledge, the first targeted victim could have been CMS Nextech, as the ransom note shown while testing it mentioned its name. So far it is unknown whether the hackers behind the threat have released other versions attacking different organizations. Nonetheless, we believe it is essential to spread awareness about the malicious application. Therefore, further in the text, we will provide details about its possible distribution channels, its behavior, deletion, and so on. Those who may encounter it might be also interested in the removal steps located below, although, as we will explain in the article, it might be wiser to eliminate IEncrypt Ransomware not manually, but with a chosen antimalware tool.

There are a few ways threats like IEncrypt Ransomware are distributed, but our specialists believe the hackers could use malicious Spam emails or exploit unsecured Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections to infect targeted devices. Despite cybersecurity specialists urging users to be cautious with email attachments some still forget these advices after receiving suspicious data, as they launch it before checking whether it infected or not. Naturally, to protect the computer and files on it, users should scan each attachment received from unknown senders or raising suspicion with a legitimate antimalware tool. It is just as essential strengthening the system, and one of the ways to do so is to remove its possible vulnerabilities, for example, outdated software, weak passwords, etc.

What happens if IEncrypt Ransomware manages to slip in? For starters, the malicious application should create a few files on the computer. Our researchers say the bad news is such data could impersonate or modify legitimate system’s files. Thus, separating its created or affected data might be a difficult task. Afterward, the malware may start encrypting files available on the computer. It is important to mention it should not touch data belonging to the operating system or other programs. Usually, such files are left alone in order not to prevent the user from noticing what has happened or viewing the threat’s ransom note. IEncrypt Ransomware ransom note should start with saying hello to the targeted company. Also, it should provide an explanation of what has happened: “Your network was hacked and encrypted.”

Most importantly, the malicious application’s ransom note is supposed to explain how to contact the malware’s developers. Keep in mind the cybercriminals most likely wish victims to contact them so they could demand them to pay the ransom. Another thing victims should know is there are no guarantees that doing what IEncrypt Ransomware’s creators command will ensure their help. In other words, the cybercriminals might promise to deliver decryption tools or even decrypt a couple of files free of charge, but there is still a risk they could trick you. For instance, they could start asking for more money or simply ignore the user. Needless to say, if you do not want to risk experiencing any of the two situations, we advise you not to deal with the hackers.

It is true it is impossible to restore the encrypted files without special decryption tools, but you can replace them with backup copies if you backed your data before the threat entered the system. First of all, we would advise deleting IEncrypt Ransomware as leaving it unattended could be risky. To remove the malicious application manually, you could follow the instructions located below. As mentioned before the process could be extremely difficult as the threat may settle in by modifying or imitating existing legitimate files. If you do not think you can handle it, we advise erasing the malicious application with a reliable antimalware tool.

Get rid of IEncrypt Ransomware

1. Tap Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
2. Launch Task Manager.
3. Look for the malware’s process.
4. Select the process and press End Task.
5. Leave the Task Manager.
6. Click Win+E.
7. Find these locations:
   %TEMP%
   %USERPROFILE%\desktop
   %USERPROFILE%\downloads
8. Look for the threat’s installer, then right-click it and press Delete.
9. Find this location %WINDIR%
10. Search for a fake .NET framework file that pretends to be legitimate, right-click it and choose Delete.
11. Go to the listed directories:
    %WINDIR%\System32
    %WINDIR%\Syswow64
12. Identify files that were modified at the time the computer got infected, right-click them and select Delete.
13. Search for the threat’s ransom notes, right-click them and pick Delete.
14. Exit File Explorer.
15. Empty Recycle bin.
16. Restart the system.