How to remove Iowd ransomware, Decrypt .iowd files.

What is Iowd virus?

Iowd virus is a ransomware that attacks the victim’s computer by encrypting files and demanding a ransom for decrypting them. The ransomware attack can lead to data loss and financial losses. Iowd encrypts files, renames them by appending the .iowd extension, and creates files named “_readme.txt” containing the ransom demand message. For example, a file named “document.docx” will be renamed to “document.docx.iowd”, a “image.jpg” file to “image.jpg.iowd”, “invoice.pdf” to “invoice.pdf.iowd”, and so on.

QUICK LINKS

• What is Iowd virus?
• Remove Iowd virus (ransomware)
• Decrypt .iowd files
• Restore .iowd files
• Video Guide

Iowd ransomware in detail

Iowd ransomware is really a nasty malware that is the 649th version of the STOP (DJVU) ransomware. It infects the system when the user downloads or runs malware infected files. Criminals lure unwary users into downloading ransomware by hiding malicious code within cracked versions of paid software, free software, key generators, and so on. Upon execution, an instance of Iowd virus is installed on victim’s computer.

Once installed on a computer, Iowd encrypts files located on the drives connected to the computer. It uses a strong algorithm and a long key to encrypt files. If, before encrypting the files, the Iowd ransomware was able to establish a connection with its command-and-control (C&C) server, then it uses so called ‘online key’ that is unique to each infected computer. In case when the Iowd virus cannot connect to its command server, it uses the so-called offline key. This key, unlike the online key, is the same for all infected computers and can be determined by security researchers.

In the process of encrypting files, Iowd tries to encrypt all files on the computer, therefore, to speed up the encryption process, it does not encrypt all the contents of the files, but only the first 154kb. At the same time, there are files that the virus does not encrypt: files located in the Windows system directories, files with the extension .bat, ini, .sys, .dll, .lnk and files with the name ‘_readme.txt’. All other files can be encrypted, regardless of where they are located: on the internal disk, external device or cloud storage. Thus, the following common file types can be encrypted:

.x3f, .xml, .rofl, .wsd, .kdb, .x3d, .kdc, .z, .hplg, .raf, .wri, .xlsx, .wb2, .xls, .iwd, .icxs, .xlsx, .apk, .dazip, .py, .cfr, .wmo, .wot, .zdc, .wpd, .wm, .mdb, .jpg, .xdl, .xll, .svg, .wp4, .bsa, .xar, .mrwref, .re4, .csv, .wn, .nrw, .ff, .desc, .wmf, .map, .sav, .fos, .erf, .xmind, .psd, .xlsm, .accdb, .crt, .p7b, .pdf, .rar, .wmd, .srf, .wdb, .snx, .rwl, .bkp, .vcf, .pst, .rim, .odc, .rb, .dxg, .wgz, .mdf, .wma, .pdd, .ptx, .wpb, .dbf, .mcmeta, .y, .jpe, .qic, .7z, .itdb, .itm, .bc7, .srw, .bar, .arw, .xlsm, .avi, .m3u, .docx, .sidn, .2bp, .pptm, .odb, .psk, .sql, .wmv, .pkpass, .xlsb, .pptx, .mov, .tax, .kf, .wp, .x, .vdf, .zip, .dmp, .xdb, .d3dbsp, .mlx, .ysp, .wp6, .zif, .litemod, .cas, .wbk, .z3d, .png, .ods, .r3d, .docm, .fpk, .vpp_pc, .forge, .wcf, .wpg, .w3x, .bc6, .dcr, .cr2, .indd, .wpl, .wire, .wbmp, .t13, .qdf, .sid, .odt, .sidd, .ztmp, .odm, .vtf, .wmv, .ws, .arch00, .xxx, .3fr, .wsc, .bkf, .db0, .gdb, .xlgc, .xlk, .wpt, .esm, .wbd, .xpm, .flv, .0, .fsh, .mef, .doc, .mpqge, .wav, .webp, .sis, .zabw, .upk, .iwi, .tor, .txt, .xx, .wbc, .p7c, .hkx, .bay, .layout, .sie, .asset, .rtf, .xyp, .blob, .mddata, .dng, .pfx, .1, .raw, .js, .1st, .yml, .rw2, .dwg, .xls, .cer, .ai, .wbm, .itl, .hvpl, .wp7, .t12, .rgss3a, .sum, .zw, .eps, .wpa, .xld, .wp5, .gho, .vpk, .xmmap, .ntl, .xwp, .lrf, .epk, .sb, .cdr, .sr2, .webdoc, .das, .lbf, .syncdb, .wps, .pem, .der, .m2, .wma, .zi, .wotreplay, .wpw, .xf, .ibank, .xbplate, .crw, .css, .wdp, .ybk, .x3f, .ppt, .bik, .xy3, .lvl, .pef, .ncf, .zip, .orf, .mp4, wallet, .big, .ltx, .m4a, .vfs0, .wpe, .hkdb

Each encrypted file receives a new name, the Iowd virus appends the extension ‘.iowd’ at the end of the file name. Thus, if the file was called ‘image.jpg’ before encryption, then after it is encrypted it will be called ‘image.jpg.iowd’. In each folder where the virus encrypted one or more files, it drops a file with the name ‘_readme.txt’.

This file is a ransom demand message. In this message, the authors of the Iowd virus report that the victim’s files were encrypted and if the victim wants to decrypt them, then he needs to purchase a decryptor and a key. Attackers demand to pay them $980, if the victim is ready to pay the ransom within 72 hours, then the size of the ransom is halved to $490. Criminals offer the victim to decrypt one small file for free to confirm the possibility of decrypting .iowd files. Obviously, if the criminals were able to decrypt one file, then this does not guarantee that after receiving the ransom they will give the victim the key and the decryptor.

Text presented in the “_readme.txt” file:

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:
https://we.tl/t-vdhH9Qcpjj
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:
support@freshmail.top

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
datarestorehelp@airmail.cc

Your personal ID:
0649xxxxxxxx

The message left by the Iowd creators says that files cannot be decrypted without a key and a decryptor. Unfortunately, security researchers confirm that a decryptor and a unique key are required to decrypt files. As we reported above, fortunately there is a free decryptor. Iowd File Decrypt tool can decrypt .iowd files that are encrypted with an offline key. If the files are encrypted with an online key, then they cannot be decrypted, but there are several methods that can help recover encrypted files.

Threat Summary

Name	Iowd ransomware, Iowd file virus
Type	Ransomware, Filecoder, File locker, Crypto malware, Crypto virus
File extension	.iowd
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Contact	support@freshmail.top, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc
Ransom amount	$490 or $980 in Bitcoins
Detection Names	VHO:Backdoor.Win32.Convagent.gen, Trojan.Kryptik!1.E2E3 (CLASSIC), Trojan.Win32.Crypt, Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.SL!MTB, Trojan.Win32.Save.a, Trojan.Buzus, Trojan.MalPack.GS
Symptoms	Unable to open files. Odd, new or missing file extensions. Files named such as ”, ‘#_README_#’, ‘_DECRYPT_’ or ‘recover’ in each folder with at least one encrypted file.. ‘All files on your computer have been encrypted’ message on your desktop.
Distribution ways	Spam mails that contain malicious links. Exploit kits (cybercriminals use ransomware virus packaged in an ‘exploit kit’ that can find a vulnerability in Windows OS, Adobe Flash Player, Browser, PDF reader). Social media, such as web-based instant messaging programs. Remote desktop protocol (RDP) hacking.
Removal	Iowd ransomware removal guide
Decryption	Iowd File Decrypt Tool

How to remove Iowd virus (ransomware)

You need to remove Iowd virus related files and registry entries before proceeding to decrypt or restore encrypted files. This must be done since otherwise the ransomware may re-encrypt the restored files. You can stop the ransomware from working, as it is not difficult to do. Another option is to perform a full system scan using free malware removal tools capable of detecting and removing ransomware infection. In order not to miss any important part of this manual, we recommend that you open it in your smartphone or bookmark this page.

It is very important to scan the computer for malware, as security researchers found that spyware could be installed on the infected computer along with the Iowd ransomware. Spyware is a very dangerous security threat as it is designed to steal the user’s personal information such as passwords, logins, contact details, etc. If you have any difficulty removing the Iowd virus, then let us know in the comments, we will try to help you.

To remove Iowd ransomware, follow the steps below:

1. Kill Iowd virus
2. Disable Iowd startup
3. Delete Iowd task
4. Remove Iowd virus

Kill Iowd virus

Press CTRL, ALT, DEL keys together.

Click Task Manager. Select the “Processes” tab, look for something suspicious that is the Iowd virus then right-click it and select “End Task” or “End Process” option. If your Task Manager does not open or the Windows reports “Task manager has been disabled by your administrator”, then follow the guide: How to Fix Task manager has been disabled by your administrator.

It is not difficult to detect a process related to the Iowd ransomware. When looking for a malicious process, pay attention to the process icon and its name. Most often, this ransomware has a process name in the following format: 4-characters.tmp.exe or 4-characters.exe. For example: 7533.tmp.exe, A4b1.exe, CD15.tmp.exe, 19b2.exe. The process name can also contain “(32 bit)”. If you do not find a process with a similar name in the list of processes, then most likely the Iowd ransomware has finished working. But keep in mind, if you do not remove the ransomware autostart entries, as demonstrated below, and do not delete its file, then after a while it may start again, and if it finds unencrypted files, immediately encrypt them.

Disable Iowd startup

Select the “Start-Up” tab, look for something similar to the one shown in the example below, right click to it and select Disable.

Close Task Manager.

Delete Iowd task

Type “Task Scheduler” in the search bar. Click Task Scheduler app in the search results. Click “Task Scheduler Library” in the left panel. On the right panel, right-click to “Time Trigger Task” and select Delete.

Close Task Scheduler.

Remove Iowd virus

Run Task Manager and select the “Start-Up” tab. Right click to the Iowd Start-Up entry and select Open File Location as shown below.

A directory containing one file will open in front of you, this file is the Iowd virus. It needs to be removed. If you try to delete it immediately, then you will not succeed, since this file is protected from deletion.

To remove Iowd virus, you need to do the following. Right-click on this file, select Properties. In the window that opens, select Security tab. Next, click the Advanced button below. A window will open as shown in the following example.

Click Disable inheritance. In the Block inheritance dialog box that opens, select the first item (Convert inherited permissions…) as shown below.

In the Permission entries list, select “Deny Everyone”, click Remove button and then OK. Close the file properties window. You should now be able to remove the Iowd virus. Right-click on the file and select Delete.

Scan computer for malware

We advise using MalwareBytes AntiMalware. You can download and install MalwareBytes to detect and remove Iowd ransomware from your computer. One of the biggest advantages of using MalwareBytes is that is easy to use and is free. Also, it constantly keeps updating its virus/malware signatures DB. Let’s see how to install and scan your computer in order to remove Iowd from the system.

MalwareBytes can be downloaded from the following link. Save it on your Desktop.

After the downloading process is complete, close all programs and windows on your PC. Double-click the install file named MBSetup. If the “User Account Control” dialog box pops up as displayed in the figure below, click the “Yes” button.

It will open the Setup wizard which will help you setup MalwareBytes on your personal computer. Follow the prompts and don’t make any changes to default settings.

Once the install is done successfully, press “Get Started” button. MalwareBytes AntiMalware will automatically start and you can see its main screen as shown on the image below.

Now press the “Scan” button to scan your computer for ransomware, spyware, worms, trojans and other malicious software. During the scan MalwareBytes will locate security threats exist on your computer.

Once the scan is done, the results are displayed in the scan report. Review the scan results and then press “Quarantine” button. MalwareBytes will remove Iowd related folders,files and registry keys and move the selected threats to the program’s quarantine. When finished, you may be prompted to restart the computer.

In order to be 100% sure that the computer no longer has the Iowd ransomware virus, we recommend using the Kaspersky virus removal tool (KVRT). This utility, as its name suggests, is developed by the Kaspersky lab and uses the core of the Kaspersky Antivirus. Unlike the Kaspersky Antivirus, KVRT has a smaller size and, most importantly, it can work together with an already installed anti-virus. This tool has great capabilities and therefore we suggest using KVRT in the last turn to be sure that the Iowd crypto malware has been removed.

Download Kaspersky virus removal tool (KVRT) from the link below.

After the download is complete, double-click on the KVRT icon. Once initialization procedure is finished, you’ll see the Kaspersky virus removal tool screen as shown on the image below.

Click Change Parameters and set a check near all your drives. Click OK to close the Parameters window. Next press Start scan button to start checking your PC for the Iowd ransomware and other known infections. When a threat is found, the number of the security threats will change accordingly.

Once the system scan is finished, KVRT will create a list of malicious software as displayed on the screen below.

All detected threats will be marked. You can delete them all by simply click on Continue to start a cleaning procedure.

How to decrypt .iowd files

Files with the .iowd extension are encrypted and to decrypt them you must use a decryptor and a unique key. You cannot unlock these files simply by deleting the new extension or changing their file name. Fortunately, there is a free Iowd File Decrypt tool that can decrypt .iowd files.

To decrypt .iowd files, use “Iowd File Decrypt tool”

• Download Free Iowd File Decrypt tool from the following link.
  STOP Djvu decryptor
• Scroll down to ‘New Djvu ransomware’ section.
• Click the download link and save the decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe file to your desktop.
• Run decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe, read the license terms and instructions.
• On the ‘Decryptor’ tab, using the ‘Add a folder’ button, add the directory or disk where the encrypted files are located.
• Click the ‘Decrypt’ button.

Iowd File Decrypt Tool is a free software that can decrypt the encrypted files only in some cases, when the files were encrypted with an ‘offline key’. If the files were encrypted with an ‘online key’, then they cannot be decrypted. The reason for this is that the decryption key is in the hands of criminals and this key can not be determined. This does not mean that if your files are encrypted with an online key, then their contents are lost forever. Fortunately, there are several ways to recover encrypted files. These methods do not involve the use of decryption and therefore can be used in any case, no matter what key the ransomware used to encrypt files.

How to find out which key was used to encrypt files

Since Iowd File Decrypt Tool only decrypts files encrypted with an offline key, each Iowd’s victim needs to find out which key was used to encrypt the files. Determining the type of key used is not difficult. Below we give two ways. Use any of them.

Find out the type of key using ‘_readme.txt’ file

• Open the ransom demand message (‘_readme.txt’ file).
• Scroll down to the end of the file.
• There you will see a line with the text ‘Your personal ID’.
• Below is a line of characters that starts with ‘0649’ – this is your personal id.

Find out the type of key using ‘PersonalID.txt’ file

• Open disk C.
• Open directory ‘SystemID’.
• Open file named ‘PersonalID.txt’. This file lists ‘Personal ID’s that match the keys that the virus used to encrypt files.

The ‘Personal ID’ is not a key, it is an identifier related to a key that was used to encrypt files. If the ID ends with ‘t1’, then the files are encrypted with an offline key. If the ID does not end with ‘t1’, Iowd virus used an online key. If you could not figure out how to determine which key was used to encrypt files, then we can help. Just write a request here or in the comments below.

Iowd File Decrypt Tool : “No key for New Variant online ID”

If, when you try to decrypt .iowd files, Iowd File Decrypt Tool reports:

No key for New Variant online ID: *
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible

It means that your files are encrypted with an ‘online key’ and their decryption is impossible, since only the Iowd authors have the key necessary for decryption. In this case, you need to use alternative methods listed below to restore the contents of encrypted files.

Iowd File Decrypt Tool : “No key for New Variant offline ID”

If, during decryption of .iowd files, Iowd File Decrypt Tool reports:

No key for New Variant offline ID: *t1
Notice: this ID appears be an offline ID, decryption MAY be possible in the future.

It means the following: your files are encrypted with an ‘offline key’, but the key itself has not yet been obtained by security researchers, in this case, you need to be patient and wait a while, in addition, you can also use alternative ways for recovering encrypted data.

If for some reason you were unable to decrypt the encrypted files, then We recommend to follow the news on our Facebook or YouTube channels. So you ‘ll know right away that it ‘s possible to decrypt .iowd files.

This video step-by-step guide will demonstrate How to use STOP Djvu decryptor to decrypt encrypted files.

How to restore .iowd files

Fortunately, there are several simple ways that give everyone a chance to recover the contents of encrypted files. The methods presented below can help in cases when a free decryptor cannot decrypt .iowd files or when files are encrypted with an online key. Alternative methods of file recovery do not use decryption, so there is no need for a key and decryptor. Before you begin, you must be 100% sure that the computer does not have active ransomware. Therefore, if you have not yet checked your computer for ransomware, do it now, use free malware removal tools or return to step 1 above.

Recover .iowd files with ShadowExplorer

Now proceed to recover .iowd files. We hope you have already completed all the steps that we discussed above. First of all, try to recover encrypted files using a free tool called ShadowExplorer. This program will allow you to recover your files from Shadow Volume Copies. These copies are created automatically by the Windows OS when you work with your files.

Unfortunately, Iowd virus can automatically delete these copies and thus prevent you from recovering your files. Nevertheless, in some cases, the ransomware cannot delete all copies, and the user gets the opportunity to quickly restore all files. Therefore, you should definitely try this method!

First, please go to the following link, then click the ‘Download’ button in order to download the latest version of ShadowExplorer.

After downloading is done, extract the saved file to a directory on your device. This will create the necessary files as shown on the screen below.

Start the ShadowExplorerPortable program. Now select the date (2) that you wish to recover from and the drive (1) you wish to restore files (folders) from as shown in the following example.

On right panel navigate to the file (folder) you wish to restore. Right-click to the file or folder and click the Export button like the one below.

And finally, specify a folder (your Desktop) to save the shadow copy of encrypted file and click ‘OK’ button.

This video step-by-step guide will demonstrate How to recover encrypted files using Shadow Explorer.

Restore .iowd files using PhotoRec to

Another really working way to recover .iowd files is to use a free tool named PhotoRec. It is created to recover deleted or lost files. Does the Iowd ransomware block this method? Fortunately, the ransomware cannot block this method of recovering the contents of encrypted files. The more you used (moved, deleted, modified) files before infection, the greater the chance that you will be able to recover them.

Download PhotoRec on your MS Windows Desktop by clicking on the following link.

Once downloading is finished, open a directory in which you saved it. Right click to testdisk-7.0.win and choose Extract all. Follow the prompts. Next please open the testdisk-7.0 folder as shown in the figure below.

Double click on qphotorec_win to run PhotoRec for Microsoft Windows. It’ll show a screen as shown below.

Select a drive to recover as on the image below.

You will see a list of available partitions. Select a partition that holds encrypted files as shown below.

Click File Formats button and specify file types to recover. You can to enable or disable the restore of certain file types. When this is complete, click OK button.

Next, press Browse button to select where restored files should be written, then press Search. We strongly recommend that you save the recovered files to an external drive.

Count of restored files is updated in real time. All recovered personal files are written in a folder that you have selected on the previous step. You can to access the files even if the recovery process is not finished.

When the restore is done, click on Quit button. Next, open the directory where recovered photos, documents and music are stored. You will see a contents as displayed below.

All recovered personal files are written in recup_dir.1, recup_dir.2 … sub-directories. If you are looking for a specific file, then you can to sort your recovered files by extension and/or date/time.

This video step-by-step guide will demonstrate How to recover encrypted files using PhotoRec.

How to protect your computer from Iowd ransomware

Most antivirus programs already have built-in protection system against the ransomware virus. Therefore, if your personal computer does not have an antivirus program, make sure you install it. As an extra protection, run the HitmanPro.Alert. All-in-all, HitmanPro.Alert is a fantastic utility to protect your personal computer from any ransomware. If ransomware is detected, then HitmanPro.Alert automatically neutralizes malware and restores the encrypted files. HitmanPro.Alert is compatible with all versions of Windows operating system from MS Windows XP to Windows 10.

Please go to the link below to download HitmanPro Alert. Save it on your Windows desktop or in any other place.

When downloading is finished, open the file location. You will see an icon like below.

Double click the HitmanPro Alert desktop icon. When the utility is opened, you will be displayed a window where you can select a level of protection, similar to the one below.

Now click the Install button to activate the protection.

To sum up

This guide was created to help all victims of the Iowd ransomware virus. We tried to give answers to the following questions: how to remove ransomware; how to decrypt .iowd files; how to recover encrypted files; what is an online key and what is an offline key. We hope that the information presented in this manual has helped you.

If you have questions, then write to us, leaving a comment below. If you need more help with Iowd related issues, go to here.